Abstract: An improved absorbent catamenial tampon is disclosed comprising an overwrap with both a masking region and a wicking region. The compressed absorbent member of the tampon has an inner region, an exterior surface, and an insertion end opposed to a withdrawal end. The overwrap comprises a masking region and a wicking region. The wicking region of the overwrap covers at least a portion of the exterior surface of the compressed absorbent member proximal to the withdrawal end of the compressed absorbent member. The masking region surrounds at least a portion of the exterior surface of the compressed absorbent member proximal to the insertion end of the compressed absorbent member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thermoplastic hydrophilic polymeric compositions for making a liquid impermeable moisture vapour permeable structure, for example by forming the composition into a layer or film. The thermoplastic compositions comprise preferred thermoplastic polymers and suitable compatible plasticisers having a preferred resistance to extraction by water or aqueous fluids. The layers made from the thermoplastic hydrophilic polymeric compositions of the present invention can find a variety of applications wherein liquid imperviousness and moisture vapour permeability are desirable.

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 superabsorbent gel particles also are disclosed.

Abstract: Body-activated adhesives having adhesive properties which increase with exposure to temperature and humidity approximating the temperature and humidity proximate to the human body, particularly the temperature and humidity of the human crotch. The adhesive compositions are useful as adhesive coatings or layers in various personal care products, such as pantiliners. Pantiliners containing the adhesive compositions can be manufactured without a peel strip.

Abstract: An absorbent material is disclosed, containing at least about 30 weight percent of a superabsorbent polymer, a thermoplastic polymer binder resin, and about 0.1 to about 10 weight percent water. The absorbent material absorbs deionized water to at least about 70 percent of maximum capacity within about 20 minutes after exposure to the deionized water. The method of making the absorbent material includes combining binder resin and absorbent polymer in a twin screw extrusion mechanism, compounding and driving the composition toward exit openings, extruding the composition through the exit openings, and preferably rapidly cooling the extrudate with non-liquid quenching means. The quenched or non-quenched extrudate may be made in the form of a pellet, film, or fibrous strand.

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: Provided is an absorbent article including a back sheet, an absorbent layer, and a top sheet covering at least the absorbent layer. The top sheet includes a fiber layer, and a resin layer which is applied to the surface of the fiber layer in a plurality of band-shaped rows. At least one of the rows is a discontinuous row composed of discontinuous band-shaped portions arranged at a spacing in the axial direction of the row. The area not having the resin layer between adjacent discontinuous band-shaped portions in the axial direction of the row is located at least in the region covering the absorbent layer. Accordingly, the top sheet is liquid-permeable between the adjacent rows and in the area not having the resin layer between adjacent discontinuous band-shaped portions in the axial direction of the row.

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

Abstract: 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: There is provided a personal care product that has a liquid impermeable backsheet, a liquid permeable topsheet, and an absorbent composite located between the topsheet and backsheet. The absorbent composite has an upper layer made of synthetic fiber with at most 20 weight percent pulp and the upper layer has a density between about 0.03 and 0.15 g/cc and a basis weight between about 20 to 75 gsm. The composite has a lower layer having from 80 to 95 weight percent pulp, at most 20 weight percent binder, and has a density greater than the upper layer and between 0.06 and 0.20 g/cc, and a basis weight between 120 and 200 gsm.

Abstract: An absorbent composite material composed of a fibrous absorbent material and a binding agent, the binding agent binding at least a portion of the fibers of the fibrous absorbent material. The fibrous absorbent material is preferably selected from the group consisting of fluff pulp, synthetic fibers, natural fibers, and combinations thereof. The material suitable for use as an absorbent in personal care absorbent articles such as diapers, training pants, and adult incontinence garments.

Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide a particulate water-absorbing composition, a production process therefor, and an absorbent article comprising this particulate water-absorbing composition, wherein the particulate water-absorbing composition causes little coloring of other materials and further is of high safety, and can provide excellent deodorizability and excellent absorption properties to absorbent articles such as diapers in the case where combined into the absorbent articles.

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

Abstract: An absorbent article is capable of satisfactorily achieving deodorant effect or alternation restricting effect for body waste deposited on a surface sheet even in a thin absorbent sheet which can retain the body waste on the surface sheet. The absorbent article has a liquid absorbent surface sheet formed from at least one of natural fibers, regenerated fibers, mixture of natural fibers and regenerated fibers, composite fibers consisted of synthetic fiber and one of the natural fibers and the regenerated fibers, the surface sheet containing at least one of tea leaves and extract of tea leaves; and a hydrophobic back surface sheet.

Abstract: A urinary incontinence device for alleviating female urinary incontinence is disclosed. The urinary incontinence device includes a resilient member and a non-absorbent positioned adjacent to the resilient member. The non-absorbent is constructed from a fibrous material wherein the fibers do not absorb significant quantities of moisture within the fibers. The resilient member and the non-absorbent are rolled into an elongated softwind with the resilient member located adjacent to an end thereof. The softwind has a larger diameter at one end. The softwind is then radially compressed into an elongated pledget having an insertion end, a trailing end and a uniform cross-sectional area therebetween. The resilient member is capable of expanding the insertion end of the pledget to provide a supportive backdrop for a woman's urethra when inserted into a woman's vagina.

Abstract: There is provided a disposable personal article with a polymer having a glass transition temperature ranging between 25 and 45° C. The polymer is tacky over the temperature range, which is approximately that of the body, and results in better sealing of the personal care product to the wearer and so a decrease in the amount of bodily exudates that escape to soil the clothing of a wearer. The preferred polymer has a main chain, lateral perfluoroalkyl groups and lateral alkyl groups.

Abstract: A composite media comprising a backing sheet, a covering sheet, and a layer disposed between said backing sheet and said covering sheet, said layer having particles of active ingredient, binder particles, and stabilizing particles, wherein the active particles are coalesced by the binder particles, wherein each of the stabilizing particles bonds with both the backing sheet and the covering sheet, and wherein the stabilizing particles are larger than the binder particles.

Abstract: Polyolefin woven and nonwoven fibers, filaments and fabrics made therefrom which comprise a melt blend which comprises

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a thin incontinence pad or pantyliner, is disclosed which has a multilayered absorbent core for providing protection against involuntary urine loss. The absorbent article includes a liquid permeable bodyside liner, a liquid-impermeable baffle, and first and second absorbents positioned between the liner and the baffle. The first absorbent is a stabilized material containing a superabsorbent and has a predetermined basis weight. The second absorbent is positioned below the first absorbent and contains a different superabsorbent from the superabsorbent present in the first absorbent. The second absorbent has a basis weight that is equal or greater than the basis weight of the first absorbent.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a thin incontinence pad or pantyliner, is disclosed which has an absorbent core formed from multiple layers of blended material for providing protection against involuntary urine loss. A method of forming the absorbent article is also disclosed. The absorbent article includes a liquid permeable bodyside liner, a liquid-impermeable baffle, and first and second absorbents positioned between the liner and the baffle. The first absorbent is a stabilized material containing a superabsorbent and has a predetermined basis weight. The second absorbent is also a stabilized material containing a superabsorbent. The second absorbent is positioned below the first absorbent and has a basis weight that is at least equal to the basis weight of the first absorbent.

Abstract: An absorbent tampon has improved ease of insertion into and removal from a body cavity. This is accomplished by covering at least a portion of the outer surface of the tampon with an apertured polymeric formed film. The apertured formed film provides a smooth land area on the outermost surface of the tampon for gentle, nondrying passage along the vaginal walls. The apertures in the film allow fluid to pass through the cover and into the absorbent core, where the fluid is held to prevent leakage.

Abstract: A highly breathable, stretch-thinned film having enhanced breathability includes a matrix polymer, a particulate filler, and an incompatible polymer that is thermodynamically incompatible with the matrix polymer. The incompatible polymer can be added to the film in the form of laminate waste material.

Abstract: An apertured film cover for an absorbent article is disclosed. The cover has an additive combination comprising a hydrophilic agent and a lyophilic agent applied thereto. The additive combination provides surprisingly improved fluid transfer across the cover. It can also provide a benefit by reducing frictional forces during the manufacture of a tampon.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a pigmented cover; a pigmented apertured transfer layer; an absorbent core; and a pigmented backsheet that provides masking of synthetic menstrual fluid and discretion.

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

Abstract: An absorbent structure and method utilizes pockets or pouches of inorganic or organic granular materials in absorbent structures (such as a structure containing superabsorbents, including polymeric hydrogel forming materials) and fibrous webs, to form a composite heterostructure. The composite absorbent heterostructures are useful, for example, in applications such as diapers, incontinence articles, hygienic supplies and other applications which require good fluid absorbency and retainment properties. The granular material can be made of light plastic materials such as polystyrene or materials such as sand or seeds, and the grains can be hollow, with possible access to their interior volumes.

Abstract: A detachable sack (36) for holding absorbent items which appearing as a decorative portion of a baby's pamper when attached to the back one side. The plastic detachable sack is flexible and easy to crease (32) and is firmly held close to the pamper (8) with a clear thin plastic sheet (20) holding on each angle and side. The detachable sack includes a plastic drawstring (16) of which is positioned throughout the top hem (25) of the sack which is adapted for the sanitary retrieval and disposal of absorbent materials.

Abstract: A soft, high density, absorbent material is provided with improved characteristics. A process is provided for making the absorbent material. A web is formed from material that includes a mixture of cellulosic fibers and synthetic polymer fibers. Then, the web is preferably compacted and embossed at an elevated temperature to further increase the web density and preferably to also create liquid-stable bonds between the synthetic polymer fibers and the cellulosic fibers in spaced-apart regions of the web.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel process of making N-isopropyl acrylamide (NiPAm) polymers based upon the reaction of poly(acrylic acid) and N-isopropylamine. The disclosed method of the present invention uses polyacrylic acid as a starting material to synthesize NiPAm polymers. In one embodiment, the present invention discloses a condensation reaction of an intermediate salt to form homopolymers, copolymers and terpolymers of N-isopropyl acrylamide (NiPAm) with acrylic acid and/or alkyl acrylates in a molten state, which is adaptable to a continuous reactive extrusion process. Binder compositions, water-dispersible products and thermoformable articles containing the NiPAm polymers are also disclosed.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides a bonded cellulosic fibrous product having low creep. The product includes crosslinked cellulosic fibers and a bonding agent. Methods for forming the bonded cellulosic fibrous product and personal care absorbent products that include the bonded product are also provided.

Abstract: An absorbent article such as a panty liner for disposal of body fluids discharged thereon includes a body facing side, an undergarment facing side and an absorbent core disposed therebetween, the undergarment facing side including a thermoplastic synthetic fiber layer placed against a bottom surface of the core and having a density lower than that of the core, a synthetic resin layer having a density higher than that of the fiber layer and a first thermoplastic synthetic fiber having a density lower than that of the resin layer, and the synthetic fiber layer being coated with adhesive agent to an undergarment.

Abstract: There is provided a new multi-layered fibrous material for use in personal care products. In this material, a layer having a mixture of pulp, superabsorbent and binder is adjacent a layer having a very high superabsorbent concentration. The structure is then compacted to a density of between about 0.1 to 0.3 g/cc. These layered structures have better intake properties than traditionally made competitive materials. These structures surprisingly also have better distribution properties than competitive materials. Such a fibrous material is useful in personal care products, like diapers, training pants, incontinence garments and feminine hygiene products.

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

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

Abstract: An improved internal wetting agent is provided for blending with polymeric material, with the formation of apertured films and/or polymeric fibrous webs contemplated. Films and/or nonwoven fabrics of this nature are suited for use in disposable absorbent articles, particularly for the so-called topsheet or facing layer, which contacts the wearer during use. Because polymeric materials from which these types of facing layers are made are typically hydrophobic, the provision of an internal wetting agent facilitates the passage of liquid through the facing layer into an associated absorbent structure.

Abstract: A disposable male personal hygiene product for preventing the soiling of outer clothing and undergarments and skin irritation due to urinary flow irregularities. The product consists of a urine bib having an absorbent outer layer and a moisture resistant inner layer. The urine bib is attached to the male penis during urination by placing the male penis through an opening in the bib such that an absorbent size faces outward and a moisture resistant inner layer is closely coupled to the clothing. The urine bib can be sized as a function of the height and girth of the user. The urine bib may also be treated with a medication to prevent the spread of infectious disease after use and disposal.

Abstract: The present invention provides multicomponent fibers arranged in structured domains. At least one of the polymer components is formed of a multipolymer blend. The present invention also provides nonwoven fabrics formed of the multicomponent fibers, the fabrics having a superior combination of extensibility, tensile properties and abrasion resistance. A second layer can be laminated to this coherent extensible nonwoven web.

Abstract: Hydrogel-forming polymers which have: (i) a Saline Flow Conductivity of at least 40×10−7 cm3s/g; (ii) an AUL 0.7 psi (4826.5 Pa) of at least 20 g/g; and (iii) a Frangibility Index of at least 60%, are useful in hygienic articles such as incontinence briefs for adults and diapers for infants.

Abstract: An absorbent swimwear garment having a fluid draining mechanism included in the layers of the garment. The swimwear garment includes a body side liner, an outer cover, and an absorbent assembly between the body side liner and the outer cover. Between the absorbent assembly and the outer cover is a layer of water-dispersible material, such as a film or a nonwoven web, coated on a surface facing the absorbent assembly with a barrier coating. During initial product use, the absorbent swimwear garment is able to contain urine and bowel movements, similar to ordinary diapers and training pants. When the swimwear garment is submersed in swim water, such as pool or lake water, the water-dispersible material becomes soluble and allows swim water, but not bowel movements, to drain out through the outer cover of the garment.

Abstract: There is provided a pantiliner which has a periphery and at least one fold line. The fold line allows the pantiliner to be adjusted in size by folding the pantiliner along the fold line(s). The product is thus convertible and may be used with conventional “hourglass” shaped panties or folded along the fold lines to fit thong panties.

Abstract: A discrete superabsorbent layer is adhered to the lower surface of a fibrous absorbent structure using a water-based polymeric binder is disclosed. The advantages are that a superabsorbent roll good can be prepared for later conversion into disposable absorbent products. The use of the water-based polymeric binder prevents particles of superabsorbent from becoming dislodged from the structure during handling and processing.

Abstract: Improved diaper cores containing particles of multicomponent superabsorbent particles and having improved acquisition rates are disclosed.

Abstract: Superabsorbent-containing composites containing at least one particle of a superabsorbent material covered with at least a first layer of at least one particle of at least one coating material. The superabsorbent materials are desirably stiff-gelling superabsorbent materials. The superabsorbent-containing composites of the present invention are particularly suitable for use in sanitary napkins, diapers and other disposable absorbent articles that handle complex fluids.

Abstract: A multi-purpose sheet material comprising an absorbent layer and a cut-resistant material in contact with the absorbent layer. The cut-resistant material can comprise a cut-resistant support system, such as cut-resistant support element formed in the absorbent layer for example. The cut-resistant material may alternatively comprise cut-resistant particles, such as polymer particles having an average size of at least about 100 micrometers for example. Preferably, the sheet material exhibits an absorbent efficiency of at least about 0.2 and a slice resistance of at least about 30 kgf/cm, and more preferably an absorbent efficiency of at least about 1.0 and a slice resistance of at least about 40 kgf/cm. It is also preferred that sheet material exhibit a cut-resistance of at least about 30 kgf/cm, an absorbent efficiency of at least about 0.2, and a wet abrasion loss of less than about 400 mg per 100 revolutions.

Abstract: An absorbent and cut-resistant sheet having a cut-resistant material with a plurality of openings, and an absorbent material attached to the cut-resistant material. Preferably, the apertured cut-resistant material is in the form of sheet having a thickness of between about 0.005 inches and about 0.020 inches, and has an open area of less than about 50 percent. It is also preferred that the cut-resistant sheet have fold lines formed on a non-cutting surface, so as to make the material easily foldable and/or tearable. In addition, a stainable absorbent cover layer can be attached to a cutting surface of the cut-resistant sheet to provide an indication of where cutting has occurred, and to give the material a desirable appearance. A liquid impervious backing layer is also preferably attached to the absorbent material to resist the escape of fluid from the absorbent material. It is preferred that the cut-resistant sheet comprises a polymeric material.

Abstract: Provided is a liquid absorbent including a liquid-absorbing layer of synthetic fibers by hydrophilic treatment and/or hydrophilic fibers; and a synthetic resin film bonded to a surface of the liquid-absorbing layer and having a large number of through-holes. The synthetic resin film is laminated on the surface of the liquid-absorbing layer through melt extrusion thereon, and the liquid-absorbing layer and the synthetic resin film are airtightly bonded to each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thermoplastic materials which are anaerobically degradable in an active sewage sludge. These materials are melt processable into fibers, films or laminates, and are suitable for use in an absorbent article, particularly flushable interlabial products, tampons and pantiliners.

Abstract: An absorbent composition comprising an uncrosslinked, high molecular weight polymer, wherein the uncrosslinked, high molecular weight polymer is treated by a means to effectively insolubilize the uncrosslinked, relatively high molecular weight polymer such that the absorbent composition exhibits desirable absorbent properties. In particular, the absorbent composition has the ability to absorb a large quantity of liquid. The absorbent composition is useful in disposable absorbent products, such as those disposable absorbent products that are used to absorb bodily liquids. Suitable polymers include polyethylene oxide, poly(acrylic acid), poly(vinyl alcohol), and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) wherein the polymer has a weight average molecular weight that is greater than about 1,000,000.

Abstract: Absorbent articles having reduced outer cover dampness are provided and include a hydrophobic barrier layer positioned between an absorbent core and a breathable liquid impervious outer cover. The hydrophobic barrier layer, such as one or more layers of nonwoven webs, has a thickness of at least 0.03 cm and a hydrohead value of at least 18 millibars. The hydrophobic barrier layer does not significantly reduce the water-vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of the absorbent article when the absorbent core is dry yet significantly reduces the overall WVTR of the absorbent article once the absorbent core is wet. Thus, an absorbent article is provided having a WVTR that exceeds about 1500 grams/square meter 24 hours when dry and yet is less than 15,000 grams/square meter 24 hours when wet.