Abstract: A unitary absorbent composite having a plurality of strata is disclosed. In the composite, adjacent strata are separated by a transition zone integrally connecting the strata. Each stratum includes fibers and a binder, and the transition zone includes fibers from adjacent strata. Method for forming the unitary composite are also disclosed.

Abstract: A core and method for making a core are provided for an absorbent article. The core includes a porous substrate configured to transfer liquid. A superabsorbent polymer is adhered to the porous substrate, and at least a portion of the superabsorbent polymer is pressed into the porous substrate. Additionally, an absorbent article and method for making an absorbent article are provided. The absorbent article includes a barrier configured to prevent the passage of liquid. A core is positioned adjacent the barrier, and includes a porous substrate. A superabsorbent polymer is adhered to the porous substrate, and at least a portion of the superabsorbent polymer is pressed into the porous substrate. A cover is positioned adjacent the core on a side of the core opposite from the barrier. The cover is configured to permit the passage of liquid to the core.

Abstract: An absorbent composite that can handle complex fluids and maintain high absorbent capacity under high loads even after the material has been subjected to rigorous processing conditions. The absorbent composite includes an inhomogeneously crosslinked superabsorbent polymer having a highly crosslinked outer shell. The surface of the superabsorbent polymer includes a protective fibrous coating material and an association agent.

Abstract: Bonded composites, and absorbent articles made with such bonded composites. The bonded composites have first and second thin-section elements bonded to each other by bonds defining a bond pattern.

Abstract: A disposable undergarment having a liquid-absorbent panel that includes a body fluid absorbing/holding layer formed with a plurality of depressions each extending in the thickness direction thereof and a nonwoven fabric layer placed upon upper surface of the absorbing/holding layer. Heat-sealable fibers contained in the absorbing/holding layer are heat-sealed with the nonwoven fabric layer over contacting surfaces of these absorbing/holding layer and the nonwoven fabric layer. Furthermore, the nonwoven fabric layer is partially engaged in the depressions of the absorbing/holding layer so that the heat-sealable synthetic fibers contained in the absorbing/holding layer are heat-sealed with the nonwoven fabric layer also over contacting surfaces of these two layers in the respective depressions.

Abstract: An absorbent fibrous foam composite comprising a fluid intake capacity of at least 15 g/g, a vertical wicking distance of at least 10 cm, and an absorbency under zero load of at least 15 g/g. The absorbent fibrous foam composite comprising a water insoluble fibrous material and a superabsorbent material. The absorbent fibrous foam composite made by forming a slurry of water, a water-insoluble fiber, and a binding agent. A water-swellable, water-insoluble superabsorbent material is added to the slurry and the temperature is lowered until the water freezes. The frozen water is then removed by sublimation process and an absorbent fibrous foam recovered. The Gelation Time, which represents a fluid absorption rate of superabsorbent during the preparation, is critical to preparing uniform absorbent freeze-dried foams and can be adjusted by various mixing conditions and physical and chemical superabsorbent treatments.

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

Abstract: This invention relates to an absorbent composite which utilizes multifunctional superabsorbent materials to enhance distribution of fluids within the absorbent composite. More specifically, this invention relates to superabsorbent materials which swell and absorb fluids and also can deswell and release fluids into the surrounding absorbent composite and towards additional superabsorbent material. The superabsorbent materials of this invention deswell and release fluid by means of a triggering mechanism. Triggering mechanisms can include thermal, chemical, mechanical, electronic, magnetic, and radiation energies. Swelling and deswelling of the superabsorbent materials can be repeated for more than one cycle thereby improving fluid distribution. Multiple swelling and deswelling cycles allow multiple insults to be distributed throughout an absorbent composite, fully utilizing the absorbent capabilities of the full absorbent composite and minimizing leakage.

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

Abstract: A nonwoven web and method of preparing a novel nonwoven web of synthetic fiber are disclosed. An aqueous solution amide crosslinked synthetic precursor polymer is extruded under defined conditions through a plurality of die orifices to form a plurality of threadlines. The threadlines are attenuated with a defined primary gaseous source to form fiber under conditions of controlled macro scale turbulence and under conditions sufficient to permit the viscosity of each threadline, as it leaves a die orifice and for a distance of no more than about 8 cm, to increase incrementally with increasing distance from the die, while substantially maintaining uniformity of viscosity in the radial direction, at a rate sufficient to provide fiber having the desired attenuation and mean fiber diameter without significant fiber breakage. The attenuated threadlines are dried with a defined secondary gaseous source. The resulting fibers are deposited randomly on a moving foraminous surface to form a substantially uniform web.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a diaper, a pants-type diaper, an incontinence protector or a pants-like sanitary napkin, having a front part, a rear part and an intermediate central part. The article includes an absorbent body enclosed between an inner, liquid-permeable sheet and a liquid-impermeable outer sheet, and fastener devices for releasably connecting side-portions of the front and rear parts. The fastener devices are made of a renewable material. The fastener devices are welded to at least one of the sheets of the article and the fastener devices and the sheets are made of a material having a glass transition temperature which lies between 50-60° C. and a melting point which lies between 140-180° C., preferably between 150-175° C.

Abstract: An absorbent article including a liquid-permeable top layer, an absorbent core layer, a breathable outer cover, and a creped inner nonwoven fibrous layer between the absorbent core and breathable outer cover. The creped inner nonwoven fibrous layer has a level of creping of about 5-75%, and is preferably permanently creped. The creped inner nonwoven fibrous layer serves as a dampness inhibitor which reduces or prevents perceived dampness on the external surface of the outer cover by lowering thermal conductivity between the absorbent core and the outer cover surface.

Abstract: A unitary stratified composite composed of a first stratum and a second stratum integrally connected by a transition zone is disclosed. The first stratum serves as a liquid acquisition stratum that rapidly acquires and then transfers liquid to the second stratum. The second stratum serves to withdraw liquid from the first stratum and further serves as a temporary storage stratum. Methods for forming the unitary stratified composite are also disclosed.

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: There is provided a new multi-layered fibrous material for use in personal care products. In this material, a layer having a mixture of pulp, superabsorbent and binder is adjacent a layer having a very high superabsorbent concentration. The structure is then compacted to a density of between about 0.1 to 0.3 g/cc. These layered structures have better intake properties than traditionally made competitive materials. These structures surprisingly also have better distribution properties than competitive materials. Such a fibrous material is useful in personal care products, like diapers, training pants, incontinence garments and feminine hygiene products.

Abstract: Absorbent article such as a diaper, pant diaper, incontinence guard, sanitary napkin, wound dressing or the like comprising a layer of continuous fibers (9), so called tow, which is bonded in points, spots or lines in a bonding pattern (10), but where the fibers otherwise are substantially unbonded to each other. The layer can either be used as a liquid acquisition layer (5) in the article under the topsheet (2), as a topsheet (12) or as a combined topsheet and liquid acquisition layer (22).

Abstract: A toilet training article in the form of a toilet training pad containing an astringent agent or source thereof is disclosed. The toilet training pad, which may be an insertable pad or integrated directly into an undergarment, contains an astringent agent or source thereof which does not contact the wearer's skin until urination occurs at which time a tingling or other sensation is felt on the skin. To prevent contact of the astringent agent with the wearer's skin until urination, the astringent agent may be microencapsulated into a dissolvable shell or may be inserted into a microsponge.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article including a sheet which is composed of: a resin layer having a plurality of apertures and forming a liquid-receiving face of the sheet; and a fibrous layer underlying the resin layer. The fibrous layer contains hydrophobic fibers and hydrophilic fibers shorter than the hydrophobic fibers. At least a part of the hydrophilic fibers form aggregates that disperse in the fibrous layer, and at least a part of the aggregates are bonded to the surfaces of the hydrophobic fibers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, baby diapers, adult incontinence articles and sweat pads. According to the present invention the absorbent article in the region designated for liquid deposition on its wearer facing surface has a single layer topsheet onto which liquid to be absorbed is provided during use of the article. The absorbent article includes a backsheet forming the liquid barrier surface and a unitary absorbent core between the topsheet and the backsheet. Importantly the unitary core provides improved liquid handling to the absorbent article and increases the masking, i.e. ability to hide stains due to absorbed liquid, of the article. This is particularly beneficial in the context of articles for absorption of liquids with high color intensity, such as menstrual liquid or urine of older adults.

Abstract: A laminated panel including at least two sheet members which are overlapped with and joined to each other with adhesives B1 to B4 applied on at least one of inner surfaces of the sheet members. The adhesives B1 to B4 form a plurality of separated adhesive lines L extending in one direction while being bent; the number of times in which one of the adhesive lines L repeats bending is in the range of 50 to 200 per 1 m of dimension of the sheet members; and the number of times in which one of the adhesive lines L intersects is in the range of 0 to 200 per 1 m of dimension of the sheet members.

Abstract: A liquid pervious topsheet, breathable backsheet, and an absorbent core makes up a breathable absorbent article. The absorbent core has a caliper of less than 12 mm and is positioned intermediate the liquid pervious topsheet and the breathable backsheet. The liquid pervious topsheet, absorbent core, and breathable backsheet are at least one layer. The liquid pervious topsheet has a liquid retention of less than 0.22 g for a 2.0 g load. The absorbent core has a vapor permeability of at least 200 g/ m2/24 hrs. The breathable backsheet has a liquid permeability of less than 0.16 g for 15 ml load. The liquid pervious topsheet, absorbent core, and breathable backsheet are joined such that the absorbent article has a dryness index of greater than 0.5 and a sensory index of greater than 50.

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

Abstract: A fluid liquid acquisition/transfer layer in an absorbent article, such as a diaper, pant diaper, incontinence guard, sanitary napkin, panty liner or the like. The fluid acquisition/transfer layer includes a mixture of heat-shrunk, spiralized, thermoplastic multicomponent, preferably bicomponent, functional fibers of 3.4 dtex or more. The components of the functional fibers each have different shrinkage properties and are located in a side-by-side relationship for creating the spiralized shape of the functional fibers. The fluid acquisition/transfer layer also includes bonding fibers that bond to each other through heat treatment while the functional fibers do not bond to each other during heat treatment.

Abstract: An absorbent article (10) has a longitudinal direction (26) and a lateral direction (24). The article includes a backsheet layer (30), a liquid-permeable topsheet layer (28), and an absorbent body (32) sandwiched between the backsheet layer (30) and topsheet layer (28). A surge management member (46) is joined between the topsheet layer (28) and the absorbent body (32), and the surge management member (46) includes at least a first nonwoven fabric layer (52). In particular aspects, the article (10) can be bent around a wearer's body contours with a reduced tendency to form a transverse channel crease (76) along the cross-direction of the surge management member, particularly when the surge member (46) is curved through the wearer's crotch region.

Abstract: A shorts-type absorbent article having leg region forming members 71, 71 arranged in an elongated state at a pair of leg regions 70 arranged around a wearer's leg, wherein each of the leg region elastic members comprises a first and a second elastic member 71a, 71b and the first and second elastic members do not exhibit elastic expansible/contractible property at least at a central area of the portion where the absorbent core exists, and the predetermined parts of the first and second elastic members are fixed to the component of the absorbent article by a second fixing means S, S.

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: A tampon adapted to deliver a therapeutic agent, the tampon including a tampon body that is manufactured at a first manufacturing facility; and a dosage form coupled to the body, wherein the dosage form includes a formulation including a therapeutic agent, and wherein the dosage form is manufactured at a second manufacturing facility. Also, a method for producing a medicated tampon including manufacturing a tampon body at a first manufacturing facility; manufacturing a dosage form at a second manufacturing facility, wherein the dosage form includes a formulation including a therapeutic agent; and coupling the dosage form to the tampon body.

Abstract: Provided is a water-decomposable absorbent article including a water-decomposable back layer, a water-decomposable and liquid-pervious surface layer, and a water-decomposable absorbent layer sandwiched between the back layer and the surface layer. The absorbent article includes an outer peripheral region being formed in a predetermined width spaced from a peripheral edge of the absorbent article, and an inner region located inside the outer peripheral region. The absorbent layer and the back layer, and/or the absorbent layer and the surface layer are bonded to each other with a water-soluble or water-swellable adhesive therebetween in the inner region, and the interlayer bonding strength of the layers bonded with the adhesive in the inner region is higher than the interlayer bonding strength of the layers in the outer peripheral region, both in wet and in dry.

Abstract: A unitary stratified composite composed of a first stratum and a second stratum integrally connected by a transition zone is disclosed. The first stratum serves as a liquid acquisition stratum that rapidly acquires and then transfers liquid to the second stratum. The second stratum serves to withdraw liquid from the first stratum and further serves as a temporary storage stratum. Methods for forming the unitary stratified composite are also disclosed.

Abstract: A wrapped absorbent structure that includes two or more absorbent materials to maximize the absorbent functionality of the structure without sacrificing integrity. The structure includes an absorbent core surrounded by an absorbent wrap. The absorbent core is primarily intended to provide absorbent capacity while the absorbent wrap is used to maintain wetness integrity, although the absorbent wrap also provides a considerable amount of absorbent capacity. The absorbent structure is particularly suitable for use in absorbent swimwear.

Abstract: A backsheet of a disposable diaper comprises a stretched plastic film containing grains of inorganic filler wherein the backsheet presents surfaces roughed by the presence of the grains and has a moisture permeability of 800-3000 g/m2·24 hr and a total light transmissivity of 60-85%.

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

Abstract: An absorbent article comprises an open-cell foam, which provides the absorbent structure thereof. The absorbent structure has a means for enhancing transport of the fluids from the upper surface into the core region, the means being selected from: a) localized expanded regions of the foam, b) apertures in the foam; c) integration to a topsheet and d) combinations of (a), (b), and (c). Also disclosed are processes of treating thin-after-drying foam absorbent materials to provide selective expansion, aperturing, and topsheet integration.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article, e.g., a diaper, and a method of making it. The article is arranged to be worn by a wearer to trap and collect fluid waste products, e.g., urine, of the wearer. The article has a flexible chassis and plural tabs for holding the diaper in place on the wearer. The chassis is made up of a top-sheet, a fluid acquisition system, and a fluid absorbent core. The top sheet is formed of a fluid pervious material, e.g., a fibrous material. The core includes fast acting fluid absorbing material, e.g., fluff, and a slow acting fluid absorbing and retaining material, e.g., SAP. The fluid acquisition system comprises a first fluid acquisition layer formed of apertured polymeric, e.g., three dimensional, film and a second fluid acquisition layer, e.g., a fibrous material, secured together and located between the top-sheet and the core, with the first fluid acquisition layer facing the top-sheet and the second fluid acquisition layer facing the core.

Abstract: A fibrous material and a method of producing it, the material is mainly intended to be incorporated in an absorbent article and comprises a layer of continuous fibres, so-called tow, which have been bonded together in points, lines or spots in a bonding pattern, but otherwise are substantially unbonded to each other. The tow layer is bonded with at least two bonding patterns: a first relatively strong and diffuse bonding pattern, and a second more distinct second bonding pattern. Bonding of at least the first bonding pattern takes place by thermobonding, wherein a pattern roll is used which provide the desired bonding patterns. In the first welding step the pattern roll is driven at a higher speed than the feeding speed of the tow layer, so as to create a relatively diffuse and strong bonding pattern.

Abstract: Disclosed are absorbent structures including fibers bound with a polyvalent cation-containing compound and superabsorbent polymer particles. The fibers exhibit an ion extraction factor of at least 5%. Also disclosed are multi-strata absorbent structures, such as disposable absorbent articles, including the treated fibers and SAP particles. Further disclosed are methods for preparing absorbent structures including the treated fibers; structures including fibers combined with a polyvalent cation-containing compound; and methods for treating or coating SAP particles with polyvalent cation-containing compounds.

Abstract: Fibrous material layer intended to be incorporated in an absorbent article. The layer (5) comprises at least two webs of tow fibers arranged on top of each other, which are bonded to each other into a laminate by means of a bonding pattern, and where one is corrugated and the other web is substantially smooth, wherein the corrugated web exhibits a more open structure in comparison to the smooth web. A method of manufacturing the layer (5) in question, in which method at least two separate webs (15a, b) of opened and into a layer spread-out tow are fed into a bonding station (20), which webs exhibit different web tensions and/or web speeds, and that the webs (15a, b) with maintained relative difference in web tension and/or web speed are bonded together in said bonding pattern (10) into a laminate.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article including a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. The topsheet contains hydrophobic fibers and hydrophilic fibers shorter than the hydrophobic fibers. The hydrophobic fibers are thermally bonded to each other. At least a part of the hydrophilic fibers form aggregates that disperse in the sheet. At least a part of the hydrophilic fibers that form the aggregates are bonded to the surfaces of the hydrophobic fibers.

Abstract: Absorbent article such as a diaper and an incontinence guard provided with a pair of belt members (10a, 10b) intended to be fastened together around the waist of the wearer by fastening means (11,12) and where said front portion (5), is provided with fasteners (8,9) intended to be fastened to the belt members (10a, 10b), in such a way that the article will assume a pantlike shape, where the belt members (10a, 10b) form a part of the waist portions of the pant. The belt members (10a, 10b) include a flexible laminate of at least three layers of fibrous material bonded together in a bonding pattern having a bonding area of no more than 10%.

Abstract: Bonded composites, absorbent articles comprising such bonded composites, and processes for bonding thin-section elements. The bonded composite has first and second thin-section elements bonded to each other, at least in part by bond elements and at least in part by adherent material. The adherent material is disposed between the first and second thin-section elements proximate and about the bond elements. The adherent material, at least in part, bonds the thin-section elements to each other at loci of the adherent material.

Abstract: Bonded composites, absorbent articles comprising such bonded composites, and processes for bonding thin-section elements. The bonded composite has first and second thin-section elements bonded to each other, at least in part by bond elements and at least in part by adherent material. The adherent material is disposed between the first and second thin-section elements proximate and about the bond elements. The adherent material, at least in part, bonds the thin-section elements to each other at loci of the adherent material. The bond patterns are arranged and configured to preferentially direct stresses imposed on the bond pattern, inwardly into the interior of the bond pattern for distribution, dissipation, and termination.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to reducing the build up or accretion of adhesive, alone or in combination with other materials, on the surfaces of equipment used to ultrasonically treat a workpiece (e.g., ultrasonically bonding various components or pieces to one another.) Thus the invention encompasses composites, absorbent products, and methods of making said composites and products where an adhesive composition having certain identified properties is used to reduce the build up or accretion of the adhesive on ultrasonic bonding equipment. In one embodiment of the invention, a composite includes an adhesive having a capillary-viscosity value of about 7 Pas.sec or greater and a Shore-OO-Hardness value of about 65 or greater, whereby the relative accretion value is less than about 1, and more particularly less than about 0.5.

Abstract: An absorbent article such as a diaper and an incontinence guard provided with a pair of belt members (10a, 10b) attached to the rear portion (6), alternatively to the front portion, of the article and which are intended to be fastened together around the waist of the wearer by fastening means (11,12) and where the front portion (5), alternatively the rear portion, is provided with fasteners (8,9) intended to be fastened to the belt members (10a, 10b), in such a way that the article will assume a pantlike shape, where the belt members (10a, 10b) form a part of the waist portions of the pant. The belt members (10a, 10b) include a flexible laminate of at least two layers of fibrous material bonded together in a bonding pattern (13) provided by ultrasonic, laser and/or heat, the bonding pattern having a bonding area of no more than 10%, and the laminate having a tear strength of at least 22 N.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a flushable release liner/wiper combination. The flushable release liner/wiper combination is formed by applying a release coating onto a first surface of a water-sensitive film and an absorbent fibrous material onto an opposite surface of the water-sensitive film. The flushable release liner/wiper combination maintains its integrity and strength when in use, but loses its integrity and strength when placed in contact with water. The flushable release liner/wiper combination quickly breaks up and disperses in a flushing toilet or sink due to the force of the flowing water on the liner/wiper combination. Moreover, the present invention is directed to methods of making the flushable release liner/wiper combination and water-dispersible products, including flushable products, which contain the flushable release liner/wiper combination.

Abstract: A disposable diaper includes a liquid-pervious topsheet, a liquid-impervious backsheet, a liquid-absorbent core interposed between these top- and backsheets, and an indicator by which it is perceptible from outside the backsheet whether urination has occurred or not. The indicator comprises a liquid-pervious intermediate sheet hydrophilically modified by coating of a hydrophobic fibrous nonwoven fabric with surfactant and a water-soluble coloring agent depicting a given figure which is perceptible from outside the backsheet. The intermediate sheet is interposed between the backsheet and the core and the coloring agent is applied on the surface of the intermediate sheet opposed to the backsheet.

Abstract: There is provided an expandable absorbent composite comprising pulp in an amount from about 28 to about 90 weight percent, superabsorbent material in an amount from about 8 two about 70 weight percent and a binder fiber in an amount from about 2 to about 20 weight percent, where the composite has a density of from about 0.1 g/cc to about 0.3 g/cc.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a sanitary towel, an incontinence protector, a diaper, a seat protector or a bed protector, includes an absorption body enclosed between a liquid-permeable cover layer and a liquid-tight cover layer, which liquid-tight cover layer includes a carrier layer having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface being intended to function as a securing arrangement for securing on a textile surface or textile-like surface. The securing arrangement has a multiplicity of individual fibers, which are free from one another and each have two fiber ends, are secured via one fiber end to the first surface of the carrier layer, and moreover by the fact that the first surface, in order to serve as a securing surface against a textile material surface or textile-like material surface, is at least partially coated with an adhesive.

Abstract: A textured airlaid web is disclosed. The textured web is formed on a three-dimensional fabric under sufficient force to cause the web to conform to the surface of the fabric. The textured web includes, on a minute scale, peak areas and valley areas. The peak areas and valley areas can improved the liquid handling properties of the web. For instance, webs can be produced having improved absorbency characteristics and/or wicking characteristics.

Abstract: A composite sheet that includes a sheet-like fibrous assembly and a plurality of thermoplastic synthetic resin lamellae. Each of the film layer is formed on its upper surface with a plurality of grooves extending from one side edge to the other side edge of the film layer.

Abstract: A nursing pad is disclosed having a liquid permeable body facing layer of a polyethylene/polypropylene bicomponent fiber web, an absorbent core comprising a composite fabric of thermoplastic fibers and an absorbent material, and a barrier laminate, such as a spunbond/meltblown/spunbond laminate or a spunbond/film laminate. The nursing pad can have a substantially concave shape, a thermally sealed edge and autogenous bonding to impart additional integrity to the three-dimensional shape.