Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fibrous nonwoven web which is particularly well-suited for use as a surge layer in personal care absorbent articles including, but not limited to, diapers, training pants, incontinence garments, sanitary napkins, bandages and the like. The fibrous nonwoven web is made from a plurality of fibers heat bonded to one another to form a nonwoven web having a basis weight of at least 20 grams per square meter, a void volume of between about 40 and about 60 centimeters per gram of web while under a pressure of 689 dynes per square centimeter, a permeability of about 5,000 to about 8,000 darcy, a porosity of about 97.2 percent to about 98.8 percent and a surface area per void of about 24 to about 49 square centimeters per cubic centimeter. The fibrous nonwoven web will have a saturation capacity of between about 30 and about 50 grams of 0.9 percent saline solution per gram of web and a compression resilience in both the wet and dry state of at least about 60 percent.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a diaper, sanitary napkin, adult incontinence device which has absorbent components comprised of blends of different types of fibers is provided. The absorbent components are arranged in structures that provide improved core integrity and liquid processing. The absorbent article preferably comprises a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet joined to the topsheet, an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, and an acquisition layer overlying the absorbent core. The absorbent core comprises a blend of cellulosic fibers, absorbent gelling material, and fibers such as crimped synthetic fibers that form liquid stable bonds with adjacent layers. The acquisition layer also comprises at least some fibers that form liquid stable bonds with adjacent layers. The fibers that form liquid stable bonds in the absorbent core and the acquisition layer are bonded to liquid stable components.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a lofty fibrous nonwoven web which is particularly well-suited for use as a surge layer in personal care absorbent articles including, but not limited to, diapers, training pants, incontinence garments, sanitary napkins, bandages and the like. The fibrous nonwoven web is made from a plurality of fibers heat bonded to one another to form a lofty nonwoven web having a basis weight of at least 20 grams per square meter, a void volume of between about 80 and about 117 centimeters per gram of web while under a pressure of 689 dynes per square centimeter, a permeability of about 8,000 to about 15,000 darcy, a porosity of about 98.6 percent to about 99.4 percent and a surface area per void of about 10 to about 25 square centimeters per cubic centimeter. The fibrous nonwoven web will have a saturation capacity of between about 55 and about 80 grams of 0.9 percent saline solution per gram of web and a compression resilience in both the wet and dry state of at least about 60 percent.

Abstract: An absorbent device having low fluid wet-back and good surface cleanliness and resistance to staining is provided which comprises an absorbent core, a cover sheet on a body facing side thereof and an intermediate layer between the cover sheet and the core wherein the cover sheet comprises an apertured polymer film for example a flexible polymer net and the intermediate layer comprises a planar apertured polymer film for example a flexible polymer net.

Abstract: A spunbonded elastic nonwoven fabric comprises a web of bonded thermoplastic filaments of a thermoplastic elastomer. The spunbonded fabrics of the invention are prepared in a slot draw spunbonding process operated at a rate of less than about 2000 meters per minute. The elastic fabric is used in absorbent products, such as disposable diapers, adult incontinence pads, sanitary napkins and the like, and as coverstock for absorbent personal care products.

Abstract: Absorbent products and components for use in absorbent products are disclosed. These absorbent products comprise pressure-sensitive adhesive microfibers and thermoplastic polymer microfibers, that when incorporated into absorbent products provide good liquid transport properties, resiliency, and attachment systems; and further mask odors associated with bodily fluids.

Abstract: An absorbent article is provided with inversely related basis weight and density gradients for absorbing and retaining body liquids. A central target area of the absorbent article has an average higher basis weight and a lower average density than end areas. Superabsorbent material is selectively disposed within the article.

Abstract: A coveting web formed by a compound web material of coarse filaments and fine microfibers constituting a mixture without discrete phase boundaries between the individual components. The compound web material is produced in an integrated formation process on the same layering device of a web-forming installation. As a novel feature, the compound web material has strip-like regions not forming a mixture but consisting only of coarse filaments or containing only a small proportion of free microfibers. These strips are bordered on either side by other strips containing a mixture of both components--coarse filaments and free microfibers.

Abstract: A washable nappy (10) having a rear portion (11) which tapers towards a crotch portion (12) which then joins to a front portion (13). Fasteners are used to secure the rear portion (11) to the front portion (13) so that the nappy is retained in position. The nappy is of a laminated structure having an outer layer formed of plush cotton toweling and a co-terminus inner layer formed of brush cotton. An intermediate layer is formed of 100% bonded polyester which covers at least the crotch portion and aids in transporting moisture from the inner layer to the outer layer.

Abstract: A topsheet for use in body fluid absorptive articles is so improved that collapse and clogging of liquid passages therein may be reliably avoided. The topsheet includes an upper sheet, provided with skin-contacting areas and liquid passages, and a lower sheet provided with skin-non-contacting areas, areas welded to the liquid passages, and exposed areas. The exposed areas are welded to each of the liquid passages around lower openings thereof so as to protect the liquid passage against collapse and clogging. The exposed areas define a skin-contacting surface which rises up into each of the liquid passages without extending above the upper surface of the skin-contacting areas. The upper sheet cooperates with the lower sheet to define cavities extending in the direction of the topsheet thickness.

Abstract: An absorbent article including a fluid pervious topsheet, a fluid impervious backsheet joined to the topsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. The topsheet includes a fluid pervious nonwoven material having a patterned network of fluid impervious areas deposited thereon. Bodily fluid deposited on the topsheet is transported through the fluid pervious nonwoven material portion of the topsheet, thereby wetting the nonwoven material while the fluid impervious areas remain dry. The dry fluid impervious areas contrast visually with the wetted nonwoven material portion of the topsheet. This structure provides a topsheet that is perceived as soft and fibrous prior to the discharge of bodily fluids thereon and clean and dry after bodily fluids have been deposited thereon.

Abstract: Inelastic films comprising at least one elastomeric core and a surrounding inelastic matrix preferably prepared by coextrusion. The film when stretched and allowed to recover will create an elastomeric composite.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a retention portion for storing absorbed liquids, and a distinctive surge management portion. The surge management portion, which has a selected basis weight, is constructed to rapidly uptake and temporarily hold at least three (3) successive surges of liquid directed into the target zone of the article and then release each of the surges to the retention portion. The retention portion desorbs each input of liquid from the surge management portion and stores the liquid. Particular functional and structural parameters can further characterize the surge management portion of the absorbent article.

Abstract: Liquid impervious, biodegradable films are disclosed. In particular, the films comprise a blend of an interpenetrated network of destructurized starch with ethylene/acrylic acid copolymers or ethylene/vinyl alcohol copolymers, and an aliphatic polyester such as polycaprolactone. Diapers, sanitary napkins, pantiliners, and the like, containing backsheets prepared from the foregoing materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: Absorbent composite structures containing fluff pulp and a superabsorbent material, such as those useful for disposable diapers, can be made to be flushable if the superabsorbent has the requisite properties. It has been found that flushability of such composite structures is enhanced when using superabsorbent materials having a ratio of the Absorbency Under Load (AUL) to the Centrifuge Retention Capacity (CRC) of about 0.70 or greater.

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: 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 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: 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: The present invention provides for a polymer composition comprising a blend of from about 25 to about 90% by weight of a very low density ethylene polymer having a density on the range of from about 0.88 to 0.925 g/cm.sup.3, a melt index of from about 0.5 to about 7.5 dg/min, a molecular weight distribution not greater than about 3.5 and a compositional distribution breadth index greater than about 70%, and from about 10 to about 75% by weight of a low to medium density ethylene polymer having a density of from about 0.910 to about 0.935, a melt index of from about 0.5 to about 20, a molecular weight distribution greater than about 3.5 and a compositional breadth index less than about 70%.The invention also provides for films prepared from this blend having single layer construction or having laminar ABA construction wherein the A or skin layers comprise the blend of this invention and the B or core layer comprises a different olefin polymer such as high density polyethylene.

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: 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: 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 composite textile fabric for moving moisture away from the skin is provided. The composite fabric includes a first fabric layer comprising either a polyester, acrylic or nylon material which has been rendered hydrophilic, a second fabric layer comprising at least 5% by weight of a super absorbent material and a barrier layer having a high moisture vapor transmission rate applied to said second fabric layer. The first fabric layer and the second fabric layer are formed integrally and concurrently by knitting a plaited construction.

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: The present invention provides graft copolymers that are highly absorbent to aqueous electrolyte solutions.

Abstract: A fluid-absorbing article for personal use, such as a diaper or incontinence pad utilizing a core component having a plurality of contiguous zones comprising(a) a zone of vulnerability arranged within said core component for maximum potential exposure to wetting and(b) a plurality of intermediate zones in direct or indirect fluid receivable relation from the zone of vulnerability in areas of reduced potential exposure to initial wetting; the corresponding core component; and a method for increasing fluid receptivity and fluid storage efficiency plus reduced rewet characteristics of core components by use of intermediate zones as described.

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: 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 is adjustable about the waist of the baby by means of ear members that can overlap and attach to each other or not overlap and attach to the front section of the diaper. Cushion barriers are provided at the crotch section and back waist edge to protect the newborn's sensitive, tender skin.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as diapers and the like, comprises a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet joined with said topsheet and an absorbent core positioned between said topsheet and said backsheet, said backsheet comprising a flexible starch based film comprising starch, a synthetic thermoplastic polymer of at least one ethylenically insaturated monomer, said polymer having repeating units provided with at least a polar group, wherein the starch and the polymer form an at least partially interpenetrated network, and moisture.

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: A fibrous composition for absorbent pads which, in addition to cellulose fibers, also contains first and second synthetic polymeric materials. At least the second polymeric material is constituted by synthetic fibers which have a higher melting point than that of the first polymeric material. The fibrous mixture is formed into the desired shape, for example, an absorbent body for disposable sanitary products, by pneumatic means. The absorbent body thus formed is then heat-treated to a temperature higher than the melting point of the first polymeric material but lower than that of the second polymeric material for a period of time so as to melt the first polymeric material and form bonding points or bridges between at least the synthetic fibers which have not melted and which constitute the second polymeric material. The absorbent body is cooled to a temperature such that the first polymeric material sets, bonding at least the synthetic fibers together so as to form a framework containing the cellulose fibers.

Abstract: The invention provides novel blends of starch with polyesters, and shaped articles of such blends, including fibers, foams and films, nonwovens from the fibers and disposable products such as diapers. The products are degradable under the conditions typically existing in waste composting processes, have low ingredient costs and yet provide strength and toughness properties adequate for end uses such as in disposable diapers. The polyesters are based upon polyethylene terephthalate copolymerized with other ingredients, including non-aromatic diacids, such as adipic and glutaric acids, polyethylene ether groups, such as diethylene glycol or higher polyalkylene glycols, and hydroxy acids.

Abstract: A diaper or incontinence shield having a liquid absorbent layer formed entirely of cellulose based material which is recyclable with paper products and, in another embodiment, a plastic liquid impermeable layer releasably held to the liquid absorbent layer for easy stripping off the soiled absorbent layer after use for recycling with other plastics. A woven rayon casing encloses the absorbent cellulose material and an odor and liquid proof container of recyclable cellulose base material is used to enclose the soiled absorbent layer for recycling therewith.

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

Abstract: Composite laminated adhesive tape coiled endlessly in roll form, comprising a central tape and first and third fastening tapes each disposed at respective ends thereof, with the surface of said fastening tapes being provided, at least partly, with pressure-sensitive adhesive, wherein in cross section the composite laminated adhesive tape coiled endlessly in roll form is folded in Z-form, with the top, slanted and bottom bars of the Z-shape being formed by separate first, second and third tape sections of first fastening tape, second central tape and third fastening tape, respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a zoned distribution of particulate material within a fibrous web includes a conveying mechanism for providing a gas entrained supply of the particulate material and a segregating mechanism for centrifugally directing at least a portion of the particulate material into an accumulation region of the apparatus. A transferring mechanism selectively directs particulate material from the accumulation region into a delivery gas stream to provide an intermittent flow volume of a selected quantity of particulate material from the accumulation region through a delivery conduit and into a web forming chamber. A fiberizing mechanism provides a flow of a selected fibrous material into the web forming chamber, and a directing mechanism controls the intermittent flow of particulate material from the delivery conduit into the forming chamber.

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: An article (20) which is adapted to be positioned adjacent, for example, to the body of an animal or of a human being is a layered structure which includes a liquid pervious layer (22) and a liquid impervious layer (26). The article is applied to cause the liquid pervious layer to be contiguous with the body of the animal or of the human being. Interposed between the liquid pervious and impervious layers is an absorbent core (24). The absorbent core includes at least one absorbent member (35) which comprises a relatively porous substrate portion (37) which has been impregnated with a superabsorbent material. Waste liquid given off by the animal of the human being passes through the liquid pervious layer and into the absorbent core. This causes the absorbent core to swell, absorbing the liquid uniformly and preventing pass-through of further liquid toward the outside as well as preventing flow back of the liquid into contact with the body.

Abstract: A cover for a sanitary napkin or other absorbent product is provided which includes an outer layer of a hydrophobic material. The outer layer contains fluid passageways which are small enough so that the outer layer alone will not pass liquid therethrough. A second, liner layer is bonded to the interior surface of the outer layer and is comprised of a nonwoven web which is at least slightly wettable so as to draw liquids through the passageways of the outer layer. The liner layer contains large capillaries so that at least a majority of the liquid entering the liner layer from the fluid passageways will pass through the liner to the absorbent core of the product.

Abstract: The highly absorbent, leak-proof and breathable diaper of the invention is a 3-layer fabric incorporating a first layer of terry cloth, a second layer of polyurethane film, and a third layer of woven, or knit, fabric. Both the first and second layers, and the second and third layers, are laminated together with a urethane adhesive. The first layer then serves as a fluid absorbing portion for the diaper, while the second and third layers form a leakage-preventing portion for it.

Abstract: Disposable diaper for incontinent children or adults, of the type comprising an outer enclosure (1) impervious to liquids, an absorbent pad (11) fastened inside the impervious enclosure, set back in relation to the outer edges of the impervious enclosure, so as to leave a lateral border (12) remaining on each side of the pad, an internal permeable sheet (17) overlapping the inner face of the impervious enclosure and the absorbent pad, at least one lateral elastic member (8) fastened by adhesive bonding in the stretched state in a median transverse region of each lateral border of the impervious enclosure and two bands (16) of flexible sheet which are fastened to the impervious enclosure so that each band encloses a lateral elastic member (8) in an insulating sheath extending over the whole length of the impervious enclosure, characterized in that the lateral regions of the internal permeable sheet are covered over with a coating (19) of a sealing material which is liquid at high temperature and which, after c

Abstract: Disposable diapers provided with breathable leg cuffs. Disposable diapers comprise a topsheet, an absorbent element, and a backsheet. The leg cut of a disposable diaper is that part of the diaper which fits about the wearer's leg. Extensions of the backsheet can be used to form cuffs which are frequently elasticized. In the present invention the cuffs are formed of a material which allows passage of vapor ("breathes") while tending to retard the passage of liquid. Apertured thermoplastic films are examples of such materials. Certain advantages accrue in cuffs which are permeable to vapor in their distal portions and impermeable in the portions adjacent the absorbent element. If the disposable diaper has a breathable backsheet, the cuffs are constructed to be more permeable to vapor per unit area in their breathable portions than is the backsheet.