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: 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: Disclosed are absorbent structures for use in disposable absorbent products for absorbing bodily fluids, wherein the absorbent structure includes a fluid storage layer including matrix fibers and a superabsorbent polymer for receiving fluids and a distribution strip positioned below said fluid storage layer. The distribution strip includes cellulosic fibers and has a basis weight of between 45 grams per square meter and 140 grams per square meter and a density of between 0.20 grams per cubic centimeter and 0.

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: Multilayered absorbent cores are provided that include synthetic fiber to improve the liquid transport properties of the resulting absorbent articles. The synthetic fiber, which may be found in either the innermost and/or intermediate layers of the absorbent core, particularly improve the rewet performance of the absorbent article. The absorbent cores may be incorporated into a number of absorbent articles, including diapers, feminine hygiene products and incontinence pads.

Abstract: An absorbent element for a disposable absorbent hygiene article for absorbing and storing body fluids, notably urine. The element includes an absorbent and distributing layer which, during use, is situated in proximity to the body and contains internally cross-linked cellulose fibers, and a storage layer which, during use, is situated away from the body and contains natural, non-cross-linked cellulose fibers and superabsorbant materials. The horizontal expansion of the absorbent and distributing layer situated close to the body is less than that of the storage layer and in all directions does not extend beyond the edges of the storage layer. The absorbent and distributing layer consists of internally cross-linked cellulose fibers having a first retention value of between 0.6 and 0.9 gfl/Fiber and between 8 and 15% by weight superabsorbant polymer materials and the storage layer consists of non-cross-linked cellulose fibers having a second retention value of between 1.0 and 1.

Abstract: An unitary stratified composite composed of a first stratum and a second stratum integrally connected by a transition zone is disclosed. The first stratum serves as a liquid acquisition stratum that rapidly acquires and then transfers liquid to the second stratum. The second stratum serves to withdraw liquid from the first stratum and further serves as a temporary storage stratum. Methods for forming the unitary stratified composite are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hygienic product includes from top to bottom a layer of EVA web, a layer of high molecular absorbent consisting of natural fiber and cotton, a layer of backing plastic sheet, and a layer of adhesive in the form of one or more strips or spots. The EVA web consists of 40% EVA plastics, 10% LDPE, 2% stearic acid, 9% PE and wax, and 39% or more calcium carbonate and is produced with an L-type calender having an embossed roller. The backing plastic sheet consists of materials having the same types and percentages as those of the EVA web. The materials for the backing plastic sheet are mixed and vacuum dried to a controlled temperature between 135° C. and 220° C. and then rotatably extruded. Both the EVA web and the backing plastic sheet are fully burnable, making the hygienic product environmentally friendly.

Abstract: A superabsorbent polysaccharide can be obtained by crosslinking a polysaccharide or derivative thereof with at least 1% by weight of a flexible spacer having a chain length of at least 9 chain atoms and having terminal activated coupling groups. The flexible spacer may comprise a polyalkyleneglycol with a molecular weight from about 400 to 10,000. The coupling groups may be provided by divinyl sulphone units.

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: Disclosed is a fibrous absorbent structure that is wet stable and has large void volume with a density below the critical density of the fiber employed. In one embodiment, the fibrous absorbent uses open-celled foam technologies to keep the fibrous structure expanded and bonded. In other embodiments, the resulting fibrous structure resembles an open-celled polymeric foam, with fibers serving as struts stabilized by binder material. In another embodiment, the resulting fibrous structure is filled with hydrophilic open-celled foams with the cell size substantially smaller than the fibrous pores. Such a wet-stable, high void volume fibrous absorbent can be used in a disposable product intended for the absorption of fluid such as body fluid, including extensible absorbent articles.

Abstract: An absorbent composite having a reticulated core and a fibrous stratum is disclosed. The core and stratum are integrally formed, and the stratum is coextensive with a surface of the core. In one embodiment, the composite includes strata on opposing surfaces of the core. The core includes a fibrous matrix and absorbent material. The fibrous matrix defines voids and passages between the voids, which are distributed throughout the composite. Absorbent material is located within some of the voids. On wetting, absorbent material located in these voids is expandable into the void. Methods for forming the composite and absorbent articles that include the composite are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent body including: an absorbent core including cellulose fibers; and hydrophilic paper covering a body surface and a garment surface of the absorbent core. The absorbent body is embossed in a predetermined dot pattern to have a plurality of recesses in which the absorbent core and the paper are compressed and integrated together.

Abstract: An absorbent device having an absorbent structure substantially free of modified cellulosic fibers having carboxyalkyl substituted cellulosic regions and having at least one surface substantially covered by an outer layer, and an outer portion comprised of modified cellulosic fibers having modified cellulosic fibers having carboxyalkyl substituted cellulosic regions, wherein the outer portion forms a layer on the at least one surface of the absorbent portion.

Abstract: A composite absorbent member containing layers that have a controlled pore size distribution is provided. For example, in some embodiments, the composite absorbent member has an inner layer and two outer layers, in which the inner layer has a higher weight percentage of pulp fibers than the outer layers and also contains smaller pores than the outer layers. In this embodiment, the resulting composite member can have a fast intake rate, less leakage, reduced rewetting, and reduced bunching and twisting.

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: A sponge-like pad used for cleaning and other wiping and polishing applications is disclosed. The sponge-like pad is made from a plurality of textured paper webs attached together at selected locations. The paper web can be, for instance, a highly textured throughdried paper web containing high-yield fibers and a wet strength agent. In one embodiment, the stacked plies can be contained within a cover material that is liquid pervious. The sponge-like product of the present invention can be used alone or it can be incorporated into a cleaning tool, such as a mop.

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: An absorbent composite (10) having a fibrous matrix that includes absorbent material is disclosed. The fibrous matrix defines voids (14) and passages between the voids, which are distributed throughout the composite. Absorbent material (18) is located within some of the voids (14). Absorbent material located in these voids is expandable into the void. In a preferred embodiment, the composite's fibrous matrix includes resilient and matrix fibers (16). The composite optionally includes a wet strength agent.

Abstract: A wrapped absorbent structure that includes two or more absorbent materials to maximize the absorbent functionality of the structure without sacrificing integrity. The structure includes an absorbent core surrounded by an absorbent wrap. The absorbent core is primarily intended to provide absorbent capacity while the absorbent wrap is used to maintain wetness integrity, although the absorbent wrap also provides a considerable amount of absorbent capacity. The absorbent structure is particularly suitable for use in absorbent swimwear.

Abstract: A shred-resistant and cut-resistant absorbent sheet material including an absorbent substrate and cut-resistant particles discontinuously distributed through the substrate. The absorbent substrate can comprise cellulosic material and the particles comprise polymeric materials having an average size of at least about 100 nanometers, and most preferably between 100 nanometers and 1000 nanometers. In one embodiment, the particles are provided in an amount of between about 10 percent to about 50 percent by weight of the sheet. The sheet material can be made using typical paper making processes. Heat and/or pressure are applied to the sheet material to cause the particles to at least partially flow, so as to bond to the absorbent substrate. The sheets can be provided as a layered structure with a slip-resistant base for home use in the preparation of foodstuffs.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent pant diaper with a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, an inner cover layer (11), an outer cover layer (12), and an absorption body (10) enclosed between the two cover layers (11, 12), and having two end edges (6, 7) extending in the transverse direction forming a waist opening and two side edges (8, 9) extending in the longitudinal direction forming leg openings, the pant diaper also having a front portion (1) and a rear portion (2) which are connected by an intermediate crotch portion (3). The absorption body (10) is constructed so that the liquid-spreading in the pant diaper is limited to remain below an area of spread of 200 square centimetres in the plane of the absorption body (10) for a liquid quantity of 150 millilitres.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article, e.g., a diaper, and a method of making it. The article is arranged to be worn by a wearer to trap and collect fluid waste products, e.g., urine, of the wearer. The article has a flexible chassis and plural tabs for holding the diaper in place on the wearer. The chassis is made up of a top-sheet, a fluid acquisition system, and a fluid absorbent core. The top sheet is formed of a fluid pervious material, e.g., a fibrous material. The core includes fast acting fluid absorbing material, e.g., fluff, and a slow acting fluid absorbing and retaining material, e.g., SAP. The fluid acquisition system comprises a first fluid acquisition layer formed of apertured polymeric, e.g., three dimensional, film and a second fluid acquisition layer, e.g., a fibrous material, secured together and located between the top-sheet and the core, with the first fluid acquisition layer facing the top-sheet and the second fluid acquisition layer facing the core.

Abstract: The invention relates to an absorbent article having a topsheet and an absorbent core material. An acquisition distribution layer (ADL) is located between the topsheet and the absorbent core material. By employing a high void volume acquisition distribution layer the absorbent article can achieve greater strikethrough and rewet characteristics without altering the core design, or the absorbent article may achieve current design criteria with less absorbent core material or less expensive absorbent core material. A method is disclosed for designing an absorbent article to reduce the bulk of the absorbent core. Furthermore, a method is disclosed for reducing the cost of an absorbent article by using a high void volume ADL along with less expensive core materials, while maintaining the strikethrough and rewet performance of the absorbent article.

Abstract: A multi-functional absorption pad and methods for making the same are disclosed herein. The absorption pad consists of a menstrual pad which may be used to absorb bodily fluids, such as menstrual blood and urine, while simultaneously alleviating the effects of dysmenorrhea, reducing malodorous scents, and having an antibacterial effect. The absorption pad contains a ceramic substance disposed within an absorbent core which helps to absorb the bodily fluids. The ceramic or oxidic substance is formed of a mixture of fine oxide particles, which include SiO2 (45-90% weight), Al2O3 (0.5-30.1% weight), Fe2O3 (0.5-30.1% weight), Fe3O4 (0.5-30.1% weight), and TiO2 (0-10% weight). The fine oxide particles are processed in different forms including granular, pellet, and powder form.

Abstract: A polysaccharide sponge characterized by having: (i) an average pore size in the range between about 10 &mgr;m to about 300 &mgr;m; (ii) an average distance between the pores being the wall thickness of the pores in the range between about 5 &mgr;m to about 270 &mgr;m; and (iii) an E-modulus of elasticity being a measure of the rigidity of the sponge in the range of about 50 kPa to about 500 kPa.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article including a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. The topsheet contains hydrophobic fibers and hydrophilic fibers shorter than the hydrophobic fibers. The hydrophobic fibers are thermally bonded to each other. At least a part of the hydrophilic fibers form aggregates that disperse in the sheet. At least a part of the hydrophilic fibers that form the aggregates are bonded to the surfaces of the hydrophobic fibers.

Abstract: Absorbent articles, such as diapers, incontinence products, training pants, sanitary napkins, and the like, providing unexpectedly superior absorbency and methods of preparing the absorbent articles are disclosed. The absorbent articles comprise a substantially non-wicking layer disposed between a substantially impermeable backsheet and a permeable topsheet, said substantially non-wicking layer comprising foam having a density of no greater than about 0.01 g/cc and a compressional rigidity at about 10% strain of at least about 4 kPa.

Abstract: In the manufacture of viscose, and an elongate cellulose member such as standard viscose rayon fibre, with reduced alkali ratio from dissolving-grade cellulose such as wood pulp by irradiation with a high energy beam at a dose of 1-30 kGy, steeping in aqueous sodium hydroxide, pressing to form alkali cellulose, xanthating to form cellulose xanthate, dissolving in aqueous liquor to form viscose and (when elongate cellulose members are required) extruding through a die into an acid bath for coagulation and regeneration to form an elongate cellulose member which is then washed and dried, viscose filtration can be improved by including in the dissolving liquor for the cellulose xanthate an amount of from 200 to 10000 ppm by weight of a salt which consists of alkali metal or ammonium cations and anions of a strong acid.

Abstract: A tampon formed of a substantially cylindrical mass of compressed fibers substantially enclosed in a fluid-permeable cover has improved ability to prevent early leakage. This tampon has a stability of at least about 15 N, and is capable of radially expanding upon exposure to a humid environment. The radius increases by at least about 10% after 15 minutes to 90% relative humidity at 40° C.

Abstract: There is provided an expandable absorbent composite comprising pulp in an amount from about 28 to about 90 weight percent, superabsorbent material in an amount from about 8 two about 70 weight percent and a binder fiber in an amount from about 2 to about 20 weight percent, where the composite has a density of from about 0.1 g/cc to about 0.3 g/cc.

Abstract: A fibrous layer that includes a refined blend of crosslinked cellulosic fibers and noncrosslinked cellulosic fibers. In one embodiment, the layer includes about 85 percent by weight crosslinked fibers and about 15 percent by weight noncrosslinked fibers. An absorbent construct that includes the fibrous layer and a liquid storage layer. Personal care absorbent products that include the distribution layer.

Abstract: An absorbing article for skin care and antisepsis has a substrate having absorbing ability for liquid and powder, and an augmentation layer, which is a uniform thin layer composed by a chitosan, and said augmentation layer is coated on the substrate, wherein said augmentation layer is not dissolved by water, rendering no mud and wet. The augmentation layer has natural biological care to skin, and has deodorization, antibiotic and sterilization effect, thus preventing bedsore.

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: 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 pulp cellulose fiber in an amount of from 80 to 95 weight percent, at most 20 weight percent binder and 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 0.08 and 0.20 g/cc, and a basis weight between 120 and 200 gsm.

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: The present invention relates to a panty liner which includes active additives, such as lactobacilli, wherein the article comprises a liquid-permeable top sheet which lies proximal to the wearer in use, a liquid-impermeable backing sheet which lies distal from the wearer in use, possibly an intermediate absorbent layer, and possibly fastener means. The panty liner is manufactured in a manner such that the active additives, preferably lactobacillus, are given a sufficiently effective and dry environment to ensure a healthy survival rate of said additives until the product is used.

Abstract: Disclosed are absorbent structures for use in disposable absorbent products for absorbing bodily fluids, wherein the absorbent structure includes a fluid storage layer including matrix fibers and a superabsorbent polymer for receiving fluids and a distribution strip positioned below said fluid storage layer. The distribution strip includes cellulosic fibers and has a basis weight of between 45 grams per square meter and 140 grams per square meter and a density of between 0.20 grams per cubic centimeter and 0.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to webs comprising fibers and superabsorbent materials in which the webs exhibit low susceptibility to migration of superabsorbent material within the web, even where the webs contain very high concentrations of superabsorbent materials. The invention is further directed to absorbent articles comprising such webs. The invention is further directed to methods for manufacturing such webs.

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 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: The present invention relates to a fluid management article to be worn adjacent a user's perineum for collecting and/or absorbing low volumes of bodily fluids encountered both menstrually and intermenstrually. The article is particularly useful for everyday use, that is, for managing daily perspiration, vaginal discharge, post intercourse drainage, and other bodily fluids due to various conditions, such as infection.

Abstract: A thin, flexible, high capacity absorbent pad and a method of making such absorbent pads. The absorbent pad contains high levels of superabsorbent material homogeneously mixed with cellulose pulp fluff. The absorbent pad is subjected to high density compaction to achieve the thinness and high absorbent capacity of the invention. The absorbent pad can be used in absorbent articles, such as diapers, training pants, feminine hygiene products, incontinence products, and swim wear.

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: A fibrous layer that includes a refined blend of crosslinked cellulosic fibers and noncrosslinked cellulosic fibers. In one embodiment, the layer includes about 85 percent by weight crosslinked fibers and about 15 percent by weight noncrosslinked fibers. An absorbent construct that includes the fibrous layer and a liquid storage layer. Personal care absorbent products that include the distribution layer.

Abstract: A paper web of the present invention has a longitudinal centerline and a transverse centerline, and comprises a plurality of first regions and a plurality of second regions. The first regions form boundaries separating the second regions, the first regions being substantially in a plane of the paper web. The second regions comprise a plurality of raised out-of-said-plane rib-like elements, the rib-like elements of each second region being disposed parallel to a major rib axis and perpendicular to a minor rib axis. All or most of each first regions have both major rib axis and minor rib axis components. The first and second regions undergo geometric deformation when the web material is subjected to an applied elongation along at least one axis.

Abstract: An absorbent structure having an absorbent element with an upper surface and a lower surface defining between therebetween a thickness. The absorbent element has an integral structure and includes a first high absorbency zone separated from a second high absorbency zone by a portion of the thickness of the absorbent element. The high absorbency zones have absorbent fibers and superabsorbent polymer particles. The portion of the absorbent element thickness separating the first and second high absorbency zones is substantially free of superabsorbent polymer particles.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article, e.g., a diaper, arranged to be worn by a wearer to trap and collect fluid waste products, e.g., urine, of the wearer. The article has a flexible chassis and plural tabs for holding the diaper in place on the wearer. The chassis is made up of a top-sheet, a fluid acquisition system, and a fluid absorbent core. The top sheet is formed of a fluid pervious material, e.g., a fibrous material. The core includes fast acting fluid absorbing material, e.g., fluff, and a slow acting fluid absorbing and retaining material, e.g., SAP. The fluid acquisition system comprises a first fluid acquisition layer formed of apertured polymeric, e.g., three dimensional, film and a second fluid acquisition layer, e.g., a fibrous material, secured together and located between the top-sheet and the core, with the first fluid acquisition layer facing the top-sheet and the second fluid acquisition layer facing the core.

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 provides a pre-expanded tampon pledget formed from cellulosic absorbent fibers. The fibers are not tightly compressed, thus, the pledget has a reduced fiber density. As a result, a softer, more pliable pledget is formed that not only increases user comfort during use, but also affords a user with comparable and/or increased leakage protection over conventional tampons or tampon pledgets.