Abstract: Several embodiments of an improved absorbent insert or core are disclosed. According to one embodiment, the insert comprises a fluff layer physically integrated to at least one layer of laminate consisting of at least one tissue layer and polymer powder secured to it and supported on it. The fluff layer and the laminate are embossed between rollers that physically integrate the two layers and produce transfer sites through which liquid is rapidly transferred into the fluff layer, away from a wearer. In another embodiment, an absorbent insert is produced by embossing a laminate between a smooth roller and a patterned roller and trimming and folding the embossed laminate to produce an insert with a central region with an exposed pattern of embossed depressions and, on each side of the central region, lateral regions with an exposed, smooth surface.

Abstract: A method of producing an absorbent structure in an absorbent article includes the steps of compressing an air laid web of cellulose fibers into a dry-formed sheet having a first density of between 0.2-1.0 g/cm.sup.2 and mechanically softening the compressed sheet by a noncutting method to a second density, which is lower than the first density, whereby the sheet is delaminated so as to form a plurality of partially separated thin fiber layers, each of which layers exhibits a density which corresponds to the first density.

Abstract: An absorbent article with an outer perimeter is disclosed having a cover, a baffle, an absorbent core and a barrier means for intercepting fluid migrating from the absorbent core toward the outer perimeter of the sanitary napkin. The absorbent core has a protuberance that extends above a plane that is parallel to the absorbent core periphery. The barrier can encircle the protuberance so that in use the barrier effectively forms a gasket between the wearer's body, such as the crotch and/or thighs and the absorbent article.

Abstract: A disposable body fluids absorbent padding is formed with a liquid-guiding fibrous sheet interposed between a liquid-permeable topsheet and a liquid-absorbent core. The fibrous sheet is intermittently fused to the topsheet in the direction of thickness as defined between the upper surface of the topsheet and the lower surface of the fibrous layer for improved fluid flow into the core.

Abstract: A nasal packing article, made from a material that is expansible when wetted, is formed with a plurality of laminae that are independently movable and separable from one another, and that expand to effectively exert hemostatic pressure. The article may comprise an assembly of layers interengaged in face-to-face contact, or it may be defined by slits that extend entirely through the thickness or width of the body but terminate short of one end, to leave the laminae connected thereat.

Abstract: A process for producing an apertured nonwoven fabric combines one or two outer nonwoven layer(s) with a layer of polymeric material having a lower melting temperature and a property of shrinking when melted. Heat and pressure are applied through a calendar roll such that the polymeric material becomes bonded to the fibers of the nonwoven layer(s) and simultaneously shrinks and takes back the fibers away from the calendaring points, thereby generating apertures through the nonwoven fabric. Preferably, the fibers are polyethylene or polypropylene fibers, and the layer of polymeric material is a thin plastic film of polyethylene stretch-wrap, elastomeric, or heat shrink material. One outer nonwoven layer may be combined with the plastic film layer to form a bi-laminate product, or two outer nonwoven layers may be combined with an intermediate plastic film to form a tri-laminate product. Low denier polypropylene/polyethylene bi-component fibers or a blend of higher and lower melting fibers may also be used.

Abstract: The invention provides wound dressing and/or implant materials comprising a matrix structure of sponge, at least one substructure and at least one pharmacologically active agent, wherein both the matrix structure and the substructure are formed from bioabsorbable biopolymer materials. The substructure may, for example, comprise biopolymer films, flakes, fibres or microspheres embedded in the matrix structure of sponge. The pharmacologically active agent may comprise antiseptics, antibiotics, analgesics. One or more such active agents may be incorporated separately into the matrix and/or the substructure so as to achieve controlled or phasic release of the active agents into the wound.

Abstract: A tissue/organ retraction or displacement sponge comprising a rigid dry absorbent shaped sponge body constructed of laminated layers of sponge material with differing pore size density causing differing swelling rates and expansion. The sponge when hydrated substantially expands protecting an organ or moving the same to be a different area.

Abstract: Absorbent panel structures that comprise a unitary pulp panel having a forward section and a rearward section, the rearward section comprising from about 20% to about 70% of the rearward panel length. One or more longitudinally elongated areas or grooves of reduced thickness and basis weight are formed in the panel. The rearward section preferably has a mean basis weight that is from about 30% to about 70% less than the mean basis weight of the forward section of the panel. The thickness of the elongated areas may be uniform along the length of the panel or may decrease along the panel length direction from the front edge to the rear edge. Superabsorbent particles may be uniformly dispersed throughout the panel or may be dispersed in longitudinal stripes that may or may not coincide with the elongated areas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorption body intended for an absorbent product, such as a sanitary towel or an incontinence guard, and comprising an absorbent material, preferably cellulose fluff, which increases in quantity continuously from the edge margins of the article in towards the center part thereof. According to the invention, the absorption body is compressed to an essentially flat shape and exhibits a degree of compression which increases continuously from the edge margins towards the center part of the body. The invention also relates to a method of producing an essentially flat absorption body, the density of which increases continuously from the edge margins in towards the center part thereof.

Abstract: An absorbent core for use in an absorbent product suitable for placement in a wearer's garment, and absorbent products utilizing the core, are disclosed. The core comprises an absorbent batt folded upon itself along a pair of generally parallel longitudinal fold lines to form a middle, body-facing panel and two side panels, which three panels are substantially equivalent in width at the central transverse axis of the batt. In various preferred embodiments, one or more of the panels are embossed with patterns that serve to direct fluid transport in the product.

Abstract: An absorbent structure for absorbing body fluid is provided having means to direct body fluid along the longitudinal axis of the product and to substantially limit side failure. Two or more longitudinal chambers of absorbent material are provided which are separated by fluid repellent walls. These walls act to guide flow generally along the longitudinal axis of the product.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel absorbent structure and absorbent products containing this absorbent structure. More particularly, the absorbent structure of this invention is a flexible and retentive reservoir layer comprising a perf-embossed or tenderized peat board material.

Abstract: A composite absorbent structure capable of extremely short fluid penetration time, well-suited for use as an absorbent core in disposable absorbent products such as adult disposable briefs, diapers, incontinence pads, sanitary napkins, wound dressings and bandages. The composite absorbent structure comprises a highly absorbent fluid transfer sheet having a low fluid retentiveness, and a laminated, wicking reservoir with a high fluid retentiveness in intimate fluid communication with the fluid transfer sheet to draw fluid therefrom under the effect of capillary action. The laminated reservoir includes superposed layers, the layer closest to the fluid transfer sheet being provided with a fluid distribution well. A highly porous and hydrophilic spacer element is inserted between the reservoir layers establishing a high void volume area which forms an extension of the fluid absorptive well between the reservoir layers.

Abstract: A catamenial tampon is disclosed for absorbing menstrual fluid. The tampon includes a compressed pledget having a major and a minor radius of curvature. Zones of different density fibers are arranged adjacent to each radius of curvature and the zones can extend substantially the entire length of the pledget. The pledget is constructed of absorbent fibers which are enclosed by a cover. A withdrawal string is attached to the pledget and facilitates removal of the tampon from a woman's vagina. The absorbent is compressed into an elongated, generally cylindrically shaped pledget having a zone of high density fibers and a zone of low density fibers. After compression, the low density fibers will expand and form a curved tampon.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a dual-layer absorbent member, wherein the deposition region of its upper acquisition layer comprises a distribution zone and an acquisition zone having a lower average density and a lower average basis weight per unit area than the distribution zone. The acquisition zone is positioned toward the front of either the absorbent member or the absorbent article so that the acquisition zone may most effectively and efficiently rapidly acquire discharged liquids. The lower storage layer comprises a mixture of hydrophilic fibrous material and discrete particles of absorbent gelling material having a particular size distribution so as to enhance the absorbent capacity and acquisition rate of the dual-layer absorbent member. The upper acquisition layer comprises a homogeneous composition of stiffened, twisted, and curled cellulose fibers which provide enhanced wicking action in the densified distribution zone.

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

Abstract: This invention relates to a disposable sanitary napkin having longitudinal edges and transverse ends, having at least one compression line extending along and close to the longitudinal edges, such that the pressure of the user's thighs on the product will bring about a protuberance of absorbent material toward the perineal area when worn. The products of this invention thus bring the absorbent material closer to the point of discharge of menstrual fluid, which is the critical cause of leakage from the longitudinal edges of sanitary napkins.

Abstract: An absorbent underpad for use on an article of bedding includes a liquid impervious backing sheet, a liquid permeable upper facing sheet adhered to the backing sheet about the edges thereof, and an interior absorbent pad combination comprising upper and lower tissue layers generally coextensive with the boundarees of the underpad, a pair of spatially separated barrier strips formed of super-absorbent material between the tissue layers, and a non-woven transfer layer along the central region of the upper tissue layer adjacent the upper facing sheet. The plies of the tissue layer are formed with a crepe-like irregular surface oriented to develop a wicking action directed along the layers in a transverse direction, toward the absorbent barrier strips.

Abstract: An absorbent mixture, as made from fibers formed into a fibrous web and a polymerizable, cross-linkable material, in a liquid carrier. The material, when polymerized and cross-linked, results in a superabsorbent polymer. The material, in the liquid carrier, is dispersed within the fibrous web, as dispersed inclusions, and is polymerized and cross-linked in situ, within the fibrous web, so as to form a composite web comprising the fibrous web and the superabsorbent polymer, as dispersed particles, at least some of which are bound to fibers from the fibrous web. The composite web is ground, so as to cause some of the superabsorbent polymers to become particulate while fragments of the superabsorbent polymer remain bound to fibers from the fibrous web. Before the composite web is ground, it may be provided with a fibrous layer or fibrous layers in intimate contact therewith, and also compressed.

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

Abstract: A tampon is provided which includes an absorbent material (12) wound in a spiral configuration, the outermost winding (18) of the spiral having a liquid permeable overwrap material (10) disposed thereon, a portion of said overwrap being folded over the edge (18) of the spiral which corresponds to the withdrawal end of the tampon and adhered (seal 16) to the inside surface (13) of the outermost winding.

Abstract: An absorbent product, for use in absorbent articles, comprising an absorbent layer and a wicking layer of densified hydrophilic material. The absorbent layer comprises resilient hydrophilic fibers and superabsorbent material. The absorbent layer includes at least one area comprising a bulky fibrous structure having high void regions of low fiber density randomly distributed in the structure.

Abstract: An absorbent mixture, as made from fibers formed into a fibrous web and a polymerizable, cross-linkable material, in a liquid carrier. The material, when polymerized and cross-linked, results in a superabsorbent polymer. The material, in the liquid carrier, is dispersed within the fibrous web, as dispersed inclusions, and is polymerized and cross-linked in situ, within the fibrous web, so as to form a composite web comprising the fibrous web and the superabsorbent polymer, as dispersed particles, at least some of which are bound to fibers from the fibrous web. The composite web is ground, so as to cause some of the superabsorbent polymers to become particulate while fragments of the superabsorbent polymer remain bound to fibers from the fibrous web. Before the composite web is ground, it may be provided with a fibrous layer or fibrous layers in intimate contact therewith, and also compressed.

Abstract: Here is an absorbent panel for body fluid absorptive garments such as a disposable diaper formed from a mixture of at least fibrous or granular liquid-absorptive material and thermoplastic fibers being compressed to a uniform thickness wherein said thermoplastic fibers are welded to each other with a welding density of their cross points to be higher in a crotch zone than in the remaining zone and to provide a tensile strength correspondingly higher in said crotch zone than in said remaining zone.

Abstract: In a product including at least a first layer of fibers, the layer residing in a thickened, shortened microundulated state as a result of longitudinal micro-compressive treatment, the layer is characterized by being shortened at least 20% of its original length in the direction of treatment, there being at least 10 microundulations per inch in the layer in the direction of the treatment, the compressed-together relationship achieved by the treatment being substantially preserved in said product with adjacent microundulations in said layer residing with their sides abutting one another. The microundulated layer is shape-retentive and has stored mechanical energy capable, under activating conditions, to cause the product to expand. Products, and a method of producing such products, are also described. The products include superabsorbent assemblages, tampons, pads, cushions and liquid distributing and storage articles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for making bulky nonwoven fabric suitable for use in diaper constructions that comprises the steps of (a) forming a web of one or more layers comprised at least in part of thermoplastic bicomponent fibers, (b) bonding said web by means of a thru-air system, (c) compressing--either in a nip or by winding--the resulting bonded web to increase its density, (d) transporting and/or otherwise manipulating the compressed web, and (e) subsequently transforming said compressed web, by means of exposure to heat, into the low density bulky nonwoven fabric. The bulky nonwoven fabrics are particularly useful as diaper coverstock and as diaper spacer fabrics.

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 fibrous structure comprising a batt of a loose assemblage of fibers, having an initial density, that is embossed to produce a batt having a discrete pattern of hydrogen-bonded, compressed or densified portions and regions between the compressed portions. The regions have an average density greater than the average initial density of the batt and less than the density of the batt and less than the density of the compressed portions so as to form discrete density gradients across the surface of the batt. The batt has an initial average density of from about 0.03g/cm.sup.3 to about 0.15 g/cm.sup.3. The compressed portions have an average density in the range of from about 0.40 g/cm.sup.3 to about 1.00 g/cm.sup.3 and have a size in the range of from about 0.0002 cm.sup.2 to about 0.12 cm.sup.2. The regions defined between the compressed portions occupy from about 97 percent to about 99.5 percent of the area of the surface of the batt.

Abstract: This invention concerns an absorbent pad which is particularly useful for absorbing body fluids. The absorbent pad comprises a fluid-absorbent fibrous layer having a central portion and a peripheral portion, and a flexible fluid-pervious covering sheet for covering at least one side of the fibrous layer. A first wicking means is provided, conveniently by embossing, in the fibrous layer to conduct fluid outwardly from the central portion towards the peripheray of the fibrous layer. A second wicking means is in fluid conductivity with the first wicking means and conducts fluid from the first wicking means in a direction away from the first wicking means. Generally, the second wicking means conducts fluid around, but spaced from the periphery of the fibrous layer. A liquid-impervious, vapor permeable backing sheet can be provided. Helical or radial paths may be utilized for the wicking means.

Abstract: In a body fluid-absorbing article composed of a liquid-permeable front-surface member, a liquid-impermeable rear-surface member, and a fibrous absorbent member nipped therebetween and adapted to be used with the front-surface member held in contact with the human body, by the improvement having disposed in half of the thickness of the absorbent member on the front-surface member side an absorbent composite (A) obtained by applying an ethylenically unsaturated monomer capable of forming an absorbent polymer by polymerization or an aqueous solution of the monomer to a fibrous web and thereafter polymerizing the monomer.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved tampon construction for more efficient absorption of menstrual fluids. The tampon originates as a rectangularly-shaped wad of absorptive material which is twice folded over onto itself in different planes so as to provide twice as much absorptive material in the upper half as compared to the lower half thereof. The twice-folded material is then subjected to pressure which forms the same into a cylindrical shape. Thereafter, a plurality of slits emanating radially from the center thereof is provided at the top of the cylindrical shape while a plurality of axial grooves are provided along the cylindrical body thereof. The folded construction, in addition to the slits and grooves, provides for efficient menstrual fluid absorption by the tampon even in the event that it is misplaced within the vaginal canal.

Abstract: An absorption body intended for disposable articles such as diapers, sanitary napkins or the like and comprising highly absorbent material. A distinguishing feature of an absorption body made in accordance with the invention is that there is included therein a first layer intended to be placed against the wearer's body and which is soft, with a bulk exceeding 10 cm.sup.3 /g, preferably more than 13 cm.sup.3 /g, and at least one second layer which is heavily compressed to a bulk of less than 10 cm.sup.3 /g; and that the highly absorbent material is applied in the heavily compressed layer or layers.

Abstract: An absorbent panel structure, for use in a disposable diaper or the like, comprising at least about 400 percent by weight of superabsorbent material and at least one wicking layer of hydrophilic fiber particles. The absorbent panel has an average Taber stiffness value in the machine direction of less than about 7 and an absorptive capacity of at least about 300 ml.

Abstract: A disposable and anatomically reversible undergarment shield for removable attachment to the inside of underpants. The undergarment shield is shaped like an hourglass and has a thick portion which is reversible between a front side and a rear side, depending upon whether the wearer is a girl or a body. Words, colors, or other appropriate symbols are placed upon the end borders of the shield to indicate which side forms the front for a girl and likewise for a body. For more rapid and effective absorption, a generally Y-shaped trough is formed in the thick side of the shield. Gathers at the periphery of the crotch region ensure a close fit, thereby preventing leaks. Adhesive strips are used to attach the shield to the undergarment.

Abstract: An improved absorbent unit for a disposable diaper, or the like, wherein a fibrous batt is initially generally rectangularly shaped, and is cut so as to define side flaps which are folded over into overlapping relationship with one another in the central portion of the batt to define a multiple layer crotch region for increased liquid storage capacity. The batt is provided with a thickened densified skin at one side thereof for increased strength and stability, and for transporting liquid into remote areas of the batt. In a further embodiment, a quantity of highly liquid-sorbent superabsorbent material is provided in discrete spaced-apart regions between upper and lower fibrous webs of the diaper batt, with a network of densified wicking embossments and at least one integral densified wicking layer provided for promoting efficient wicking and transport of liquid within the absorbent structure.

Abstract: Materials have at least one layer comprising a mixture of thermoplastic and other fibers. This latter layer may be thermobonded together and then densified along at least a section of the eventual peripheral edge margin of an article to be formed from the material. Thermoplastic material-containing cover sheets may also be secured to the core and densified in this manner. The entire eventual peripheral edge margin of the article is typically densified. The material is cut within the densified region or slightly outside the densified region to provide a soft peripheral edge. Absorbent materials may be thermobonded within the layer and surrounded by a densified edge to fix them within the article. The composite materials are used in manufacturing infant car seat liners and other articles. In addition, sections of the material may be densified and provided with weakened areas, such as perforations, to enable users to selectively separate the articles along the perforations.

Abstract: A disposable infant seat liner in accordance with the present invention includes an upper section, a middle section and a lower section. Plural shoulder strap receiving slotways are provided in the upper section. These slotways may be accessible from side edges of the infant seat liner. In one embodiment, three shoulder strap receiving positions are provided at each side of the upper section to accommodate shoulder straps of various infant seat designs. First and second leg or crotch strap receiving slotways are also provided in a lower section of the infant seat liner. In one specific embodiment, a Y-shaped leg strap receiving slotway is positioned below an upwardly facing U-shaped slotway. In another embodiment, the lower slotway is T-shaped. Arched side cuts may also be provided in the central section of the infant seat liner to accommodate waist straps and to facilitate fitting of the infant seat liner to an infant car seat.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprising a base sheet of fluid impervious material, a top sheet of fluid pervious non-woven material, and an absorbent pad disposed between the top sheet and the base sheet. The top sheet is secured to the base sheet along the periphery thereof. The absorbent pad has a central portion and two side panels folded under the top sheet and over the central panel. A binder secures the side panels to the central panel to render the central panel more absorbent.

Abstract: An absorbent article is described which may be formed at least in part of thermoplastic and other fibers. The article is densified along a first region and has a tear line defined in the first region. A second region of lower density than the first region is provided at the termination point of the tear line to assist in stopping tearing along the tear line. In addition, densified reinforcing regions can be provided outside areas where the tear line curves or switches directions. Perforations or cuts in the tear line may extend continuously around the corner of the tear line to assist tearing around the corner.

Abstract: An anal pad for preventing soiling of underwear due to undesired anal discharge. The anal pad includes a thin outer shell enclosing a semi-rigid shell. The semi-rigid shell may be a layer on one interior surface of the outer shell and it may also partially cover the opposite interior surface of the outer shell. An absorbing layer is located within the outer shell and the semi-rigid layer. The absorbing layer contains glycerin which absorbs hydrogen sulfide gas and the combination of the absorbing layer and the semi-rigid shell acts as a sound muffling camera so as to decrease the noise due to flatus. The absorbing layer is made of a light porous materials, the semi-rigid layer is made of compressed paper and the outer shell is made of a thin sheet of lignin paper. A layer of glue is provided on the outer surface of the anal pad for attaching it to a user's underwear.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tampon (10), to the essentially cylindrical circumferential surface of which a liquid-permeable, thermoplastic material is fastened, with the application of pressure and heat. The dome-like constriction (10b) at the introduction end (10a) and the withdrawal end (10c) of the tampon (10) remain free of the liquid-permeable, thermoplastic material. The fastening of the liquid-permeable material to the outer surface of the absorbent material of the tampon (10), which consists of a nonwoven ribbon section rolled up on itself and pressed radially to give the final form of the tampon (10), guarantees that the high absorbency of the nonwoven fibre material, based on capillary action, continues through the liquid-permeable, thermoplastic material onto its outside. In addition, the liquid-permeable material offers protection against fibres becoming detached and makes it easier to introduce the tampon into and remove it from the body cavity.

Abstract: A disposable one-piece seat liner formed from a uniform layer of absorbant cellulosic fibers possessing sufficient integrity than it does not abrade during normal use bonded to a flexible moisture repellant backing sheet. The seat liner is designed for use on seals having a bottom, back, sidewalls and arms and has an upper and lower section with the upper section sized to cover the back of the seat with the side edges folding forward and the lower section sized to cover the bottom of the seat with the side edges folding upward along the arms of the seat joined by a fold line at the junction between the upper and lower sections. A plurality of slots are provided to accommodate the seat belts of a wide range of different care seats, strollers, carriers, highchairs and the like having attachment means passing between the legs of a person seated in the seat, coming over the shoulders or around the waist from the midpoint of the back of from the sides.

Abstract: An absorbent body is provided for absorbing body fluids. The body is generally planar and elongated and is surrounded by a substantially uniformly compressed peripheral edge. Fluid striking the absorbent body at a point in proximity to the densified peripheral edge is transported rapidly away from said point.

Abstract: A distinctive absorbent article includes an absorbent body composed of a substantially hydrophilic material which is capable of absorbing a selected liquid. A liquid permeable topsheet layer composed of a substantially hydrophobic material is superposed in facing relation with said absorbent body and has an effective average pore size therein. A liquid permeable transport layer is located between the topsheet layer and the absorbent body, and is composed of a material which is less hydrophilic than the absorbent body and has an effective average pore size therein which is smaller than the pore size of the topsheet layer.

Abstract: A composite cover material for absorbent articles and the like and a method for making the same are disclosed herein. The cover material is made of a thermoplastic film in contact with an external layer of nonwoven material. Selective point application of heat and pressure to the external surface of the nonwoven material causes the formation of a plurality of densified and partially fused areas in the nonwoven which are in vertical alignment with a corresponding plurality of concurrently formed perforations in the film. The densified and fused areas in the nonwoven act to mask the perforations in the film and in addition, restrict fluid flow when the cover material is under compression by partially blocking the performations in the film.

Abstract: A substantially flat menstrual or incontinent pad embodying a longitudinal centrally located narrow rib or ridge on its top surface adapted to enter into the vaginal cleft to increase its fluid absorptive capacity and wherein the flat top surface of the pad on each side of the central ridge, and on the ridge itself, are provided with a multitude of relatively deep spaced apart channels and/or deep spot-depressions which increase the lateral compressibility of the flat marginal surfaces and/or the ridge without the usual down-folding of said flat surfaces when subjected to lateral compression when arranged between the thighs of a wearer.

Abstract: A coated fabric comprises a base ply of a fiber material such as a non-woven fiber material, for example, a polypropylene non-woven material, having a thermoplastic film, for example, an ethylene methyl acrylate film, bonded thereto. The base ply has densified and undensified portions thereof, the densified portions defining densified areas on a coating surface of the base ply, and the thermoplastic film is heat-bonded to the coating surface at least at the densified portions thereof. A method of making the coated fabric comprises contacting the thermoplastic film in heat-softened condition with the coating surface of the base ply, and allowing the film to cool.

Abstract: Facing for absorptive articles comprising non-woven fabric having two layers of different fibre-compositions, i.e., a first layer defining a surface to be in contact with the wearer's skin and having a pattern of apertures, and a second layer defined a rear side with respect to said surface and having no aperture.Process for making said facing comprising steps forming said first layer by subjecting fibrous web to high velocity water jet treatment on a support carring thereon aperture formation element, forming said second layer by subjecting fibrous web to said treatment or heat fusion treatment, and simultaneously combining said first layer integrally with said second layer with either of said treatments (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A dressing comprising a textile-like nonwoven fabric characterized in that the fibers comprise a blend of fibers including a percentage (preferably from about 15 to about 60 percent) of thermoplastic fibers, and the fabric is compacted (preferably micro-creped at an overfeed not less than 10 percent and typically in the range of about 20 to about 30 percent and at a drum temperature of greater than about 250 degrees F.) subsequent to hydro-entangling the fibers. prior to compacting, the fabric typically has a weight in the range of about 20 to 60 grams per square yard. After compacting, the fabric has an absorptive capacity and a liquid transfer both of which are greater than the absorptive capacity and liquid transfer of a hydro-entangled fabric of the same weight and fiber blend which has not been compacted.