Abstract: The present invention relates to a multicomponent fibrous nonwoven structure and the process and apparatus for producing the same. More specifically, the present invention relates to a process for forming nonwoven materials using a forming chamber in conjunction with multiple fiber sources and a forming surface to create multicomponent nonwoven materials with varying features. The materials so produced are suitable for use in a wide variety of applications including personal care products such as diapers, feminine pads and adult incontinence products.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for bonding blends of cellulosic fluff pulp and fusible synthetic pulp or fiber having a melting point less than 250.degree. C., by high-speed dielectric heating. The process works in the absence of any dielectric sensitizing material, but requires the resulting blend have a density between 0.005 and 0.50 g/cc so that the blend can be bonded in less than 15 seconds. The process is useful for producing disposable baby diapers, adult incontinence products and feminine pads.

Abstract: A diaper primarily for use by a baby or toddler, and also usable by a person as required, is provided. The diaper has a hour glass, bikini bottom shape with front, and center and back portions. The diaper has a multi-layer construction including a first exterior bottom layer and a second middle layer and a third interior top layer. The interior and exterior layers are each about 1 mil in thickness and the middle layer is about several mils in thickness. The interior layer is a thin, moisture permeable biodegradable material. The middle layer is a thin, high moisture absorbing breathable, biodegradable material. The exterior layer is a thin, low density breathable, hydrophobic layer. Thus, this diaper is easily flushable down a toilet. Also, the diaper has separation means which can include a tear string for tearing the exterior layer for separating the diaper into two parts for flushing separate pieces thereof together in a single flush.

Abstract: A multi-layer, reusable, washable diaper for infants having a substantially 100% cotton facing sheet for contacting the skin of the infant, at least one sheet of absorbing fibrous batt material for drawing and retaining moisture away from the skin of the infant, a flexible liquid impermeable material backing sheet, and a decorative outer cover. The sheets are stitched together using a quilting pattern to generally immobilize the fibers of the batt material sheets to maintain their position and thickness after repeated washing and drying cycles. The diaper is fastened in place on the infant by non-metallic fastening devices which fasten together on the backside of the diaper and out of sight and easy reach of the infant.

Abstract: A washable and contoured nursing pad which can be machine washed and dried, and therefore resuable and economical. The nursing pad is molded into a contoured shape for a body-hugging fit inside the wearer's bra. The nursing pad consists of multiple layers of different types of fabrics for different functions, including a decorative and slip resistant lace outer layer, a waterproof second layer, a fluid absorbent third layer, and a soft comfortable inner layer.

Abstract: A diaper panty is made of a rectangular basic body of cotton and rectangular liner sewn to an upper edge zone thereof. Consequently, the liner can be lifted off from the basic body to the seam to make it possible to place a loose, absorbent insert between the liner and the basic body.

Abstract: A water absorbent fibrous product comprising a fibrous cellulosic material impregnated with a water absorbent acrylic polymer and a fibrous material, which is produced by a method in which an aqueous solution of a monomeric component comprising acrylic acid and a radical initiator is diffused in a fibrous cellulosic material and heated, followed by blending with a fibrous material. The fibrous product exhibits a high water absorbency, and finds applications as high-quality disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, surgical pads, surgical sheets, paper towels or the like.

Abstract: Nonwoven fabrics characterized by a superior balance of strength and softness are formed utilizing an aqueous emulsion prepared by the emulsion polymerization of a vinyl ester of an alkanoic acid interpolymerized with: 10 to 30% by weight ethylene; 15 to 40% by weight of C.sub.4 -C.sub.10 dialkyl maleate; and 1 to 5% by weight of copolymerizable N-methylol containing monomer.

Abstract: A loosely constructed knit or woven fabric is dimensionally stabilized by causing staple length textile fibers to be entangled about the intersections of the yarns comprising the fabric. The stabilized fabric is formed by covering one or both sides of the loosely constructed base fabric with a light web of the staple length fibers, and subjecting the composite material to hydraulic entanglement while supported on a porous forming belt configured to direct and concentrate the staple length fibers at the intersections of the yarns comprising the base fabric.

Abstract: A surgical sponge comprises a bulbous jacket of at least two superimposed inside and outside lying separate cuts of about the same length, of which the outside cut consists of a gauze material, the superimposed cuts having their edge portions gathered together to form a constricted inturned tubular neck, a rubber ring disposed interiorly of the jacket and contracted onto the inturned neck.The inside lying cut includes of a soft flat fleece of high absorbency, whereby the sponge can be mechanically produced, and is completely homogeneous, soft and nestling and especially the rubber ring is upholstered at its outer side by the soft fleece material. The sponge is free of loose threads and lint and resistant even in moist condition.