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: 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 disposable absorbent garment having a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core located between the topsheet and backsheet. The absorbent core is formed from a folded laminate having an upper layer, a lower layer and a central fibrous layer that are bonded together and together assist to maintain the dry and wet integrity of the core. The fibrous layer includes about 50 to 95 percent by weight superabsorbent polymer and about 5 to 50 percent by weight stabilization additives. The upper and lower layers may be tissue, airlaid fluff pulp or synthetic non-woven fibrous layers. Folding the thin absorbent laminate provides an absorbent core that can handle large doses of urine, by providing a central channel having a free volume for temporary liquid storage and increasing the surface area of the laminate available for liquid absorption. The garment thus formed is thin, lightweight and economical.

Abstract: A catamenial device, the device having a topsheet having a body facing surface, wherein the topsheet has a level of hydrophobicity. A lotion composition is applied to at least a portion of at least to the body facing surface of the topsheet, the lotion composition having a level of hydrophobicity equal or greater than that of said topsheet. A backsheet is joined to the topsheet and an absorbent core is disposed between the topsheet and said backsheet.

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: Absorbent articles having unexpectedly superior absorbency are disclosed. In particular, the absorbent articles have a roll-good type absorbent core in a novel attachment configuration that provides unexpectedly high absorbency, as well as cost efficiency.

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: 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 and having a smaller planar dimension than the back layer and the surface layer. The absorbent article includes an inner region in which the absorbent layer is present, and an outer peripheral region having the back layer and the surface layer bonded to each other without interposing the absorbent layer therebetween and being formed in a predetermined width spaced from a peripheral edge of the absorbent article. A thermoplastic water-soluble adhesive is applied in a strip shape between the back layer and the surface layer in a predetermined width along the peripheral edge in the outer peripheral region. The back layer and the surface layer are heat-sealed with the thermoplastic water-soluble adhesive disposed therebetween in the outer peripheral region.

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: An absorbent article includes a liquid-permeable top layer, a liquid-impermeable back layer, and a liquid-retentive absorbent member interposed between the top layer and the back layer. The absorbent member is arranged such that a pair of absorbent barrier cuffs having a prescribed width are formed at respective left and right opposing side portions of the top layer in the width-wise direction thereof, and liquid-shrinkable members, which can elastically shrink upon absorption of liquid, are disposed within the barrier cuffs and extend in the longitudinal direction of the barrier cuffs.

Abstract: An individual package of an absorbent article permits a base end of a tape to be bonded with sufficiently large bonding strength without complicating packaging process and increasing manufacturing cost. The absorbent article is wrapped by a package sheet having side edge portions and end edges, and one end edge is overlapped over the other end edge. The package sheet is sealed along the side edge portions, a base end of a tape is fixed on the surface of the package sheet located outside in an overlapping portion, and a free end of the tape extends across one end edge and is releasably adhered on the outer surface of the package sheet adjacent one end edge. The package sheet has a surface, on which the base end of the tape is fixed, the surface being smoothed by a smoothing process.

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: A method of securing an elastic band between two material layers which are at least partially defined by meltable material includes forming perforations in the elastic band, placing the elastic band between two material layers, and bonding the material layers to one another through the perforations by heat fusion, wherein the perforations in the elastic band are formed at the same time as the material layers are fused together (i.e., the formation of the perforations in the elastic band is directly followed by bonding together, through the perforations, portions of the material layers). An elastic band secured between two material layers for inclusion in articles of one-time use includes the use of material layers that are at least partially defined by meltable material and an elastic band having perforations formed therein. The material layers are positioned on opposite sides of the elastic band and are joined together by heat fusion.

Abstract: An absorbent article is disclosed having excellent body fit, center-fill fluid handling performance, and good leakage control in that flow from the center of the article to the longitudinal sides thereof is hindered by a wicking barrier. The article comprises a lower absorbent member, an horizontal wicking barrier over the lower absorbent member, and a central absorbent section forming a medial hump over the horizontal wicking barrier. An optional central rising member can further enhance the topography of the article when compressed by urging a central portion to deflect vertically upward. In one embodiment, longitudinal upward projections on the horizontal wicking barrier also help control the deformation of the article for good body fit.

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: Nonwoven fabrics and fabric laminates are formed from continuous filaments or staple fibers of a select blend of specific grades of polyethylene and polypropylene which give improved fabric performance not heretofore recognized or described, such as high abrasion resistance, good tensile properties, excellent softness and the like. Furthermore, these blends have excellent melt spinning and processing properties which permit efficiently producing nonwoven fabrics at high productivity levels. The polymers are present as a lower-melting dominant continuous phase and at least one higher-melting noncontinuous phase dispersed therein. The lower-melting continuous phase forms at least 70 percent by weight of the fiber and comprises a linear low density polyethylene polymer of a melt index of greater than 10 and a density of less than 0.945 g/cc. At least one higher-melting noncontinuous phase comprises a polypropylene polymer with melt flow rate of greater than 20 g/10 min.

Abstract: A unitary absorbent layer composed of a crosslinked cellulosic fibers and a binder is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the binder is a bicomponent binding fiber. In combination with one or more other layers in an absorbent article, the unitary absorbent layer can rapidly acquire, distribute, temporarily store, and then release the acquired liquid to other liquid retention layers. Methods for forming the unitary absorbent layer are also disclosed.

Abstract: An primary liquid retention layer material suitable for use in an incontinence garment includes a plurality of pleats defined by fold lines in at least one region of the composite. The fold lines are oriented in a first direction. The primary liquid retention layer is stretchable in a second direction perpendicular to the fold lines, between a first position where the pleats are substantially folded and a second position where the pleats are substantially unfolded or extended due to liquid loading, while the primary liquid retention layer remains substantially in the plane of the garment so as to not distort the wetted appearance of the garment. The primary liquid retention layer material is useful in incontinence garments where controlled regional stretching in a selected direction is desired.

Abstract: A laminate made of fibrous layers for use in absorbent articles, such as sanitary towels, nappies or the like. The laminate includes an outer layer (5) made of non-woven fabric, which is in contact with the wearer during use of the article, and an inner layer (6), which two layers are interconnected in a first bonding pattern consisting of separate bonding points (7).

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: A disposable diaper includes a backsheet consisting essentially of an elastic inner layer and an inelastic outer layer made of fibrous material. The inelastic outer layer is joined to the elastic inner layer in its stretched state at a plurality of spots for joining intermittently arranged on the elastic inner layer in its stretched state. In each of areas enclosed by a plurality of intersecting lines each defined by a plurality of the spots for joining closely arranged in succession, the inelastic outer layer is free to float off from the elastic inner layer and thereupon to form a plurality of pleats as the elastic inner layer is made free to contact.

Abstract: An intravaginal device having an overwrap containing an enclosed material, and a withdrawal string passing through a portion of the overwrap formed into a loop, the withdrawal string enabling a user to remove the intravaginal device after use.

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: An absorbent article comprising a liquidpermeable top layer, a liquidimpermeable back layer, and a liquidretentive absorbent member interposed between the top layer and the back layer, wherein the absorbent member is arranged such that a pair of absorbent barrier cuffs having a prescribed width are each formed at left and right opposing side portions of the top layer in the widthwise direction thereof and liquidshrinkable members, which can elastically shrink upon absorption of liquid, are disposed within said barrier cuffs and extend in the longitudinal direction of said barrier cuffs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to disposable personal care products, such as diapers, feminine care products and adult incontinence products. More specifically, the invention relates to such products having improved absorbent core integrity and core absorbency. These products eliminate the need for costly adhesives The present invention also comprises a method for making the products of the invention. The method includes forming a plurality of localized compressions by ultrasonically compressing the natural fiber core between, although not necessarily adjacent to, at least one upper and at least one underlying fusible material. The periphery of the article is then bonded by conventional means, such as adhesives, crimping or fusing. This process reduces costs associated with the manufacturing of such articles by eliminating or reducing the amount of adhesives in the final product, and by eliminating costly and intermittent bonding procedures.

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: Hot-melt adhesive compositions of atactic polypropylene and isotactic polypropylene are particularly suitable for bonding non-woven elastic composites. A selected amount of isotactic polypropylene is blended with a selected amount of atactic polypropylene to prepare an adhesive composition having one or more performance properties (e.g., bond strength) that are superior to the performance properties of conventional hot-melt adhesives.

Abstract: Absorbent members useful in the containment of body fluids such as urine, that have at least one region containing hydrogel-forming absorbent polymer in a concentration of from about 50 to 100% by weight and providing a gel-continuous fluid transportation zone when in a swollen state. This hydrogel-forming absorbent polymer has: (a) a Dynamic Gelling Rate of at least about 0.18 g/g/sec; (b) a Performance under Pressure (PUP) capacity value of at least about 25 g/g under a confining pressure of 0.7 psi (5 kPa); and (c) when the hydrogel-forming absorbent polymer is in the form of particles, a mass median particle size of at least about 100 &mgr;m.

Abstract: An absorbent article and a method for manufacturing an absorbent article are disclosed. The absorbent article is made from an inner core absorbent material, which is surrounded by an apertured film. The absorbent material is selected from rayon, cotton, wood pulp, polyester, polyamide, polyolefin, copolymers thereof, and combinations thereof. The absorbent article has a bottom layer, which is made of an apertured film oriented such that protuberances face the inside of the absorbent article. The absorbent article also has a top layer, which is made of an apertured film oriented such that the protuberances face the outside of the absorbent article. The absorbent article may be useful in various applications including sanitary protection and bandages.

Abstract: Absorbent articles and processes for making absorbent articles are provided. The process includes spraying onto a fibrous web a blend containing superabsorbent polymer particles, superabsorbent forming monomer, initiator and water, and subjecting the web to polymerization conditions. The resulting web is useful as an absorbent article particularly in disposable hygiene products.

Abstract: A disposable medical pad comprising a perforated top layer, a perforated intermediate layer proximate to said top layer, said intermediate layer comprising a plurality of sealed and at least partially inflated chambers, an absorbent layer proximate to said perforated intermediate layer and a bottom non-porous layer which forms a tray to retain the waste material.

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 invention relates to an absorption material (50; 60) comprising a carrier material exhibiting a coating (51; 61) of a thermosensitive polymer with a cloud point at a temperature in the vicinity of and somewhat below the body temperature of a healthy human being. The absorption properties of the polymer change at the cloud point, so that the polymer substantially lacks absorption capacity at a first temperature on one side of the cloud point but exhibits good absorption properties at a second temperature on the other side of the cloud point. Furthermore, the invention includes an absorbent article such as a diaper, an incontinence protector, a sanitary napkin, or the like, having an absorption body comprising an absorption material coated with a thermosensitive polymer.

Abstract: An absorbent product which possesses two longitudinal side edges (12, 13), two transverse end edges (10, 11), a longitudinal centre line and a transverse centre line, and which comprises a liquid-permeable outer layer (2), a liquid-impermeable backing layer (3) and an absorption core (4) which is located between the outer layer (2) and the backing layer (3), with the absorption core (4) comprising a first and a second absorption layer (14, 15), with the first absorption layer (14) being arranged behind the liquid-permeable outer layer (2) and the second absorption layer (15) being arranged between the first absorption layer (14) and the liquid-impermeable backing layer (3), with the first absorption layer (14) having two longitudinal channels (16, 17), with each of the channels having an outer edge (20) closest to the corresponding longitudinal side edge (12, 13) of the product and an inner edge (21) closest to the longitudinal centre line of the product.

Abstract: Fibrous sorbent media or pads are formed from non-woven mats of thermoplastic fibers, preferably polypropylene fibers, having a mean diameter between about 0.5 microns and about 25 microns. The mats have a weight between about 2 ounces/yd2 and about 25 ounces/yd2; a thickness of at least {fraction (1/20)} of an inch; an oil absorbency ratio of at least 5 to 1 or a water absorbency ratio of at least 5 to 1. The sorbent media have first and second major surfaces with abrasion resistant, liquid permeable, integral skins and fibrous cores. The liquid permeable skins of the media are formed by melting fibers at and immediately adjacent the major surfaces of the mats to form thermoplastic melt layers which are subsequently solidified into the skins on the major surfaces of the mats. For many applications, the thermoplastic fibers of the mats are point bonded together at spaced apart locations to increase the integrity of the mats.

Abstract: A body fluid absorbent panel including fibers containing hydrophilic fibers by 80-100% by weight and superabsorbent polymer particles contains heat-fusible fibers which are fused to intertwine the fibers and thereby to form a three-dimensional network structure wherein the high absorption polymer particles are held between respective pairs of the adjacent fibers or bonded to the fibers by means of binder, and thereby falling off of the polymer particles can be prevented and the absorption efficiency can be improved.

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 a random pattern where the bonding sites are randomly distributed in the xy- as well as in the z-direction of the layer, but where the fibers otherwise are substantially unbonded to each other. Preferably the layer is bonded by means of so called through-air-bonding. The layer can either be used as a liquid acquisition layer between the topsheet and the absorbent body, as a topsheet or as a combined topsheet and liquid acquisition layer.

Abstract: Disposable underpants 1 according to the invention has an improved sealability at the crotch of user by providing a fitting elastic member 55 and has an absorbent core 7 having an improved shape retention by providing a first nonwoven fabric 73 as an intermediate layer inside the absorbent core 7 and adhering it to the upper and lower layers thereof. Since the absorbent core needs not be heated, inexpensive disposable underpants can be produced. Further, according to an inventive production method, a step of adhering elastic members to an outer sheet 2 and a step of producing inner absorbent members 6 are separately performed, and no heating treatment is performed in the absorbent core production step. Accordingly, the disposable underpants can be produced at a remarkably higher speed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a material structure for use in absorbent articles, and an absorbent article comprising such a material structure. The material structure (1) comprises a liquid-pervious cover layer (2), a liquid-impervious cover layer (3), and an absorbent structure (4, 4′) enclosed between the cover layers (2, 3). Thereby, the absorbent structure (4, 4′) comprises polylactide fibres or filaments, the properties of which contributing to a rapid acquisition of liquid through the liquid-pervious cover layer (2) for absorption into the absorbent structure (4, 4′) also when the material structure (1) is subjected to repeated wettings. The invention can advantageously be applied within the field of absorbent hygiene articles, such as different types of diapers and incontinence guards, sanitary napkins, pantyliners, and the like.

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: One or more particulate active agents are fused to the surface of a substrate web by mixing the particulate agents with a particulate binder having a particle size not exceeding an average diameter of approximately 40 microns and coating the composite mixture onto the surface of the substrate. Thereafter; the coated substrate is heated to a temperature equal to or greater than the Vicat softening temperature of the binder and compressed within the nip of a pair of pressure rolls to achieve fusion. If desired, a top layer may be placed upon the coated composite prior to the compression step. Also disclosed are various products manufactured by the process.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article including: a liquid permeable surface layer formed of continuous filaments individually extending over the entire length of the surface layer, the continuous filaments including at least heat-fusible continuous filaments; a backing sheet; and a fibrous absorbent core located between the surface layer and the backing sheet and containing heat-fusible fibers. Between the surface layer and the fibrous absorbent core, disposed is an absorbent sheet which is formed of superabsorbent polymer to have a plurality of through passages. The surface layer and the fibrous absorbent core are partially fusion-bonded to each other via the through passages formed in the absorbent sheet for retaining the absorbent sheet between the surface layer and the fibrous absorbent core.

Abstract: A body fluid absorbent panel including openings and a barrier which comprises, in turn, a shape keeping layer formed with a plurality of thermoplastic synthetic resin fibers and a body fluid retaining layer formed with a plurality of thermoplastic synthetic fibers mixed with an absorbent material, wherein the synthetic resin fibers are hot welded together at contact points of these fibers in the shape keeping layer as well as in the body fluid retaining layer and the synthetic resin fibers of these layers are hot welded together at contact points of these fibers along an interface of the shape keeping layer and the body fluid absorbent layer.

Abstract: A unitary absorbent layer composed of a crosslinked cellulosic fibers and a binder is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the binder is a bicomponent binding fiber. In combination with one or more other layers in an absorbent article, the unitary absorbent layer can rapidly acquire, distribute, temporarily store, and then release the acquired liquid to other liquid retention layers. Methods for forming the unitary absorbent layer are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of securing an elastic band between two material layers which are at least partially defined by meltable material includes forming perforations in the elastic band, placing the elastic band between two material layers, and bonding the material layers to one another through the perforations by heat fusion, wherein the perforations in the elastic band are formed at the same time as the material layers are fused together (i.e., the formation of the perforations in the elastic band is directly followed by bonding together, through the perforations, portions of the material layers). An elastic band secured between two material layers for inclusion in articles of one-time use includes the use of material layers that are at least partially defined by meltable material and an elastic band having perforations formed therein. The material layers are positioned on opposite sides of the elastic band and are joined together by heat fusion in a punctiform and/or linear bonding pattern.

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: The present invention relates to a sanitary absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin that has the ability to protect the undergarment of the wearer from being soiled by menstrual liquid. The sanitary napkin has a main body with panels that originate from its longitudinal side edges. A distal end of each panel that is continuous with the respective longitudinal side edge is folded underneath and affixed to the barrier later of the main body to form a looping member and a freely extending flap. As a result the effective affixation point of each flap is located inwardly of the respective side edge of the main body.