Abstract: Absorbent laminates, which may be used as or in diapers, incontinence pads, sanitary napkins, tampons or wound dressings, comprise a hydrophilic layer adjacent a water-permeable fibrous web. Fluid-transporting wicks extend from within the fibrous web into the hydrophilic layer, and are preferably formed by needling. The hydrophilic layer is preferably a peat moss composite board, and the fibrous web is preferably a nonwoven polyester fleece.

Abstract: Fibers having intra-fiber capillary channels are used in conjunction with topsheet materials in absorbent articles such as diapers, bandages and, especially, sanitary napkins. In-use, the capillary channel fibers draw fluid away from the topsheet to provide a clean, dry appearance.

Abstract: A disposable diaper having a backing sheet having a crotch portion, an absorbent pad having a pair of opposed side edges, and a liquid impervious barrier sheet having side margins extending around the side edges of the pad, such that the barrier sheet provides a barrier preventing waste material from escaping through the back of the diaper or through the side edges of the pad.

Abstract: Novel breathable disposable diapers of per se known configuration comprising a back sheet having a crotch portion and corner portions or wings adapted for engaging the waist and stomach of the wearer, the corner portions being both air-and liquid-permeable, the crotch portion of the back sheet comprising a a liquid-impermeable sheet material carrying an absorbent pad for receiving and retaining body waste materials with the side edges of the sheet material extending around and over the side edges of the pad, whereby to provide a barrier preventing the waste material from escaping through the back of the diaper or through the side edges of the pad.Preferably, a permeable cover or front sheet, is also provided, the absorbent pad in the crotch portion being sandwiched between the cover and liquid-impermeable sheets.

Abstract: A non-woven fabric of alginate staple fibres, characterized in that the absorbency of the fabric is greater than 25.0 grams of deionised water or 19.0 grams of saline water per gram of fabric as measured with reference to the test method depicted in FIG. 1, is prepared by a modified needle-tacking process. The fabric is useful for the preparation of wound and burn dressings.

Abstract: A highly absorbent and flexible calendered and perfembossed cellulosic pulp fluff sheet for use in disposable absorbent products such as sanitary napkins, wound dressings, bandages, incontinence pads, disposable diapers and the like. The invention also extends to a method for manufacturing the highly absorbent and flexible pulp fluff sheet and its method of use in disposable absorbent products.

Abstract: An absorbent article, illustrated as a disposable diaper, includes a primary absorbent member and an auxiliary absorbent member. The primary absorbent member has an upper liquid-receiving surface area. The auxiliary absorbent member includes a liquid-permeable lower surface region, and a pair of substantially liquid-impermeable upstanding leg gathers in at least a target area of the absorbent article. An attachment arrangement joins the primary and auxiliary absorbent members to position the liquid-permeable lower surface region of the auxiliary absorbent member in liquid-transferring relationship with the upper liquid-receiving surface area of the primary absorbent member.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin is disclosed which has an absorbent and a fluid-permeable cover positioned over at least one surface of the absorbent. The cover is formed from a nonwoven web having a network of essentially unbroken thermoplastic fibers. The web has a plurality of apertures formed therethrough which are located in a predetermined area which represents less than about 80% of the surface area of the cover. Each of the apertures is surrounded by a consolidated ring formed of thermally set thermoplastic fibers which in turn is surrounded by a raised area which contacts the body of the user. The apertures formed in the web occupy about 20% to 55% of the predetermined area and permit body fluid to quickly pass through to the absorbent.

Abstract: The invention provides novel polyesters, fibers and films, nonwovens from the fibers and disposable products of the polyesters such as diapers. The products are degradable under the conditions typically existing in waste composting processes, have low ingredient costs and yet provide strength and toughness properties adequate for end uses such as in disposable diapers. The polyesters are based upon polyethylene terephthalate copolymerized with a non-aromatic diacid, such as adipic and glutaric acids, and containing alkali metal or alkaline earth metal sulfo groups, such as a metal 5-sulfoisophthalic acid derivative.

Abstract: An absorbent pad, such as a sanitary napkin, is provided having a fibrous facing sheet. The fibrous face is a fractional-denier fibrous nonwoven fabric which may or may not be laminated to a thermoplastic sheet, depending on its strength. The sheet is vacuum perforated to make it permeable to body fluids.

Abstract: A disposable, cloth-like towel of superior wet strength and absorbency comprises a scrim coated with a superabsorbent material, with one or more nonwoven fibrous webs bonded to the coated scrim. The superabsorbent coating preferably is formed by wetting the scrim with water or an aqueous adhesive, applying a solid hydrophilic polymer to the scrim, then applying a nonwoven absorbent cellulosic web to the coated scrim and drying the resulting composite laminate. Bonding of the scrim to the nonwoven fibrous web can be achieved by applying an adhesive to the side of the cellulosic web which is brought into contact with the coated scrim.

Abstract: A cover for a sanitary napkin or other absorbent product is provided which includes an outer layer of a hydrophobic material. The outer layer contains fluid passageways which are small enough so that the outer layer alone will not pass liquid therethrough. A second, liner layer is bonded to the interior surface of the outer layer and is comprised of a nonwoven web which is at least slightly wettable so as to draw liquids through the passageways of the outer layer. The liner layer contains large capillaries so that at least a majority of the liquid entering the liner layer from the fluid passageways will pass through the liner to the absorbent core of the product.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for making spunlaced acrylic/polyester fabrics comprising applying low impact water jet energy to a fabric web and vacuum dewatering the resulting spunlaced fabric. The spunlaced fabrics exhibit very low wet and dry particle counts and high absorbency thereby making them particularly useful in cleanroom wiper applications and as coverstock for sanitary napkins, diapers and the like.

Abstract: The durable and reusable incontinent underpads of the invention are 4-layer fabrics, incorporating a first layer of woven or knit fabric, a second layer of non-woven felt, a third layer of polyurethane film, and a fourth layer of woven or knit fabric. The first and second layers are quilted together--as by stitching, or otherwise--to form a fluid absorbing portion for the underpad. The third and fourth layers are laminated together with a urethane adhesive to form a leakage preventing portion for the pad. The second and third layers are also laminated together with the urethene adhesive to complete the underpad constructions.

Abstract: A sanitary article comprises an absorbent and a sheet of a surface material to envelop the absorbent, the sheet comprising an opaque, hydrophobic film, having recesses in its land portion, the recesses being formed to have a bottom and side walls, the side walls having a slanting part, the slanting part being provided therein with an opening so that the slanting part having the opening may not be covered with the land portion.

Abstract: A soft, bulky light weight fabric having good absorbency and suitable for use as a wound dressing is prepared from a hydroentangled nonwoven fabric comprising a plurality of parallel spaced apart ribs interconnected by loose fiber bundles extending between adjacent ribs. The ribs comprise high density, highly entangled masses of fibers and contain at least about 60 percent by weight of the fiber in the fabric. The fabric is napped ina direction perpendicular to the ribs to obtain the soft, bulky fabric without tearing or disrupting the integrity of the fabric.

Abstract: A bicomponent material which allows liquids to pass in a first direction, but substantially prevents the liquids from passing in the opposite direction, is disclosed. The material also exposes any gases attempting to pass in the direction opposite to that of the liquid transmission to an odor control lamina. The material is especially suitable for use with articles which deal with bodily fluids and the gases generated therefrom.

Abstract: Discolsed are wet wiper products that incorporate antimicrobially-active nonwoven fabrics, preferably comprising: bonded fibers; a binder distributed on said fibers; and an antimicrobial agent distributed on from 10% through 50% of said fibers, said antimicrobial agent being substantive to said fibers such that said antimicrobial agent is prevented from substantially diffusing from said fabric.

Abstract: The present invention provides a distinctive absorbent article which includes a backsheet layer which delimits at least one waistband portion of the article. A substantially liquid-permeable topsheet layer is located in facing relation with an inner surface of the backsheet layer, and an absorbent body is located between the topsheet layer and the backsheet layer. An elastic member, which is connected to the waistband portion, is composed of an elastomeric, nonwoven fibrous web material, and is constructed and arranged to shirr the waistband portion.

Abstract: Disposable diapers provided with breathable leg cuffs. Disposable diapers comprise a topsheet, an absorbent element, and a backsheet. The leg cuff of a disposable diaper is that part of the diaper which fits about the wearer's leg. Extensions of the backsheet can be used to form cuffs which are frequently elasticized. In the present invention the cuffs are formed of a material which allows passage of vapor ("breathes") while tending to retard the passage of liquid. Apertured thermoplastic films are examples of such materials. Certain advantages accrue in cuffs which are permeable to vapor in their distal portions and impermeable in the portions adjacent the absorbent element. If the disposable diaper has a breathable backsheet, the cuffs are constructed to be more permeable to vapor per unit area in their breathable portions than is the backsheet.

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: The present invention provides a distinctive absorbent article which includes a backsheet layer which delimits at least one waistband portion of the article. A substantially liquid-permeable topsheet layer is located in facing relation with an inner surface of the backsheet layer, and an absorbent body is located between the topsheet layer and the backsheet layer. An elastic member, which is connected to the waistband portion, is composed of an elastomeric, nonwoven fibrous web material, and is constructed and arranged to shirr the waistband portion.

Abstract: An absorbent pad, particularly for articles of hygiene such as diapers, nappy-pants, dressings, and the like, is disclosed which includes at least one sheet of long fibers, preferably one sheet of nonabsorbent fibers and the other of absorbent fibers, and superabsorbent particles distributed between the sheets. The superabsorbent particles are held in place by needling at least one of the long-fibered sheets.

Abstract: An apertured plastic film facing material and method for making the same, together with an improved absorbent product formed therefrom, wherein the edge of the apertures is coated with a hydrophilic material.

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 water permeable, contoured, polymeric film which is apertured and which contains a pattern of raised areas. The film is formed from elastomeric polymer, preferably a blend of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer with incompatible polymer. The numbers of apertures and raised areas contained in the film are such that the ratio of apertures to raised areas is greater than unity. The apertures are preferably distributed in a random manner throughout the raised areas. Processes for forming the film by first aperturing the film and then impressing raised areas into the apertured film are also described. The film may be employed to form the body contacting surface in absorbent devices. The use of the film helps to reduce the phenomenon of wet-back.

Abstract: An absorbent re-usable patient underpad is formed of five layers of fabric consisting from top to bottom of: an absorbent rayon-polyester blend, non-woven polyester; vinyl; and polyester, a synthetic taffeta. The third, fourth and fifth layers are bonded together as are, generally, the first and second layers.

Abstract: A method for hydraulically deforming a web of polymeric film while the film is supported on a moving forming structure to produce a novel microbubbled substantially fluid-impervious web exhibiting substantially the same consumer preferred soft and silky tactile impression and reduced noise generation levels heretofore only achievable in microapertured, and hence substantially fluid pervious polymeric webs. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the microbubbled polymeric web exhibits a fine-scale pattern of discrete mushroom shaped surface aberrations, each of said surface aberrations having its amplitude oriented substantially perpendicular to the surface in which the surface aberration originates. The method may also be utilized to produce fluid pervious microapertured webs which are known in the art. Apparatus for producing microbubbled and/or microapertured webs either in "planar" or "macroscopically expanded" form are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a distinctive absorbent garment which comprises a backsheet having waistband portions at each longitudinal end thereof, and intermediate portion interconnecting the waistband portions, and marginal portions along each lateral side edge of the backsheet. A liquid permeable liner sheet is located in facing relation with the backsheet, and an absorbent body is located between the backsheet and liner sheet. The absorbent body delimits waistband sections at each longitudinal end thereof, delimits an intermediate section interconnecting the waistband sections, and delimits a marginal contour at each lateral side edge of the absorbent body. Each marginal side contour has at least one collapsible notch section formed therein. A fastening mechanism is connected to the garment for securing the garment on a wearer.

Abstract: An apertured plastic film facing material and method for making the same, together with an improved absorbent product formed therefrom, wherein the edge of the apertures is coated with a hydrophilic material.

Abstract: A facing is provided for a body fluid absorbent product which facing is not only substantially nonwettable and pervious to body fluid, but which also enhances the clean and dry appearance of the product after it has absorbed body fluids. The facing comprises a polyolefin having an open area of from about 1.3 to about 35 percent of the total area intended for the passage of body fluids and having incorporated therein a sufficient quantity of opacifying agent so as to have the sheet exhibit a brightness of at least 45 percent.

Abstract: A dental roll having a wrapper or covering of nonwoven fibers surrounding an absorbent body of cellulosic fibers and wherein the wrapper is constructed to have greater stretchability radially of the absorbent body than lengthwise thereof so as to resiliently maintain the body in compacted, dense condition while permitting the dental rolls to readily conform to the contour of the mouth and lip of the patient.

Abstract: An apertured film, suitable for use as a sanitary napkin cover which passes body fluids, is provided. The film comprises a first layer of a first polymeric material and a second layer of a second polymeric material. Both layers are apertured for the transmission of body fluids therethrough. The first polymeric material exhibits a melting point temperature which is greater than the melting point temperature exhibited by the second polymeric material. The apertured film may be thermally bonded by heating the film to a temperature in excess of the melting point temperature of the second layer material and below the melting point temperature of the first layer material. The unmelted first layer will thereby maintain the integrity of the apertured film when the second layer is in its thermally softened condition.

Abstract: Disposable diapers provided with breathable leg cuffs. Disposable diapers comprise a topsheet, an absorbent element, and a backsheet. The leg cuff of a disposable diaper is that part of the diaper which fits about the wearer's leg. Extensions of the backsheet can be used to form cuffs which are frequently elasticized. In the present invention the cuffs are formed of a material which allows passage of vapor ("breathes") while tending to retard the passage of liquid. Apertured thermoplastic films are examples of such materials. Certain advantages accrue in cuffs which are permeable to vapor in their distal portions and impermeable in the portions adjacent the absorbent element. If the disposable diaper has a breathable backsheet, the cuffs are constructed to be more permeable to vapor per unit area in their breathable portions than is the backsheet.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a diaper, a sanitary towel or bandage, having an absorbent core, a liquid-permeable topsheet intended to be in contact with the wearer when the article is worn, and a liquid-impermeable layer arranged on the opposite side of the absorbent core. The liquid-permeable topsheet comprises a perforated but otherwise liquid-impermeable layer, the perforations comprising straight ducts which are of uniform width along the whole of their lengths. The ends of these ducts freely project away from the topsheet and extend into the absorbent core. Fibers extend into the ducts in a manner such that the fiber density in the ducts decreases in a direction away from the free ends of the ducts, so that the fibers form capillaries which taper toward the interior of the absorbent article.

Abstract: The invention relates to an absorbent article, such as a sanitary towel, diaper or bandage, having an upper layer or topsheet made of a liquid-impermeable material, the topsheet being provided with openings and being intended to lie against the body of the wearer. The invention is mainly characterized in that the openings are located in depressions arranged in the topsheet and in such wall portions of the depressions which, when seen from the mouths of the depressions, form at least a right angle to the plane of the topsheet; and in that the bottoms of the depressions, when projected perpendicularly to the plane of the topsheet, substantially cover the mouths of the depressions in this plane.

Abstract: A bacteria adsorbing composition which includes a first component comprising a powerfully hydrophobic, bacteria adsorbing, physiologically innocuous, preferably water-insoluble material, and a second component comprising a hydrophilic, liquid absorbing, physiologically innocuous material.

Abstract: A microporous liquid impermeable but vapor permeable sheet material useful as a backsheet for disposable absorptive devices such as disposable diapers, incontinent devices, sanitary napkins, and panty liners is disclosed. This backsheet provides unexpected useful attributes such as compatibility with available closure tapes and embossibility with translucent patterns.

Abstract: A perforated thermoplastic film with less than ideally shaped tapered capillaries which has an increased liquid flow rate through the tapered capillaries and a method for making such a film. The method includes forming a perforated thermoplastic film having tapered capillaries from a resin into which an effective amount of a polarizable, migrating surfactant has been blended therewith and then treating the perforated thermoplastic film with a corona discharge treatment sufficient to increase the flow rate of liquid through said perforated film and provide a film having a percent run off of from about zero to ten percent.The perforated film made in accordance with the invention has a much higher liquid transmission rate than similarly made non-surfactant treated perforated film having tapered capillaries which has been treated only with a corona discharge treatment. The latter may be conducted as the film is being formed and perforated.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin assembly comprising a pair of absorbent pads with a mounting sheet or strip therebetween. The bottom absorbent pad is optionally used on days of severe menstration and is attached to the upper absorbent pad by adhesive on the mounting sheet or strips. The mounting sheet has a plurality of openings therein through which fluid can pass. When only one pad is used, the mounting sheet or strips has a peelable waterproof thin sheet adhesively secured thereto.

Abstract: A catamenial bandage pad which is elongate in form and provided with a shell envelope of resilient material corrugated lengthwise to permit easy transverse compression but with a resilient memory to return to a laterally extended position. The shell includes absorbent filler material and a compressed element of absorbent substance which expands in the presence of liquid to respond to the quantity of liquid.

Abstract: There is provided an improved sanitary napkin which utilizes a sheet metal substrate. The sheet metal substrate acts as a barrier to liquid flow. However, it includes a plurality of embossments having small holes therein which permit the sanitary napkin to breathe while also serving as a heat sink. The sanitary napkin also includes fluid absorbent layers overlying the sheet metal substrate.