Abstract: The use of a decolorizing composition for removing colored substances from aqueous fluids (e.g., colored pigments, blood-containing fluids, etc.) is provided. The decolorizing composition contains one or more inorganic salts. In one embodiment, for example, the composition contains a mixture of sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) and monopotassium phosphate (KH2PO4). The decolorizing composition may be placed in fluid communication with an absorbent core, a liquid-permeable layer, or combinations thereof, in an absorbent article to help decolorize blood-containing fluids (e.g., menses) exuded from the body.

Abstract: A mini pad is provided with a chilled skim milk additive which is useful for reducing vulvar inflammation and lowering the acidity of a female's vulva which result from vaginal secretions which leak onto the tissue of the vulva. The mini pad can be provided with a self-contained cooling component which can be frozen or, when compressed and ruptured, will lower the temperature of the mini pad to provide the soothing cold. The skim milk can be incorporated into the mini pad in several different ways. The mini pad is useful for soothing and healing vulvar irritation, and it is mobile and can be easily used during normal daily activities without any problems whatsoever.

Abstract: An improved absorbency material for absorbency applications comprised of a cellulosic fibrous material wherein said cellulosic fibrous material such as pulp is a cold alkali solution treated material at a treatment temperature of less than about 50° C.; a process for improving absorbency and other characteristics of said pulp.

Abstract: Improved superabsorbent-containing textiles comprise hydrophilic fibers incorporated after application of superabsorbent. This makes it possible to provide superabsorbent on a relatively open-pore textile, but the distribution of liquid applied to the textile is distinctly improved by the hydrophilic fibers additionally incorporated.

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

Abstract: A method is disclosed for modifying the physical characteristics of a web which involves passing the web between at least one pair of interengaged rolls to incrementally stretch the web, and then withdrawing the incrementally stretched web from between the rolls under tension. A web modified according to the disclosed method has desirable breathability and liquid impermeability, as well as extensibility and a soft, cloth-like textured surface.

Abstract: An absorbent article that has a thin, conformable absorbent core where the core has at least two layers, both of which are substantially free of cellulosic fibers. The absorbent article has a Circular Bend Flexibility of less than about 15 N and an acquisition rate on the third gush of less than about 170 seconds and/or on the fourth gush of less than about 190 seconds.

Abstract: A stretchable laminate, a process of making a stretchable laminate and a disposable absorbent article that includes a stretchable laminate are disclosed. The stretchable laminate includes a nonwoven web and a web of elastomeric material. The nonwoven web includes two layers of spunbond multi-component fibers and one layer of meltblown fibers. The multi-component fibers include a first polymer and a second polymer having different melt temperatures. Thermo-bonds are formed at least partially through the nonwoven web. Some of the thermo-bonds can be elongated in the cross-machine direction of the nonwoven web.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide an absorbent article that is resistant to twisting and flattening, and that is superior in terms of fluid absorption rate, fluid diffusibility, absorbed fluid retention volume and fluid retention. The absorbent article comprises a top sheet on the skin contact side, a back sheet on the non-skin contact side, and an absorbent body situated between the two sheets, wherein the absorbent body comprises a bulky absorbent sheet, and the bulky absorbent sheet comprises heat-expanding particles that are dispersed in the bulky absorbent sheet and have been expanded by heat.

Abstract: A film that is formed from a biodegradable polymer blend of different aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters is provided. More specifically, the blend contains a first copolyester formed from a terephthalic acid monomer. The use of a terephthalic acid monomer results in a polymer chain containing 1,4-(para-) terephthalate units linked in a generally linear configuration (e.g., ˜180°). The blend also contains a second aliphatic-aromatic copolyester formed from a phthalic acid and/or isophthalic acid monomer. The use of such a monomer results in a polymer chain containing 1,2-(ortho-) and/or 1,3-(meta-) linked units. The inclusion of 1,2-(ortho-) and/or 1,3-(meta-) linked units into the polymer backbone of the second copolyester introduces an angle or “kink” (e.g., ˜120° kink for a 1,3-linkage) into the otherwise linear polymer chain. The “kinks” in the second copolyester backbone reduce its melting point and degree of crystallinity, which have an influence on its physical properties (e.g.

Abstract: A stretchable laminate, a process of making a stretchable laminate and a disposable absorbent article that includes a stretchable laminate are disclosed. The stretchable laminate includes a nonwoven web and a web of elastomeric material. The nonwoven web includes two layers of spunbond fibers and one layer of meltblown fibers. Some of the meltblown fibers are present in the interstices formed by the spunbond fibers of one of the layers.

Abstract: An improved material for liquid absorption including an absorbent material in particle form with a very low average particle size dispersed into a selected inert hydrophilic organic carrier which is solid at room temperature. The present invention also includes an improved process for manufacturing the material. Such liquid absorbing material can be utilized in the absorbent cores of disposable absorbent articles, such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, interlabial devices, tampons, disposable diapers, incontinence pads, wound dressings, nursing pads, and the like.

Abstract: An interlabial absorbent article configured for disposition primarily within the vestibule of a female wearer includes a generally liquid permeable cover sheet, a generally liquid impermeable back sheet, and an absorbent material disposed between the cover sheet and the back sheet. A time-delayed water soluble adhesive combination joins the cover sheet and back sheet together with the absorbent material sandwiched therebetween. The adhesive combination is configured so as to maintain structural integrity of the article for a time period of at least about two hours after the article is immersed in water by being flushed while ensuring that the article breaks up within about 24-72 hours after flushing.

Abstract: A stretchable laminate, a process of making a stretchable laminate and a disposable absorbent article that includes a stretchable laminate are disclosed. The stretchable laminate includes a nonwoven web and a web of elastomeric material. The nonwoven web includes two layers of spunbond fibers and one layer of meltblown fibers. Some of the meltblown fibers are present in the interstices formed by the spunbond fibers of one of the layers. As a result of activation of the stretchable laminate, the nonwoven web has a Residual Maximum Peak Force of at least 0.3 N/cm.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of superabsorbent polymer containing clay, the process including the steps of (I) polymerizing a polymerization mixture comprising: (a) one or more ethylenically unsaturated carboxyl-containing monomers, (b) one or more crosslinking agents, (c) optionally one or more comonomers copolymerizable with the carboxyl-containing monomer, (d) neutralizing agent to partially neutralize the polymer to from about 50% to about 99%, by weight, and (e) a polymerization medium, to form a crosslinked partially neutralized hydrogel, (II) admixing a clay with the crosslinked partially neutralized hydrogel to form partially neutralized superabsorbent polymer-clay hydrogel; (III) drying the crosslinked partially neutralized hydrogel at a temperature from about 190° C. to about 210° C. and for a time period of from about 15 minutes to about 120 minutes, and (IV) comminuting the dried partially neutralized superabsorbent polymer-clay hydrogel to particles.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure an absorbent article capable of indicating the presence or absence of urine as well as impending leakage of urine is disclosed. The absorbent article includes a substantially liquid impermeable layer, a liquid permeable layer, and an absorbent core positioned between the substantially liquid impermeable layer and the liquid permeable layer. A plurality of sensors are integrated into the article across the width of the article and positioned such that the sensors are in fluid communication with urine when provided by a wearer of the article. At least one of the sensors comprises a pH indicator. At least one of the sensors is capable of indicating the presence or absence of urine and at least one of the sensors is capable of indicating impending leakage of urine from the article.

Abstract: In a personal care article for contact with human skin, a non-woven substrate of the article has a longitudinal direction, a transverse direction and at least one skin-contact surface. A plurality of surface features is disposed on the at least one skin-contact surface in a sinusoidal wave-form along at least one of the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction of the substrate. The surface features have a height that generally defines an amplitude of the sinusoidal wave-form, and are spaced from each other a spatial distance. This spatial distance is at least in part a function of a movement speed at which the article is to be moved relative to the skin while in contact therewith. In one method of making such a substrate, the movement speed and a temporal frequency are selected and used to determine the spacing between surface features on the skin-contact surface of the substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wound care article having at least one flat layer that contains an absorbent material. Said article is characterised in that it is equipped with at least one other active element that gives the wound care article a convex or pyramidal shape (when viewed from the side).

Abstract: An absorbent article such as a diaper, panty diaper, panty liner, sanitary napkin or incontinence device, wherein at least one part of the absorbent article carries a film having at least one monomolecular layer of a polymer having a functional group and an active agent, in particular to an absorbent article wherein the film is obtainable by layer-by-layer deposition of at least a first polymer having a first functional group and a second polymer having a second functional group capable of interacting with the first functional group. Moreover, the use of a film obtainable by the layer-by-layer deposition of at least one first polymer having a first functional group and a second polymer having a second functional group capable of interacting with the first functional group for releasing an active agent contained in the film upon wetting of the film by body fluids.

Abstract: An interlabial pad capable of reducing the likelihood of falling-off of the pad and leakage of bodily exudates is provided. Making the compression repulsive force from the portion contacting near the vestibule floor to be greater than the compression repulsive force from the portion contacting near the anterior ends of the labia minora pudenda allows a manufacturer to provide an interlabial pad capable of reducing the likelihood of falling-off of the pad and leakage of bodily exudates.

Abstract: A disposable diaper is disclosed having reduced bulk, especially in the back waist region. Due to an opaque topsheet and a backsheet having a relatively high percentage of printed surface area, the diaper has reduced see-through even in those areas of the back waist region where no absorbent core is comprised.

Abstract: An absorbent core is provided including a substrate that performs at least one fluid handling function. At least a portion of at least one region of the substrate has been modified by aperturing, calendering, coating, creping, heating, printing stretching, or a combination thereof to impart at least one different fluid handling function. The substrate is folded to provide a plurality of panels wherein at least a portion of one panel corresponds to at least a portion of the modified region of the substrate. An absorbent article including the absorbent core and a process for making the absorbent core are also disclosed.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprises a topsheet, a backsheet, an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and backsheet, and a cyclodextrin complex that is disposed in a layer of the absorbent article that is closer to the body-facing surface of the absorbent article than the absorbent core. The cyclodextrin complex comprises cyclodextrin and at least three components complexed with the cyclodextrin.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprises a topsheet, a backsheet, an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and backsheet, and a cyclodextrin complex comprising cyclodextrin and at least three components complexed with the cyclodextrin. The absorbent article has a Total Headspace Area at Time 0 Minutes of no greater than about 0.50×108, a Total Headspace Area at Time 30 Minutes of at least about 1.00×108, and a Total Headspace Area at Time 240 Minutes of at least about 2.70×108, as measured by the Headspace Test Method.

Abstract: An absorbent article has a longitudinal direction, a transverse direction, a first major surface which forms a body-facing surface of the absorbent article, and a second major surface disposed distally from the first major surface which forms a garment-facing surface of the absorbent article. The article includes an absorbent core positioned between the first major surface and the second major surface. The article also includes at least one heat-activatable expandable structure. The at least one heat-activatable expandable structure is disposed on or below the first major surface. Application of heat to the heat-activatable expandable structure causes the heat-activatable expandable barrier structure to form distinctive designs, barriers and/or channels.

Abstract: A nonwoven web having printed thereon a colorant and/or a composition providing a skin health benefit. The nonwoven web can be a three-dimensional, fluid pervious, polymeric web. The nonwoven web can comprise apertures. The apertures are defined in a first surface of the nonwoven web in a first plane of the nonwoven web, and extend in sidewall portions to a second surface in a second plane of the nonwoven web. A colorant or lotion composition can be deposited on at least a portion of the second surface of the nonwoven web.

Abstract: A method for drying a material such as a polymer hydrogel which passes through a cohesive phase as it dries is disclosed. The method comprises agitating a composition while removing liquid until the solids content of the composition reaches a level at which the composition enters a cohesive phase, halting agitation, removing liquid from the composition in the absence of agitation, and resuming agitation. Practice of the present invention can eliminate the problems associated with adhesion of a material to itself and to process equipment during the cohesive phase.

Abstract: The present inventions relates to a disposable absorbent articles, including diapers and sanitary napkins, comprising a bleach activator system for controlling odors associated with bodily fluids. The bleach activator system may comprise a peroxygen bleach compound (including a source of hydrogen peroxide) and a bleach activator compound capable of generating a peroxyacid in-situ within the absorbent article.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a distribution member comprising non-biopersistent inorganic vitreous microfibers. The microfibers have an average effective diameter between about 0.1 micron and about 6 microns and are arranged in a fibrous assembly having a basis weight between about 40 g/m2 and about 350 g/m2 and a density between about 0.04 g/m3 and about 0,25 g/m3. In preferred embodiments, the fibrous assembly can vertically wick a 0.9% saline solution to a height of 5 cm in less than about 5 minutes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles are useful for meeting this unmet need of producing disposable absorbent articles that include elastic members comprising elastomeric films manufactured with reduced equipment capital and associated expense. Such articles comprise: a) a liquid permeable topsheet; b) a backsheet; c) an absorbent core disposed between said topsheet and backsheet; and d) an incrementally stretched elastic member disposed adjacent said chassis wherein said member comprises a nonwoven carrier web adhesively bonded to an unapertured, skinless elastomeric layer.

Abstract: A delivery product is used to deliver a skin composition to the skin of a user. The delivery product includes a thermo-responsive polymer film. The polymer film is solid at room temperature but, once contacted with the skin, increases in temperature and degrades. A skin composition is associated with the polymer film. The skin composition can be applied to a surface of the film or can be incorporated into the film. The skin composition is released by the polymer film for treating the skin of the user.

Abstract: A composite sheet which has a low basis weight, can be prevented from breaking during the production of an absorbent article or in use, and is good to the touch. The composite sheet is a sheet formed by bonding a stretch nonwoven fabric to a nonstretch nonwoven fabric with an adhesive. The stretch nonwoven fabric is bonded in a stretched state to the nonstretch sheet. The stretch nonwoven fabric has, on each side, strip-form sparse regions and strip-form dense regions alternately formed. The sparse regions and dense regions on one side are alternately formed in a second direction so that the dense regions on this side do not overlie the dense regions on the other side. The composite sheet has a maximum breaking strength of 20 N/50 mm or higher.

Abstract: A washable, reusable garment for retention of body fluids when worn on a person's lower body part. The garment has a crotch portion and a body portion. The crotch portion has an absorbent composite, and a pocket adapted for receiving a removable absorbent pad. The body portion has a waist opening and is seamless except where attached to the crotch portion. The body portion and the crotch portion together form first and second leg openings.

Abstract: The invention provides a line of disposable diapers, comprising diapers coated in a layer of soothing baby ointment, thus providing the accessories necessary for a quick diaper change when on the go or at home. Configured expressly for wear by infants who suffer diaper rash, the Corbin Diapers are designed to provide soothing relief to diaper rash symptoms such as dry and chafing skin, while sparing the parent the time consuming task of manually applying messy diaper rash ointment to the child's bottom.

Abstract: A lotion composition is provided. The lotion composition can comprise a) about 0.1% to about 90%, by weight, of a microcrystalline wax; b) about 0.1% to about 25%, by weight, of POE-4 monolaurate; c) about 0.1% to about 50%, by weight, of POE-8 monostearate; and d) a carrier.

Abstract: A paste composition for use in coating film, fiber, or fabric includes a dry grease having a discontinuous aqueous phase having a non-ionic alkoxylate surfactant portion and a polyorganosiloxane oil phase. The past further includes a dry-grease suspended powder. The surfactant portion is effective to suspend the powder forming a self-supporting form.

Abstract: A reusable diaper includes a forward waist portion, a rearward waist portion, and a crotch portion between the forward waist portion and the rearward waist portion. The diaper also includes first and second liquid-absorbent flaps. Each flap may have a fixed end portion coupled to the diaper and a free end portion opposite the fixed end portion, which is not coupled to the reusable diaper. The first and second liquid-absorbent flaps may be positionable in an overlapping manner along the crotch portion with one of the first and second liquid-absorbent flaps overlapped by the other one of said first and second liquid-absorbent flaps and slidable relative to each other when overlapped. In some embodiments, the first and second liquid-absorbent flaps may each include an at least partially hollow interior and an opening for allowing airflow into the hollow interior to facilitate drying.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes an absorbent polymer and a ceragenin compound. The ceragenin compound has a sterol group and a plurality of cationic groups that mimic naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides. The ceragenin compound is associated with the absorbent polymer such that upon absorption of a fluid, the ceragenin compound is incorporated or maintained in the absorbent article.

Abstract: An absorbent article having colored regions. The absorbent article has at least three colored regions. The colored regions are spaced apart from one another. Each colored region has a major axis. The major axis of each colored region converges towards a common focal region on the longitudinal centerline of the absorbent article.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes cooling material including refreshing agent, provided between a topsheet and a backsheet. An amount of the cooling material disposed per unit area is larger in a contact portion where the excretion area of a wearer comes into contact than in a portion outside the contact portion.

Abstract: An absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin, panty liner, incontinence protector, diaper, includes an absorbent structure (4) with a first and a second side, a moisture sensitive additive (8), such as a bacterial composition, and a carrier member (10). The carrier member (10) includes a first and a second water-vapor impermeable material layer (12, 13), the material layers are sealed together by a sealing (11) to form a water-vapor impermeable volume (9) there between holding the moisture sensitive additive (8). The carrier member (10) is located on the first or the second side of the absorbent structure (4).

Abstract: A method of forming a film resistant to blocking including the steps of providing a polymeric film having a first and second surface, applying an anti-blocking agent in a fluid or molten state to at least the first surface of the polymeric film so as to form a treated film, gathering the treated film, and separating the gathered film so as to result in the detachment of at least some portion of the gathered film that was in contact with itself.

Abstract: A water-absorbent sheet comprising a structure in which an absorbent layer containing a water-absorbent resin and an adhesive is sandwiched with a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, wherein the water-absorbent sheet has a structure in which the absorbent layer is fractionated into a primary absorbent layer and a secondary absorbent layer with a substrate layer formed by laminating two or more layers of a substrate having breathability adhered together with an adhesive, wherein the substrate layer satisfies the following requirements (1) and (2): (1) the substrate layer having a basis weight of 25 g/m2 or more; and (2) the substrates having breathability being adhered therebetween with an adhesive in an amount of from 0.1 to 50 g/m2.

Abstract: A laminate having health-benefit agents therein is made by particle stabilization within the lamination process. By changing the substrate type (tissue, nonwoven, film) and/or the physical composition and/or attributes of the laminate layers, the release of the health-benefit agents can be controlled. The laminate, sometimes referred to as a liner, may be used in personal absorbent articles such as diapers, feminine pads, bandages, bed pads, and the like.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a topsheet having a contact surface in contact with the skin of a wearer; a liquid-impermeable backsheet through which a liquid does not pass; and an absorber provided between the topsheet and the backsheet, a cooling sensation material including a refresher agent in the topsheet or between the topsheet and the backsheet. On the outside of the planar direction of the topsheet from the contact region in which an excretion unit of the wearer is in contact in the topsheet, there is a region having a greater amount of the cooling sensation material per unit area than the amount of the cooling sensation material per unit area in the contact region.

Abstract: The invention relates to an absorbent incontinence diaper (2) with a rear area (8), a front area (6) and a crotch area (12) lying between these, and with first and second side edges (5), and with a main part (4) having an inner face directed towards the body and an outer face directed away from the body during use of the diaper, the main part (4) comprising an absorption body (14) and a backsheet (10) on the side of the absorption body (14) directed away from the body, the absorption body (14) having a smaller width than the backsheet (10), and with side parts (16, 17) joined to the first and second side edges (5), the side parts (16, 17) having an inner face and an outer face, and the side parts (17) in the rear area having closure means (32) with mechanical closure aids (31).

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles and composites that provide improved protection and comfort by use of a vapor permeable, liquid barrier layer and an exudates thickener. In particular, the barrier layer results from deposition of barrier coating on one or more regions of the barrier layer such that select regions of the overall article exhibit a barrier to liquid while the article in general is still deemed breathable.

Abstract: A method of making an absorbent composite that includes a first fabric, a second fabric, and particles positioned between the two fabrics and absorbent articles made from the absorbent composite. The particles are secured between the two fabric using adhesive, thermal plastic or combinations thereof. The fabrics are bonded together in a manner that limits particle movement between the fabrics. The bond pattern may define pockets or other shapes. In applications in which the bond pattern forms pockets, the particles may be positioned in the pockets. The particles may be SAP particles or other particles with advantageous properties.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin is disclosed as a form of disposable absorbent article. It has an absorbent core and a hydrophobic topsheet that has an upper side that is to be worn against a user's body. The topsheet is selected from a group of nonwoven topsheets and apertured film topsheets. A trace amount of a fibrous superabsorbent material, in the range of 0.30 and 3.5 grams of superabsorbent material per square meter, is provided in a fibrous matrix in a secondary topsheet that is in intimate contact with the lower side of the topsheet. The fibrous matrix is made by airlaying the superabsorbent material with cellulose and bi-component fiber onto a non-woven carrier.

Abstract: A vaginal drug delivery system includes a device formed of porous material that holds a flowable therapeutic formulation. The device, preferably in a soft, prewetted state, is inserted into the vagina to reside typically at or near the cervix where it continuously releases the flowable therapeutic formulation through its outer surface which is in contact with the vaginal surfaces. In operation, the flowable therapeutic formulation migrates via capillary forces from a reservoir that is centrally located in the device and through a covering that envelopes the reservoir.