Abstract: A washable diaper having an outer article and an inner liner system detachably coupled to the outer article is disclosed. The inner liner system may include front and back ends and a liner member about a washable article with an absorbent pad positioned therein. The outer article may include front and back ends with opposing side edges extending therebetween. The outer article may include an inner surface with substantially liquid impervious compartments at the front and back ends. The outer article and the inner article may include fastening mechanisms configured to removably couple the inner liner system to the outer article such that at least the front and back ends of the washable article of the inner liner system are substantially secured within the front and back liquid impervious pockets, respectively, when the outer article and inner liner system are assembled.

Abstract: An absorbent article such as disposable diaper, training pant, and adult incontinence undergarment comprising superabsorbent polymer particles able to absorb and contain body exudates having improved absorption properties and, therefore, reduce leakage, especially at the first gush, i.e. when the article starts to be wetted.

Abstract: An absorbent article has an absorbent composite that includes a water-insoluble fibrous matrix, a superabsorbent polymer composition that has an initial absorbent capacity of at least about 5 grams of saline per gram of superabsorbent polymer composition; and a first triggering mechanism having a first release time of between about 5 and 60 minutes, and a second triggering mechanism. The superabsorbent polymer composition may have a second absorbent capacity that is at least about 25% greater than the first absorbent capacity as measured by the mCRC Test.

Abstract: A bodyside liner material for use in disposable absorbent personal care products has an average material plane and includes a plurality of raised areas extending in a z-direction from the average material plane; a plurality of apertures through the liner material; a hydrophobic treatment agent disposed on the raised areas; and a plurality of land areas disposed between the raised areas, wherein the land areas are hydrophilic. The bodyside liner material can also include a plurality of raised areas extending in a z-direction from the average material plane; a plurality of depressed areas alternating with the plurality of raised areas, wherein the depressed areas extend in the opposite z-direction from the average material plane, and wherein the depressed areas are hydrophilic; a plurality of apertures through the liner material, wherein the apertures are disposed only in the depressions; and a hydrophobic treatment agent disposed on the raised areas.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprising a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, and a pair of longitudinal barrier cuffs attached to the chassis. Each longitudinal cuff is formed of a web of material having first and second opposing surfaces and comprising a nonwoven component layer comprising fibers having a number-average diameter of less than about 1 micron, a mass-average diameter of less than about 1.5 microns, and a ratio of the mass-average diameter to the number-average diameter less than about 2. The absorbent article further comprises a hydrophobic coating disposed on at least one surface of the web of material.

Abstract: A tampon for feminine hygiene, having an insertion end, a recovery end, a recovery tape, and a longitudinal axis. The tampon is made of compressed fibrous material and has an outer surface that is at least partially provided with spirally shaped, pressed longitudinal grooves. The grooves define spirally shaped longitudinal ribs. Also disclosed is a method for producing the tampon.

Abstract: An absorbent article that has a thin, conformable absorbent core where the core has at least two layers, both of which are substantially free of cellulosic fibers is described. The first layer is intended to provide storage for the majority of acquired fluids and has an AAP of at least about 20 g/g and the second layer, which provides temporary capacity for the bulk of the acquired fluid and permanent storage for at least a portion thereof, comprises a second absorbent polymer material which has a Wet Permeability of at least about 400×10?7 (cm3 seconds)/g a ratio of Wet Permeability to SFC of at least about 1.5:1 with respect to the first absorbent polymer material.

Abstract: A pants-type disposable diaper comprises: a pants-shaped outer member having a front part, a back part, and a crotch part positioned between the front part and the back part, and having a waist opening and a pair of leg openings formed by joining the front part and the back part; an absorbent main body disposed on an inner surface of the pants-shaped outer member at the crotch part, and comprising a top sheet, a back sheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet; and an end-holding sheet covering a longitudinal end of the absorbent main body at the front part and/or the back part of the pants-shaped outer member, and attached to the pants-shaped outer member and the absorbent main body with a hot-melt adhesive; wherein the end-holding sheet includes a composite nonwoven fabric in which a spunbonded nonwoven fabric layer is laminated on an inner surface of a meltblown nonwonven fabric layer.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article worn about the lower torso of a wearer includes at least one pair of side panels connecting a first waist region to a second waist region forming a waist opening and a pair of leg openings. Each side panel includes a waist region, a hip region and a leg region wherein the waist region, the hip region and the leg region differs structurally, functionally and visually to provide an improved initial fit and sustained fit while exhibiting a garment-like appearance.

Abstract: Absorbent articles having a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between said topsheet and said backsheet are disclosed. The backsheet has a physical variation along at least one axis, wherein said physical variation defines a first backsheet zone and a second backsheet zone, and at least one elastomeric element having at least one primary direction of stretch, said elastomeric element at least partially overlapping and joined to first and/or second backsheet zone, wherein a relaxed pathlength of said elastomeric element in the primary direction of stretch is less than a total pathlength of said backsheet in the region of overlap. The physical variation is a measurable difference as measured by a physical property selected from the group consisting of basis weight, thickness and density.

Abstract: A wearable absorbent article comprises an outer cover and an absorbent core assembly. At least a portion of the outer cover is joined to the absorbent core assembly over at least a first attachment area and a second attachment area. The overall lateral width of the second attachment area is less than the overall lateral width of the first attachment area. At least a portion of the second attachment area is disposed in a hip region of the article. The first attachment area is disposed longitudinally outboard from the second attachment area.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article worn about the lower torso of a wearer includes at least one pair of side panels connecting a first waist region to a second waist region forming a waist opening and a pair of leg openings. Each side panel includes a waist region, a hip region and a leg region wherein the waist region, the hip region and the leg region differs structurally, functionally, and visually to provide an improved initial fit and sustained fit while exhibiting a garment-like appearance.

Abstract: An absorbent article 1 including a blood separating member 4 capable of separating blood into blood cells and plasma. The blood separating member 4 preferably has pores with a diameter of 6 ?m or smaller in a proportion of 20% to 90% in a pore size distribution measured in accordance with ASTM F361-86. A nonwoven fabric obtained by calendering a fiber aggregate can be used as the blood separating member.

Abstract: An improved barrier member for an absorbent article that includes a nonwoven treated with a hydrophobic surface coating. The hydrophobic surface coating includes a non-aqueous, solventless, multicomponent silicone composition. The hydrophobic surface coating may be substantially free of aminosilicones.

Abstract: An absorbent composite includes a water-insoluble fibrous matrix, a superabsorbent polymer composition that has an initial absorbent capacity of at least about 5 grams of saline per gram of superabsorbent polymer composition; and a first triggering mechanism having a first release time of between about 5 and 60 minutes, where the superabsorbent polymer composition has a second absorbent capacity that is at least about 25 % greater than the first absorbent capacity as measured by the mCRC Test.

Abstract: A urine capturing assembly includes a sleeve that has an upper edge, a lower edge and a perimeter wall extending between the upper and lower edges. The upper and lower edges define openings in the sleeve. A penis is positionable in the sleeve to direct urine from the penis toward the lower edge. A pouch has an open top end. The pouch is integrally coupled to the perimeter wall and the top end is positioned adjacent to the upper edge of the sleeve. A scrotum is positionable in pouch through the top end. A conduit is fluidly coupled to and extends between the sleeve and the pouch to direct urine held in the pouch into the sleeve. A collection bag is fluidly couplable to the lower edge of the sleeve to collect and retain urine.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes an enclosure with an aperture which is adapted for being placed in communication with an anus for the purpose of directing fecal matter into the enclosure. In one embodiment, the enclosure may include a polyethylene material with a thickness of less than 50 microns. In another embodiment, the enclosure may include an air hole formed therein for remaining open to allow air to escape therefrom upon the receipt of the fecal matter into the enclosure. In still yet another embodiment, the aperture may be circular and the enclosure may include a flexibility sufficient to allow the enclosure to be placed on an intended wearer in any orientation about an axis defined by the aperture.

Abstract: An animal incontinence device comprises a base layer of a liquid-impervious polymer film, an intermediate absorbent layer comprising superabsorbent polymer particles intermediate a plurality of layers of tissue, and a top layer comprising a porous, hydrophilic, woven or non-woven polymer fiber mat.

Abstract: A method for improving the barrier properties of a material. The method includes providing a material, applying a hydrophobic surface coating thereto, and incorporating the material into an absorbent article. The hydrophobic surface coating includes a non-aqueous, solventless, multicomponent silicone composition. The hydrophobic surface coating may be substantially free of aminosilicones.

Abstract: A mini pad is provided with a chilled skim milk additive which is useful for reducing vulvar inflammation and lowering the acidity of a female's vulva which result from vaginal secretions which leak onto the tissue of the vulva. The mini pad can be provided with a self-contained cooling component which can be frozen or, when compressed and ruptured, will lower the temperature of the mini pad to provide the soothing cold. The skim milk can be incorporated into the mini pad in several different ways. The mini pad is useful for soothing and healing vulvar irritation, and it is mobile and can be easily used during normal daily activities without any problems whatsoever.

Abstract: A composition of matter includes a flexible substrate and a coating disposed on the substrate. The coating comprises about 10-60 wt-% of a waxy compound and about 90-40 wt-% of a diluent. The coating forms a stable liquid mixture at a temperature between about 35° C. and about 100° C., has a liquefaction temperature of at least about 30° C., and has a contact angle with a flat surface of the substrate of less than about 35° when measured at a temperature of 60° C.

Abstract: A wearable absorbent article comprises an outer cover and an absorbent core assembly. At least a portion of the outer cover is joined to the absorbent core assembly over at least a first attachment area and a second attachment area. The overall lateral width of the second attachment area is less than the overall lateral width of the first attachment area. At least a portion of the second attachment area is disposed in a hip region of the article. The first attachment area is disposed longitudinally outboard from the second attachment area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles which include one or more components that have been treated with a hydrophobic surface coating intended to render such components impermeable to liquids having relatively low surface tensions.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article has a liquid permeable liner, an outer cover, and an absorbent body disposed between the liner and the outer cover for absorbing liquid body waste. A flow control layer is disposed between the liner and the absorbent body. The flow control layer is adapted to retard the flow of liquid body waste penetrating the liner toward the absorbent body. The flow control layer has a plurality of apertures for permitting at least some of the liquid body waste that passes through the liner to flow past the flow control layer toward the absorbent body without migrating laterally outward around lateral side edges of the flow control layer.

Abstract: A disposable diaper 1 includes a topsheet 2, a backsheet 3, and an absorbent member 4 between the sheets 2 and 3. A pair of leg flaps 5 each having an elastic member is provided along the laterally opposite side edges of the absorbent member 4. Each of the leg flaps 5 is fixed at its front end portion 52 and rear end portion 53 to a portion C, one of longitudinally opposite end portions of the diaper, and to a portion B, the other end portion, in such a configuration that each of the leg flaps 5 may be folded back over the side of the backsheet 3 when the disposable diaper 1 is in a flat-out state with the elastic members stretched.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to personal care products such as diapers, training pants, feminine care articles, incontinence articles, bandages, and the like, that have been treated to enhance liquid intake and distribution performance characteristics and reduce leakage. Advantageously, the treated personal care products described herein not only reduce the viscosity and elasticity of viscoelastic fluids that come in contact with the treated product, but also reduce the fouling effect of such fluids.

Abstract: An absorbent article including a first end region, a second end region and a central region, a plurality of channels arranged in each of the first and second end regions, at least one channel arranged in the central region and extending in a longitudinal direction of the article, the at least one channel being connected at each end thereof to the plurality of channels in the first end region and the plurality of channels in the second end region.

Abstract: A catamenial tampon comprises a compressed absorbent member having an inner region and an exterior surface, the compressed absorbent member comprising an absorbent material. An overwrap substantially covers the exterior surface of the compressed absorbent member. The overwrap comprises an apertured fluid pervious material that is hydrophobic or rendered hydrophobic relative to the compressed absorbent member. The fluid pervious overwrap therefore tends to remain free of fluid as the fluid is preferentially partitioned into the absorbent member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of an absorbing sanitary article comprising lactic acid producing bacteria. The process comprises dispersion of lactic acid producing bacteria in a carrier, and application of the resulting dispersion of bacteria by continuous or discontinuous gentle feeding on and/or in at least one component that are to form part of the final article. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an absorbing sanitary article comprising lactic acid producing bacteria dispersed in an essentially hydrophobic carrier. The dispersion of bacteria forms at least one continuous or discontinuous string on and/or in the final sanitary article.

Abstract: An absorbent article including a backsheet, an absorbent core, a topsheet with apertures, and a sublayer that includes at least one acquisition layer. The sublayer includes a multitude of holes. At least some of the apertures overlap partially at least some of the holes to form combined apertures in an overlap area that has an open area of between 15% and 50%. The absorbent article may provide improved isolation of feces away from the skin of a wearer of the absorbent article and/or improved immobilization of feces received by the absorbent article.

Abstract: An absorbent article is disclosed in which an absorbent body intervenes between a liquid permeable front sheet and a back sheet. A middle-height portion is provided by thickening a front surface of an approximately center area of the absorbent body with respect to a standard portion absorbent body. The article includes leakage preventing grooves which extend to a longitudinal direction of the absorbent article are provided on both sides which sandwich a body fluid discharge portion area in the area of the middle-height portion, respectively.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a feminine care product, includes a liquid permeable liner layer, a generally liquid impermeable outer cover layer, and an absorbent layer disposed between the liner layer and outer cover layer. Spaced apart solidified deposits of a phase-change liquid are defined on either the liner layer top surface, bottom surface or both surfaces, and/or other layers along the other layers' upper or lower surfaces. The deposits are defined such that areas of the liner layer top surface are exposed thereby being permeable to bodily exudates insulting the article between the deposits while acting as a barrier against liquid that may flow back to the liner layer or other treated layers from the absorbent layer or other layers contained in the absorbent article.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article worn about the lower torso of a wearer includes at least one pair of side panels connecting a first waist region to a second waist region forming a waist opening and a pair of leg openings. Each side panel includes a waist region, a hip region and a leg region wherein the waist region, the hip region and the leg region differs structurally, functionally and visually to provide an improved initial fit and sustained fit while exhibiting a garment-like appearance.

Abstract: In a disposable absorbent article structured such that an article body is composed of at least a top sheet arrange in a front face side, a back sheet arranged in a back face side and an absorber interposed between both of top sheet and back sheet, and a feces pocket is provided in a hip contact portion of the article body, wherein an opening portion of the feces pocket is covered with a mesh sheet.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article worn about the lower torso of a wearer includes at least one pair of side panels connecting a first waist region to a second waist region forming a waist opening and a pair of leg openings. Each side panel includes a waist region, a hip region and a leg region wherein the waist region, the hip region and the leg region differs structurally, functionally and visually to provide an improved initial fit and sustained fit while exhibiting a garment-like appearance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a technique for a body fluid absorbent article including a moving absorbent, capable of using a wider range of the absorbent for absorption and efficiently moving the absorbent. The present invention is characterized in that the absorbent 25 including a body fluid absorption and holding function and a shrinkage function when contacting with a body fluid is provided in a body fluid absorbent portion, and an absorption control layer 40 a liquid impermeable range of which is reduced whenever the body fluid is excreted is provided on the absorbent 25.

Abstract: This invention aims at developing a sanitary body cavity sealing device which prevents leakage of substances in the rectum of a corpse due to anal muscle relax after die, simplifies the postmortem treatment work for persons working on it or nurses and prevents infection to the persons, nurses or those around due to leakage of body internal substances. The body cavity sealing member (10) is made of porous fiber elements that absorb water on contact with body fluids in a body cavity to expand up to approximately 2.5 or more times its diameter, its end part (15) is cut into a tapered shape and the cut surface (15) is processed, for example, by heat treatment, to form a smooth surface. By inserting the body cavity sealing member (10) with the end part first into the anus, it can be inserted into the rectum without being interfered with by the inner walls of the anus and rectum.

Abstract: Absorbent articles having a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between said topsheet and said backsheet are disclosed. The backsheet has a physical variation along at least one axis, wherein said physical variation defines a first backsheet zone and a second backsheet zone, and at least one elastomeric element having at least one primary direction of stretch, said elastomeric element at least partially overlapping and joined to first and/or second backsheet zone, wherein a relaxed pathlength of said elastomeric element in the primary direction of stretch is less than a total pathlength of said backsheet in the region of overlap. The physical variation is a measurable difference as measured by a physical property selected from the group consisting of basis weight, thickness and density.

Abstract: A sweat-absorbent sheet includes a first surface layer, a second surface layer lying on the opposite side of the first surface layer and an intermediate layer sandwiched between these two layers. Each of the first and second surface layers comprises a mixture layer of first and second hydrophobic fibers made of thermoplastic synthetic resin as main constituent and first and second hydrophilic fibers. The intermediate layer comprises third hydrophilic fibers extending into at least one of the first and second hydrophobic fibers. The first and second hydrophobic fibers are bonded to the crimped to hydrophobic composite fibers mixed in the respective layers. The first, second and third hydrophilic fibers are impregnated with antibacterial or bactericidal medicinal ingredient and such medicinal ingredient is left behind on these hydrophilic fibers after these hydrophilic fibers have been dried.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article including a wetness sensation member and visible highlighting indicating the presence of the wetness sensation member to facilitate an opportunity for the toilet training of the wearer. The wetness sensation member includes a permeable layer and a flow control layer. Urine deposited on the wetness sensation member can penetrate through the permeable body-facing layer in a z direction away from the wearer to the flow control layer. The flow control layer retards the passage of the urine through the wetness sensation member in the z direction while supporting the movement of the urine in an x-y plane to increase the wetted area contacting the wearer's skin and thereby enhance the wearer's awareness that urination has occurred. The visible highlighting is visible when viewing a body-facing surface of the article and may be associatively correlated with an externally visible marking and/or with the concept of toilet training.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article including a wetness sensation member and visible highlighting indicating the presence of the wetness sensation member to facilitate an opportunity for the toilet training of the wearer. The wetness sensation member includes a permeable layer and a flow control layer. Urine deposited on the wetness sensation member can penetrate through the permeable body-facing layer in a z direction away from the wearer to the flow control layer. The flow control layer retards the passage of the urine through the wetness sensation member in the z direction while supporting the movement of the urine in an x-y plane to increase the wetted area contacting the wearer's skin and thereby enhance the wearer's awareness that urination has occurred. The visible highlighting is visible when viewing a body-facing surface of the article and may be associatively correlated with an externally visible marking and/or with the concept of toilet training.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article adapted to be worn about a lower torso of a human body and having a chassis, a non-removable absorbent core component disposed in a crotch region of the chassis, and a replaceable absorbent core component disposed in capillary liquid communication with the non-removable absorbent core component and having longitudinally disposed regions of liquid permeability and liquid impermeability on the same surface. The replaceable absorbent core component may be removed and a like component may be substituted without the removal of the absorbent article from the wearer. The replaceable absorbent core component may be disposed inside an openable chassis pocket, with access for its removal and replacement provided by an aperture in a backsheet, an openable end of an external pocket, or an openable end of an internal pocket formed at an area of a waist end edge where the backsheet and a topsheet may be separated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles which include one or more components that have been treated with a hydrophobic surface coating intended to render such components impermeable to liquids having relatively low surface tensions.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article has a liner, an outer cover and an absorbent body therebetween for absorbing liquid body waste penetrating the liner. A flow control layer having lateral side edges is positioned between the liner and the absorbent body, with at least a portion of each lateral side edge of the flow control layer spaced laterally inward from lateral side edges of the absorbent body. The flow control layer is at least in part liquid impermeable to retard the flow of liquid body waste penetrating the liner toward the absorbent body whereby at least a portion of the liquid body waste that penetrates the liner is directed by the flow control layer to migrate laterally outward toward the lateral side edges of the flow control layer for subsequent flow around the flow control layer toward the absorbent body.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a first liquid permeable surface layer, a essentially liquid impermeable backing layer and, located between said liquid permeable surface layer and said liquid impermeable backing layer, an absorbent body having at least one layer. The absorbent article has cavities which are essentially cone-shaped and extend at least through part of the absorbent body, said cavities having a tip part and a base, the tip part being located towards or in the liquid permeable surface layer and the base being located away from the liquid permeable surface layer. A method of production of an absorbent article with cone-shaped cavities is also provided.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a first essentially liquid permeable surface layer (13), a backing layer (14) and, located between said liquid permeable surface layer (13) and said liquid impermeable backing layer (14), an absorbent body (15). The absorbent body has cavities (20) which are essentially cone-shaped and extend at least through part of the absorbent body (15), said cavities (20) having a tip part (21) and a base (22), the tip part (21) being located towards or in the liquid permeable surface layer (13) and the base (22) being located away from the liquid permeable surface layer (13). The inner surface of said cavities (20) is treated with at least one functional substance.

Abstract: An interlabial absorbent article configured for disposition primarily within the vestibule of a female wearer includes a generally liquid permeable cover sheet, a generally liquid impermeable back sheet, and an absorbent material disposed between the cover sheet and the back sheet. The back sheet has a water vapor transmission rate that is at least about 20% of a water vapor transmission rate of the cover sheet. The cover sheet and said back sheet may have a contact angle mismatch of less than about 25%. The absorbent material may have a density greater than water. Upon being flushed, the article has an initial neutral buoyancy and subsequently sinks within about 7 days from being flushed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a suction body component which is suitable for the durable storage of body fluids and is used to absorb, skin-friendly, single-use products. The suction body component comprises a carrier material and a particulate super absorbing polymer material. The super absorbing polymer material has a core provided with an outer surface and at least one part of the outer surface thereof comprises a coating agent which is used to reduce the absorption rate of the core of the super absorbing polymer material. The coating agent of the super absorbing polymer material comprises a skin-care product.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article worn about the lower torso of a wearer includes at least one pair of side panels connecting a first waist region to a second waist region forming a waist opening and a pair of leg openings. Each side panel includes a waist region, a hip region and a leg region wherein the waist region, the hip region and the leg region differs structurally, functionally and visually to provide an improved initial fit and sustained fit while exhibiting a garment-like appearance.

Abstract: A disposable pants-type wearing article includes an inner sheet, an outer sheet and an intermediate sheet having two or more plastic film strips sandwiched between the inner sheet and the outer sheet. The film strips are overlapped one another to define an overlapped region dimensioned to be 10 to 100 mm in a longitudinal direction of the wearing article and extend in a transverse direction to the vicinity of leg-surrounding elastic members.