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

Abstract: A composite absorbent structure and method are disclosed including providing a first wicking layer having preferred liquid transport properties in a preferred contact with a second absorbent retention layer. The composite absorbent structure of the present invention provides preferred liquid transport and liquid retention properties. The composite absorbent structure has a first wicking layer in a preferred contact with the second retention layer by a novel intimate contact means effective to achieve a Contact Intimacy Ratio providing the preferred liquid transport and liquid retention functions when the first wicking layer and the second absorbent retention layer are combined together in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: There is provided a personal care product that has a liquid impermeable backsheet, a liquid permeable topsheet, and an absorbent composite located between the topsheet and backsheet. The absorbent composite has an upper layer made of pulp cellulose fiber in an amount of from 80 to 95 weight percent, at most 20 weight percent binder and has a density between about 0.03 and 0.15 g/cc and a basis weight between about 20 to 75 gsm. The composite has a lower layer having from 80 to 95 weight percent pulp, at most 20 weight percent binder, and has a density greater than the upper layer and between 0.08 and 0.20 g/cc, and a basis weight between 120 and 200 gsm.

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

Abstract: A flexible composite sheet that includes a fibrous assembly and a plurality of narrow film strips bonded to upper surface of the fibrous assembly. The narrow strips are intermittently arranged so that the fibrous assembly may be exposed between each pair of the adjacent narrow strips. Sides defining each of the narrow strips are formed with tooth-like portions.

Abstract: An absorbent composite material composed of a fibrous absorbent material and a binding agent, the binding agent binding at least a portion of the fibers of the fibrous absorbent material. The fibrous absorbent material is preferably selected from the group consisting of fluff pulp, synthetic fibers, natural fibers, and combinations thereof. The material suitable for use as an absorbent in personal care absorbent articles such as diapers, training pants, and adult incontinence garments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a topical delivery system effective in depositing a thin, tenacious and substantially continuous coating of a silk protein on skin by an aqueous emulsion mediated dissolution of protein from a substrate with subsequent transfer and deposition onto the skin. Coatings of silk protein on skin resist removal, thereby providing a protective barrier against chemically- and biochemically-induced skin damage. The treatment composition also provides a vehicle for administering an effective dose of an active agent to the skin surface.

Abstract: A dispersible absorbent product having a mechanically weakened multi-layered structure, which comprises at least two mechanically weakened layers joined by a water responsive binder. The mechanically weakened regions enhance the dispersibility of the product in a standard toilet. Additionally, the dispersible absorbent products may be pre-moistened with a composition. The pre-moistened products are stable in storage, easily dispersible down a toilet, and deliver cleaning, conditioning, and like benefits. Methods of making such dispersible absorbent products are also disclosed.

Abstract: A flexible sheet for a disposable garment includes a plastic sheet and a fibrous assembly joined to a lower surface of the plastic sheet, the plastic sheet includes a plurality of flat zones, a plurality of slit zones, bridge zones across the slit zones and rising zones rising on the upper surface of the plastic sheet repeating rise and fall substantially in saw-tooth-shape, and component fibers of the fibrous assembly partially extend upward in the slit zones.

Abstract: A pant-like, prefastened, disposable absorbent article having side seams which include a front ear passively bonded to a back ear, wherein the front ear is releasable from the back ear desirably without tearing or damaging the back ear. The tearable front ear has a basis weight less than a basis weight of the back ear.

Abstract: The blood absorbence properties, e.g., free swell blood absorbence capacity and after load blood absorbence capacity of superabsorbent materials is enhanced by combining the superabsorbent materials with enhancing agents which serve to enhance the blood absorbent properties thereof. The enhancing agents can be applied to the superabsorbent materials or they can be provided on a fibrous material to be combined with the superabsorbent materials. The enhancing agents are selected from materials that include functionalities that allow them to hydrogen bond to the superabsorbent material when the enhancing agent is applied directly thereto or combined with materials to which the enhancing agents have been applied.

Abstract: A flexible sheet 1 includes a plastic sheet and a fibrous assembly bonded to the lower surface of the sheet. The sheet is formed with projections, ribbon-shaped regions, fine slits defined between each pair of adjacent ribbon-shaped regions, bridge-like regions connecting each pair of adjacent ribbon-shaped regions and rising regions extending upward from edges of the ribbon-shaped regions. The fibrous assembly are partially exposed within the respective fine slits.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article, such as a diaper. The disposable absorbent article has a first region juxtaposed with the front of the wearer and a second region juxtaposed with the back of the wearer The disposable absorbent article includes a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet joined to the topsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. Since the first region is juxtaposed with the of the wearer it should be superior in the handling of urine while the second region which is juxtaposed with the back of the wearer should be superior in the handling of low-viscosity fecal material The first region has a PACORM value of less than 120 mg and the second region has a trans-topsheet capacity of at least 0.2 grams per square inch.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent body for use in an absorbent article. The absorbent body includes: fragments of nonwoven fabric including heat-fusible fibers, the heat-fusible fibers being bonded to each other to have three-dimensional structure in advance of formation of the fragments; and hydrophilic fibers. The nonwoven fabric fragments and the hydrophilic fibers are blended.

Abstract: An absorbent product comprising a liquid-permeable casing layer (402), a liquid-barrier layer (413) and an absorption element (416) which is enclosed between the liquid-permeable casing layer (402) and the liquid-barrier layer (413), and a liquid-transfer layer (403) which is disposed between the liquid-permeable casing layer (402) and the absorption element (406). The envelope layer (402) is bonded in a pattern of distinct thermally produced bonds (405) to the liquid-transfer layer (403). The liquid-transfer layer (403) comprises 40-65% by weight network-creating function fibres which are substantially intact following the bonding-together of the envelope layer (402) and the liquid-transfer layer (403) and which have a fibre coarseness ranging from 6 denier to 12 denier and 35-60% by weight fibres comprising a weldable, thermoplastic component and having a fibre coarseness of at least 3 denier.

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: A disposable diaper includes transversely opposite side edge regions thereof and the side edge regions are folded to form pleats each presenting a Z-shaped cross section and an body waste disposal sheet is bonded along its transversely opposite side edge regions to upper surfaces of the pleats so that the disposal sheet may be separated from the diaper as the transversely opposite side edge regions of the diaper are held and bilaterally pulled by a person having charge of body waste disposal with his or her hands.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bonded cellulosic fibrous product having low creep. The product includes crosslinked cellulosic fibers and a bonding agent. Methods for forming the bonded cellulosic fibrous product and personal care absorbent products that include the bonded product are also provided.

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: 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 latex as a binder for nonwoven applications to form a permeable sublayer of personal hygiene articles. The latex is prepared by a process including the steps of (1) polymerizing a monomer mixture comprising styrene, itaconic acid, surfactant and water soluble free radical initiator to form a seed; (2) sequentially adding equal increments of a monomer mixture of styrene, butadiene and acrylic acid to the seed under emulsion polymerization conditions to form a styrene-butadiene-acrylic acid copolymer; and then (3) neutralizing the styrene-butadiene-acrylic acid copolymer to a pH of about 4.5 to 7 to form the latex.

Abstract: Disclosed is a unitary absorbent structure including a fluid acquisition stratum; a fluid distribution stratum; and a fluid storage stratum between the acquisition stratum and the distribution stratum. Each of the acquisition, distribution, and storage strata are in fluid communication with each other.

Abstract: An inexpensive sheet or web shaped fibre material for use e.g., in sanitary napkins typically consists of a mixture of short cellulose fibres and some 15% of relatively long, thermoplastic binder fibers. It is a noticeable problem that the short fibres “dust” out of the material, and according to the invention this is remedied in that the material, when made by dry forming, is provided with a surface coating of very thin layers of pure binder fibres. In addition to a marked holding back of the dust, these layers condition that the amount of binder fibres in the base material can be halved and that the breaking stress of the material is noticeably improved. Thereby the products are usable not only as inserts, but also as individual, self-contained units e.g., for wiping in domestic or industrial cleaning.

Abstract: A discrete superabsorbent layer is adhered to the lower surface of a fibrous absorbent structure using a water-based polymeric binder is disclosed. The advantages are that a superabsorbent roll good can be prepared for later conversion into disposable absorbent products. The use of the water-based polymeric binder prevents particles of superabsorbent from becoming dislodged from the structure during handling and processing.

Abstract: The blood absorbence properties, e.g., free swell blood absorbence capacity and after load blood absorbence capacity of superabsorbent materials is enhanced by combining the superabsorbent materials with enhancing agents which serve to enhance the blood absorbent properties thereof. The enhancing agents can be applied to the superabsorbent materials or they can be provided on a fibrous material to be combined with the superabsorbent materials. The enhancing agents are selected from materials that include functionalities that allow them to hydrogen bond to the superabsorbent material when the enhancing agent is applied directly thereto or combined with materials to which the enhancing agents have been applied.

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: Disclosed herein is a water dispersible pantiliner which has a triggerably dispersible body side facing liner, a garment side facing baffle, and, optionally, a triggerably dispersible absorbent core disposed between the liner and baffle. The garment baffle may be biodegradable. In one embodiment, the invention has a peel strip overlaying a garment attachment adhesive layer which adhesively attaches the peel strip to the clothing of a wearer on one side and to one side of a baffle on the other. The baffle is in turn attached on a second side to a body facing side with a construction adhesive. The body facing side may be made from multiple layers such as a body side liner and absorbent layer.

Abstract: This invention relates to microporous films comprising flocked fibers. Such microporous films may be used as breathable materials in for example absorbent articles, wound care bandages, and skin care patches.

Abstract: Disclosed is a nonwoven, absorbent fibrous web, including a layer of airlaid substantially opened fibers. The fibers include more than 70% by weight short fibers. Also included in the web is an interfiber binder.

Abstract: An absorbent interlabial device worn by female wearers for catamenial purposes, incontinence protection, or both, is disclosed. The absorbent interlabial device has at least one body-contacting surface which comprises a substance that contacts the wearer's body for assisting the interlabial device in staying in place in the desired position in the interlabial space. The substance can be either adhesive or non-adhesive. In embodiments in which the substance is non-adhesive, it may have no initial tack so that it will not stick to the wrong portions of the wearer's body when the device is placed between the labia. Non-adhesive substances include moisture-activated substances which become viscous and develop a tack when contacted by relatively small amounts of moisture.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hydrogel-forming polymeric material including a first compound which is a superabsorbent polymer and a second compound present in the first as a dispersed phase including an elastomeric material effective to increase the fracture resistance of the superabsorbent. The material is prepared from a first compound including carboxylic-functional polyelectrolytes in combination with a crosslinkers reactive with carboxyl or carboxylate groups and an effective amount of a second compound including an aqueous dispersion of a rubbery material. In one preferred embodiment, the fracture resistant polymer is prepared from monomer/crosslinker solution mixed with latex.

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: The present invention provides an absorbent composite having improved surface dryness. The composite has three strata with adjacent strata separated by a transition zone. The composite's first stratum includes synthetic fibers and provides the composite with improved surface dryness. Methods for forming the composite and absorbent articles that incorporated the composite are also provided.

Abstract: A sanitary absorbent article and a method for manufacturing the same, wherein the article includes an absorbent sheet containing “wet laid” paper. This wet laid paper is treated with adhesive, coated with subperabsorbent material and folded about the absorbent core of the article.

Abstract: Absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, adult incontinence devices, and the like, that have components that are bonded for improved integrity and an unbonded window on their body-facing side for improved acquisition are disclosed. The absorbent articles comprise a topsheet that is fused to an underlying liquid pervious or absorbent layer at a plurality of individual bonded areas. The absorbent articles have an unbonded window that is substantially free of bonded areas, which is surrounded by regions of the absorbent article that contain bonded areas.

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

Abstract: A disposable diaper has a pair of rear wings and the wings partially extend outward in a circumferential direction to form fastener sections. The wings are formed on inner surfaces thereof with a plurality of fine depressions. The number of these depressions per unit area on the inner surfaces of the respective rear wings is less in regions adapted to be engaged with the male members of the respective fastener sections as these fastener sections are folded back onto the inner surfaces of the respective rear wings than in the remaining region.

Abstract: A flexible polyolefin-based hot melt adhesive composition having a variety of end uses, particularly in bonding polyethylene and polypropylene films, nonwoven fabrics and elastic attachment applications in nonwoven disposable articles. The composition includes a flexible polyolefin polymer or a blend of flexible polyolefin polymers, a tackifier resin, a plasticizer, and optionally a wax and a stabilizer. The preferred flexible polyolefin polymer has a melt flow rate greater than 5 g/10 min. and a density between 0.86 to 0.90 g/cm3. The hot melt adhesive composition provides a novel combination of desirable properties including good adhesion to a variety of substrates, low viscosity, good heat stability and oil resistance. The adhesive can be applied using common application techniques such as extruding or spraying.

Abstract: Disposable absorbent articles having a fluid intake pledget. Disposable absorbent articles such as feminine hygiene products (e.g., sanitary napkins and panti-liners) and incontinence products having an airlaid, lofty pledget of a low density, nonwoven material for intake of body fluids.

Abstract: A stretch-activated elastic composite includes a non-woven fabric having a potential elongatability of higher than 100% in a predetermined direction, and an elastically recoverable, elastic sheet. The elastic sheet in its unstretched state is partially bonded to the non-woven fabric in its unelongated state. The elastic composite exhibits, per unit width of 5 cm, (1) a stress of lower than 1000 g at 30% stretch, (2) a stress of higher than 400 g at 100% stretch, (3) a breaking point of higher than 400 g and (4) an elastic limit of higher than 200%. The elastic composite after being stretched at a rate of lower than 200% exhibits, per unit width of 5 cm, (1) a stress of lower than 500 g at 30% stretch and (2) a stress of higher than 100 g at 100% stretch. The elastic composite after three repeated cycles of 150% stretching and relaxing exhibits an elastic recovery rate of higher than 60%.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes an outer cover graphic that appears brighter and more noticeable than present outer cover graphics. The outer cover includes a liquid impermeable inner layer and a fibrous outer layer which layers jointly define a graphic region where the inner and outer layers are intimately bonded together. The fibrous outer layer has a Light Transmittance Value in the graphic region of about 80 percent or higher, and an outer cover graphic is disposed on the inner layer in a location corresponding to the graphic region.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article, e.g., a diaper, arranged to be worn by a wearer to trap and collect fluid waste products. The article has a flexible chassis made up of a top-sheet, a two layer fluid acquisition system, and a fluid absorbent core.

Abstract: The invention concerns an absorbent article (10) which comprises: a front region (12); a rear region (14); a center part (16) disposed between the front and rear regions; an upper, fluid-permeable layer (18) which faces the body when the absorbent article (10) is in use; a lower layer (20) which is impervious to fluid and is remote from the body when the absorbent article (10) is in use: a fluid-distribution layer (22) which is disposed between the fluid-permeable layer (18) and the layer (20) which is impervious to fluid, the fluid-distribution layer (22) extending from the front region (12) to the rear region (14) of the absorbent article (10); and a fluid-storage layer (24) disposed between the layer (20) which is impervious to fluid and the fluid-distribution layer (22).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the selection of materials which are particularly useful as fluid distribution material for being used in disposable absorbent articles by being characterized in that they have a wicking time of less than 120 seconds and a cumulative flux of more than 0.075 grams/cm2/second for said preferential fluid distribution direction at 12.4 cm height, when applying the Vertical Wicking Test. A further useful selection criteria for such materials is a non-isotropic fluid distribution behavior, expressed in that the wicking time in the preferential distribution direction is less than 80% of the wicking time of perpendicular direction at 8.3 cm height, when applying the same test.

Abstract: An absorbent incontinence pad is provided with a liquid impervious air permeable back sheet and an absorbent unit partly covered by the back sheet, wherein the absorbent unit has a non-woven fabric substrate, an absorbent zone formed by a plurality of highly absorbent layers extending in the form of bands on the surface of the non-woven fabric substrate and an air permeable zone where no such highly absorbent layer exists, which has sufficiently adequate properties to meet incontinence requirements and provides a comfortable feeling during use.

Abstract: Provided is a sanitary tampon including an absorbent wrapped by a liquid-pervious sheet. The absorbent is a mass of a plurality of compressed, small fiber agglomerations. At least the small fiber agglomerations located in the peripheral region of the absorbent are bonded to each other via hydrogen bonding therebetween.

Abstract: A novel synthetic fiber is disclosed including a first component of an aliphatic polyester polymer, a second component of a multicarboxylic acid, an admixture of the first component aliphatic polyester polymer and the second component multicarboxylic acid to form an unreacted specified thermoplastic composition, and melt blending the unreacted specified thermoplastic composition in an extruder or a mixer. The second component multicarboxylic acid lubricates the extruder and provides a nucleating agent for crystallizing the specified thermoplastic composition to form a mean crystal size less than about 120 Angstroms. Fiber composed of the specified thermoplastic composition has a mean crystal size less than about 120 Angstroms. The fiber has a glass transition temperature (Tg) less than about 55° C.

Abstract: A distinctive method and apparatus for forming an article includes a moving of at least one first strand of material, such as strand (22), along an appointed machine-direction (34). The at least one first strand of material is attached to a base layer of material (42) to provide a substrate composite (40), and a laminate layer (44) can be placed adjacent the at least one first strand of material to provide a laminate composite web (48). In a particular aspect, at least one second strand of material, such as strand (56), can be moved along its appointed machine-direction, and the at least one second strand of material can be attached to the base layer (42). In another aspect, an appointed portion of the base layer (42) can be folded to substantially enclose the at least one second strand (56) with the base layer material.

Abstract: Absorbent structure (1) consisting of an absorbent material layer (2) of cellulose fibers (4) and a high-loft material layer (3) of synthetic fibers (5), and a method for producing an absorbent structure (1) which is intended for use in an absorbent article. The two layers are held together by being integrated in each other by the fibers (4) of the absorption material (2) extending into cavities in the high-loft material (3). In this method, the absorbent material (2) is mat-formed directly on a high-loft material (3), which is placed on a wire (26). Arranged under the wire (26) there is a suction box (22) which sucks air downwards, the fibers (4) being sucked downwards and penetrating down into the high-loft material (3).

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable back sheet, and an absorbent member interposed between the topsheet and the back sheet. While worn, the absorbent article forms a front waist body portion located at the front waist of a wearer and a rear waist body portion located at the rear waist of a wearer. The rear waist body portion has at each side thereof a fastening member for fastening the absorbent article, wherein the back sheet is made up of laminated sheeting composed of a finely porous resin film and nonwoven fabric. The fastening member is formed of a male sheet member of a mechanical fastener and designed to be brought into direct contact with the surface of the nonwoven fabric constituting the back sheet. The above-mentioned absorbent article has a good fit on a wearer, exhibits excellent leakproofness and breathability while worn, and has an excellent texture.