Abstract: A film particularly suited for use as a transfer layer in an absorbent article has a plurality of capillaries and a plurality of drains, said capillaries comprising side walls depending from a female side of the film and terminating in an aperture on a male side of the film; said drains comprising side walls that depending from the female side of the film and terminating in an aperture on the male side of the film, wherein the drains are disposed at an obtuse angle relative to a base plane of the film.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a diaper, sanitary napkin, incontinence guard or panty liner, including a fluid-permeable nonwoven topsheet located on the wearer-facing side thereof. The nonwoven topsheet includes a plurality of channels arranged side-by-side. The channels are located within the nonwoven topsheet, whereby gas is allowed to pass into, out of and along the channels, thus providing ventilation of the absorbent article.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent article comprises a first fluid handling zone having a first Transverse Fluid Travel Distance and a second fluid handling zone having a second Transverse Fluid Travel Distance. The first Transverse Fluid Travel Distance is at least about 50% greater than said second Transverse Fluid Travel Distance, which results in an absorbent article that is better able to handle bodily fluids and reduce the risk of accidental leakage of bodily fluids onto a consumer's undergarments.

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, such as a sanitary napkin, includes a top sheet and a back sheet with a resilient, composite absorbent core sandwiched therebetween. To decrease the stiffness, the absorbent core includes an outer line and an inner line on each side of a longitudinal centerline. The outer line includes a plurality of slits having spaces therebetween, and the outer line extends convexly when viewed from the longitudinal centerline. The plurality of slits in the absorbent core impart better bending ability of the absorbent article, particular for stiff airlaid absorbent cores.

Abstract: A wound care dressing comprising one or more nonwoven blankets, where each nonwoven blanket comprises a plurality of fibers, where each of the plurality of fibers are formed from one or more saccharides in optional combination with one or more medicaments.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a liquid pervious liner, a liquid impervious back sheet, and an absorbent composite located between the liner and the back sheet. The absorbent composite includes a first sheet, a second sheet, and a unitary absorbent core. The unitary absorbent core has a plurality of holes there through, wherein each hole has an area less than 200 mm2. The unitary absorbent core has a uniform density and is positioned between the first sheet and the second sheet. The first sheet is directly joined with the second sheet at a plurality of bond points. The bond points are located within the holes and are substantially devoid of absorbent material.

Abstract: A shaped sheet, comprising: a plurality of protrusions (3) on one surface side of the shaped sheet formed of fibers; and connecting portions (5) for being barriers and connecting the protrusions (3) to one another, wherein the connecting portion (5) has a fiber density higher than a fiber density of the protrusion (3).

Abstract: A method for forming a hook-engageable landing zone on a fibrous surface by selecting a region of the surface to form the landing zone, by raising fibers from the surface in the selected region to form fibrous loops extending from the surface, and by anchoring the fibrous loops in the selected region to secure the loops and resist pullout during hook engagement.

Abstract: A three-dimensional film for use as an acquisition distribution layer in an absorbent article comprising a first surface with drains extending downward from the first surface, the drains being capable of transmitting fluid by gravity; and protrusions extending upward from the first surface to an upper surface with at least one capillary extending downward from the upper surface, the capillaries being capable of transmitting fluid in contact with the upper surface by capillary action. The drains rapidly transmit fluid through the film, particularly fluid that is dynamically-deposited. The capillaries transmit statically-retained fluid that is in contact with the upper surface of the protrusions.

Abstract: An absorbent material including a fibrous material having a plurality of individual fibers forming a fiber matrix, a plurality of absorbent fibers, wherein the plurality of absorbent fibers are impregnated within the fiber matrix by means of a needlepunch process.

Abstract: An absorbent article having extensibility at waist panel is disclosed. The absorbent article includes a liquid pervious topsheet, an absorbent core disposed underneath the topsheet, and a chassis layer. A first or second waist panel includes a portion of the chassis layer. The chassis layer includes a plurality of spaced discontinuities regularly disposed in at least a portion of the first or second waist panel. The discontinuities are open to provide the chassis layer with extensibility in the transverse direction when the first or second waist panel is subjected to tension. The absorbent article also includes an extensibility controlling means to control the extensibility of the chassis layer.

Abstract: Absorbent articles having form fitting properties are disclosed. In particular, the absorbent articles include at least one waist elastic member that extends a substantial distance in the longitudinal direction. The waist elastic member, for instance, may be positioned in a front region of the article, in a back region of the article or in both the front and back regions. The waist elastic member includes a breathable elastic film. In order for the film to be breathable, the film includes apertures. The apertures appear on the film according to a particular pattern and having a particular diameter so that the film retains desired stretch properties.

Abstract: A wound dressing can include a backing layer, a facing layer which is permeable for wound exudate and blood and which, when in use, is in contact with the wound, and an absorbent core. The backing layer and the facing layer can be joined together in order to form a pouch. The absorbent core can be located within the pouch and can include at least a first layer and a second layer. The first layer can be located closer to the facing layer than the second layer. The first layer can be configured to provide a flow of liquid predominantly in a direction perpendicular to the extension of the facing layer. The second layer can be configured to provide a flow of liquid predominantly in a direction parallel to the extension of the facing layer.

Abstract: An absorbent article (100) includes a topsheet (101), a backsheet (102), and an absorbent core (10). The absorbent core (10) includes a number of discretely and independently arranged absorbent members (30) located across a planar direction of the article (100). An intermediate sheet (20) is disposed between the topsheet (101) and the absorbent core (10) or between the backsheet (102) and the absorbent core (10). The absorbent members (30) are fixed to the intermediate sheet (20). It is preferable that an absorption rate of physiological saline solution measured by D/W method of each of the topsheet (101), the intermediate sheet (20), and the absorbent core (10) satisfies the following relationship: the topsheet (101)<the intermediate sheet (20)<the absorbent core (10).

Abstract: Three-dimensional formed films particularly useful as transfer layers in absorbent articles comprise a base plane having land areas defining a plurality of protuberances having sidewalls and a bottom wall, a plurality of the protuberances having an aperture in substantially at least one sidewall. In preferred embodiment, the film further comprises a plurality of capillaries, which can originate in the base plane or in a secondary plane spaced from the base plane. In preferred embodiments, the capillaries terminate in a common plane with the bottom surfaces of the protrusions.

Abstract: An absorbent pad having a periphery and useful as a feminine hygiene article. The pad comprises a body-contacting surface comprising fibers from a first web of fibrous material, an absorbent portion comprising fibers from a second web of fibrous material, and a bottom surface comprising fibers from the first web of fibrous material. The absorbent portion is disposed intermediate the body-contacting surface and the bottom surface and extends to the periphery, the surfaces and absorbent portion being joined to one another at portions of the first web that penetrate through the absorbent portion at a plurality of discrete locations.

Abstract: An absorbent article with an annular absorbent member. The absorbent article has a liquid-permeable top sheet, a liquid-impermeable back sheet, an annular absorbent member and a second absorbent member. The annular absorbent member is disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet. The annular absorbent member absorbs and retains a liquid passing through the top sheet. The annular absorbent member defines an aperture in a central portion thereof. The second absorbent member is disposed between the annular absorbent member and the back sheet. The second absorbent member has a visible area aligned with a position of the aperture of the annular absorbent member.

Abstract: The embodiments provide an absorbent garment, such as a disposable diaper, incontinent pad, sanitary napkin, and the like, that has an absorbent core that provides for a long term dryness profile. The dryness profile reflects real world long term usage of absorbent products. Such new absorbent garments can be constructed with absorbent cores containing synthetic fibers and super absorbent particulates.

Abstract: A catamenial device. The device comprises a topsheet having a body facing surface, a backsheet joined to said topsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, wherein the absorbent core comprises three zones differing in stiffness, at least one of the zones comprising laterally-oriented portions where material from the core has been removed, the portions defining slots.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article, such as a disposable diaper. The disposable absorbent article has a topsheet with apertures large enough for low-viscosity fecal material to pass through to a fecal material storage element. The fecal material storage element immobilizes the fecal material in position for dewatering, so that the solid components of the fecal material are separated from the liquid components of the fecal material and the liquid components can be absorbed by an absorbent core. This arrangement provides for easier cleaning of the wearer when the soiled disposable absorbent article is removed. The fecal material storage element may extend beyond one or more edges of the absorbent core.

Abstract: It is intended to provide an absorbent article provided with a composite sheet which comprises a film sheet and a fiber mass and is excellent in the ability to draw in a liquid and the ability to prevent the backward flow. Namely, an absorbent article provided with a composite sheet comprising a film sheet having multiple pores formed therein and a fiber mass laminated on one side of the film sheet, wherein the fiber mass has a projected section in which a part of the fiber mass projects through the multiple pores toward the other side of the film sheet.

Abstract: An absorbent article adapted to accelerate an absorption rate of the absorbent member, to enlarge an absorption area in the absorbent member and to improve an absorption capacity of the absorbent member. A urine absorption pad includes a topsheet, a backsheet, a first layer element and a second layer element. The first layer element is formed with a slot-like first through hole extending nearly vertically in a thickness direction from its upper surface to its lower surface. The second layer element is formed with a slot-like second through hole extending nearly vertically in the thickness direction from its upper surface to its lower surface and overlapping with the first through hole.

Abstract: An absorbent article using a surface sheet in which a side of the surface coming into contact with a skin is made of a non-woven fabric and a plastic film layer is stacked in a side of the back of the foregoing non-woven fabric, wherein the residence of a body fluid due to a capillary phenomenon or surface tension in an aperture wall part of the foregoing surface sheet is reduced and the body fluid is rapidly moved into a side of a hydrophilic second sheet or absorber as a lower layer, thereby not only keeping dryness and smoothness on the surface but also preventing turning back with a lapse of time.

Abstract: A method for forming a hook-engageable landing zone on a fibrous surface by selecting a region of the surface to form the landing zone, by raising fibers from the surface in the selected region to form fibrous loops extending from the surface, and by anchoring the fibrous loops in the selected region to secure the loops and resist pullout during hook engagement.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a liquid pervious liner, a liquid impervious back sheet, and an absorbent composite located between the liner and the back sheet. The absorbent composite includes a first sheet, a second sheet, and a unitary absorbent core. The unitary absorbent core has a plurality of holes there through, wherein each hole has an area less than 200 mm2. The unitary absorbent core has a uniform density and is positioned between the first sheet and the second sheet. The first sheet is directly joined with the second sheet at a plurality of bond points. The bond points are located within the holes and are substantially devoid of absorbent material.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, includes a top sheet and a back sheet with an absorbent core sandwiched therebetween. To decrease transverse leakage, a channeled acquisition distribution layer is placed between the absorbent core and the top sheet. The acquisition distribution layer has apertures and channels open toward the top sheet extending in the longitudinal or machine direction of the article. The channels have a lower permeability through the layer than the remaining portions of the acquisition distribution layer by containing less apertures or by melting the channels so that material fills in substantially all of the apertures in the channels. In further embodiments, the channels may be impermeable and extend substantially the full length of the acquisition distribution layer.

Abstract: A plastic sheet having cloth-like appearance and thermoplasticity and provided with melt patterns in the sheet face, the melt patterns formed in a predetermined arrangement under an elongating condition of the plastic sheet so as to form convex-concave wrinkles in regions between neighboring melt patterns in the plastic sheet under an un-elongating condition.

Abstract: An absorptive article in which an absorptive body is deformed into a stable recessed shape to prevent leakage of a large amount of discharged bodily wastes including bodily fluid. The absorptive article has a front side sheet at least a portion of which is liquid permeable and that is placed on the skin contact surface side, a liquid non-permeable back side sheet placed on the clothing contact surface side, and a liquid retainable absorptive body placed between the front side sheet and the back side sheet. The absorptive body has a compression section formed, when compressed from the clothing contact surface side to the skin contact surface side, into a projected shape projected on the clothing contact surface side, toward the skin contact surface side, and the absorptive body also has a space section formed, when compressed from the skin contact surface side to the clothing contact surface side, into a recessed shape recessed on the skin contact surface side, toward the clothing contact surface side.

Abstract: Embodiments of a thin web comprising a plurality of channels extending through the film are disclosed. The channels are in a substantially closed position but are capable of being in an open position to allow flow from the female side through the film to the male side. In certain applications, a greater pressure on the female side than the male side is capable of opening the channels. Embodiments may also include a thin web comprising a plurality of three dimensional apertures extending through the plastic film. The apertures may form a substantially closed channel defined by a sidewall and the channels being disposed at an angle greater than 70° with respect to a female side of the film. The thin web may be a plastic film or a thermoplastic film comprising a polyolefin, for example, or any other suitable material. The polyolefin may comprise at least one of polyethylene, polypropylene, low density polyethylene, or high density polyethylene, for example.

Abstract: A nonwoven web having printed thereon a colorant and/or a composition providing a skin health benefit. The nonwoven web can be a three-dimensional, fluid pervious, polymeric web. The nonwoven web can comprise apertures. The apertures are defined in a first surface of the nonwoven web in a first plane of the nonwoven web, and extend in sidewall portions to a second surface in a second plane of the nonwoven web. A colorant or lotion composition can be deposited on at least a portion of the second surface of the nonwoven web.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for a making a formed fibrous article and more specifically to method and apparatus for making a formed fibrous article useful as an absorbent core structure in a disposable sanitary article such as a sanitary napkin, panty liner, diaper or the like. The present invention also relates to a disposable sanitary article including a formed fibrous article according to the present invention as a core structure thereof.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for a making a formed fibrous article and more specifically to method and apparatus for making a formed fibrous article useful as an absorbent core structure in a disposable sanitary article such as a sanitary napkin, panty liner, diaper or the like. The present invention also relates to a disposable sanitary article including a formed fibrous article according to the present invention as a core structure thereof.

Abstract: A pet waste absorption sheet includes a liquid-impermeable backsheet, a liquid-permeable topsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the backsheet and the topsheet. The topsheet is a resin film formed with a plurality of apertures for passage of liquid. The topsheet is bonded to the absorbent core through a hot-melt type adhesive. The hot-melt type adhesive is applied in a plurality of continuous lines including curved portions.

Abstract: An absorption body for use on wounds is constructed of a multilayer configuration with a first layer that is facing the wound, a second layer that is facing away from the wound, and an absorbent core that is arranged between the first and second layers. The first layer in the area of the wound has a material that is permeable for liquids and the second layer has a breathable material. The absorption body is suitable as a wound pad.

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: An apparatus for manufacturing an absorbent body for an absorbent article includes a conveying mechanism for conveying a continuous absorbent sheet, a slitting mechanism configured so that a plurality of slitting blades are pressed against the absorbent sheet conveyed by the conveying mechanism, the slitting blades extending in a predetermined direction, a cutting mechanism for cutting the absorbent sheet against which the slitting blades are pressed and forming the absorbent body, and a stretching mechanism arranged upstream of the cutting mechanism and for stretching, in a direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction, the absorbent sheet against which the slitting blades are pressed, and forming slits in the absorbent sheet.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a liquid pervious topsheet having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion differs in structure from the second portion. The topsheet has a longitudinal centerline and a transverse centerline. The second portion has a first structurally modified zone, a second structurally modified zone, a third structurally modified zone, and a fourth structurally modified zone.

Abstract: A reusable absorbent article includes a hydrophilic top layer, a soaking layer adjacent to and beneath the top layer, a substantially liquid impermeable layer adjacent to and beneath the soaking layer, and a backing layer adjacent to and beneath the substantially liquid impermeable layer. All of the layers are secured together to form a unitary structure. The soaking layer is a non-woven fabric having a plurality of hydrophobic fibers of a generally circular cross-sectional shape and a plurality of hydrophilic fibers of a non-circular cross-sectional shape.

Abstract: A diaper or adult incontinence garment including a backsheet and a sublayer. The sublayer may include one or more acquisition layers and one or more regions having a multitude of through or blind holes. The sublayer may isolate feces away from the skin and at the same time provide liquid acquisition. Certain regions of the sublayer may have a total open area of from 10% to 50% of the total surface area of the sublayer. The holes have an average smallest dimension of at least 3 mm. The sublayer has an average caliper of from 2 mm to 6, and an average caliper loss after wetting and under pressure of 0.3 psi of less than 20%.

Abstract: A tampon comprising an absorbent core and a partially impermeable layer, where said absorbent core have a mantle area, an insertion end area, and a withdrawal end area is disclosed. The tampon further comprises an active layer, and said partially impermeable layer is arranged on at least a part of said mantle area, and said active layer is arranged on at least a part of said partially impermeable layer. The tampon will sustain a moistured surface layer, while at the same time excess fluid is distributed to the core of the tampon for storage.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric comprising at least 50% by weight microfibers having a fineness of 1.0 dtex or less and a length of at least 30 mm and having been combined by hydroentangling. The fabric is apertured by said hydroentangling, and has been carded before hydroentangling. The fabric may be used as a topsheet material on an absorbent article.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent article comprises a first fluid handling zone having a first Transverse Fluid Travel Distance and a second fluid handling zone having a second Transverse Fluid Travel Distance. The first Transverse Fluid Travel Distance is at least about 50% greater than said second Transverse Fluid Travel Distance, which results in an absorbent article that is better able to handle bodily fluids and reduce the risk of accidental leakage of bodily fluids onto a consumer's undergarments.

Abstract: An absorbent article generally has a longitudinal axis, a lateral axis, a front waist region, a back waist region, and a crotch region extending longitudinally between and interconnecting the front and back waist regions. The absorbent article has an outer cover stretchable in at least one direction and a liner in opposed relationship with the outer cover and stretchable in at least one direction. An absorbent structure is disposed between the liner and the outer cover and extends from the crotch region to at least one of the front waist region and the back waist region of the article. The absorbent structure has at least one weakening element disposed therein for reducing the resistance of the absorbent structure to stretching in a direction that defines an angle relative to the lateral axis of the absorbent article of greater than zero degrees and less than 90 degrees.

Abstract: Tampons having a zoned apertured overwrap. The tampons can include a compressed absorbent member having an insertion end, a withdrawal end, a longitudinal axis, and a body disposed between the insertion end and the withdrawal end. The body can have a perimeter disposed substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis and an exterior surface. The tampons can further include an overwrap covering at least a portion of the exterior surface. The overwrap can have a first zone and a second zone, the first zone having a plurality of apertures of a first diameter and the second zone having a plurality of apertures of a second diameter. In addition, the first zone and the second zone can be spaced apart from one another.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a topsheet and an absorbent core in facing relationship with the topsheet. The topsheet has a central region, an inner intermediate region, an outer intermediate region, and an edge region, wherein the inner intermediate region is between the central region and the outer intermediate region and the outer intermediate region is between the inner intermediate region and the edge region. The central region texture, inner intermediate region texture, outer intermediate region texture, and edge region texture differ from one another. At least one of the central region, inner intermediate region, outer intermediate region, and edge region comprises tufted fibers. The central region is on the longitudinal centerline of the absorbent article.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cleanable and reusable body fluid-absorbing fabric pad to move moisture including sweat and urine away from the skin of a wearer, the body fluid-absorbing fabric pad including, a diffusive fabric layer coming into contact with the skin of the wearer to remove moisture from the skin, an absorbent non-woven layer coming into contact with the diffusive fabric layer, the absorbent non-woven layer comprising at least 5 wt % of a superabsorbent fiber to remove moisture transported from the diffusive fabric layer, and a waterproof film coming into contact with the absorbent non-woven layer and exhibiting waterproofing properties and breathability. The absorbent non-woven layer is formed by needle-punching or thermally bonding superabsorbent fibers, polyethylene/polypropylene bi-component fibers and rayon fibers, wherein the diffusive fabric layer, the absorbent non-woven layer and the waterproof film are stacked and sewed to form the body fluid-absorbing fabric pad.

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 invention refers to a disposable cover for use in an incubator for premature infants comprising a moisture-pervious surface layer and a preferably moisture-impervious back sheet, wherein the total weight of the cover before use is communicated to the caregiver by indication on said cover, a label accompanying said cover or on the package for said cover. The cover may further be provided with a wetness indicator.

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.