Abstract: A protective covering constructed from an electrostatically charged sheet having a top and bottom surface and an absorbent layer. The absorbent layer has top and bottom surfaces, the bottom surface of the absorbent layer being bonded to the top surface of the electrostatically charged sheet. The absorbent layer is divided into a plurality of cells for containing liquid spilled on the absorbent layer. The absorbent layer can be constructed from paper, open cell foam, fibrous mat, or any other absorbent material. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cells are constructed by providing hydrophobic barriers in the absorbent layer. The barriers can be constructed from paraffin, plastic, or any other material that can penetrate the absorbent layer. In one embodiment of the present invention, a hydrophobic layer is bonded to the top surface of the absorbent layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to absorptive, crosslinked polymers which are based on partly neutralized, monoethylenically unsaturated monomers carrying acid groups wherein the absorptive crosslinked polymer may be coated with a thermoplastic polymer, and have improved properties, in particular in respect of their capacity for transportation of liquids in the swollen state, and which has a high gel bed permeability and high centrifuge retention capacity.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article including a chassis and an absorbent assembly. The chassis is folded laterally inward and outward in a zigzag pattern to form laterally opposing layered containment pockets and laterally opposing side flaps interiorly of the layered containment pockets. Each side flap has a longitudinally extending elastic gathering member attached adjacent to its distal edge. The absorbent assembly includes an absorbent core that may contain superabsorbent particles, which may be contained inside pockets.

Abstract: An apertured material comprising a web and a plurality of apertures in the web, each aperture having at least two vertices with a convex flap of the web spanning a pair of the vertices.

Abstract: An absorbent article, preferably a disposable absorbent article such as a diaper, is disclosed that provides an improved immobilization of absorbent polymer material when the article is fully or partially urine loaded. This absorbent core is useful for providing an absorbent article of increased wearing comfort. Specifically disclosed is an absorbent core useful for an absorbent article comprising a substrate layer and absorbent material, the absorbent material comprising an absorbent polymer material, the absorbent material optionally comprising absorbent fibrous material, the absorbent fibrous material not representing more than 20% of the weight of absorbent polymer material, wherein the absorbent material is immobilized when wet such that the absorbent core achieves a wet immobilization of more than 50%, preferably of more than 60%, 70%, 80% or 90% according to the Wet Immobilization Test described herein.

Abstract: An absorbent article, preferably a disposable absorbent article such as a diaper, is disclosed having an absorbent core which imparts increased wearing comfort to the article and makes it thin and dry. The absorbent core useful for an absorbent article comprises a substrate layer, a discontinuous layer of absorbent material, and a layer of thermoplastic material. A second surface of the discontinuous layer of absorbent material is in at least partial contact with a first surface of the substrate layer. Portions of a second surface of the layer of thermoplastic material are in direct contact with the first surface of the substrate layer and portions of said second surface of the layer of thermoplastic material are in direct contact with a first surface of the discontinuous layer of absorbent material. A process for providing a storage layer for an absorbent core useful in an absorbent article is further disclosed.

Abstract: A liquid surfactant composition includes at least one anionic surfactant and at least one cationic surfactant. The combination of surfactants is formulated to provide a liquid composition that swells in the presence of water or body fluids, becomes a moldable solid in the presence of an excess of water, and adheres to surfaces. In addition, the liquid surfactant composition may be incorporated into or onto a substrate, such as an absorbent substrate, a fabric or cloth substrate, a tissue substrate, or a protective garment substrate.

Abstract: An article including: a porous substrate that includes a fibrous material; and a release coating disposed on the fibrous material of the porous substrate; wherein the release coating includes a thermoplastic silicone-containing polymer. A method of making an article, which method includes: providing a porous backing having a first major surface and a second major surface; applying a pressure sensitive adhesive to the first major surface of the porous backing; and applying an aqueous dispersion including a thermoplastic silicone-containing polymer to the second major surface of the porous backing to form a low adhesion backsize.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin comprising a topsheet having a body-facing side and comprising a plurality of discrete tufts of fibrous material. The topsheet has a lotion composition applied to at least a portion of the body-facing side thereof. An absorbent core is in fluid communication with the topsheet, the absorbent core having an average thickness of less than about 10 mm, and a free absorbent capacity of from about 4 to about 125 grams per gram.

Abstract: This invention relates to polyolefin compositions. In particular, the invention pertains to elastic polymer compositions that can be more easily processed on cast film lines, extrusion lamination or coating lines due to improved resistance to draw resonance. The compositions of the present invention preferably comprise an elastomeric polyolefin resin and a high pressure low density type resin.

Abstract: A method of making a tampon applicator having four separable components includes forming a barrel having a forward end and a rearward end opposite the forward end, forming a fingergrip having a barrel end and a plunger end, where the fingergrip has an axially extending channel between the barrel end and the plunger end and the plunger end has a cross-sectional area that is less than a cross-sectional area of the barrel end, forming an insertion tip having a first end and a second end, forming a plunger having a forward end, connecting the barrel end of the fingergrip with the rearward end of the barrel, where the barrel end of the fingergrip and the rearward end of the barrel create a continuous surface flush with the barrel when connected, connecting the second end of the insertion tip to the forward end of the barrel, and inserting the forward end of the plunger into the channel of the fingergrip.

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent garment subassembly for attaching to an absorbent garment, the absorbent garment having a front portion, a back portion and two side portions. The subassembly has a first carrier layer and an elastic member operatively associated with the first carrier layer. The elastic member has a center portion and two end portions. The center portion has a greater area than either of the end portions.

Abstract: A disposable diaper including an ink-printed substrate web exhibiting ink rub-off resistance. The substrate web is printed with an ink composition to form an ink film on the substrate web. The ink film is coated with a coating composition to form a coating film on the ink film. At least one of the ink composition and the coating composition forms a cross-linked structure within the film thereof and forms a cross-linked structure with the other composition between the ink film and the coating film. A method for making the diaper includes the steps of printing and coating the ink film.

Abstract: A composition of matter includes a flexible substrate and a coating disposed on the substrate. The coating comprises about 10-60 wt-% of a waxy compound and about 90-40 wt-% of a diluent. The coating forms a stable liquid mixture at a temperature between about 35° C. and about 100° C., has a liquefaction temperature of at least about 30° C., and has a contact angle with a flat surface of the substrate of less than about 35° when measured at a temperature of 60° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of a superabsorber, comprising as steps providing a water-absorbing polymer structure, bringing the water-absorbing polymer structure into contact with a modifying agent, preferably a modifying agent, and the further treatment of the water-absorbing polymer structure which has been brought into contact with the modifying agent. The further treatment is carried out at least partly in a rotating container. The invention furthermore relates to a device for the production of a superabsorber, superabsorbers, a composite, a process for the production of a composite, the composites obtainable by this process, chemical products, such as foams, shaped articles or fibers, and the use of a superabsorber.

Abstract: A device for men to manage the involuntary loss of bladder control, the device includes an upper portion integral to a lower portion, wherein the lower portion defines a retention body having a lower opening to access an inner chamber sized and shaped to accommodate the insertion of a male penis. The upper portion defines an upper hood having an open position and a closed position. A replaceable absorbent member is disposed on an interior of the upper portion, and an attachment member releasably secures the upper portion to the retention member such that the upper portion is in the closed position. The device further consists of a first layer having a plurality of vent holes positioned along the length and width of the first layer and, a second layer having a plurality of vent holes positioned along the length and width of the second layer. A plurality of dimples are sandwiched between the first and second layers that form a separation between the layers and provides ventilation to the inner chamber.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprising at least one topsheet; a liquid impervious backsheet joined with the topsheet; an absorbent core interposed between the topsheet and backsheet; and a slow recovery elastomer. The slow recovery elastomer exhibits a normalized unload force at 37° C. of greater than about 0.04N and at least about 20% post elongation strain at 22° C. after 15 seconds of recovery.

Abstract: A foldable one-piece insert worn between the bra and the body having irritation reducing and/or absorbent material portions which line the bra cup and that lie under the supported breast, and portions which extends toward the torso rear under the bra side straps and a portion extending below the bra line along the torso. The invention further includes a material tab disposed between the material portions lining the bra cups, which can optionally be worn up to bridge the area between the bra cups for added protection, comfort and absorption of perspiration, or be folded down and out of sight when worn with lower cut neckline outer garments.

Abstract: A wound dressing comprising an absorbent pad, an adhesive layer, and a backing layer is described, along with a dressing support layer having a tab positioned to overlap the absorbent pad for easy placement on a patient.

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: An absorbent article having a built-in size indicator is disclosed. The size indicator, for instance, comprises a stretchable panel that changes color when stretched. The panel may change color to indicate that the article is the correct size for the wearer or may change color to indicate that the article is too small. Still another embodiment, the stretchable panel may change from a first color indicating that the article is too large, to a second color that indicates the article is the correct size, and to a third color that indicates the article is too small. The stretchable panel may be made from any suitable color changing materials. For example, in one embodiment, the panel may include a gathered layer that is printed with a particular color only at the peaks of the gathered layer. As the gathered material is stretched, the material changes color due to the newly exposed regions. In other embodiments, the stretchable panel comprises a film that changes color when stretched.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the detection of substances in an excretion. A diaper is generally utilized and a pad containing one or more reagent strips is placed within a sleeve in the crotch of the diaper. An excretion within the diaper, such as urine, occurs and the reagent strips are activated and test for the presence of certain substances. The substances tested for are generally ones in which mothers may abuse and are harmful to and transferred to the infant, but may be any substance the presence of such is helpful to know.

Abstract: By providing an ear plug product incorporating water absorbing capabilities, a highly effective and easily employed ear plug product is realized which is capable of being used for removing water contained in the ear canal of an individual. In one preferred embodiment, the ear plug product of the present invention incorporates water absorbing material integrally formed in the ear plug which immediately draws the water from the ear canal into the ear plug product for being retained in the ear plug. In an alternate preferred embodiment, the ear plug product incorporates at least one elongated, longitudinally extending channel or passageway formed along substantially the entire length of the ear plug product. By incorporating the elongated, longitudinally extending passage-way or channel in the ear plug product, the desired water absorption is achieved.

Abstract: This invention relates to a non-contact coating method for producing a continuous coating and articles constructed therefrom. This invention further relates to a method for producing a textile material with a moisture-impermeable barrier layer and to a method for producing a moisture-absorbing article of hygiene which has such a barrier layer. This invention particularly relates to a textile material and hygienic disposable articles comprising a body fluid impermeable barrier layer produced from said coating method. Preferably, the thermoplastic composition used in the method for producing the barrier layer exhibits certain rheological characteristics.

Abstract: A supply information management system comprises a reader/writer for writing process information on each of the processes to an IC tag and reading information out from the IC tag, the reader/writer being provided for a station for performing each of processes to supply a diaper product with an IC tag, and a host computer for receiving the information from the reader/writer. In the host computer, a product database which is a set of data elements each associating a serial number of an IC tag with process information thereof is stored and updated on the basis of the information from the reader/writer. The supply information management system makes it possible to specify an individual diaper product and perform a proper and easy management of information on supply of diaper products.

Abstract: An inflatable nasal packing device, and method of use, for insertion in a patient's nasal cavity to control bleeding or epistaxis. The device includes a flexible insertion tube, a first inflatable bag attached to and surrounding an anterior section of the tube, and a second inflatable bag attached to and surrounding a posterior section of the tube. The tube has three lumens for providing separate fill passageways to the two bags to allow independent filling and pressurization and for providing an air passageway through the device even when the bags are inflated. Both bags have walls of non-elastic, flexible material with fixed surface areas defining interior volumes when inflated that are larger than the anterior nasal cavity and the posterior nasal cavity and nasopharynx.

Abstract: An absorbent feminine care article (20) having a longitudinal direction (22), a lateral direction (24), first and second longitudinally opposed end portions (72, 72a), and an intermediate portion (76) located between the end portions. The article (20) comprises an absorbent body structure (30) sandwiched between a cover (26) and a baffle (28). In a particular aspect, the absorbent structure (30) can include one or more distinctively configured embossment regions (34), and the embossment regions can be distributed along the intermediate portion (76) of the article.

Abstract: An absorbent wearing article includes a liquid-absorbent structure and an excrement receiving structure having a plurality of passages defined by flexible walls formed from flexible sheets and disposed along a liquid-absorbent surface of the liquid-absorbent structure.

Abstract: A novel strain of Lactobacillus fermentum, denoted strain Ess-1, which has been deposited at Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen und Zellkulturen GmbH and has been assigned accession number DSM17851. Lactobacillus fermentum, strain Ess-1, has shown valuable properties in the inhibition of Candida, and has medical uses, in particular for the treatment and/or prevention of candidasis and urinary tract infections. In addition, pharmaceutical products and articles include the novel bacterial strain.

Abstract: A polypropylene based nonwoven fabric is excellent in surface appearance and stretch properties and exhibits a small residual strain and excellent adhesiveness to polyolefins. The nonwoven fabric is obtained by forming a polypropylene resin composition comprising 1 to 40 weight parts of (i) an isotactic polypropylene, and 60 to 99 weight parts of (ii) a propylene/ethylene/?-olefin copolymer obtained by copolymerizing 45 to 89 mole % of propylene, 10 to 25 mole % of ethylene and the balance of ?-olefin having 4 to 20 carbon atoms (with the proviso that the copolymerized amount of the ?-olefin having 4 to 20 carbon atoms does not exceed 30 mole %), characterized by a small residual strain after stretching at a stretch ratio of 150%. The nonwoven fabric can be effectively used as sanitary materials or the like by virtue of its characteristics including stretch properties.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to pre-moistened webs and wipes having visible compressed sites that provide the perception of a cloth-like texture. The disclosure also relates to a nonwoven web made of non-thermoplastic fibers with at least one compressed site on the surface of the web that remains visible when the web is pre-moistened.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article adapted to be worn about a lower torso of a human body and having a chassis, a non-removable absorbent core component disposed in a crotch region of the chassis, and a replaceable absorbent core component disposed in capillary liquid communication with the non-removable absorbent core component and having longitudinally disposed regions of liquid permeability and liquid impermeability on the same surface. The replaceable absorbent core component may be removed and a like component may be substituted without the removal of the absorbent article from the wearer. The replaceable absorbent core component may be disposed inside an openable chassis pocket, with access for its removal and replacement provided by an aperture in a backsheet, an openable end of an external pocket, or an openable end of an internal pocket formed at an area of a waist end edge where the backsheet and a topsheet may be separated.

Abstract: A flexible absorbent sheet material containing an acidic water-absorbing resin, a basic water-absorbing resin, and a plasticizer, and its method of manufacture, are disclosed. The sheets contain about 60% to 100% by weight of the acidic and basic water-absorbent resin and plasticizer. The absorbent sheets have unexpected flexibility and structural integrity, while exhibiting exceptional water absorption and retention properties.

Abstract: A surgical drape (1) has a first absorbent region (4) on the upper side thereof. According to the invention, the first absorbent region (4) extends along at least one edge of the drape (1), the first region having a dispersion of liquid on an inclined plane better than in a region (3) or regions adjacent to the first absorbent region.

Abstract: An absorbent pad configured for placement under a patient to absorb bodily fluids includes a liquid permeable cover layer, a liquid impermeable back sheet, and an absorbent structure disposed between the cover layer and the back sheet. At least one of the cover layer, back sheet, or absorbent structure incorporates a dried application of a liquid activated carbon ink having activated carbon, a binder, and a solvent, with the dried application of ink having a solids add-on level of at least about 2%. The activated carbon ink is applied in a pattern over between about 25% to about 95% of a total upper surface area of the pad and presents a visually contrasting color against a background color of the pad or a contrasting ink.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cellular substance, the method of preparation and uses thereof, in particular as an absorbent substance, and in particular for the manufacture of sponges and other products for household use. The cellular substance of the invention comprises a mixture of fibers of a hydrophilic polymer, and at least one elastomer, and has a cellular structure formed by cells whose size is between 0.2 ?m and 10 mm, at least 1% of the cells, by volume as compared to the total cell volume, having a size of between 0.2 ?m and 10 ?m. The invention has application, particularly, in the area of absorbent products.

Abstract: A diaper changing mat comprising an attached, flexible and infant-drapeable, fold-over urine shield structured and arranged to prevent urine exposure from infant-generated urine while still providing easy access to the infant's diaper area. The diaper changing mat is preferably disposable. A preferred heart-shaped urine shield blocks urine streams without hindering access to the infant's diaper area. Alternately preferably, the diaper changing mat may be reusable and washable or preferably comprise a removable waterproof insert. The diaper changing mat may also attach to a changing-table element, such as, for example, a foam pad.

Abstract: A closing member (16) is disengageably fitted to one end of a cylindrical-shaped guide member (4) to close an opening (4a) of the guide member (4). A water-absorbing agent (3) made of water-absorbing resin powder is accommodated in the guide member (4) toward the one end. A column-shaped plug member (2) made of water-swellable fibers is accommodated in the guide member (4) at a location closer to the other end than the water-absorbing agent (3). A push rod (5) is inserted into the guide member (4) through an opening (4b) thereof located at the other end. With the opening (4a) at the one end of the guide member (4) inserted in an anus, the push rod (5) is operated to push the water-absorbing agent (3) and the plug member (2) through the opening (4a) at the one end of the guide member (4) into a rectum. The plug member (2) absorbs water in internal contents and expands to plug the rectum, while the water-absorbing agent (3) also absorbs water in the internal contents.

Abstract: A wound shield including a conformable frame to circumscribe a wound and warm water circulating system to maintain a warm environment. Any suitable dressing may be secured over the conformable frame providing separation between the wound and the dressing. The wound frame may provide pressure relief around a wound or pressure sore to permit healing. A conformable frame may be composed of one or more layers of any suitable material and may include adhesive on one or more surfaces to secure the frame to the wound site and or to secure the dressing to the conformable frame.

Abstract: There is disclosed a water-absorbing agent which combines both performances of the capillary suction force and the liquid permeability. This water-absorbing agent is a particulate water-absorbing agent comprising water-absorbent resin particles (?) and a liquid-permeability-enhancing agent (?), wherein the water-absorbent resin particles (?) are surface-crosslink-treated particles of a crosslinked polymer of a monomer including acrylic acid and/or its salt; with the water-absorbing agent being characterized in that the particulate water-absorbing agent has: a mass-average particle diameter (D50) in the range of 234 to 394 gm, a logarithmic standard deviation (??) of a particle diameter distribution in the range of 0.25 to 0.45, an absorption capacity without load (CRC) of not less than 15 g/g, and a water-extractable component content of not higher than 15 mass %; and further a liquid-permeability-enhancing agent (?) content in the range of 0.

Abstract: An adhesive wafer for an ostomy faceplate or wound dressing comprising a backing layer, said backing layer having one surface facing the skin, said surface comprising a first and a second adhesive zone being separated from each others by a void volume, said void volume being defined by the backing layer, the first and the second adhesive zones and the skin surface and wherein the first and the second adhesive zones are capable of moving independently of each others with respect to the lateral plane of the backing layer.

Abstract: Provided is a method and system for bandaging an abdominal region of a patient. A method includes providing an abdominal binder and securing the abdominal binder about the abdominal region of a patient. The abdominal binder has an inner layer including an absorbent pad configured to contact and extend about at least a majority of the circumference of the abdominal region of a patient, and configured to absorb post-procedure fluids during use, and an outer layer including an elastic sheet of material for surrounding at least a portion of the inner layer and providing a compressive force to retain at least a majority of the inner layer against the abdominal region of the patient during use. The outer layer is about 70 to 130% of the size of the inner layer when the outer layer is provided in an unbiased state.

Abstract: An absorbent article (101) includes at least one elastic area (143). The invention, article (101) an element (131) for checking the elongation of the elastic area (143), in conjunction with which the element (131) a first indicator marker (133) connected to the elastic area (143) and a second indicator marker (134) connected to a second piece of material (135), in conjunction with which the first indicator marker (133) and the second indicator marker (134) are capable of displacement relative to one another in the direction of elongation of the elastic area (143), whereby the change in the relative position between the first and the second indicator marker 133,134) in conjunction with the elongation of the elastic area (143) from a non-elongated position provides a measure of the elongation of the elastic area.

Abstract: [PROBLEMS] To provide a fiber accumulating apparatus capable of suppressing the deviation of the weight of an absorbent body by stabilizing the profile of the absorbent body; a manufacturing method for the absorbent body using the fiber accumulating apparatus; and an absorbent article having the absorbent body manufactured by the method. [MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS] This fiber accumulating apparatus comprises a fiber accumulating drum (1) having a perforated body (10) that accumulates an absorbent body raw material (S) on its surface by suction from the internal side. The perforated body (10) has a large number of sucking pores (10a), (10a), . . . formed therein and comprises a perforated plate (10A) making up the surface and a flow-adjuster (10B) that is disposed on the internal side of the perforated plate (10A) and flow-adjusts an air flow. The perforated plate (10A) and flow-adjuster (10B) are integrally constructed.

Abstract: Polymer structures and methods for making such polymer structures are provided. More particularly, polymer structures comprising a hydroxyl polymer structure, such as a fiber comprising a hydroxyl polymer are provided. Even more particularly, fibrous structures comprising a hydroxyl polymer structure, such as a fiber comprising a hydroxyl polymer, wherein the fibrous structure exhibits a CETM Factor of less than 20 and/or a CETM*L2 Factor of less than 950 are provided.

Abstract: Provided are fabrics, components thereof, and methods for making the same. Woven and nonwoven fabrics are composed of fibers composed of a polyolefin composition. The polyolefin composition is composed of a propylene polymer and up to about 50 wt. %, based on the weight of the fiber, of a hydrocarbon resin. Fibers prepared from polyolefin compositions exhibit favorable elongation properties. Such fibers exhibit advantageous processing and enhanced levels of softness, durability, and elasticity, even at high spinning speeds required for preparing fine fibers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a diaper, diaper pad insert and/or a diaper wipe with active ingredients integrated therein, including ointments for treating diaper rash, baby oils and lotions for treating dry skin, and/or powder treatments for absorbing moisture, including baby powder, corn starch powders and the like. In a first embodiment, the invention provides a diaper having a active ingredients integrated therein comprising a skin-contact surface appointed for contact with an infant's bottom, at least one inner absorption layer, an outer most layer, and a active ingredients segment. The active ingredient segment includes active ingredients associated therewith and is adapted for contact and direct delivery to the infant's bottom when the diaper is placed on and worn by the infant. The active ingredient may be applied as a coating or integrate as fine particles within the skin-contact surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to an absorbent article, such as a sanitary towel, a panty liner, a tampon, a diaper or an incontinence pad, which article is intended to be positioned in the crotch area of a wearer and has a surface intended during use to be in contact with skin and/or mucous membranes. The article comprises at least one absorbent body (205) and a carrier (102) containing at least one additive intended to be released from the carrier (102). The carrier (102) comprises a polysiloxane gel.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a topsheet, an intermediate layer, an absorbent core, and a backsheet, wherein the intermediate layer is formed of an apertured nonwoven. The intermediate layer may include stiffening means such as apertured film or an additional nonwoven layer.

Abstract: A diaper with legs is a lower torso garment worn by a user to retain excreted waste matter. The diaper may have fasteners to close the waist and legs, or may be of the pull-on type. The diaper includes a flat sheet wrapped around the torso with legs extending from the sides of the sheet. A front waist arch and a rear waist arch are disposed at an upper portion of the edges of the sheet. The arches extend the height of the diaper in front and back. An elastic material is disposed at the waist arches, at the junction between the legs and the central portion of the diaper, and at the end of the legs. The elastic material disposed at the end of the legs and at the junction between the legs and the central portion provides double leak protection at the legs.