Abstract: An intimate napkin for use with an undergarment, having: a substantially planar and elongated frame (3, 3′) comprising a first face having a liquid pervious material layer, and a second face, opposite to the first face, having a liquid impervious material layer; an absorbing core (2) inserted in the frame (3,3′) between the liquid pervious material layer and the liquid impervious material layer, the liquid impervious material layer having a first inner surface faced to the core (2), and a second outer surface, opposite to the first surface, faced outwardly, which constitutes the outer face of the napkin (1,1′); and an adhesive layer applied to the second outer surface, the napkin (1,1′), wherein the adhesive layer is comprised of at least five lines of adhesive (4) substantially spaced apart, the adhesive ratio ranges from 8 to 25 g/m2, and the adhesive has a shear value of at least 2.0 Kgf is disclosed.

Abstract: A brief for incontinent adults for containing body waste during water therapy and aquatic activities comprising a multi-layer fabric having an inner absorbent layer, impermeable central layer and a structural outer layer, said brief having Velcro side seams whereby said brief can be positioned on a human body and adjusted for snug conforming fit.

Abstract: A disposable diaper that includes a pair of wings formed with a nonwoven fabric. Each of the wings is formed on its circumferentially outer edge with fastener sections each including a male member as a component of so-called mechanical fastener. The fastener sections are folded back onto inner surface of the wing so that only a portion of hooks constituting the male member are releasably engaged with the component fibers of the nonwoven fabric protruding toward the hooks.

Abstract: An absorbent article is provided that comprises a main body having a first main body waist portion, a second main body waist portion and a crotch region disposed between the first and second main body waist portions. The main body has orthogonal longitudinal and lateral axes. The absorbent article further comprises a pair of side panels, each side panel connecting the first main body waist portion to the second main body waist portion. The first main body waist portion, the second main body waist portion and the side panels collectively define a waist opening edge and two leg opening edges. Each side panel is formed from a first side portion extending laterally outward from the first main body waist portion and a second side portion extending laterally outward from the second main body waist portion.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article to be worn about the lower torso of a wearer that facilitates an easy, intuitive change is provided. The disposable absorbent article includes at least one serviceable indicium that facilitates an easy, intuitive change by aligning the article relative to an anatomical feature of the wearer or relative to a component of the article thereby enhancing the fit and corresponding performance of the article.

Abstract: An absorbent article is provided that comprises a main body having a first main body waist portion, a second main body waist portion and a central main body portion disposed between the first and second main body waist portions. The main body has orthogonal longitudinal and lateral axes. The absorbent article further comprises a pair of elastic side panels each connecting the first main body waist portion to the second main body waist portion. The main body and the side panels collectively define a waist opening edge surrounding a waist opening and two leg opening edges, each leg opening edge surrounding a leg opening. Each elastic side panel is formed from a first side portion that extends laterally outward from the first main body waist portion and terminates in a first outer lateral side panel edge. The side panel is also formed from a second side portion that extends laterally outward from the second main body waist portion and terminates in a second outer lateral side panel edge.

Abstract: This disclosure describes an absorbent article, preferably a diaper, having improved stretchability. Specifically, a portion of the waist region of the absorbent article that contains a connection mechanism is stretched by applying a predetermined force to the waist region and connection mechanism. The waist region stretches more than about 125% of its original width when an 800 gram force is applied, and the connection mechanism stretches by more than about 200% of its original width, when an 800 gram force is applied. The absorbent article has improved flexibility and is capable of fitting a variety of wearer sizes.

Abstract: A diaper for quick changing in a confined space is preformed with a single leg opening and an opposite open side seam. The open side seam has cooperating fastener elements to fit and secure the diaper about an infant.

Abstract: A fastener tab for use on an absorbent garment is provided. The fastener tab has a tab body with a proximal edge for locating proximate the garment, a distal edge opposite the proximal edge, a top edge adjacent the proximal edge, and a bottom edge opposite the top edge, and a fastening area for removeably fastening the tab body to the garment. The fastening area has a first edge. A first tangent line is tangent to a first portion of the first edge of the fastening area, a second tangent line is tangent to a second portion of the first edge of the fastening area, the second tangent line intersects the first tangent line, and one of the first and second tangent lines is non-parallel to a primary pull direction of the fastener tab.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sanitary absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin that has the ability to protect the undergarment of the wearer from being soiled by menstrual liquid. The sanitary napkin has a main body with panels that originate from its longitudinal side edges. A distal end of each panel that is continuous with the respective longitudinal side edge is folded underneath and affixed to the barrier later of the main body to form a looping member and a freely extending flap. As a result the effective affixation point of each flap is located inwardly of the respective side edge of the main body.

Abstract: A fastener tab is provided for an absorbent garment having longitudinally opposite waist regions when laid flat. The fastener tab has a first elastic region for attaching to one of the waist regions of the garment and having a first stretch resistance, a dead zone adjacent to the first elastic region, a second elastic region adjacent to the dead zone and having a second stretch resistance, and a gripping zone attached to the second elastic region. The dead zone has substantially more stretch resistance than the first and second elastic regions, and the first stretch resistance is at least as great as the second stretch resistance.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an absorbent article that includes a top sheet, a back sheet and an absorbent laminate core disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet. The absorbent laminate core preferably is comprised of at least four layers, whereby two of the layers are outer layers, (an upper layer and a lower layer), one of the inner layers is a central fibrous layer containing from about 30 to about 50% by weight SAP, and the other inner layer is at least one layer selected from an acquisition layer, a distribution layer, an additional fibrous layer optionally containing SAP, a wicking layer, a storage layer, or combinations and fragments thereof.

Abstract: An absorbent garment in which the various component parts are held in position with respect to each other by one or more adhesive-less bonds is disclosed. A method and apparatus for assembling the garment are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a multi-component absorbent core composite for an absorbent article, and more particularly to a multi-component absorbent core composite comprising at least two absorbent core units having different properties, whereby at least one of the absorbent core units includes a mixture of tow fibers and superabsorbent polymer (SAP) particles. The at least two absorbent core units are associated and arranged with one another to form the multi-component absorbent core composite.

Abstract: In FIG. 1 a somewhat obese torso of a male is shown with the absorbent article 10 of the present invention applied to the groin area of the body. The Article includes a pad 12 and an elasticized adjustable belt 14 releasably attached to the ends 16 and 18 of the pad by alligator-type clips 20, or other suitable clips. The pad as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 may have a narrowed central portion 22 approximately 1 inch wide, that is particularly convenient and comfortable when the article is used to absorb moisture such as perspiration in the groin area and inner thighs as illustrated in FIG. 1. In FIGS. 4 and 4A another embodiment of absorbent article is shown that may be of the same configuration and made of any of the materials suggested for the pad of FIGS. 2 and 3, but preferably is of uniform width, that is, without the reduced mid-section 22. In FIGS.

Abstract: A sanitary absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin, or incontinence pad having a cover layer that is fluid permeable, an absorbent system and a liquid-impervious barrier layer under the absorbent system to prevent collected liquid to escape therefrom. The fluid-permeable cover layer is attached to the liquid-impervious barrier layer to form a flange seal enclosing the absorbent system. The flange seal includes two zones, namely a first zone and a second zone separated by a common boundary, each zone manifesting different mechanical properties. The first zone that resides closer to the outer edge of the flange seal is more resistant to shear stresses than the second zone residing near the inner edge of the flange seal. This arrangement reduces the likelihood of the flange seal being torn during use of the sanitary absorbent article.

Abstract: An absorbent garment comprises a body panel having a line of weakness extending across at least a portion thereof, wherein the body panel has a tensile strength of less than about 14 lbf across the line of weakness. In another aspect, the body panel has a tear strength of less than about 5 lbf along the line of weakness. A method of using the absorbent garment is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a disposable absorbent article comprising a stretchable multilayer chassis that defines an inner surface and an outer surface, an absorbent body having an inner surface and an outer surface wherein the stretchable multilayer chassis is stretchable in at least the cross-machine direction, and the absorbent body is affixed to the inner surface of the multilayer stretchable chassis such that in use, the inner surface of the absorbent body lies against the wearer and the stretchable multilayer chassis stretches about the wearer independently in at least the cross-machine direction.

Abstract: An absorbent article has an elastic waist portion, an absorbent element (5), and a liquid-impermeable outer layer (3) which is intended to enclose the absorbent element on at least that side thereof which faces away from the wearer during use of the article. The absorbent element (5) is in its entirety arranged on the second piece (2). The liquid-impermeable outer layer (3) is breathable, at least over a portion of this which covers the absorbent element (5).

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent core defining a surface area, a stretchable multilayer chassis defining a surface area, wherein the multiplayer chassis is stretchable in at least the cross-machine direction, wherein the stretchable multilayer chassis comprises at least a stretchable bodyside liner and stretchable outer cover such that the absorbent core is affixed to at least one layer of the stretchable multilayer chassis, wherein the percentage ratio of the surface area of the absorbent core to the surface area of the stretchable multilayer chassis is less than about 50%.

Abstract: An absorbent article of pants shape including an elastic waist portion, an absorbent element (5), and a liquid-impermeable outer layer (3) which is intended to enclose the absorbent element on at least that side thereof which faces away from the wearer during use of the article. Elastic members are arranged along the edges of a second piece, along at least the crotch portion for the forming of leg elastics.

Abstract: An absorbent article of pants shape includes an elastic waist portion, an absorbent element (5), and a liquid-impermeable outer layer (3). The elastic waist portion is made from an elastic first piece (1) which is rectangular and is intended to form the rear portion (8) and side portions (9, 10) of the article. A second piece (2) forms the front portion (11) and crotch portion (12) of the pants-like article. The second piece (2) is elongate, and the width thereof is, at least in the crotch portion (12), smaller than the length of the first piece (1). The absorbent element (5) is in its entirety arranged on the second piece (2).

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article having an elasticized outer leg cuff is disclosed. The disposable absorbent article has an inner surface, an outer surface, a crotch region, longitudinal side edges and lateral end edges. The disposable absorbent article comprises a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, an absorbent core disposed therebetween, and a side flap extending laterally outwardly from the absorbent core. The side flap has a proximal flap and a distal flap. The absorbent article further comprises an elasticized outer leg cuff. The elasticized outer leg cuff is disposed adjacent to the longitudinal side edge in the crotch region and has a base and a gasket cuff supported by the base at a joint of the base to the gasket cuff. The gasket cuff is provided with an elastic material and has an inner cuff extending laterally inwardly from the joint and an outer cuff extending laterally outwardly from the joint. The base comprises the proximal flap. The gasket cuff comprises the distal flap.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to reducing the build up or accretion of adhesive, alone or in combination with other materials, on the surfaces of equipment used to ultrasonically treat a workpiece (e.g., ultrasonically bonding various components or pieces to one another.) Thus the invention encompasses composites, absorbent products, and methods of making said composites and products where an adhesive composition having certain identified properties is used to reduce the build up or accretion of the adhesive on ultrasonic bonding equipment. In one embodiment of the invention, a composite includes an adhesive having a capillary-viscosity value of about 7 Pas·sec or greater and a Shore-OO-Hardness value of about 65 or greater, whereby the relative accretion value is less than about 1, and more particularly less than about 0.5.

Abstract: A disposable waste containment article includes a waste containment structure that has an absorbent composite which is positioned between the wearer and cover and a pair of containment flaps operatively joined to the waste containment structure. Methods are provided for making the waste containment article.

Abstract: A disposable, one-piece swimsuit for girls includes a bodice attached to a chassis. The bodice is designed to provide upper torso coverage while the chassis can include absorbent and containment features. The upper torso coverage contributes to social decency and also protects the wearer's skin against excessive exposure to the sun. The absorbent and containment features can either be integrated within the chassis or can be in the form of a separate, pant-like, absorbent garment covered by the chassis.

Abstract: A fastener tab for securing absorbent garments is provided. The fastener tab has a first elastic region that extends laterally outward from a waist region of the garment, a second elastic region that extends laterally outward from the first elastic region, and a grip that is attached to an outboard portion of the second elastic region. The first elastic region has a greater stretch resistance than the second elastic region. In another embodiment of the invention, the fastener tab has a substantially inelastic region interposed between the first elastic region and the second elastic region.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a thin incontinence pad or pantyliner, is disclosed which has a multilayered absorbent core for providing protection against involuntary urine loss. The absorbent article includes a liquid permeable bodyside liner, a liquid-impermeable baffle, and first and second absorbents positioned between the liner and the baffle. The first absorbent is a stabilized material containing a superabsorbent and has a predetermined basis weight. The second absorbent is positioned below the first absorbent and contains a different superabsorbent from the superabsorbent present in the first absorbent. The second absorbent has a basis weight that is equal or greater than the basis weight of the first absorbent.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article has an absorbent chassis and a fastening system. The fastening system includes a pair of first fastening components disposed in one waist region and at least one second fastening component disposed in an opposite waist region. The first fastening components include at least one hinge area that transversely bisects the first fastening components, allowing the fasteners to bend in conformity with the movements of the wearer's body.

Abstract: An absorbent product has a fluid permeable top sheet, a fluid impermeable backing sheet, an absorbent core, which absorbent core has an upper side, a bottom side, two longitudinally running sides and two laterally running sides, whereby the product further has two longitudinally running barrier flaps at the longitudinally running sides of the absorbent core and whereby the top sheet covers the upper side of the absorbent core. The top sheet, in addition to the upper side of the absorbent core, also covers at least the longitudinally running sides of the absorbent core and a part of the bottom side of the absorbent core. The top sheet has at least one connection to the backing sheet at the bottom side of the absorbent core, and the barrier flaps are connected to the backing sheet at the longitudinally running sides of the absorbent core.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mechanical fastening tab formed from a substrate adapted to be joined to a disposable absorbent product and a first mechanical fastener component. The fastening tab has a Gurley stiffness value of less than about 1000 milligrams in an area of the fastening tab which includes said first mechanical fastening component. Also disclosed are disposable products comprising such mechanical fastening tabs.

Abstract: Absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders, training pants and the like, having elastomeric ear panels and a fastening system that provides the user with different options as to how the absorbent article may be fitted to and removed from the wearer. The absorbent articles allow the wearer to choose between conventional and pull-on diaper configurations, or combinations thereof, and properly and comfortably fit a large range of wearer sizes. Further, the absorbent articles can be pulled on and/or off as a pant. This feature is provided by the ear panels which maintain sufficient tension to hold the diaper on the wearer throughout the period of use without harming the wearer's skin, while providing enough stretch to allow the diaper to be pulled up or down over the wearer's hips. The fastening system is refastenable for convenience yet strong enough to maintain the diaper in a fastened configuration without becoming detached if the diaper is pulled on or off the wearer.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent brief. The brief includes a back section having a pair of ears, each having a single fastening tape mounted thereon, and a front section having a pair of ears for releasable securement by the fastening tapes of the front section. The portions of the brief located between the ears are in the form of an opposed pair of central edges. The central edges are ergonomically contoured so that when the brief's ears are secured to each other the central edges and contiguous ears form respective high-cut leg openings for the wearer, with portions of the brief providing enhanced coverage of the wearer's buttocks.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article includes a fastening system that can be repeatedly fastened, unfastened and refastened. The fastening components have interior corners near the leg openings and disposed toward the longitudinal and transverse center of the absorbent article that are recessed to avoid possible irritation of the wearer's skin.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article includes an absorbent chassis, at least one fit panel, a pair a primary fasteners and an integral waist size adjustment mechanism. The fit panel is located in one of the waist regions of the absorbent chassis and defines a waist edge, a pair of laterally opposed outboard edges which are located laterally beyond the side edges of the absorbent chassis, and an inward edge which is located longitudinally inward from the waist edge. The pair of primary fasteners are located on the laterally opposed outboard edges of the fit panel and are configured to releasably engage the opposite waist region of the absorbent chassis to provide the disposable absorbent article. The waist size adjustment mechanism may include a secondary fastener tab which is integral with the fit panel.

Abstract: An absorbent garment includes a chassis comprised of a moisture impervious outer layer, a moisture pervious inner layer, and an absorbent layer sandwiched between the inner and outer layers. The garment includes one or more elasticized connector tabs attached to the chassis such that part or all of one waist portion of the garment is expandable. The gripping connectors, attached to the distal ends of the connector tabs, interlock with a target connector located near the opposite wait edge of the garment. The waist, made expandable by the integrated elastic connector tabs, conforms to the contours of the user, increasing comfort and improving leak resistance. The connector tabs may be constructed from nonwoven material sandwiching an elastic element or elements.

Abstract: A prefastened disposable absorbent article includes child resistant refastenable seams. The absorbent article includes mechanical fastening components and mating mechanical fastening components such that the opposite waist regions can be overlapped and refastenably engaged to form refastenable mechanical seams. The overlapping waist region forms overlapping flaps outward from the refastenable mechanical seams. To inhibit child access to the refastenable seams, the overlapping flaps are adhesively bonded to the opposite waist region.

Abstract: Here is disclosed an open-type disposable wearing article composed of a front waist region, a rear waist region and a crotch region extending between these waist regions wherein tape fasteners used to connect the front and rear waist to each other are attached to side flaps in the rear waist region and each of the side flaps has a first zone adapted to cover a surface facing a wearer's body of the fixed end portion of the associated tape fastener and a second zone defined by the side flap except for the first zone and wherein the first zone has a basis weight higher than that of the second zone.

Abstract: Fastening systems for releasably securing two components together include tab and landing members. In a first arrangement, a Z-fold tab member has combined mechanical and adhesive engagement. A second arrangement includes adjacent adhesive and cohesive contact portions. A third arrangement contoured apertures and mechanical engaging elements. A fourth arrangement includes apertures and mechanical engaging elements sized and arranged so that each aperture receives a plurality of mechanical engaging elements. A fifth arrangement includes tab and landing members that cooperate to provide a color indicia of secure adhesive engagement.

Abstract: A nonwoven, disposable, incontinence garment, such as a diaper, has refastenable attachment means, such as a hook and look fastening system for attaching the front panel to the back panel. The garment is packaged in its point of sale container with the attachment means prefastened so that it can be used immediately as a pull on garment and then removed in the manner of a diaper. The attachment means of the rear panel includes extra material which is folded on itself and lightly bonded at the folds to provide simple in-process execution of a permanent lap bond between the attachment means and the rear panel which will not separate during use of the garment. The attachment means of the front panel includes extra material which is folded on itself and lightly bonded at the folds to also provide extra expansion of the diaper.

Abstract: A diaper has two pairs of means adapted to connect transversely opposite side edge portions of a front waist region and a rear waist region. These connecting means are elastically stretchable in a transverse direction of the diaper and the connecting means lying at a lower portion of the side edge portions have a stretch stress a great as that of the connecting means lying at a upper portion of the side edge portions.

Abstract: An absorbent garment comprises a body panel and an absorbent composite having a longitudinally extending length and a laterally extending width and comprising a backsheet, a topsheet and a retention portion disposed between the backsheet and the topsheet. The absorbent composite is connected to the body panel and comprises a side margin that is not attached to the body panel and that extends laterally outboard and terminates in a free edge. Preferably, the absorbent composite includes laterally opposing side margins. A method for using the absorbent garment also is provided.

Abstract: A pant-like absorbent garment adapted to easy application and removal has refastenable side seams. The refastenable side seams extend from a waist opening to each of two leg openings between a front panel and a back panel. Each of the refastenable side seams includes a fastening component and a mating fastening component, each of which comprises either a hook material or a loop material. A portion of the mating fastening component can be die-cut in a sinusoidal or other nesting shape. The resulting refastenable seams can be lap seams, dual fastened lap seams, standing butt seams, or dual fastened standing butt seams.

Abstract: A pant-like, disposable absorbent article includes an absorbent chassis, a pair of opposed side panels, at least one line of weakness and at least one fastener. The absorbent chassis defines a pair of laterally opposed side edges and a pair of longitudinally opposed waist edges. The side panels extend between the side edges of the absorbent chassis to define a waist opening and a pair of leg openings in the pant-like disposable absorbent article. Each of the opposed side panels defines a first side margin which is permanently attached to the side edge of the absorbent chassis in one waist region of the absorbent article to provide a front permanent joint. The opposed side panels further define a second side margin opposite the first side margin which is permanently attached to the side edge of the absorbent chassis in the other waist region of the absorbent article to provide a back permanent joint.

Abstract: A cloth-like, flexible mechanical fastener including a flexible layer and at least one fastener island, and methods of making the same. The fastener island has a planar perimeter edge, a mechanical fastening material, and a backing material attached to the mechanical fastening material. The backing material is embedded within the flexible layer and the planar perimeter edge is surrounded by the flexible layer. Accordingly, the mechanical fastener offers an improved flexibility and a cloth-like presentation. The improved flexibility and cloth-like presentation reduce the potential for the wearer to be exposed to coarse edges or creases, thereby lowering the possibility of red-marking or irritation of the skin. Moreover, the flexibility of the fastener allows the fastener to better accommodate the movement of the wearer, providing more reliable securement. The cloth-like, flexible mechanical fastener may be of particular use in combination with disposable absorbent articles to secure the article about a wearer.

Abstract: An absorbent garment comprising a longitudinally extending and laterally expandable absorbent composite having opposite ends and opposite side regions. The absorbent composite comprises a backsheet, a topsheet and a retention portion disposed between the backsheet and the topsheet. In one preferred embodiment, the backsheet and retention portion each comprise at least one fold formed along at least one of the opposite side regions, with the folds being interfolded. A pair of front body panels are attached to the opposite side regions of the absorbent composite adjacent one of the opposite ends of said absorbent composite and a pair of rear body panels are attached to the opposite side regions adjacent the other of the opposite ends of the absorbent composite. In a preferred embodiment, the front and rear body panels are joined to form a pair of side body panels. A method for using the absorbent garment also is provided, together with a method for assembling the absorbent garment.

Abstract: A disposable body fluid absorbent wearing article includes a body fluid absorbent pad. A crotch region of the pad is formed on its transversely opposite sides with a pair of darts extending in a longitudinal direction of the article. The pad has a liquid-absorbent core including a central core section lying between the darts and lateral core sections lying outside the respective darts. The central and lateral core sections are contiguous to each other in a region beyond forward or rearward the darts. The respective lateral core sections and respective side flaps form therebetween pockets opening inwardly of the pad.

Abstract: Absorbent article such as a diaper and an incontinence guard comprising a pair of belt portions (9) attached to the rear portion (6) of the article and which are intended to be fastened together around the waist of the wearer and where said front portion (5) is provided with attachment means (8) intended to be attached to the belt portions (9), in such a way that the article will assume a pantlike shape, where the belt portions (9) form a part of the waist portions of the pant. The belt portions (9) are before use folded in accordion-like fashion and each form an accordion-like folded package (11) which is arranged in a pocket (12) at each side edge of the rear portion (6) of the absorbent article, and can be extended from said pocket and unfolded when the article is to be used, after which the belt portions may be fastened together around the waist of the wearer.

Abstract: Absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders, training pants and the like, having elastomeric ear panels and a fastening system that provides the user with different options as to how the absorbent article may be fitted to and removed from the wearer. The absorbent articles allow the wearer to choose between conventional and pull-on diaper configurations, or combinations thereof, and properly and comfortably fit a large range of wearer sizes. Further, the absorbent articles can be pulled on and/or off as a pant. This feature is provided by the ear panels which maintain sufficient tension to hold the diaper on the wearer throughout the period of use without harming the wearer's skin, while providing enough stretch to allow the diaper to be pulled up or down over the wearer's hips. The fastening system is refastenable for convenience yet strong enough to maintain the diaper in a fastened configuration without becoming detached if the diaper is pulled on or off the wearer.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article, e.g., a diaper, adult incontinent brief, shield, insert, pad, etc., with significantly improved leakage control, particularly for loose fecal matter. The article includes a barrier panel secured to at least the back waist portion of the article. The barrier panel includes a body-friendly pressure sensitive adhesive, which is arranged to be selectively exposed, if desired, to enable the adhesive to be releasably secured to the skin of the wearer. This securement forms a liquid resistant barrier to the egress of loose fecal material from the waist portion of the article. The body-friendly adhesive is arranged to be covered when its use is not desired.