Abstract: An absorbent article is provided for use in the perineal area of the body having an absorbent core having an upper body facing surface, a lower garment facing surface, first and second longitudinal sides, and first and second transverse ends. A body fluid impervious sealing wrapper, having upper and lower portions each having longitudinally and transversely extending edges along which said portions are joined, is formed around the absorbent core so as to enclose at least the entirety of the garment facing surface, the longitudinal sides and the transverse ends, thereby forming a seal. A centrally disposed opening is formed in the upper portion of the sealing wrapper thereby forming a window on the body facing surface of the absorbent core that exposes it to fluid flow. A fluid pervious layer covers at least the portion of the body facing surface on which the window is formed. The upper portion of the sealing wrapper and the pervious layer are joined so as to form a laminated layer.

Abstract: A foamed isocyanate-based polymer having a cellular structure and comprising a non-surface cross-linked superabsorbent polymer, the foamed polymer being capable of: (i) absorbing at least about 10 times its weight of a 0.9 wt./wt. % aqueous NaCl solution maintained at a temperature of from about 20.degree. to about 25.degree. C., and (ii) retaining at least about 10 times its weight of absorbed aqueous NaCl solution which is bound to the superabsorbent polymer. A process for producing the foamed isocyanate-based polymer is also described. The process comprises the steps of: contacting an isocyanate, an active hydrogen-containing compound, an aqueous blowing agent, a catalyst and a non-surface cross-linked superabsorbent polymer, the superabsorbent polymer being capable of absorbing at least about 10 times its weight of a 0.9 wt./wt. % aqueous NaCl solution maintained at a temperature in the range of from about 20.degree. to about 25.degree. C.

Abstract: To prevent body fluids from flowing backward through a liquid-permeable topsheet for use in body fluids absorptive goods, the topsheet is formed by a nonwoven fabric made of thermoplastic synthetic fibers appropriately fused together and the topsheet is provided with openings and a skin-contacting region continuously extending around the openings. A first zone of the topsheet has a water-resistance at least in the skin-contacting region which is higher than a water-resistance in a second zone extending outside the first zone so as to suppress a back flow of body fluids possibly occurring in the skin-contacting region.

Abstract: Disclosed herein a personal care absorbent product which when first insulted, has a high initial surface moisture value which is maintained for several minutes but then, after a short period of time, drops to a lower value. As a result, the product has an initial "wet" feel but quickly changes to a drier feel so as to provide more comfort.

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent article having a topsheet treated with a silicone-based surfactant to impart hydrophilicity. The absorbent article preferably includes a first, apertured, macroscopically expanded, three-dimensional, polymeric topsheet and preferably includes a second, apertured, macroscopically expanded, three-dimensional polymeric topsheet underlying the first topsheet. The multiple topsheets provide improved masking of bodily fluids absorbed and retained by the absorbent core. The first and second topsheets preferably include surfactants which impart hydrophilicity to differing degrees, and which preferably are selected from diverse surfactant categories. The use of a silicone-based surfactant imparts improved tactile qualities to the wearer-contacting surface of the first topsheet in comparison with non-silicone-based surfactants.

Abstract: A disposable panty shield has a thin, highly absorbent pad having a body-contacting surface, an absorbent layer, a liquid barrier, an adhesive layer, and a release layer to protect the positioning adhesive prior to use wherein the panty shield has been densified by fusing all pad layers together in a manner such that the interstitial space between the individual fibers in the densified areas is not sufficient to readily allow fluid to flow through, and the liquid barrier has a contoured surface. The adhesive layer is attached to the liquid barrier such that the adhesive follows the contour of the liquid barrier.

Abstract: A transfer layer of cellulosic air-laid material characterized by a non-uniform binder distribution profile that allows a faster liquid acquisition. In a specific example, the transfer layer has a higher concentration of binder on its liquid-acquisition surface than on the liquid-release surface. Typically, the liquid-release surface of the transfer layer forms part of the interface transfer layer/absorbent core in the structure for absorbing body exudate.

Abstract: The present invention pertains, in a preferred embodiment, to a method for selectively aperturing a nonwoven web exhibiting a plurality of surface energy gradients.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a generally thin, flexible sanitary napkin with a topsheet, backsheet and absorbent core is provided. The absorbent article has a means for directional fluid distribution such as a fluid directing strip positioned between the topsheet and absorbent core, and an absorbent strip positioned between the topsheet and fluid directing strip. The relationships between the sizes of the fluid directing strip and the absorbent strip are such that the width of the fluid directing strip is greater than that of the absorbent strip and the length of the absorbent strip in greater than that of the fluid directing strip, so that bodily exudates may be directed toward the ends of the absorbent core even when the sanitary napkin assumes a body-conforming shape or is otherwise distorted during use.

Abstract: A nonwoven, stain resistant facing for absorbent articles is disclosed. The facing material is in the form of a nonwoven fabric including hydrophobic staple fibers bonded with an absorbent adhesive. The fabric is formed in such a manner as to have a plurality of apertures. The fibers of the fabric and the cured adhesive are coated with a fluorochemical repellant.

Abstract: A diaper containing a liquid pervious topsheet coated with a lotion composition is disclosed. The lotion composition reduces the adherence of BM to the skin of the wearer, thereby improving the ease of BM clean up. The lotion composition comprises a plastic or fluid emollient such as mineral oil or petrolatum, an immobilizing agent such as a fatty alcohol or paraffin wax to immobilize the emollient on the surface of the diaper topsheet, and optionally a hydrophilic surfactant to improve wettability of the coated topsheet. Because the emollient is substantially immobilized on the surface of the topsheet, less lotion is required to impart the desired therapeutic or protective lotion coating benefits.

Abstract: A breathable diaper, feminine hygiene, or like disposable sanitary product construction includes a plurality of materials comprising, from the skin-facing side outwardly a topsheet of liquid- and vapor-permeable hydrophilic material. A core of highly absorbent material disposed outwardly of the topsheet for absorbing fluid received through said topsheet. The core has an inner surface in fluid communication with the topsheet, an outer surface and two lateral side surfaces. A barrier is formed of a multilayer non-woven material which is hydrophobic and vapor-permeable for limiting the outward escape of fluid therethrough while enabling the outward escape of heat and water vapor therethrough, such as a two-layer spunbond-meltblown or a three-layer spunbond-meltblown-spunbond.

Abstract: A diaper containing a liquid pervious topsheet coated with a lotion composition is disclosed. The lotion composition reduces the adherence of BM to the skin of the wearer, thereby improving the ease of BM clean up. The lotion composition comprises a plastic or fluid polysiloxane emollient such as phenyl-functional polymethylsiloxanes, an immobilizing agent such as a fatty alcohol or paraffin wax to immobilize the emollient on the surface of the diaper topsheet, and optionally a hydrophilic surfactant to improve wettability of the coated topsheet. Because the polysiloxane emollient is substantially immobilized on the surface of the topsheet, less lotion is required to impart the desired therapeutic or protective lotion coating benefits.

Abstract: There is provided a protective laminate having barrier properties which has a first outer layer having liquid repellency through the use of an internal, low surface tension liquid repellency additive and a bulky second outer layer having liquid absorbency through the use of an internal wetting agent, where the layers are bonded to form a laminate. When the laminate is used as part of a garment, the absorbent layer goes against the wearer.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a diaper, sanitary napkin, adult incontinent device, and the like having meltblown components is provided. The absorbent articles preferably comprises a liquid pervious thermoplastic apertured film topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, an absorbent core, and a fibrous acquisition web of spunlaced nonwoven fibers. The absorbent core is positioned between the topsheet and backsheet which are joined at least about a portion of the periphery of the absorbent article and the topsheet is fused to the acquisition web at discrete points of attachment. The acquisition web is positioned between the topsheet and the absorbent core.

Abstract: A method and corresponding product whereby hydrophobic polyolefin-containing nonwoven materials are provided with sustainable hydrophilic properties for rewet purposes by incorporation into the appropriate spin melt composition an effective amount of an alkoxylated fatty amine in optional combination with up to 60% by weight of primary fatty acid amide.

Abstract: An absorbent pad effectively adapted for use as an adult diaper or, in a slightly different version, to be worn as an absorbent disposable pad within reusable panties. The product includes a liquid impervious backing sheet, a liquid permeable upper facing sheet adhered to the backing sheet about the edges thereof and an intermediate absorbent pad combination comprising upper and lower tissue layers and a paper fluff filler mat sandwiched together with a pair of spatially separated barrier strips that are positioned parallel to each other along the sides of the article between the two tissue layers. The plies of the tissue layers 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: Novel facing materials and methods for their manufacture are provided by this invention. The facing material includes at least a fibrous top layer for engaging body fluid and a generally opaque middle layer. A portion of the facing material is disposed, preferably by piercing, through the generally opaque middle layer to establish a fluid path through the generally opaque middle layer. In the preferred embodiment, the facing material includes a bottom layer having a capillary structure for drawing the body fluid from the fibrous top layer. In this preferred embodiment, the fibrous top layer extends through the generally opaque middle layer to provide fluid communication between the fibrous top layer and the bottom layer. These composite structures provide a clean/dry facing material that has a comfort of a textile facing and the high opacity of apertured thermoplastic films.

Abstract: This invention relates to polymer film or foam coatings for the covers of absorbent articles. More particularly, this invention relates to absorbent products and processes for making in situ foamed polymer coatings which give an opaque, soft, dry and clean-appearing water-permeable cover to absorbent products such as sanitary napkins, diapers and the like.

Abstract: An absorbent article including a fluid pervious topsheet, a fluid impervious backsheet joined to the topsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. The topsheet includes a fluid pervious nonwoven material having a patterned network of fluid impervious areas deposited thereon. Bodily fluid deposited on the topsheet is transported through the fluid pervious nonwoven material portion of the topsheet, thereby wetting the nonwoven material while the fluid impervious areas remain dry. The dry fluid impervious areas contrast visually with the wetted nonwoven material portion of the topsheet. This structure provides a topsheet that is perceived as soft and fibrous prior to the discharge of bodily fluids thereon and clean and dry after bodily fluids have been deposited thereon.

Abstract: A bodyside cover an for absorbent article is disclosed which includes two different materials to provide enhanced functionality. The bicomponent cover includes an apertured first material, which is positioned along the longitudinal central axis of the absorbent article, and a nonperforated second material secured to at least a portion of the first material. The first material has a rewet value which is less than, or equal to, the rewet value of the second material while the second material is softer than the first material. The first material is positioned below the principal point of fluid discharge and represents the primary fluid-receiving region of the cover. The second material is situated away from the principal point of fluid discharge and represents the secondary fluid-receiving region of the cover.

Abstract: An absorbent article intended for use as a urine-collecting insert in a diaper or an incontinence guard includes an inner casing layer (2) of liquid permeable material, which when the article is worn lies nearest the body of the wearer, an outer liquid permeable casing layer (3) and an absorbent pad (4) located between the casing layers. The outer casing layer (3) has a lower liquid permeability than the inner casing layer (2), such that liquid absorbed by the article is able to pass through the outer casing layer and absorbed by the diaper or incontinence guard, relatively slowly and in a controlled fashion.

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: A disposable diaper comprises an absorbent non-woven polypropylene material shaped to be located in use over the crotch between the legs of the user to substantially cover the front and rear of the lower torso, the outer surface of the material being treated to form a smooth surface of bonded material which will inhibit the passage of liquid.

Abstract: A reusable diaper pad is disclosed for the absorption, dispersion and retention of a liquid. The pad comprises an interior layer of hydrophobic material for receiving the liquid, a median layer consisting of non-woven webs of carded and cross-laid viscose rayon fibres having a cross-section of substantially rigid multilimbed configuration with the webs being stitchbonded to form a cohesive layer for dispersing and absorbing the liquid and an outer layer of a substantially waterproof polyurethane film. The interior layer, median layer and outer layer are joined to form a pad of unitary construction and capable of being washed for reuse.

Abstract: Absorbent structures having a wetlaid fluid acquisition/distribution layer with an average dry density of less than about 0.30 g/cc, an average density upon wetting with 1.0% NaCl aqueous solution of less than about 0.20 g/cc, and an average dry basis weight from about 0.001 to about 0.10 g/cm.sup.2 ; and a fluid storage layer positioned beneath the aquisition/distribution layer comprising at least about 15% superabsorbent material. The fluid acquisition/distribution layer comprises from about 50% to 100% chemically stiffened cellulosic fibers and from 0% to about 50% binding means.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition prepared by reacting(a) at least one reaction product of a hydrocarbyl substituted carboxylic acid or anhydride having a hydrocarbyl group containing from about 8 to about 150 carbon atoms and at least one polyamine wherein the reaction product has at least one NH group capable of addition to a double bond; with(b) at least one sulfo compound represented by the following formula; ##STR1## wherein each R.sub.1 is independently hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group a is zero or one;Q is a hydrocarbylene group or --C(X)N(R.sub.2)Q'--;R.sub.2 is hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group;X is sulfur or oxygen;Q' is a hydrocarbylene group; andZ is --S(O)OH, or --S(O).sub.2 OH or an ester, a metal salt or an ammonium salt of the sulfo compound.The invention also relates to polymer fabrics treated with the compositions of the present invention. The treated polymer fabrics have improved wicking/wetting characteristics.

Abstract: An antimicrobial superabsorbent composition of a cross-linked hydrophilic sodium salt form of a partially neutralized acrylic acid-based polymer gel having covalently bonded thereto a silane. The composition can be in the form of flakes, strips, powders, filaments, fibers, or films, and may be applied to a substrate in the form of a coating.

Abstract: This multilayer low friction pad for reducing shear and friction forces on a person's body, and for preventing and treating sores on a person's body caused by shear forces, friction, pressure, chafing and moisture, has a first layer made of soft, flexible foam material which is thick enough to serve as a shock absorber, facilitate handling, and prevent wrinkling and crumpling of the pad. A second layer bonded to the foam layer has a very slippery surface on which is a third layer composed of a slippery lubricant cooperating with the second layer to reduce shear forces and provide a working surface having a negligibly small coefficient of friction. The first layer has an exposed side rough enough to prevent frictionally displacement of the pad while in use. A nonporous fourth layer can be bonded between the first and second layers to serve as a moisture barrier. One or more drain holes can be provided in the pad underlaid by a highly absorbent mat attached to the exposed side of the first layer.

Abstract: An incontinent pad has a pervious inner surface layer and impervious outer surface layer with both layers having edge portions connected together to form an envelope thereat. A high absorbent packet is contained within the formed envelope and overlies major areas of the impervious outer layer. A high loft porous webbed section is in initimate engagement with the high absorbent packet. The high absorbent packet has at least two juxtapositioned nonwoven webs of textile staple fibers with a layer of superabsorbent powder positioned between all of the adjacent webs. The edges of the webs are sealed together to prevent powder migration from the side. Each of the nonwoven webs of the high absorbent packet also includes a binder to impart sufficient strength to the nonwoven webs for facilitating handling and for allowing movement of the fiber under the expanding influence of the superabsorbent powder.

Abstract: A hygienic disposable article used as a diaper and possessing an absorbent body enhanced with expandable material. The expandable material is to be applied along the direction of the longitudinal axis of the diaper, in decreasing quantity outwards from the crotch area in such a way that the concentration of the expandable material in the crotch area is 8% to 40% of the weight of said absorbent body, while in the area of the waist, it is 1% to 7% thereof. In this way an optimal distribution of the absorbent components of the diaper is achieved in accordance with the distribution pattern of the fluid excreted from the wearer.

Abstract: An antimicrobial superabsorbent composition of a cross-linked hydrophilic sodium salt form of a partially neutralized acrylic acid-based polymer gel having covalently bonded thereto a silane. The composition can be in the form of flakes, strips, powders, filaments, fibers, or films, and may be applied to a substrate in the form of a coating.

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: Disclosed is a laminated structure for use in an absorbent product comprising a hydrophobic acquisition layer adjacent to a fluid permeable top sheet, and an absorbent layer. The hydrophobic layer comprises a thermally consolidated blend of 5% to 35% of thermally bondable hydrophobic fibers and 65% to 95% wood fluff pulp.

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

Abstract: A 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: A sanitary napkin is provided which obviates the problem of stain propagating across the body facing side of the napkin while still facilitates manufacturing processes. Specifically, the napkin comprises a pad having a wrapper which overlies the garment facing side of the pad, the longitudinal sides of the pad, and peripheral portions of the body facing surface of the pad. The wrapper comprises a body fluid impervious sheet laminated to a fibrous sheet with the fibrous sheet being wider than the impervious sheet. The fibrous sheet has a width sufficient to overlie the garment facing surface, the longitudinal sides and the longitudinal peripheral portions of the body facing side of said pad, but is insufficient in width to overlie the central major portion of the body facing surface of the pad.

Abstract: A product for absorbing body fluids intended to be worn in the crotch portion of the undergarment is provided. The product includes a first absorbent layer at the side nearest the body and a second absorbent at the side facing the garment. The layers have therebetween liquid flow retarding means to retard liquid from passing from one absorbent layer to the other. The liquid retarding means comprise one or more plies of a web of hydrophobic fiber which web has a rising column strike through value of at least 10 inches of water and an air permeability of at least 20 cubic feet per foot squared per minute.

Abstract: An absorptive structure for absorbing and containing fluids from a source exterior of said structure comprising a topsheet, an absorbent element and a back sheet, wherein said topsheet is a liquid permeable material formed from particles of non-dissolvable polymeric materials partially fused together to form a continuous sheet and has a multiplicity of openings therein of a predetermined size and shape so as to direct fluid flow into the absorbent element and inhibit fluid flow from the absorbent element through the topsheet, and said back sheet is impervious to liquids.

Abstract: A disposable diaper comprising an absorbent pad or dual absorbent pads positioned between a top sheet and a waterproof backing sheet without the presence of wadding sheets to increase the suppleness of the diaper. A binder is sprayed between said pad or the lower of the dual pads and the backing sheet, the binder penetrating the material of the pad to stick the pad to the backing sheet to render the pad highly tear resistant.

Abstract: A sanitary appliance is provided which has fused barrier lines in the cover only.The web is useful as a wrap for absorbent appliances or for toweling in which the fused barrier in each instance minimizes surface runoff and excessive wicking.The invention also includes a process for making a sanitary appliance with the web of the subject invention.

Abstract: An absorption pad useful for protecting a bed, furniture, or the like, includes a lower liquid impervious material layer and an upper liquid absorbent material layer laminated thereto. The liquid absorbent layer is impregnated with strings or filaments of a liquid resistant agent which does not stiffen the pad. The strings or filaments form a grid-like pattern for defining compartments between the strings over preferably the entire area of the absorption pad, thereby for limiting the spread of liquid over the pad. The layers are laminated together, and may be laminated by an adhesive. The laminating areas may be in a filament pattern corresponding to and overlapping the filament pattern of the strings of the liquid resistant agent.

Abstract: Described herein are disposable articles made from a water soluble polymer or a substrate made from such polymer, a surface of said article or substrate coated with a degradable water-insoluble polymer.

Abstract: A disposable diaper comprising a top sheet, an absorbent pad assembly and a water impervious backing sheet. The absorbent pad assembly includes one or more absorbent pads at least one of which is treated with a water spray to vary the density thereof increasingly from top to bottom. The absorbent pad assembly may have a lower wadding sheet integrally stabilized to the pad treated with the water spray.

Abstract: A surgical sponge principally for blunt dissection formed of an elongated strip of absorbent material such as woven cotton or the like rolled to form a cylindrical structure. At least the outer layer of the roll is adhesively secured to the roll to prevent unwinding and a radiation opaque material is contained within the sponge and is preferably intermixed with the adhesive.

Abstract: Non-woven bioactive, water and alcohol-repellent medical fabrics are described. The fabric is provided with a bioactive finish which is substantive on the fabric and is able to destroy migrating and cross-contaminating bacteria, algae and fungi. The bioactive material is 3-(trimethoxysilyl)-propyloctadecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride and is present to the extent of about 0.15 to about 1.05% on the basis of the fabric weight. A fluoropolymer provides the necessary alcohol and saline repellency.The described fabrics have numerous medical uses such as surgeon's gowns, medical drapes, isolation gowns and instrument wraps.

Abstract: An air-permeable and waterproof diaper cover comprises a front body part and a rear body part and two wings attached to the left and right upper sides of the rear body part. The rear body part comprises at least a section of waterproof and stretching material, and the front body part comprises at least a section of air-permeable and water-repellent material, whereby the combination and location of such materials prevents leakage of liquid while permitting air and gas circulation.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric comprising polyester fibers bonded with a water-insoluble, hydrophobic emulsion polymer of 50 to 80 parts by weight of an ethylenically unsaturated monomer selected from styrene, methyl methacrylate and .alpha.-methyl styrene, and 50 to 20 parts of a diene monomer selected from butadiene and isoprene, said polymer having a Tg in the range of -5.degree. C. to +25.degree. C.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin is provided. The sanitary napkin of the present invention has a substantially non-absorbent braided wicking structure.