Abstract: Fibres and filaments of water-absorbent water-insoluble fibrous material have a matrix of a crosslinked copolymer formed from 50 to 95% by weight of ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic monomer and 5 to 50% by weight of copolymerisable ethylenically unsaturated monomer. The matrix contains dispersed solid water-insoluble particles of a material which is chemically substantially non-reactive with the matrix copolymer.

Abstract: A tampon for hygienic use comprising a generally cylindrical absorbent core having a liquid pervious cover layer on the outer surface thereof wherein the cover layer is a polymer net comprising two intersecting sets of parallel ribs and wherein each set of ribs are aligned obliquely with respect to both the main axis of the tampon and to each other. A strip of net may be bonded to one end of a strip of absorbent material and the composite spirally wound such that the net forms the outer layer. The free end of the net may overlap an underlying layer of net and be bonded thereto by heat sealing.

Abstract: A patterned nonwoven fabric comprising polymeric strands which include a primary polymeric component and are bonded together without the use of compression, but instead with a heat activated adhesive polymeric component which adheres the respective primary components together. The fabric has an embossed pattern of densified areas separated by high loft areas. Preferably, the strands are continuous, crimped, multicomponent filaments. Also preferably, the nonwoven fabric is laminated to a liquid barrier film to form an outercover material for products such as personal care absorbent articles, and the like. Methods for making these materials are also encompassed.

Abstract: A technique to preserve absorbent core integrity in a disposable article is described.Columns which protrude from the backing sheet of an absorbent disposable article or personal wear garment and which project into the fibrous mass of an absorbent core overlaid onto a liquid impervious backing sheet are disclosed. A top sheet which is pervious to liquids overlies the core of fibrous material encapsulating the absorbent core in cooperation with the backing sheet. The top sheet also may carry similar columns. These columns act to restrict the movement of the fibers in the absorbent core and, more particularly, to enhance and maintain the integrity of the absorbent core whenever wet and/or placed under stress. These columns serve to resist and to diminish any disintegration of the absorbent core.

Abstract: A disposable diaper comprises an absorbent non-woven polypropylene material shaped to be located in use over the crotch between the legs of the user to substantially cover the front and rear of the lower torso, the outer surface of the material being treated to form a smooth surface of bonded material which will inhibit the passage of liquid.

Abstract: An absorption material, preferably for use in disposable articles such as diapers, sanitary napkins or wound dressings, comprises 70-95% of at least one type of absorbing fibers, 2-20% of bonding fibers activated by heat, and 2-25% of a highly absorbent material, the absorption fibers and the highly absorbent material having been bonded into a coherent body by means of the binding fibers.

Abstract: A body fluid absorbent article comprising a topsheet formed with tubular liquid passages extending from the bottom surface of the topsheet and an absorbent core, wherein a meshy sheet comprising fibres defining meshes smaller than lower openings of the respective liquid passages is interposed between said topsheet and said absorbent core so that said fibres extend across the lower openings (FIG. 3).

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article having a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet joined to the topsheet, and an absorbent core positioned therebetween, in which the absorbent core is enveloped by a primary core integrity layer comprising a continuous mesh of meltblown material which is joined to the topsheet. The primary core integrity layer is particularly useful for improving the wet integrity of absorbent cores comprising an upper acquisition/distribution layer and a lower storage layer.

Abstract: A topsheet for body fluid absorptive articles improved so that liquid passages formed in the topsheet may be stabilized during use of the goods and the topsheet may offer cloth-like feeling and appearance, the topsheet being composed of an upper sheet layer made from melt blown nonwoven fabric containing downwardly extending liquid passageways and an underlying fibrous layer 11 bonded thereto adjacent the lower openings of said liquid passageways, whereby the liquid passageways will not be collapsed and the lower openings of these passageways will not be distorted.

Abstract: A biodegradable disposable diaper comprising a combination of a liquid absorbing material, a liquid permeable surface material and an leakproof backing material, said liquid permeable material being formed of an aliphatic polyester resin obtained by reacting an aliphatic saturated polyester prepolymer having an end group which is materially a hydroxyl group with a coupling agent or formed of said aliphatic polyester resin and an aliphatic saturated polyester resin which has not been treated by said coupling agent. The disposable diaper has excellent mechanical strength, softness, feel of touch, productivity as well as biodegradability, air permeability and waterproofness.

Abstract: An absorbent material produced by mixing 100 parts by weight of an absorbent polymer with 1 to 80 parts by weight of synthetic pulp in the presence of 1 to 40 parts by weight of water, an absorbent body produced by mixing 100 parts by weight of an absorbent polymer with 1 to 80 parts by weight of synthetic pulp in the presence of 1 to 40 parts by weight of water, dry mixing the resultant mixture with 10 to 1,000 parts by weight hydrophilic fibers based on 100 parts by weight of the absorbent polymer, pneumatically molding the resultant mixture in the form of web, and thermally compressing the resultant web to a density in the range of from 0.1 to 1.0 g/cm.sup.3, and a method for production thereof.

Abstract: A growth adjustable diaper for newborn babies is adjustable in length by use of a foldable absorbent panel at the front edge of the diaper and comprises an elastic member positioned between the foldable panel and a topsheet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tampon for female hygiene having a wound nonwoven fabric core and an envelope with thermoplastic fibers which externally encloses the core, the envelope consisting of a nonwoven fabric which has hydrophilic fibers in addition to the thermoplastic fibers.

Abstract: Here is disclosed air-permeable and liquid-impermeable backsheet for use in body fluid absorbent articles.Polyolefin plastic sheet containing inorganic filler particles is stretched and then thermo-embossed to obtain the backsheet 1. At least one surface of this backsheet 1 is composed of a rough surface zone 5 and a smooth surface zone 6 so that these two kinds of zones define together a desired surface pattern over the backsheet. The rough surface zone 5 has fine pores 7 for air-permeability and the smooth surface zone 6 facilitates an absorbent core of the body fluid absorbent article to be seen through this smooth surface zone 6.

Abstract: Absorbent articles, especially sanitary napkins, contain fibers with intra-fiber capillary channels. In-use, the capillary channel fibers direct menses to a storage layer, thereby minimizing product failure and staining of undergarments. The capillary channel fibers can protrude into, or through, a topsheet to provide very aggressive transport of vaginal discharges.

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent article having multiple topsheets. The absorbent article includes a first, apertured, macroscopically expanded, three-dimensional, polymeric topsheet and a second, apertured, macroscopically expanded, three-dimensional polymeric topsheet underlying the first topsheet. The multiple topsheets provide improved masking of bodily fluids absorbed and retained by the absorbent core.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a high wicking liquid absorbent composite suitable for a wide number of uses including personal care products and the process for making the same. The composite is made from a relatively uniform mixture of from about 5 to about 20 percent fine wettable fiber, from about 3 to about 30 percent pulp fibers, from about 50 to about 90 percent superabsorbent and from 0 to about 10 percent binder, the percentages being on a dry weight basis. The mixture is compressed into a composite having a density of from about 0.1 to about 0.5 grams per cubic centimeter and a vertical wicking height of at least about 10 centimeters in one hour. The process involves forming a sheet comprising 50 to 90 percent fine wettable fiber and 10 to 50 percent pulp fiber on a dry weight basis. The sheet is then fiberized into a plurality of individual fibers within an air stream.

Abstract: A distinctive method and apparatus for depositing a pattern of material, such as hot-melt adhesive, onto a substrate comprises a supplying mechanism for forming a first and at least a second substantially continuous stream of the selected material, and a gas-directing mechanism for forming a plurality of gas streams. The gas streams have selected velocities and are arranged to entrain the material streams to impart a swirling motion to each of the material streams as it moves toward the substrate. A transport mechanism moves the substrate relative to the supply mechanism along a selected machine direction. A regulating mechanism controls the supplying mechanism and gas-directing mechanism to direct the material stream in a selected path toward the substrate and deposit the material in adjacent semi-cycloidal patterns on the substrate while closely controlling a selected cross-directional positioning of one or more of the deposited patterns.

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent article including a fluid pervious topsheet, a fluid impervious backsheet joined to the topsheet, and an intermediate layer positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. The topsheet comprises: a resilient, three-dimensional, macroscopically expanded, fluid pervious web including a first polymeric material which exhibits a first melting point temperature and a second polymeric material bonded to the first polymeric material to form a laminate. The second polymeric material exhibits a second melting point temperature which is less than the first melting point temperature. The web has first and second surfaces spaced apart by a distance greater than the thickness of the laminate. The web includes a plurality of capillaries extending from the first surface to the second surface.

Abstract: A core component for use in a fluid-absorbing article, such as a diaper, incontinence pad, catamenial device or the like is described, which core component has a plurality of core zones comprising a zone of vulnerability positioned in said core component for maximum potential exposure to wetting, and at least one additional core zone arranged in an area of reduced potential exposure to initial wetting and in direct or indirect fluid receivable relation from the zone of vulnerability. The zone of vulnerability has a wadding component comprising synthetic fiber of filament and has a greater average pore size and greater average fractional value of fiber volume to fiber surface area than the average pore size and average fractional value of fiber volume to fiber surface area of the wadding component in the at least one additional core zone.

Abstract: An absorbent device which comprises an absorbent layer having an apertured contoured polymer film attached to a surface, wherein this surface is provided with a plurality of depressions which communicate directly with the apertures in the film. The device may be produced by separating the polymer film and a carrier material which have been formed into a laminate having impressed therein raised areas defining, for example, the strands of net and depressed areas such that upon separation the depressed areas of the film remain attached together with associated portions of the attached absorbent, to the carrier, leaving the raised areas attached to the remainder of the absorbent.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprises as the surface material, a non-woven fabric containing 40 wt. % or more of a conjugate fiber made of a first polyester and a second polyester having a melting temperature of 50.degree. C. or more below that of said first polyester and a height of an endothermic peak of 5% or more of that of the first polyester.

Abstract: Compostible and flushable absorbent structures for sanitary uses for the absorption of body fluids comprising an absorbent degradable fibrous core and a backsheet that is cold-water soluble but water impermeable.

Abstract: An improved barrier cuff for disposable absorbent articles such as a diaper is disclosed. A diaper has a liquid-pervious liner, a liquid-impervious backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the liner and backsheet, and elastically contractible leg cuffs. The cuff has a proximal edge and a distal edge and is disposed adjacent margins of the disposable diaper and defines a waste containment pocket with the backsheet and liner frontsheet. The cuff being made of an embossed plastic film having a pattern of stretched and unstretched regions. The plastic film provides ultrasoft cloth-like and quiet material for use as a cuff in comparison to known plastic film or laminates. Leakage prevention and comfort to the user are increased because the body exudates are less capable of leaking out of the absorbent article prior to absorption into the core and the wearing comfort is provided by the ultrasoft cuff.

Abstract: A disposable garment manufactured from a fusion-slit chassis having a pair of seams. The seams are formed by folding the chassis in the crotch portion so that the longitudinal side regions of the front portion and rear portion are superposed to form seaming areas; each seaming area is treated with ultrasonic energy sufficient to sever the material of the seaming area in a first area while simultaneously bonding the material of the seaming area in a marginal area adjacent the first area to form a flangeless seam which extends from the disposable garment 1/16" or less, preferably 1/32" or less, and in a preferred embodiment will form a splice between the front portion and rear portion of the chassis. The seaming area will consist of layers of polymeric material and in a preferred embodiment will consist of nonwoven webs of 100% polypropylene fibers.

Abstract: The invention is directed to composite nonwoven fabrics comprising a hydrophobic nonwoven web, a nonwoven web of thermoplastic meltblown microfibers and a hydrophilic nonwoven web comprising staple fibers. The nonwoven web of thermoplastic meltblown fibers is sandwiched between the hydrophobic nonwoven web and the hydrophilic nonwoven web and all of the layers are thermally bonded together via discontinuous thermal bonds distributed substantially throughout the composite nonwoven fabric.

Abstract: Nonwoven assemblies bonded with water dispersible or sensitive hot melt adhesives comprising 50-100 parts of a graft copolymer of about 40-85% of at least one vinyl monomer and about 15-60% of at least one water soluble polyalkylene oxide polymer, and about 0-50 parts by weight of tackifying resin. The compositions may also be employed as water sensitive binders in the manufacture of the nonwoven. Vinyl acetate is the preferred vinyl monomer whereas ethylene oxide homo- or copolymers are the preferred polyalkylene oxide. The use of tackifying resin is optional and may be undesirable for many of the applications.

Abstract: A composite absorbent article is described having a plural layer absorbent core comprising a bonded insert pad and a dispersion pad. The insert pad preferably comprises binder coated fibers to which superabsorbent particles are adhered. By using heat fusible binders, a heat bonded superabsorbent containing insert pad is provided. The dispersion pad also typically comprises fibers and enhances the wicking of liquid throughout the insert pad. In addition, the insert pad may be bound to the dispersion pad at the interface between the pads to provide a stronger composite structure and to also entangle the fibers of the two pads at their interface to improve the wicking of liquid from the dispersion pad into the insert pad. In addition, hydrophilic fibers may be included in the insert pad to enhance the wicking of liquid into the insert pad. The use of surfactant materials in the binder enhances the vertical wicking characteristics of the composite pad.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel copolymers containing carbonate repeat units and ester repeat units.

Abstract: An absorbent pad, such as a sanitary napkin, is provided having a fibrous facing sheet. The fibrous face is a fractional-denier fibrous nonwoven fabric which may or may not be laminated to a thermoplastic sheet, depending on its strength. The sheet is vacuum perforated to make it permeable to body fluids.

Abstract: A soft, silky, cloth-like polymeric web exhibiting either patterns of microapertured or microbubbled surface aberrations, said webs further including a contrasting visually discernible pattern which imparts an embossed appearance to at least one surface thereof. Such polymeric webs may be either fluid-pervious or fluid-impervious, as desired, depending upon the particular end use. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the visually discernible pattern comprises a regularly repeating pattern which imparts an improved aesthetic appearance to the webs. Method and apparatus for producing such polymeric webs are also disclosed.

Abstract: Here is an absorbent panel for body fluid absorptive garments such as a disposable diaper formed from a mixture of at least fibrous or granular liquid-absorptive material and thermoplastic fibers being compressed to a uniform thickness wherein said thermoplastic fibers are welded to each other with a welding density of their cross points to be higher in a crotch zone than in the remaining zone and to provide a tensile strength correspondingly higher in said crotch zone than in said remaining zone.

Abstract: A combination of hot melt and water-based adhesives (solution resin or latex) is particularly advantageous for bonding fibers together to form a layer and for bonding that layer to an adjoining layer. The water-based adhesive, which need not be crosslinkable, provides fiber-to-fiber bonding through the layer of fibers, while the hot melt adhesive bonds the layer of fibers to the adjoining layer. In preferred embodiments, the layer of fibers is moisture absorbent and formed of wood pulp, cotton, rayon, or cellulose triacetate fibers (possibly with the addition of a small amount of thermoplastic fibers to increase bulk); the fibers can be reprocessed fibers of irregular lengths; the water-based adhesive is a latex, non-crosslinkable adhesive; the adjoining layer is permeable to moisture and made of a nonwoven polyolefin, rayon, polyester, or blend thereof; a moisture-barrier layer (e.g.

Abstract: Novel thermoplastic sheet materials for permitting positionable and repeated repositionable use of tape fasteners therewith without experiencing substnatial loss of tape adhesion therebetween are disclosed. A novel thermoplastic sheet material generally comprises an ethylene polymer and an anti-popoff polymer in an effective amount for increasing and substantially maintaining the tape adhesion. The increase in and substantial maintenance of the tape adhesion is accomplished without adversely affecting the properties or cost of the thermoplastic sheet material. A preferred formulation for producing the novel thermoplastic sheet material comprises polyethylene as the ethylene polymer and a polypropylene or alpha-methyl styrene as the anti-popoff polymer. The novel thermoplastic sheet materials are especially suitable for use as films which can be used as backsheets in absorbent articles, such as, disposable diapers, bandages, surgical dressings or drapes and catamenial pads.

Abstract: A sanitary article comprises an absorbent and a sheet of a surface material to envelop the absorbent, the sheet comprising an opaque, hydrophobic film, having recesses in its land portion, the recesses being formed to have a bottom and side walls, the side walls having a slanting part, the slanting part being provided therein with an opening so that the slanting part having the opening may not be covered with the land portion.

Abstract: A sanitary article which comprises an absorbent layer, a leak-proof sheet and a surface sheet, at least one of the absorbent layer, leak-proof sheet and surface sheet having a porous aggregate of fibers integrated therewith.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel copolymers containing carbonate repeat units and ester repeat units.

Abstract: An improved disposable garment is manufactured using a moisture impermeable film which is preprinted with an adhesive that is nonblocking at temperatures up to about 110.degree. F. Film so coated can be rewound onto itself and later used with nonwoven material and absorbent pads to produce disposable garments. The preprinted adhesive is heat activated during production of the garments immediately prior to bonding to the nonwoven material and absorbent pads. Delays in manufacture due to clogging of adhesive and inconsistent amounts of adhesive are avoided and considerably less adhesive material is used per garment. Once the adhesive is heat activated and comes into contact with the absorbent pads and nonwoven material, compressing ensures a strong bond between the materials used in the garment.

Abstract: An absorbent disposable article including an absorbent body covered, on one side by an impervious sheet, and on the other side, by a porous cover layer. An impermeable protective layer, having a coarse side and a smooth side, is provided along the edges of the porous cover layer, with the coarse side facing the porous cover layer. The impermeable protective layer is pressure bonded to the porous cover layer to produce a liquid impervious barrier.

Abstract: A soft, nonwoven, fibrous coverstock having opposite faces and having a basis weight in a range of from about 5 grams per square yard to about 120 grams per square yard, machine direction tensile strength in a range of from about 100 grams per inch to about 18,000 grams per inch, cross direction tensile strength in a range of from about 100 grams per inch to about 18,000 grams per inch, cross direction neck-in in a range of about 2% to about 20%, and softness in a range of about 1.8 PSU to about 2.2 PSU. The soft coverstock is produced by a method of passing a fibrous web of thermally bondable fibers through a pair of heated calendar nips to engage each opposite face of the web successively with a patterned roller having raised, discontinuous lands and for fusing portions of the web in a pattern of bond areas.

Abstract: An absorbent article is disclosed which has a cup-shaped configuration which prevents side leakage of body fluid and better conforms to the curve shape of a human torso. The absorbent article includes an absorbent having a first surface which faces the body of a user and a second surface aligned opposite to the first surface. The absorbent has a pair of longitudinally extending arcuate sides which are arranged to be close to each other at a point approximate a central portion of the absorbent. A fluid permeable cover is positioned adjacent to at least the first surface of the absorbent and a fluid-impermeable baffle is positioned adjacent to at least the second surface of the absorbent. The cover and baffle are sealed together to enclose the absorbent. The seal is formed inward of the outer peripheral edge of the article. The article further includes a pair of elastic members affixed between the cover and the baffle, outward of the seal and aligned adjacent to the central portion of the absorbent.

Abstract: A diaper primarily for use by a baby or toddler, and also usable by a person as required, is provided. The diaper has a hour glass, bikini bottom shape with front, and center and back portions. The diaper has a multi-layer construction including a first exterior bottom layer and a second middle layer and a third interior top layer. The interior and exterior layers are each about 1 mil in thickness and the middle layer is about several mils in thickness. The interior layer is a thin, moisture permeable biodegradable material. The middle layer is a thin, high moisture absorbing breathable, biodegradable material. The exterior layer is a thin, low density breathable, hydrophobic layer. Thus, this diaper is easily flushable down a toilet. Also, the diaper has separation means which can include a tear string for tearing the exterior layer for separating the diaper into two parts for flushing separate pieces thereof together in a single flush.

Abstract: A tampon having a single layer wrap of fibers attached together by a powder binder. The wrap is embossed around a tampon pledget. The wrap in one embodiment includes a blend of hydrophobic synthetic fibers and hydrophilic cellulosic fibers laminated together with bonding powder. Another embodiment has only hydrophilic cellulosic fibers laminated together with bonding powder.

Abstract: An elastomeric nonwoven absorbent web is provided. The web comprises a nonwoven fibrous matrix of elastomeric melt-blown small diameter fibers and absorbent staple fibers or absorbent particulate material, wicking staple fibers, and bulking staple fibers dispersed throughout the matrix. This web is particularly useful in an absorbent elastomeric wound dressing. The wound dressing has a fluid permeable, compliant, low adherency wound contacting layer, an intermediate conformable, fluid-absorbent element, i.e., the elastomeric nonwoven absorbent web, and a soft, compliant cover layer.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin is provided with inwardly arcuate sides and elastic positioned centrally longitudinally along each of the sides and outward from the seal which attaches a fluid permeable cover directly to a fluid impermeable baffle. The elastic constricts the sides of the napkin to provide a cup-shaped profile with the bottom of the profile corresponding generally to the perineal area of the wearer.

Abstract: A hot melt adhesive, a laminar structure, and non-woven article fabricated from a blend comprising:from about 50 percent by weight to about 5 percent by weight of a butene-1 homopolymer or copolymer;from about 50 percent by weight to about 95 percent by weight of a tackifying resin;from a 0.01 to about 1 phr of a nucleating agent;up to about 1 part per hundred (phr) of a stabilizer;up to about 30 phr of a plasticizer; andup to about 30 phr of a wax.

Abstract: An absorbent pad such as an incontinence pad comprises a liquid-impervious back sheet with spaced islands of absorbent material thereon. A liquid-pervious cover sheet has pockets formed therein, in which the islands of absorbent material are disposed. The cover sheet is secured, either adhesively or by heat sealing, directly to the impervious sheet along lines that separate the islands of absorbent material and the pockets that contain them. The pad is formed by applying a strip of cover sheet material to a rotating multi-perforate drum and forming the pockets in the cover sheet material either mechanically, or by drawing hot air inwardly through the holes in the drum in the case of a heat-deformable material such as polypropylene fibers. The drum then rotates past a pocket-filling station, where absorbent material such as cellulose fluff is drawn into the pockets by vacuum applied internally of the drum.

Abstract: Disposable liquid-absorbing article such as a diaper, a sanitary napkin or the like incorporating an absorption body (1) and a casing surrounding it. The distinguishing feature of the inventive article is that the body-contacting portion (5) of the casing is composed of a thin hydrophobic layer of fiber fabric of the spun-bonded type, and that there is applied between the casing portion and the absorption body (1) a likewise hydrophobic fiber fabric layer of the melt-bonded type.

Abstract: A washable and contoured nursing pad which can be machine washed and dried, and therefore resuable and economical. The nursing pad is molded into a contoured shape for a body-hugging fit inside the wearer's bra. The nursing pad consists of multiple layers of different types of fabrics for different functions, including a decorative and slip resistant lace outer layer, a waterproof second layer, a fluid absorbent third layer, and a soft comfortable inner layer.

Abstract: A laminate and method of making the same, comprising a first fibrous layer thermobonded to fusible thermoplastic fibers entangled into the surface of a second fibrous layer, and a panty liner incorporating such a laminate at the garment facing side thereof.