Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a pantiliner, is provided having excellent resistance to bunching. The absorbent article exhibits a Bunching Resistance in the range of about 205 g to 450 g and may be formed with an absorbent core comprising at least two absorbent layers having different Gurley Stiffnesses.

Abstract: A wearing article absorption of body fluids has an inner sheet, an outer sheet and a body fluid absorbent first panel underlying the inner sheet. The inner sheet and the first panel are formed in central regions thereof with a void to be filled with a hydrophobic second panel which is elastically compressible and liquid-pervious. A plurality of narrow strips, each comprising water-absorbent fibers compressed to a high density, and a hydrophobic and liquid-pervious spacer member underlying the narrow strips are interposed between the second panel and the outer sheet.

Abstract: Fibrous material layer intended to be incorporated in an absorbent article. The layer (5) comprises at least two webs of tow fibers arranged on top of each other, which are bonded to each other into a laminate by means of a bonding pattern, and where one is corrugated and the other web is substantially smooth, wherein the corrugated web exhibits a more open structure in comparison to the smooth web. A method of manufacturing the layer (5) in question, in which method at least two separate webs (15a, b) of opened and into a layer spread-out tow are fed into a bonding station (20), which webs exhibit different web tensions and/or web speeds, and that the webs (15a, b) with maintained relative difference in web tension and/or web speed are bonded together in said bonding pattern (10) into a laminate.

Abstract: An absorbent structure in an absorbent article such as a diaper, incontinence guard, sanitary napkin, wound dressing, bed protection and the like, formed from at least two superposed layers (5?; 5?) of one or more web-shaped absorption materials (5), said layers (5?; 5?) having different widths as seen in the transverse direction of the article. The absorbent structure (4) made of said layers has been compressed to a thickness which is substantially the same over the width of the structure, in such a way that the structure has a higher density in the areas thereof where the layers overlap each other and a lower density in other areas.

Abstract: A substantially flat disposable absorbent article for wearing adjacent a body discharge area having a longitudinal centerline, and a lateral centerline orthogonal thereto, and defining longitudinal and lateral directions respectively. The disposable absorbent article includes a liquid pervious top sheet, a back sheet joined to the top sheet, and an absorbent core intermediate the back sheet and the top sheet. The absorbent core includes a layer of compressed, cellulose based, linear fibers for expanding the article into a tridimensional structure while being worn by a user. The layer of compressed, cellulose based, linear fibers is activated by body fluids.

Abstract: Digital tampons are disclosed which are capable of radially expanding into a non circular cross-sectional shape upon exposure to a wet environment, typically in use condition, so as to reduce bypass leakage. The inventions also relates to tampon blanks and a process of producing the tampons.

Abstract: A fibrous material and a method of producing it, the material is mainly intended to be incorporated in an absorbent article and comprises a layer of continuous fibers, so-called tow, which have been bonded together in points, lines or spots in a bonding pattern, but otherwise are substantially unbonded to each other. The tow layer is bonded with at least two bonding patterns: a first relatively strong and diffuse bonding pattern, and a second more distinct second bonding pattern. Bonding of at least the first bonding pattern takes place by thermobonding, wherein a pattern roll is used which provide the desired bonding patterns. In the first welding step the pattern roll is driven at a higher speed than the feeding speed of the tow layer, so as to create a relatively diffuse and strong bonding pattern.

Abstract: A tampon showing improved leakage protection through improved expansion characteristics is disclosed. The tampons disclosed demonstrate these improved expansion characteristics particularly in the width dimension without introducing new drawbacks. Preferred tampons are described which are compressed to an initial size comparable to current tampons, but which expand to a width exceeding that achieved by current tampons. Such increased expansion is preferably accomplished without an increase in the total absorbency of the tampon. Tampons of various absorbencies are disclosed having increased total expansion in the width direction compared to current tampons. Additionally, tampons of various absorbencies which expand to a greater degree in the width direction under pressure are also disclosed. Tampons of various absorbencies which expand at a rate exceeding that achieved previously are also disclosed.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article includes a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core disposed therebetween. One or more of the backsheet, topsheet, and absorbent core is constructed of an absorbent composite that includes an absorbent layer of hydratable fine fibers in the form of microfibril obtained from cellulose or a derivative thereof and super absorbent polymer (SAP) particles bonded together by the hydratable fibers, and a nonwoven substrate supporting the absorbent layer such as SMS. The absorbent layer is coated over the surface of the nonwoven substrate. The core may include one uniform layer of the absorbent composite or a composite having one layer of the nonwoven substrate and a plurality of segmented absorbent layers applied thereon. In the latter design, the absorbent layers are spaced apart from one another to expose surface sections of the substrate. These non-coated surface sections provide wicking zones which allow room for the absorbent layers to expand and prevent gel blocking.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles for retaining body fluids such as urine, menses, or fecal material. In particular, the absorbent article of the present invention comprises a liquid handling member that collapses at a pressure between 2756 Pascal (0.4 psi) and 3447 (0.5 psi) in order to reduce the likelihood of causing skin marking.

Abstract: 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: A pant-like absorbent garment having a combined leg elastic and leak guard flap feature. A chassis of the absorbent garment includes an outer cover and a body side liner with at least one elastomeric member folded within the body side liner around each of two leg openings defined by the chassis to form a finished edge around each leg opening. The folded edge of the body side liner is then folded again to create a fully functional flap with the appearance of a leg elastic in the crotch area. The resulting absorbent garment has a three-dimensional leg elastic assembly that creates a bucket for containing body fluids, and furthermore, creates a tailored, soft, comfortable leg and side seal.

Abstract: A formulation effective in reducing the pH in a menstruating vagina or in a tampon inserted therein to below pH 5.5, comprising (a) 3-80% by weight of a solid organic acid polymer; (b) 92-15% by weight of a solid organic acid, and (c) 5-30% of a wetting agent. Also disclosed is a delivery system for releasing an active agent comprising: (a) a deposition comprising the active agent; and (b) a polymeric support on which the deposition is deposited. The delivery system is especially useful in a catamenial tampon for insertion in a human vagina which comprises (a) an inner core comprising an absorbent material; (b) an outer layer comprising a liquid permeable material; and (c) the delivery system.

Abstract: Absorbent article including an absorbent core having multiple absorbent layers. The absorbent layers interact in a manner which desirably locates absorbed liquid in an appointed, high saturation wicking layer.

Abstract: An absorbent article is disclosed having excellent body fit, center-fill fluid handling performance, and good leakage control in that flow from the center of the article to the longitudinal sides thereof is hindered by a wicking barrier. The article comprises a lower absorbent member, an horizontal wicking barrier over the lower absorbent member, and a central absorbent section forming a medial hump over the horizontal wicking barrier. An optional central rising member can further enhance the topography of the article when compressed by urging a central portion to deflect vertically upward. In one embodiment, longitudinal upward projections on the horizontal wicking barrier also help control the deformation of the article for good body fit.

Abstract: A skin sanitary product is constructed to include an absorptive body formed of an inner water-permeable diffusion layer, an outer waterproof layer, and an intermediate absorptive layer of SAP (super absorbent polymer) mounted in between the inner water-permeable diffusion layer and the outer waterproof layer, the absorptive body having two opposite lateral sides respectively pressed together, forming a respective pommel-like stop flange, and an endless elastic band fastened to two distal ends of the absorptive body and adapted for securing the absorptive body to the body of a person.

Abstract: An in-vitro method is provided for determining an optimal combination of materials with respect to a particular menstrual flow condition for use in a feminine care absorbent article. The method involves using a simulated menstrual fluid at a controlled subject flow rate that corresponds to an actual menstrual flow condition, and observing the performance of different material combinations in the in-vitro test as an indication of their respective performance in actual use.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sanitary napkin having a longitudinal rear portion. The sanitary napkin includes: a main absorbent region having a main absorbent core between a back sheet and a surface sheet; side regions on both sides of the main absorbent region; and boundary regions having leakage-preventing side walls and positioned between the main absorbent region and the side regions. In the rear portion, the main absorbent region has a stiff portion, and the side regions are protruded laterally to form rear flaps each having an auxiliary absorbent core between the back sheet and another sheet. In the rear portion, a portion of the main absorbent region having the stiff portion therein, the boundary region and the rear flap have different longitudinal stiffnesses according to the following relationship: the portion having the stiff portion therein>the boundary region>the rear flap.

Abstract: The present invention is a liquid transport member with significantly improved liquid handling capability, which has at least one bulk or inner region with a high average permeability, completely circumscribed by a wall region. The wall region further comprises at least one port region with a lower permeability than the inner region, and with a ratio of its permeability to its thickness of at least 10−7 m.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, a panty liner, or a protector from female incontinence, is intended for wear in the crotch region of the wearer inside her underclothes. The article is generally elongate in shape and has two long sides, two short sides, two end-portions, a center portion disposed between the end-portions, a liquid-permeable casing sheet intended to lie proximal to the wearer's body in use, a liquid-impermeable casing sheet intended to lie distal from the wearer's body in use, and between the layers in a direction from the liquid-permeable casing sheet and towards the liquid-impermeable casing sheet a drainage layer, an absorption layer, and a hump-forming element which together with the drainage layer and the absorption layer forms a hump which projects out from the plane of the napkin on that side of the napkin which is intended to lie proximal to the wearer in use.

Abstract: The present invention is a disposable absorbent article having a backsheet, and a fecal management member joined to the backsheet. The fecal management member includes a backing and a sheet of fibers. The sheet of fibers have anchor portions in the backing at spaced bonding locations and have arcuate portions of the sheet projecting from the backing between bonding locations. The arcuate portions include a surface coating agent.

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: The present invention relates to menstrual absorbent articles, such as female sanitary napkins which are designed to be worn in and attached to a thong slips or G-string undergarment. In general absorbent articles for wearing with and attached to an undergarment should be designed to follow the shape of the undergarment where they are attached. For a thong slip this results in a sanitary napkin or panty liner having a wider front end and a narrower rear end. This design can also he described as triangular shape or trapezoidal shape. According to the present invention such thong shaped menstrual absorbent articles are provided in a construction in which the kind and amount of material, in particular for the absorbent core, and construction of the article, is selected such that the flexure resistance of the article remains below a critical value.

Abstract: A compression recovery sheet which comprises a fiber aggregate containing 10 to 90% by weight of an elastomeric component and has a basis weight of 15 to 100 g/m2, a no-load thickness of 1 to 10 mm, and a compressive recovery of 60% or more and an absorbent article containing the same are disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed an absorbent article including an absorbent layer and a liquid-permeable surface sheet placed on a liquid-receiving side of the absorbent layer for introducing excreted liquid from the human body to the absorbent layer. The surface sheet is of a corrugated configuration to have valleys and peaks extending in a longitudinal direction of the article and alternately arranged in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Each valley has a connecting part raised to connect between two adjacent peaks.

Abstract: A disposable diaper is locally formed with a protuberance in a transversely middle zone of the diaper between urethral meatus and anus of a diaper wearer, and the diaper thus formed is capable of preventing loose passage discharged thereon form flowing toward the front side of the wearer.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article including a liquid-permeable top layer, a backsheet, and an absorbent layer disposed between the top layer and the backsheet. Fibers constituting the absorbent layer are bonded together. The absorbent layer includes hydrophilic fibers. The top layer and the absorbent layer are embossed together to have recesses in which fibers constituting the absorbent layer are bonded to the top layer.

Abstract: A disposable body fluid absorbent article includes, a liquid-absorbent core, the core is provided in the vicinity of opposite side edges extending in parallel to each other in a longitudinal direction thereof with depressed regions tapering from an upper surface toward a lower surface of the core and extending along a pair of imaginary lines extending in the longitudinal direction so as to describe convex curves respectively facing a center line bisecting a width of the core.

Abstract: The present invention provides new patterned porous substrates and a new method for forming the new patterned porous substrates containing one or more selected patterns which is applicable to all porous structures regardless of their polymeric content, their method of manufacture or their UV absorbing characteristics.

Abstract: Absorbent article such as a diaper and an incontinence guard comprising a liquid permeable topsheet (2), a liquid impermeable backsheet (3) and an absorbent body (4) enclosed therebetween, said article having a front portion (5), a rear portion (6) and a crotch portion (7), therebetween, whereby the front and rear portion exhibits side flaps (8, 9), which are intended to attach the article to a pantlike shape around the waist of the user. The article has at least one pre-stressed elastic means (11a) and at least attached to the back sheet, that said first elastic means (11a) is brought in an essentially V-shaped pattern having the peak of the pattern located to a first point (13) being essentially located on a imagined longitudinal center line (12) in said crotch portion (7) and that the V-shaped elastic means (11a) diverge in the direction from said longitudinal center line (12) toward the front portion (5).

Abstract: Absorbent articles comprising molded airlaid webs and other molded fibrous webs are disclosed. The molded webs can offer improved body fit, comfort, and/or improved fluid handling. Molded airlaid webs, for example, can be formed having a central longitudinal hump and flexure zones longitudinally removed from the central hump to provide good contact with the body and improved fit when the article is squeezed from the sides. Molding can be achieved when a binder material is activated by an energy source and the web is held against a molding substrate. Energy sources can include microwaves, heated air, heated metal surfaces, ultraviolet radiation, ultrasonic energy, and the like.

Abstract: An absorbent article is disclosed comprising a thin, flexible wicking barrier with a horizontal portion that is folded back upon itself to create a substantially longitudinal cuff. The wicking barrier can separate a central absorbent member from an outer absorbent member for improved center fill, with the cuff open toward the central absorbent member to intercept liquid flowing toward the longitudinal sides of the article. The wicking barrier cuff desirably contains spacer means to hold the cuff open, providing void space to receive fluid. In one embodiment, lateral compression of the article during use causes the wicking barrier cuff to lift up from the surface of the article, creating a bubble of topsheet material and wicking barrier material (a “dynamic bubble cuff”) that intercepts fluid and improves body fit and leakage prevention.

Abstract: An absorbent product which possesses two longitudinal side edges (12,13), two transverse end edges (10,11), a longitudinal centre line and a transverse centre line, and which comprises a liquid-permeable outer layer (2), a liquid-impermeable backing layer (3) and an absorption core (4) which is located between the outer layer (2) and the backing layer (3), with the absorption core (4) comprising a first and a second absorption layer (14,15), with the first absorption layer (14) being arranged behind the liquid-permeable outer layer (2) and the second absorption layer (15) being arranged between the first absorption layer (14) and the liquid-impermeable backing layer (3), with the first absorption layer (14) having two longitudinal channels (16,17), with each of the channels having an outer edge (20) closest to the corresponding longitudinal side edge (12,13) of the product and an inner edge (21) closest to the longitudinal centre line of the product.

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

Abstract: 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: A liquid-impervious backsheet for body fluids disposal article having upper and lower surfaces made of thermoplastic synthetic resin, the sheet includes a plurality of independent concave zones depressed downward from the lower surface and a smooth zone extending around these concave zones, each of the concave zones being formed in its region except its peripheral edge with at least one micropore.

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: An article (1) for thickening body fluids or excreta which contains a polysaccharide (10) capable of thickening in the presence of a polyvalent metal ion, the polysaccharide (10) being present in a state ready to dissolve or be dissociated in the moisture contained in body fluids or excreta.

Abstract: The invention concerns an absorbent article, in particular a sanitary towel, having the following structure: a lower layer which faces the body when the absorbent article is in use and is impermeable to fluid; a primary accumulation layer which is disposed above the fluid-impermeable layer; a secondary accumulation layer disposed above the primary accumulation layer; a compensation layer disposed above the secondary accumulation layer; a cover layer which is disposed above the compensation layer and has a central opening; and a fluid-permeable upper layer which faces the body when the absorbent article is in use.

Abstract: Disclosed is a disposable absorbent article comprising a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent layer between the topsheet and the backsheet, wherein the backsheet is comprised of a microporous polymer film printed with multicolored graphics and a nonwoven material laminated to the film, wherein the film has a “b” value between about 0.0 and about 0.5 and exhibits less than about 4.0% thermal shrinkage at about 50° C. and about 50% relative humidity for one week.

Abstract: An improved absorbent catamenial tampon having increased leakage protection and ability to readily absorb fluid while not aggressively adhering to tissue. This is accomplished with a tampon comprising a compressed absorbent member comprising an absorbent material. The compressed absorbent member of the tampon has an inner region and an exterior surface. The fluid wicking overwrap substantially covers the exterior surface of the compressed absorbent member, substantially permeates the inner region of the compressed absorbent member and extends beyond the withdrawal end to form a skirt portion. A method of making a tampon of the present invention is also disclosed.

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: An absorbent article having a channel is disclosed. The absorbent article comprises a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet, and an absorbent core therebetween. The channel length is at least 10% of the length of the absorbent core. The channel has at least one first portion and at least one second portion being of different compression relative to one another. The first portion extends continuously along at least 30% of the length of the channel.

Abstract: Disposable personal care products, such as diapers, feminine care products and adult incontinence products, are provided. More specifically, disposable personal care products having improved absorbent core integrity and core absorbency are provided. These products eliminate the need for costly adhesives. A method for making the products is also provided. 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: A composite sheet adapted to be used as a stock material for disposable garments comprises a film-like upper layer and a lower layer formed by a fibrous assembly. The upper layer is formed with a first surface region having plane zones and aperture arrays and a second surface region in the form of a depression. The lower layer has its density higher in a region immediately underlying the second surface region than in a region immediately underlying the first surface region. The composite sheet including such constituent features is suitable as stock material for disposable garments which require a soft touch and a rapid permeation of body fluids discharged on the garments.

Abstract: An absorbent article with improved body fit wherein a combination of downward-deflecting crease lines and an upward-deflecting shaping line are used in outer and central absorbent members, respectively, to achieve a form-fitting geometry in the crotch region while also enhancing control over fluid flow in the article. Embodiments with wicking barriers between the outer and central absorbent members are especially useful in achieving leakage reduction.

Abstract: A body fluid absorbent garment includes a topsheet, a backsheet and a core disposed therebetween, the core is formed with a pair of protruding barriers spaced from each other and extending parallel to the side edges and has a density lower in the protruding barriers than in its zone free from formation of the protruding barriers.

Abstract: An absorbent article is disclosed having excellent body fit, center-fill fluid handling performance, and good leakage control in that flow from the center of the article to the longitudinal sides thereof is hindered by a wicking barrier. The article comprises a lower absorbent member, an horizontal wicking barrier over the lower absorbent member, and a central absorbent section forming a medial hump over the horizontal wicking barrier. An optional central rising member can further enhance the topography of the article when compressed by urging a central portion to deflect vertically upward. In one embodiment, longitudinal upward projections on the horizontal wicking barrier also help control the deformation of the article for good body fit.

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: A kit of sanitary absorbent articles, including at least two sanitary absorbent articles stored in a container. The sanitary absorbent articles can be used separately or they can be assembled in a compound absorbent structure suitable for placement in a crotch portion of the undergarment of the wearer for absorbing menses. In a non-limiting example of implementation, one of the sanitary absorbent articles is a panty liner, the other sanitary absorbent article is a sanitary napkin without any flaps. The panty liner can be associated with the sanitary napkin in a transverse orientation such as to form flaps that can be folded about the longitudinal side edges of the crotch portion of the undergarment. Accordingly, if the user desires a sanitary napkin without flaps, she employs the sanitary napkin alone. If she desires a sanitary napkin with flaps, she combines the sanitary napkin with a panty liner to provide flaps to the sanitary napkin.