Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent cores for absorbent articles, which are intended to receive and retain bodily discharges such as urine. Such articles are disposable hygiene articles like baby diapers, training pants, adult incontinence articles, feminine care articles and the like. The improvement essentially is based on the recognition that replacing most or all of the cushioning fibrous absorbent material in an absorbent core by a liquid storage material capable of retaining liquid while maintaining or improving acquisition behavior is desirable as the reduction in cushioning is more than compensated by the gain in comfort. The comfort however can only be achieved if the more fundamental requirements of a diaper in respect to liquid handling are satisfied or improved.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to water swellable, water insoluble superabsorbent materials having controlled variable gel-bed friction angles. Controlling the gel-bed friction angle of the superabsorbent materials may allow control of the swelling of the material, the absorbency of the material, and/or the absorbency, resiliency, and porosity of the absorbent composite containing the superabsorbent material. The present invention relates to treatments for superabsorbent materials to manipulate friction angle and new superabsorbent materials having the desired friction angle characteristics. The present invention also relates to absorbent composites employing superabsorbent materials having the desired friction angle characteristics.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article sustaining low vapor phase moisture in the space as enclosed between and the wearer in use, such as can be evaluate by measuring relative humidity on a laboratory mannequin, such can be achieved by combining high performance, low rewet absorbent cores with breathable backsheet materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent article such as a diaper, a training pant, an adult incontinence article, a bed mat, or the like which is capable of evenly storing urine in a first storage region and in a second storage region. In particular, the fraction of the amount of liquid stored in the first storage region to the amount of liquid stored in the second storage region remains relatively unchanged over a wide range of loadings of the article. The present invention further provides a process for handling urine in the absorbent article which comprises a step of storing liquid in a first storage region and of storing, liquid in a second storage region such that the ratio of the amount of liquid stored in the first storage region to the amount of liquid stored in the second storage region remains relatively constant over a wide range of loadings of the article.

Abstract: A breast-milk absorbent pad includes an absorbent layer especially made of a fiber material and, optionally, with super-absorbent hydrogel materials, that absorbs liquids. The absorbent pad additionally includes chitosan to better use the absorbing capacity of the absorbent layer.

Abstract: An absorbent porous structure for use in a diaper, a pant diaper, an incontinence guard, a sanitary napkin or the like, with a liquid acquisition portion and a liquid storage portion which are an integrated unit. The liquid acquisition portion comprises a compressed polymeric open-cell foam which expands upon wetting, and the liquid storage portion comprises a polymeric open-cell foam which may be the same or different from the foam in the liquid acquisition portion. The liquid storage portion also contains a superabsorbent material, with the amount of superabsorbent material being lower in the part of the liquid storage portion that is located closest to the liquid acquisition portion than in the part of the liquid storage portion that is located furthest from the liquid acquisition portion. Other embodiments include a method for producing the absorbent structure and an absorbent article containing such an absorbent structure.

Abstract: An absorbent article having an ultimate fluid storage region and a fluid distribution region, positioned between the ultimate storage region and the garment oriented surface of the article, in fluid communication with the ultimate fluid storage region, the ultimate fluid storage region includes a material which has: (1) a Capillary Sorption Desorption Capacity at 100 cm (CSDC 100) of at least 10 g/g; (2) a Capillary Sorption Desorption Capacity at 0 cm (CSDC 0) higher than the CSDC 100; (3) a Loosely Bound Liquid Capacity (LBLC); and (4) a Capillary Sorption Desorption Release Height when 50% of the LBLC are released (CSDRH 50) less than 60 cm. Further, the liquid distribution layer material has a Capillary Sorption Absorption Height at 30% of its maximum capacity (CSAH 30) of at least 35 cm. Disuibution material can be foam materials, particularly those derived from high internal phase water-in-oil emulsions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to shape deformable materials, which are capable of (1) being deformed, (2) storing an amount of shape deformation, and (3) recovering at least a portion of the shape deformation when exposed to a humid environment. The shape deformable materials can advantageously be in the form of films, fibers, filaments, strands, nonwovens, and pre-molded elements. The shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to form products, which are both disposable and reusable. More specifically, the shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to produce products such as disposable diapers, training pants, incontinence products, and feminine care products.

Abstract: 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: The invention relates to an absorbent article that includes a synergistic combination of a) a pH-regulating substance in the form of a partially neutralized superabsorbent material, and b) lactic acid bacteria wherein after being wetted and worn close to the skin, the article has a pH value in the range of 3.5-5.5, preferably within the range of 3.5-4.9, and most preferably within the range of 4.1-4.7.

Abstract: A disposable diaper is provided comprising a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet, and a liquid retentive absorbent member interposed between the two sheets, wherein the disposable diaper has a product basis weight of 50 to 220 g/cm2, and a portion of the disposable diaper where the absorbent member is positioned has a portion having a rate of body fluid absorption of 3.0 g/sec or more and a portion having a saturated body fluid absorption of 75 g/100 cm2 or more.

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: An absorbent composite suitable for use in a disposable absorbent garment includes material for containing a superabsorbent material and a supersbsorbent material contained by said containment material. The superabsorbent material has a Pressure Absorbency Index of at least 100 and a 16-hour extractable level of less than about 13 weight percent; a Pressure Absorbency Index of at least 100 and a Vortex Time of less than about 45 seconds; or a Pressure Absorbency Index of at least about 110. The superabsorbent material is present in the containment means in an amount of from about 30 to about 100 weight percent based on total weight of the containment material and the superabsorbent material. A disposable absorbent garment includes an outer cover, a body-side liner, and an absorbent composite such as that described above.

Abstract: The focus of the invention is an absorbent article such as a diaper, pant diaper, adult incontinence guard, sanitary napkin and the like containing a skin conditioning agent in at least a portion of the article so as to be transferable to the skin of the wearer. The skin conditioning agent is contained in a hydrogel foam material (9; 19; 20) intended to be applied in skin contact with the wearer, either directly or indirectly via a liquid permeable material (2).

Abstract: An absorbent article (40), such as a labial pad configured for disposition within the vestibule (42) of a female wearer. The labial pad may be worn by females for catamenial purposes, incontinence protection or both, and has at least one notch (100) generally formed in the periphery thereof.

Abstract: The invention is a method applying a foamable movement obstruction agent to an absorbent article which comprises superabsorbent material. The foamable agent can be applied before, after, or simultaneously to creation of the foam structure, and can be applied to the article directly or to a carrier substrate to then be combined with the article.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent structure comprising an acidic or basic water-swellable, water-insoluble polymer, a basic or acidic second material, and, optionally, a buffering agent, wherein the absorbent structure exhibits desirable absorbent properties. Specifically, the present invention relates to an absorbent structure having the ability to absorb a large quantity of liquid while maintaining a substantially desired and balanced pH profile on or along the upper surface of the absorbent structure. The absorbent structure is useful in disposable absorbent products, such as those disposable absorbent products that are used to absorb body liquids.

Abstract: The invention relates to absorvents for water and aqueous liquids, which are vased on water-swell-able, yet water-insoluble polymers wherein cyclodextrin or cyclodextrin derivatives and zeolites high in silicon have been incorporated ionically, covalently and/or as a result of mechanical inclusion.

Abstract: The absorbent in accordance with the present invention is limited in at least two of the following requirements: ventilation resistance, absorbency under no load and/or under load, weight mean particle diameter, and water-soluble components. The absorbent exhibits a 24 g/g or more absorbency under a 2.0 kPa load and a 50 kPa·sec/m or less ventilation resistance under a 4.9 kPa load in a wet state. The absorbing product in accordance with the present invention is based on this absorbent and therefore exhibits improved ventilating properties when worn and relatively little wet back of water-based liquids, providing a further improved sense of comfort to users wearing the absorbing product.

Abstract: An absorbent article has a liquid permeable top sheet, a substantially liquid impermeable, preferably water vapor permeable back sheet, and a selectively stretchable absorbent composite between the top sheet and the back sheet. The selectively stretchable absorbent composite is more stretchable in a first direction than in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and can be stretched to at least 150% of an initial length in the first direction. The absorbent composite has a selectively stretchable substrate layer and a plurality of pockets in or on the substrate layer. The pockets each contain a quantity of superabsorbent material, which can swell when exposed to a liquid insult. When the substrate is stretched, the pockets become spaced further apart, thereby promoting comfort and alleviating gel blocking caused by adjacent pockets swelling toward each other.

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: A disposable absorbent article is provided comprising a liquid absorbent pad having a large single through slit designed to control fluid surge and minimize fluid leakage when fluid is discharged suddenly during the use of the article.

Abstract: A medicated multi-layered polyurethane foam dressing and drug delivery device with cooling properties, used in body cavities and on damaged tissues, particularly bums. The dressing may have at least one therapeutic agent dispersed into the polyurethane layers; an optional outer layer of either a hydrogel formulated from a polyurethane or an adhesive elastomeric material; an optional drug-free fluid-retaining layer and/or a drug-reservoir layer, each comprised of hydrophilic polyurethane foam; a non-adherent, drug-loaded surface-contacting layer of a polyurethane hydrogel; and an optional cover sheet, for surface dressings. An interposed liquid transfer control may be used at a layer interface. The conformable dressing shapes include cylindrical, oval, flatsheets in pre-determined sizes; and may be secured with a secondary dressing. The contact surface may be channeled to enhance fluid distribution.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a core that includes a composite including superabsorbent polymer and a high loft nonwoven web impregnated with the superabsorbent polymer, the superabsorbent polymer having been formed in situ and being present in the composite in an amount from 10% by weight to about 90% by weight.

Abstract: A wet-formed composite defining latent voids and macro-cavities, the wet-formed composite having a basis weight greater than about 100 grams per square meter and a density of about 0.06 grams per cubic centimeter or more. The wet-formed composite comprises fibers and superabsorbent material, with the superabsorbent material present in an amount of about 10 dry weight percent or less, specifically about 5 dry weight percent or less, and particularly about 2 dry weight percent or less, but more than 0, based on the total dry weight of fibers and superabsorbent material present in the wet-formed composite. By virtue of the superabsorbent material having been allowed to swell and then shrink during the making of the wet-formed composite, macro-cavities are created. Densification compresses the macro-cavities. The resulting composite expands upon wetting and exhibits good absorbency properties.

Abstract: An absorbent article that includes a nonwoven web that includes synthetic polymer fibers, a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a first region including superabsorbent polymer, the first region extending into the nonwoven web from the first surface toward the second surface, and a second region essentially free of superabsorbent polymer, the second region extending into said nonwoven web from the second surface toward the first surface.

Abstract: A hydrophilic, highly swellable hydrogel based on (co)polymerized monomers or based on graft (co)polymers and prepared by a) free-radically (co)polymerizing one-or more hydrophilic monomers or graft (co)polymerizing one or more hydrophilic monomers onto a grafting base, the average degree of neutralization of the acid-functional monomers being from 0 to 40 mol %, b) comminuting the acidic hydrogel, c) neutralizing the acidic hydrogel to an ultimate degree of neutralization of 50-85 mol % by adding a neutralizing agent, d) drying, grinding and sieving the hydrogel particles characterized by a centrifuge retention and a vertical absorption swell height, each having a specified minimum.value, coupled with an extractables content having a specified maximum value or a centrifuge retention and a vertical absorption swell height, each having a specified minimum value and an extractables content having a specified maximum value.

Abstract: Multicomponent superabsorbent gel particles are disclosed. The multicomponent particles comprise at least one acidic water-absorbing resin and at least one basic water-absorbing resin. Each particle contains at least one microdomain of the acidic resin in contact with, or in close proximity to, at least one microdomain of the basic resin.

Abstract: An absorbent composite having fibrous bands is described. The composite includes one or more fibrous bands in a fibrous base. The base includes a fibrous matrix and absorbent material. The fibrous bands are substantially free of absorbent material. Absorbent articles that include the composite and methods for forming the composite are also disclosed.

Abstract: An absorbent core for use in an absorbent article is disclosed which has a front pad comprising a two inch diameter circle having substantially as its center the insult point that is capable of absorbing 32 grams or more of an aqueous solution comprising 1.0 weight % sodium chloride after ten minutes of contact with the solution while under a constant restraining pressure of about 0.5 psi. The absorbent core provides improved protection against leakage in an absorbent article containing the core. A method of designing, optimizing, and predicting good leakage protection in an absorbent article is also disclosed.

Abstract: An absorbent composite, useful in an absorbent article, having a high liquid intake rate. The absorbent composite may also have a rapid liquid lock-up. Absorbent composites of this invention have an intake rate of at least about 1.9 cc liquid/second at an 80% absorbent composite saturation level and a liquid lock-up fraction of at least about 0.70 at 50% superabsorbent material saturation. The absorbent composites of this invention can be a freeze-dried composite, an airformed absorbent composite, or other fibrous or non-fibrous absorbent composites.

Abstract: Disclosed are absorbent composites, useful in an absorbent article, having a superabsorbent material having a high stiffness and a fast absorption rate. The superabsorbent materials of the absorbent composites of this invention have a stiffness index of greater than about 0.87 and a vortex time of less than about 40 seconds. Absorbent composites of this invention can have a high liquid intake rate and a rapid liquid lock-up. Absorbent composites of this invention can have an intake rate of at least about 1.9 cubic centimeter liquid/second at an 80% absorbent composite saturation level and a liquid lock-up fraction of at least about 0.70 at 50% superabsorbent material saturation. The absorbent composites of this invention can be a freeze-dried composite, an airformed absorbent composite, or other fibrous or non-fibrous absorbent composites.

Abstract: A pant-like absorbent garment having a swellable absorbent core positioned between an outer cover and a body side liner at least partially bonded to the outer cover. The swellable absorbent core is swellable to a final thickness (tf) which is at least three times an initial thickness (ti) of the swellable absorbent core; tf≧3ti. The significant swelling renders the garment suitable for use as a toilet training aid.

Abstract: Absorbent structures that form superabsorbent polymers in situ. The structures include an absorbent material and a fibrous material containing an activating agent. The fibrous material releases the activating agent upon stimulation with an activator, which causes the polymer to become a superabsorbent polymer. The absorbent component is desirably a water-swellable, water-insoluble polymer. The absorbent structures form a superabsorbent composition in situ. Methods of making the activating agent containing fibrous material are provided.

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

Abstract: An absorbent product, such as a panty liner, a sanitary towel, an incontinence protection, a dressing, or a tampon for absorption of blood or menstrual fluid, includes a liquid permeable surface layer facing the wearer during use, a liquid impermeable backing layer facing away from the wearer during use, and an absorbent body with one or more material layers, positioned between the backing layer and the surface layer. The absorbent body includes super-absorbent polymers (SAP), the SAP material has a contact angle smaller than 60°, as measured with defibrinated sheep blood, and the SAP material has a gel-strength which is higher than 18 kPa. Hereby, a very good absorption of blood-containing liquids is obtained.

Abstract: Multicomponent superabsorbent gel particles are disclosed. The multicomponent particles comprise at least one acidic water-absorbing resin and at least one basic water-absorbing resin. Each particle contains at least one microdomain of the acidic resin in contact with, or in close proximity to, at least one microdomain of the basic resin. Blends of multicomponent superabsorbent gel particles with particles of a second water-absorbing resin also are disclosed. Improved diaper cores containing particles of the multicomponent super-absorbent gel particles also are disclosed.

Abstract: Multicomponent superabsorbent gel particles are disclosed. The multicomponent particles comprise at least one acidic water-absorbing resin and at least one basic water-absorbing resin. Each particle contains microdomains of the acidic resin and/or the basic resin homogeneously dispersed throughout the particle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for depositing particulate matter into a supply of fibrous material are disclosed. The apparatus has a feed tray having an outlet positioned above a moving supply of fibrous material. A motor is coupled to the feed tray for vibrating the feed tray. When the motor vibrates the feed tray particulate matter in the feed tray is deposited onto the supply of fibrous material, and when the motor does not vibrate the feed tray substantially no particulate matter in the feed tray is deposited onto the supply of fibrous material. The feed tray may have a gate spaced above the pan, behind which particulate matter is held when the motor is not vibrating.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a multi-component absorbent core composite for an absorbent article, and more particularly to a multi-component absorbent core composite comprising at least two absorbent core units having different properties, whereby at least one of the absorbent core units includes a mixture of tow fibers and superabsorbent polymer (SAP) particles. The at least two absorbent core units are associated and arranged with one another to form the multi-component absorbent core composite.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an absorbent article that includes a top sheet, a back sheet and an absorbent laminate core disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet. The absorbent laminate core preferably is comprised of at least four layers, whereby two of the layers are outer layers, (an upper layer and a lower layer), one of the inner layers is a central fibrous layer containing from about 30 to about 50% by weight SAP, and the other inner layer is at least one layer selected from an acquisition layer, a distribution layer, an additional fibrous layer optionally containing SAP, a wicking layer, a storage layer, or combinations and fragments thereof.

Abstract: A storage layer obtainable by a process including (a) forming a sprayable blend containing one or more superabsorbent forming monomers; superabsorbent polymer particles; water; and one or more initiators; (b) applying the sprayable blend to a fibrous web; and (c) subjecting the sprayed fibrous web to conditions under which the superabsorbent forming monomer polymerizes. The storage layer is used in absorbent articles to store aqueous fluids.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an absorbent product including an absorbent composite containing superabsorbent material. The superabsorbent material is in the form of superabsorbent particles having a bimodal particle size distribution. Use of superabsorbent material having a bimodal particle size distribution in the absorbent structure results in enhanced capillary driven fluid distribution and enhanced fluid intake of the absorbent composite. The absorbent product may be in the form of a disposable personal care product.

Abstract: Disclosed are absorbent composites, useful in an absorbent article, having high liquid intake rates. The absorbent composites may also have a rapid liquid lock-up. Absorbent composites of this invention have an intake rate of at least about 1.9 cc liquid/second at an 80% absorbent composite saturation level and a liquid lock-up fraction of at least about 0.70 at 50% superabsorbent material saturation. The absorbent composites of this invention can be a freeze-dried composite, an airformed absorbent composite, or other fibrous or non-fibrous absorbent composites.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for depositing particulate matter onto a supply of absorbent core fibrous substrate material are disclosed. The apparatus has a feed tray that has an inlet for receiving a supply of particulate matter. At least part of a lower pan of the feed tray is a slideable shuttle pan that has an outlet edge located near a supply of absorbent core fibrous substrate material that is moving in a machine direction. The supply of particulate matter passes over the outlet edge to exit the feed tray. A mechanism operates the shuttle pan through a range of motion having a forward stroke and a backward stroke. During the forward stroke, the outlet edge follows the supply of absorbent core fibrous substrate material.

Abstract: A disposable diaper has an absorbent core. The core contains therein hydrophilic fibers of 30-70 wt % and super-absorbent polymer particles of 70-30 wt %. Of the super-absorbent particles, first super-absorbent polymer particles having a relatively long liquid-absorbing duration lying in a middle zone of the core as viewed in a transverse direction as well as in a thickness direction of the core to form a polymer phase and second super-absorbent polymer particles having a relatively short liquid-absorbing duration lying in the core above, below and laterally outside the polymer phase to form a mixture phase containing therein the hydrophilic fibers mixed therewith.

Abstract: Multicomponent superabsorbent gel particles are disclosed. The multicomponent particles comprise at least one acidic water-absorbing resin and at least one basic water-absorbing resin. Each particle contains about 20% to about 40%, by weight, of the basic resin, based on the total weight of the acidic resin and basic resin present in the particle. Blends of multicomponent superabsorbent gel particles with particles of a second water-absorbing resin also are disclosed. Improved diaper cores containing particles of the multicomponent superabsorbent gel particles also are disclosed.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a thin, flexible absorbent pad that can accommodate one or two insults with a low probability of leakage. The absorbent article can be less than about 5 millimeters thick, with the absorbent pad being less than about 3 millimeters thick. The absorbent article has a low absorbent capacity of, for example, less than three times an anticipated single insult volume, or less than twice an anticipated single insult volume. The absorbent article is particularly suitable for use as a toilet training aid.

Abstract: A water insoluble, water swellable absorbent composition exhibiting a free swell absorbency of at least 15 g/g and an Absorbency Change of greater than or equal to 15% upon saturation. The absorbent composition includes both permanent crosslinking points and transitional crosslinking points. The absorbent composition has a high free swell capacity as well as a high absorbency under load.