Abstract: An outer surface sheet (1) for absorbent articles, such as diapers, incontinence protectors or sanitary napkins, and comprises at least one upstanding barrier flap (5, 6) which extends across at least a part of the surface sheet. The surface sheet includes at least two parts (7, 8, 9) which are disposed to that bordering edge portions overlap each other. The barrier flap (5, 6) is comprised of a strip of elastic material that has two long edge portions and two end edge portions, wherein one of the long edge portions of said strip is inserted in a stretched state between the mutually overlapping edge portions of the two surface sheet parts (7, 8 and 7, 9 respectively) and firmly secured there-between.

Abstract: A composite collection device suitable for the collection of body fluid samples is disclosed, The device is particularly suitable for the collection of whole blood for the determination of analytes therein. The composite body fluid collection device comprises a liquid absorbent web and a liquid distributing overlayer contiguous with said absorbent web, the liquid distributing overlayer being liquid permeable and providing flux through the overlayer of no more than about 4 microliters/square millimeter/second.

Abstract: A disposable urine management device including a bag having an aperture which is surrounded by an adhesively-faced flange for releasable attachment to the uro-genital area of the wearer. An absorbent material is contained within the bag.

Abstract: 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 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: 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 sanitary device which may be applied and connected to the penis of a man suffering from urinary incontinence to contain urine emitted involuntarily, the sanitary device including an absorbent sheath for wrapping around and enclosing the penis, the sheath being made from a continuous piece of water impermeable material lined with a layer of absorbent material, the sheath having a generally rectangular front face and a substantially identical generally rectangular rear face, the sheath having an open bottom edge and an open side edge, the open bottom edge being adjacent to the open side edge, the sheath having a closed side edge and a closed top edge which connect the front face to the rear face, and the closed side edge being adjacent to the closed top edge. Preferably, the rear face has adhesive tape thereon for fastening the rear face to the front face to secure the sanitary device to the penis.

Abstract: A superior skin barrier enhancing body facing material on an absorbent article, can be made applying, on the outer surface of the body facing material, a melted lipid-enriched hydrophilic composition comprising a hydrophilic solvent, a high molecular weight polyethylene glycol, a fatty alcohol (C14-C30 or greater), humectant, an oil-in-water emulsifying surfactant having an HLB range greater than 7, a sterol or sterol derivative, and a natural fat or oil, and thereafter resolidifying the composition to form a distribution of solid compositon on the outer surface of the body facing material.

Abstract: A feminine urinary device is disclosed. It comprises an elongated, 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: An absorbent article (1) having a liquid-retentive absorbing layer (2), a liquid-impermeable leakproof layer (3), and standing gathers (4) on each side thereof which have an elastically extensible portion (40) coming into planar contact with the wearer's skin while worn, wherein the elastically extensible portion (40) is made of a sheet (44) and at least one elastic member (45), the elastic member (45) being fixed to the sheet (44) discretely in the longitudinal direction thereof in their stretched state, and the parts of the sheet where the elastic member (45) is not fixed are raised by contraction of the elastic member (45) to form a plurality of hollow ridges (43) on the side of the elastically extensible portion (40) to be brought into contact with the wearer's skin.

Abstract: A personal care absorbent article, such as an infant diaper, a training pant, an incontinence garment and the like, having a structure for forming a separation barrier between a wetting point and a fecal discharge point when the wearer of the personal care absorbent article is in a sitting position. The structure having an expandable region connected to a compressible region whereby the expandable region forms the separation barrier upon compression of the compressible region.

Abstract: A method of odor control in disposable, absorbent articles is provided using odor control additives comprising phosphorous-containing compounds.

Abstract: A laminated pad and method of manufacturing such pad wherein the laminated pad includes a grip portion and a work surface. The work surface may be comprised of any of a variety of substances including absorbent material, abrasive material, or polishing material. The grip portion may be upstanding for facile gripping with one's fingers.

Abstract: A disposable diaper is provided on its inner side with an opening extending across a crotch region into a rear waist region over a predetermined area of a core and being normally biased to protrude from the inner surface of the diaper. The opening comprises a pair of cushioning pad members spaced apart from each other and a pair of liquid-resistant side flaps spaced apart from each other transversely of the diaper and extending longitudinally of the diaper.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin is described, which includes a substantially planar and elongate body defining two larger longitudinal side edges. The body is provided with a garment faceable outer layer of liquid impermeable material, a body faceable cover layer of liquid permeable material, an absorbent core inserted into the body between the outer layer and the cover layer, and at least one substantially protuberant flexible flap substantially projecting outwards from each longitudinal side edge of the body, the flap being substantially transparent and/or translucent.

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite laminated structure comprising a substrate and an apertured layer joined together by means of a layer of an adhesive composition. The laminated structure is made extensible in designated zones by mechanical straining and the adhesive composition provides both an effective connection of the layers forming the composite laminated structure and an improved processability of the laminated structure by mechanical straining. The composite laminated structure preferably constitutes side flaps in a disposable absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin.

Abstract: A sanitary device for the absorption of light anal and vaginal/urethral discharges and a method for its use and disposal. The device includes a towelette and an attached string. The towelette is a thin, soft, dry, flexible sheet of absorbent paper material permeable to gas, absorbent of small amounts of moisture, and folded lengthwise into a pair of wings. The string is also soft and flexible and has ends attached to the towelette inside the wings and providing a relatively short outwardly extending loop. For anal use, the device is inserted between the buttocks and pinched and held by the sphincter muscle at the exit of the anal canal. For vaginal/urethral use, the device is inserted and fictionally held between the labial folds at the exit of the vagina. In either use, the loop of the string extends outwardly from the body and is accessible for convenient grasp by the wearer.

Abstract: Process of producing skin-core fibers and the resulting fibers and nonwoven materials and articles wherein the fibers are composed of a polymer blend of a polyolefin and polymeric bond curve enhancing agents, such as ethylene vinyl acetate polymers.

Abstract: There is disclosed an absorbent article including: a support body for confronting an external wear; a liquid absorbing member positioned on the liquid-receiving side of the support body; two side wall sheets disposed on two sides of the support body lying opposite one another in the widthwise direction, the side wall sheets being separated from one another in the widthwise direction and being longitudinally attached at their root ends to the support body; and a connecting sheet connecting the two side wall sheets. The side wall sheets are individually subjected to elastic shrinking forces in the longitudinal direction for shrinking to raise the free ends thereof from the support body to the liquid-receiving side, and the liquid absorbing member is supported by the connecting sheet so that the liquid absorbing member is movable over the support body while being unattached directly to the support body.

Abstract: An absorbent structure and method utilizes pockets or pouches of inorganic or organic granular materials in absorbent structures (such as a structure containing superabsorbents, including polymeric hydrogel forming materials) and fibrous webs, to form a composite heterostructure. The composite absorbent heterostructures are useful, for example, in applications such as diapers, incontinence articles, hygienic supplies and other applications which require good fluid absorbency and retainment properties. The granular material can be made of light plastic materials such as polystyrene or materials such as sand or seeds, and the grains can be hollow, with possible access to their interior volumes.

Abstract: A disposable article for dealing with feces adapted to be used in conjunction with a disposable diaper or diaper cover. The article includes a feces receiving region that is provided in the form of a laminate that includes a top layer provided with at least one opening having an area of 20˜500 mm2, a feces holding layer in the form of a three-dimensional network structure underlying the top layer, a liquid-absorbent layer underlying the holding layer and a liquid-impervious back layer covering a lower surface of the absorbent layer. The laminate has its width progressively reduced toward a front end of the feces receiving pocket and a leakage barrier is formed along transversely opposite side edges of the top layer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fluid permeable covering sheet (9) for an absorbent article such as a diaper, a sanitary napkin, an incontinence protector or the like, wherein heated needles (4) are brought to penetrate a sheet of textile material (1) comprising at least one thermoplastic component, whereby the thermoplastic component closest to the needles (4) melts, whereafter the needles (4) are removed and the heated material (1) is passed through at least one nip of rollers (7) so that the thermoplastic component closest around the apertures is smoothed out into a substantially smooth material surface around the apertures, whereafter the thermoplastic component is brought to solidify. The invention further pertains to an apertured covering sheet (201, 301) for an absorbent article manufactured in accordance with the method, and an absorbent article (300) provided with a covering sheet manufactured in accordance with the method.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel process of making N-isopropyl acrylamide (NiPAm) polymers based upon the reaction of poly(acrylic acid) and N-isopropylamine. The disclosed method of the present invention uses polyacrylic acid as a starting material to synthesize NiPAm polymers. In one embodiment, the present invention discloses a condensation reaction of an intermediate salt to form homopolymers, copolymers and terpolymers of N-isopropyl acrylamide (NiPAm) with acrylic acid and/or alkyl acrylates in a molten state, which is adaptable to a continuous reactive extrusion process. Binder compositions, water-dispersible products and thermoformable articles containing the NiPAm polymers are also disclosed.

Abstract: This application relates to microporous, open-celled polymeric foam materials with physical characteristics that make them suitable for a variety of uses produced from high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs). This application particularly relates to oxidatively stable emulsifiers used to stabilize the HIPE and the foams produced from such HIPEs.

Abstract: A disposable body wastes absorbent article including a pair of barrier side flaps and a pair of barrier end flaps, each of these flaps having a lower portion folded in a sidewise U-shape such that an open end of the U-shape is opposed to an upper portion of the flap.

Abstract: A disposable pull-on garment having at least one pair of extensible car panels extending laterally outward from the chassis in the front or back region. Each ear panel has an outermost edge line and at least one outermost edge line has a non-uniform lateral distance from the longitudinal center line when the garment is in an unseamed flat condition. Seams join the ear panels to the chassis along the outermost edge lines to form two leg openings and a waist opening. In another embodiment, the garment has a pair of extensible ear panels in each of the front and back regions and at least one outermost edge line has a non-uniform lateral distance from the longitudinal center line when the garment is in an unseamed flat condition. Seams join the corresponding front and back ear panels along their outermost edge lines to form two leg openings and a waist opening.

Abstract: A method of introducing a fluid into a patient's body has the steps of accommodating the fluid in a plastic container, connecting an introducer to the plastic container so that the fluid can flow from the plastic container through the introducer into a patient's body, and arranging an adsorbing material between the plastic container and the introducer so that the fluid flows from the plastic container first through the adsorbing material, at least some toxins from the fluid are adsorbed by and retained on the adsorbing material, while the fluid purified from at least some toxins is introduced by the introducer into a patient's body.

Abstract: Provided is a water-decomposable absorbent article including, a water-decomposable back sheet containing water-dispersible fibers, a water-decomposable absorbent layer, and a water-decomposable surface member for covering the absorbent layer. The outer surface of the back sheet is provided with a plurality of adhesive spots for securing the absorbent article to an external support. The adhesive spots are arranged at intervals both in a longitudinal direction and in a transverse direction. The distance between the neighboring adhesive spots is longer than the maximum fiber length of the fibers constituting the back sheet.

Abstract: A method of producing refastenable side seams in an absorbent garment results in an absorbent garment that is adapted to easy application and removal. The refastenable side seams can be produced in either a cross direction or a machine direction. Each of the refastenable side seams is a dual side seam that includes a front lap seam and a back lap seam. The resulting garment can be opened and closed on either a front side of the garment or a back side of the garment on either a left side or a right side of the garment.

Abstract: An apparatus for absorbing nasal drip during an activity, the apparatus consisting of a means for encapsulating at least one digit of a hand with a flexible, absorbent material. The apparatus is secured to the hand by means of a strap extending from the absorbent material that is secured about the wrist of the user. The apparatus may be sized to fit over a gloved hand to enable the use of the apparatus in different conditions.

Abstract: A rotation device includes: an endless guide; and a plurality of moving sections that move while being guided by the guide, wherein an interval between the moving sections can be changed.

Abstract: An article containing a liquid pervious topsheet coated with a lotion composition is disclosed. The lotion composition provides a skin benefit and/or reduces the adherence of BM to the skin of the wearer, thereby improving the ease of BM clean up. The lotion composition applied to the article in a nonuniform manner, preferably such there are regions on the article's topsheet that are not coated with lotion.

Abstract: A method of analysis of vaginal secretions collected in an absorbent pad is disclosed. The method is effected by implementing the steps of (a) using an absorbent pad for collecting the vaginal secretions, the absorbent pad including an inner membrane for absorbing at least a portion of the secretion, the inner membrane being embedded among layers of the absorbent pad, and an external, viewable membrane including a color indicator for indicating a location of secretions absorbed by the absorbent pad according to at least one parameter being indicative of a pathological state; and (b) if the pathological state is indicated, biochemically analyzing the inner membrane at a location respective to the location of secretions absorbed by the absorbent pad for further characterizing the pathological state.

Abstract: A disposable underwear is formed by laying a front body and a back body one on top of the other, providing a bonded portion on at least one of the left and right side edges, and providing leg openings and a waist opening. The disposable underwear includes a tightening member in the vicinity of the waist opening. The front and back bodies further comprise a non-bonded portion formed at the portion between the tightening member and the bonded portion.

Abstract: A dual-zoned, three-dimensional, resilient absorbent web is disclosed which is suitable as body-side liner for absorbent articles such as feminine pads, diapers and the like. When used as a liner in absorbent articles, the dual-zoned web combines the advantages of apertured films and soft, nonwoven cover layers in one structure while still being inherently hydrophilic. The liner comprises a web of wet-resilient, hydrophilic basesheet having a three-dimensional topography comprising elevated regions onto which hydrophobic matter is deposited or printed and a plurality of spaced apart depressed regions. In a preferred embodiment, the hydrophobic matter applied to the elevated regions of the basesheet comprises hydrophobic fibers in a contiguous nonwoven web which has been apertured or provided with slits or other openings, such that the apertures or openings overlay a portion of the depressed regions.

Abstract: A disposable diaper includes a pants-type outer cover and a liquid-absorbent pad. The outer cover has a zone adapted to cover the wearer's urethral meatus and the area in the vicinity thereof and being elastic transversely of the diaper. The pad is attached to an inner surface of the outer cover and its zone intended to be placed against the urethral meatus and the area in the vicinity thereof is placed upon the corresponding zone of the outer cover adapted to cover the urethral meatus and the area in the vicinity thereof and then joined to the outer cover along two zones defined on the outer cover so as to be spaced apart from each other transversely of the diaper.

Abstract: An absorbent article including a laminated piece including a liquid-permeable top sheet, a back sheet and an absorbent core interposed between the top sheet and the back sheet. The region where the absorbent core is present includes a center region extending along a lengthwise direction of the absorbent article and side regions adjacent to the center region in a crosswise direction perpendicular to the lengthwise direction. The bending resistance (stiffness) of the laminated piece in the center region is higher than the bending resistance of the laminated piece in the side regions. The absorbent article can be attached in a stably fitting manner with no ready emergence of twisting or tucked-down wrinkles, when the absorbent article is overlaid on the inner face of an outer wear material.

Abstract: The present invention provides multicomponent fibers arranged in structured domains. At least one of the polymer components is formed of a multipolymer blend. The present invention also provides nonwoven fabrics formed of the multicomponent fibers, the fabrics having a superior combination of extensibility, tensile properties and abrasion resistance. A second layer can be laminated to this coherent extensible nonwoven web.

Abstract: The present invention provides multicomponent fibers arranged in structured domains. At least one of the polymer components is formed of a multipolymer blend. The present invention also provides nonwoven fabrics formed of the multicomponent fibers, the fabrics having a superior combination of extensibility, tensile properties and abrasion resistance. A second layer can be laminated to this coherent extensible nonwoven web.

Abstract: The present invention provides multicomponent fibers arranged in structured domains. At least one of the polymer components is formed of a multipolymer blend. The present invention also provides nonwoven fabrics formed of the multicomponent fibers, the fabrics having a superior combination of extensibility, tensile properties and abrasion resistance. A second layer can be laminated to this coherent extensible nonwoven web.

Abstract: A stretch edge elastic laminate having a plurality of elastic filaments substantially aligned in a machine direction and forming an elastic zone and at least one stretch edge positioned along a first lateral edge region of the stretch edge elastic laminate forming a first gasket zone. Desirably, an opposing second stretch edge is positioned along a second lateral edge region of the stretch edge elastic laminate to form a second gasket zone. A nonwoven facing material is bonded to at least one side of the elastic layer.

Abstract: The invention concerns an absorbent single use hygiene item comprising a liquid-tight back sheet (4) and a liquid permeable cover sheet (2), with an absorbent body (6) containing super-absorbent polymer materials and suitable for storing bodily fluids, especially urine, which is disposed between the back sheet (4) and the cover sheet (2), and with a two-ply intermediate layer (8) which takes up and distributes liquid. The intermediate layer (8) is made from a top stratum (18) consisting of synthetic fibers and a bottom stratum (20), the average pore volume of the top stratum (18) being greater than the average pore volume of the bottom stratum (20), and is disposed between the absorbent body (6) and the cover sheet (2).

Abstract: A breathable disposable absorbent articles of layered construction, each layer having a garment facing surface, and a wearer facing surface. The breathable disposable absorbent article comprises at least a first backsheet layer and a second backsheet layer. At least one of the breathable layers of the backsheet comprises a resilient, three-dimensional web, which consists of a liquid impervious polymeric film having apertures. The apertures form capillaries, which are not perpendicular to the plane of the film but are disposed at an angle of less than 90° measured from the plane of the film.

Abstract: A one-step method of imparting breathability and elasticity to a film includes coextruding elastic fibers within a matrix of a filled, semi-rigid film structure. Once the elastic fibers are within the film structure, the film can be stretched to impart breathability, while the elastic fibers provide elasticity. Furthermore, the elastic fibers can include an absorbent material. The resulting breathable, elastic film is particularly useful in diapers and other personal care products.

Abstract: Menstrual discharge is coagulated by contacting with one or more lectins capable of agglutinating blood with the menstrual flow to coagulate the blood at least partially, thereby rendering it easier to control and collect. The lectins may be applied either alone, in neat or formulated form, or in conjunction with an intravaginal or extravaginal device. Toxic shock syndrome is prevented by administering one or more lectins capable of diminishing the infective capability of the microorganism causing toxic shock.

Abstract: A method of producing an absorbent structure that includes hydrophilic fibres and particles of superabsorbent material, comprising forming an air-laid structure from fibres and superabsorbent particles. At least a part of the air-laid structure is moistened to a moisture content in the moistened region of at least 15% calculated on the total weight of the structure within the moistened region, whereafter the structure is dried to a moisture content of at most 12%. The moisture treatment improves the tensile strength of the absorbent structure. Liquid dispersion in the structure is also improved.

Abstract: A moisture vapor permeable, substantially liquid impermeable composite sheet material includes a powder-bonded nonwoven web adhered to a moisture vapor permeable thermoplastic film. The nonwoven web includes a first layer comprised primarily of fibers that are compatible with an adhesive used to bond the web, and a second layer comprised of a blend of fibers, some of which are compatible with, and some of which are incompatible with the bonding adhesive and the thermoplastic film. A method for making the composite sheet material and an item of apparel made from the sheet material are also provided.

Abstract: An absorbent swimwear garment having an antimicrobial agent based on hydantoin chemistry for the purpose of eliminating or reducing the level of bacteria in swim water. During initial product use, the absorbent swimwear garment is able to contain urine and bowel movements, similar to ordinary diapers and training pants. When the swimwear garment is submersed in swim water, particularly chlorinated or brominated water, the antimicrobial agent is stabilized and is thereby able to eliminate E. coli and other fecal bacteria from the swim water.

Abstract: There is provided a pantiliner which has a periphery and at least one fold line. The fold line allows the pantiliner to be adjusted in size by folding the pantiliner along the fold line(s). The product is thus convertible and may be used with conventional “hourglass” shaped panties or folded along the fold lines to fit thong panties.