Abstract: A distinctive fastening tab includes a fastener substrate having a construction-bond portion, a user-bond portion, a user-bond end section, a construction-bond end section, a pair of opposed side edge sections, a fastening surface and a user surface. A securing means connects to the fastening surface of the fastener substrate at least along the user-bond portion thereof, and a gripping member connects to the user surface at the user-bond portion of the fastener substrate. The gripping member has a distal end portion which is substantially free, and a base portion which is operably connected to the user surface of the fastener substrate. The gripping member is configured to intersect the fastener substrate at a location which is spaced from the construction-bond portion and is positioned between the construction-bond portion and the user-bond end section of the fastener substrate.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of angled tape tabs for use with disposable absorbent articles. The first step is to provide an adhesive coated substrate having a first centerline and a second centerline perpendicular to the first centerline. A release substrate having a release surface and an adhesive surface is contacted with the adhesive coated substrate and partially covers the adhesive coated substrate to form a laminate. The laminate is then cut at an angle to the first centerline to form individual angled tape tabs. Each angled tape tab has a fixed end and a refastenable end. The fixed end of the angled tape tab is then secured to an absorbent article.

Abstract: A disposable tape tab for a diaper or a like article is provided with at least a fastening tape tab portion and a release tape tab portion, the fastening tape tab portion having a fastening surface which fastening surface is on a face opposite the adhesive surface face of the release tape tab portion. The fastening tape tab portion and said release tape tab portion are joined by at least one adhesive-to-substrate bond with no adhesive layer to adhesive layer contact. Preferably the fastening surface on the fastening tape tab is a pressure sensitive adhesive, with both the fastening tape tab and the release tape tab having a release layer on the face opposite the face having the adhesive layer.

Abstract: A multi-cycle refastenable tape closure system is disclosed. The tape closure system comprises a fastener tape component having double-coated surfaces of pressure sensitive adhesive having the same or substantially similar pressure sensitive adhesive properties and preferably also a release tape component having opposing surfaces of pressure sensitive adhesive and a low adhesion release layer. The fastener tape component and the release tape component are capable of firmly adhering to opposing body coverings or along opposing edges of one body covering and capable of releasably adhering to each other to provide a multi-cycle refastenable contact of opposing body coverings or closure of the body covering opposing seams in an overlapping, low profile manner. A method of using a multi-cycle refastenable tape closure system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A releasing part structure having a boundary component which is constituted by a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer and a long chain alkyl type or silicone type releasing agent layer, wherein said pressure-sensitive adhesive layer comprises a pressure-sensitive adhesive composition comprising a rubber-based or acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive, and the releasing part structure is constituted such that when the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is released from the releasing agent layer, the sound pressure level in releasing the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer from the releasing agent layer at a releasing speed of at least 1.times.10.sup.2 mm/minute is 80 dB or less.

Abstract: A Z-shape pressure-sensitive adhesive tape folded into a Z-shape and composed of an (a) portion, a (b) portion, and a (c) portion, wherein a releasing treatment layer is formed on the outside surface of the (a) portion of the Z-shape tape and the surface of the (b) portion continuing the (a) portion at an area of not more than 50% of the total surface thereof, a releasing treatment layer does not exist on the inside surface of the (c) portion, and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is formed on at least one surface of the inside surface of the (a) portion and the outside surface of the (c) portion.

Abstract: Absorbent articles such as panty liners, thin full-sized sanitary napkins and the like having a garment facing side and a body facing side are provided which may be stored in a folded configuration prior to use. Means of attachment and means of release, most preferably silicone, are created on the garment facing side of the article. The patterns in which the attachment and release means are chosen such that when the article is folded, the adhesive means contact the release means, eliminating the need for release paper, but allowing the article to be unfolded and used. Other embodiments using barrier films affixed to the garment facing side of the article are also disclosed. Methods of making and packaging the articles disclosed are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sanitary napkin having an adhesive with perfume carrying release agents. Preferably the release agents are microcapsules that release perfume upon removal of a release liner from the adhesive, and/or during the user's wear of the sanitary napkin, and/or upon the removal of the sanitary napkin from the user's undergarment. The perfume releases are either as fragrance bursts, diffusion or both.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of tape tab stock that may be used to produce tape tabs for use with disposable absorbent articles, as well as a method for the on-line manufacture of tape tabs that may be manufactured concurrently with the chassis of the absorbent article to which the tape tabs will be attached. The first step is to provide a backing substrate upon which the adhesives of the tape tab can be applied. Once the backing is provided, a pressure-sensitive adhesive is applied to regions of one side of the backing substrate. (The pressure-sensitive adhesive preferably functions as the adhesive used to fasten an element of the absorbent article, such as a front waist region, to another element of the absorbent article, such as a rear waist region.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a main body portion, a pair of flaps joined to the main body portion, and a unitary release material joined to a portion of each of the flaps such that the unitary release material superposes the flap adhesive when the flap is folded along a fold line.

Abstract: A disposable tape tab closure system for a diaper or a like article is provided with at least a fastening tape tab portion and a release tape tab portion, the fastening tape tab portion having an adhesive surface opposite the release surface face of a release tab portion the two tabs forming a laminate attached to one face of a disposable garment. The fastening tape tab portion attached to a second face of the disposable garment by a pressure-sensitive adhesive hinge tape with no adhesive bond between the fastening tape tab and the release tape tab.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive adhesive closure system for a disposable diaper, or the like, in which a pressure-sensitive adhesive fastening tab releasably attaches to a non-blocking thin diaper backsheet which has been treated to raise the surface energy and pattern printed, preferably in a polar solvent, in a discrete area with a release material. The release material prevents the backsheet from blocking in roll form and allows the pressure-sensitive adhesive fastening tab to be removed from the backsheet without destruction of the backsheet.

Abstract: An individually packaged sanitary napkin having a cleansing wipe packaged therewith. The individually packaged sanitary napkin includes a wrapper that covers the sanitary napkin's adhesive fastener prior to use. The sanitary napkin wrapper can be provided with a flap or pouch for securing the used sanitary napkin for disposal. A number of alternative arrangements are disclosed for packaging the cleansing wipe with the wrapped sanitary napkin.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a garment with a tape fastener that provides for the display of printed information only when the garment is not being worn. The garment has opposite inner and outer surfaces and first and second waistband sections. The tape fastener, which is bonded to the first waistband section, includes an interior tape member and an exterior tape member. The interior tape member is bonded to the inner surface, and in one embodiment, contains the printed information. The exterior tape member includes a factory-bond section, which is bonded to the first waistband section, and a user-bond section, which is formed of a transparent material and includes an adhesive surface adapted to releasably engage the interior tape member. The printed information will not show through clothing when the garment is being worn.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a garment with a tape fastener that provides for the display of printed information only when the garment is not being worn. The garment has opposite inner and outer surfaces and first and second waistband sections. The tape fastener, which is bonded to the first waistband section, includes an interior tape member and an exterior tape member. The interior tape member is bonded to the inner surface, and in one embodiment, contains the printed information. The exterior tape member includes a factory-bond section, which is bonded to the first waistband section, and a user-bond section, which is formed of a transparent material and includes an adhesive surface adapted to releasably engage the interior tape member. The printed information will not show through clothing when the garment is being worn.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article having an improved internal reinforcement strip comprising a paper (i.e., cellulosic) material. The disposable absorbent article has an adhesive tape fastening system preferably comprising tape tabs disposed adjacent each longitudinal edge and a landing member for refastenably adhering to the tape tabs. The landing member consists of a portion of the external surface of the backsheet. An internal reinforcement strip comprising a paper material is positioned so as to correspond with at least the landing zone. The reinforcement strip is joined to the internal surface of the backsheet. The use of paper for the material of the reinforcement strip provides a low cost yet effective reinforcement of the landing zone and an excellent substrate for printing of indicia that will aid in proper positioning of the absorbent article.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a main body portion and a pair of flaps joined to the main body portion. The main body portion comprises an absorbent assembly and a pair of retaining members joined to the absorbent assembly to form recessed areas wherein the flaps may be tucked. Each retaining member comprises a unitary release material joined thereto such that the unitary release material superposes and is releasably secured to the flap adhesive when the flap is folded and tucked into the recessed area.

Abstract: A distinctive article has first and second waistband sections, and an intermediate section which interconnects the waistband sections. The article comprises a backsheet layer, a liquid permeable topsheet layer superposed in facing relation with the backsheet layer, and an absorbent body interposed between the backsheet and topsheet layers. At least one adhesive tape member connects to the first waistband section. The tape member has a factory-bond section for connecting the tape member to the first waistband section, and a user-bond section for securing the article on a wearer. The user-bond section connects to a finger tab which includes a non-securing grasping section thereof. In particular embodiments, the grasping section can comprise a layer of absorbent material.

Abstract: A composite pre-laminated tape is provided having at least one tape backing (13) of a porous paper coated on one face with a release coating (15) of a solventless, radiation-cured silicone applied directly to the paper.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing tape tab stock that may be used to produce tape tabs for use with disposable absorbent articles, as well as a method for manufacturing tape tab stock that can be produced on-line and concurrently with the disposable absorbent article to which the tape tabs are joined. The first step in the process is to provide a backing substrate upon which the adhesives of the tape tab can be applied. Once the backing is provided, a pressure sensitive adhesive is applied to regions of one side of the backing substrate. The backing substrate is then slit in a direction parallel to the machine direction and the release surface of a release substrate is placed in contact with the pressure sensitive adhesive, forming a laminate comprising the backing substrate and the release substrate. The release substrate preferably covers the entire surface of the backing substrate upon which pressure sensitive adhesive has been applied.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin wrapper and adhesive tab construction for such a wrapper are disclosed. The adhesive tab can, in a preferred embodiment, be applied to the package formed by the wrapper contemporaneously with its own landing member to form a complete fastening system. The sanitary napkin wrapper can also be provided with a flap or pouch in several variations for securing the used sanitary napkin for disposal.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of one-piece tape tabs to be used with disposable absorbent articles. The first step is to provide a backing substrate upon which the pressure-sensitive adhesive of the tape tab can be applied. Once the backing is provided, the pressure-sensitive adhesive is applied to regions of one side of the backing substrate. The backing substrate is then slit in a direction parallel to the machine direction forming tape tab stock that is preferably fed directly to the taper unit of the absorbent article manufacturing line. The taper unit cuts the tape tab stock comprising the pressure-sensitive adhesive into individual tape tabs, each having a fixed end and releasable end. The fixed end of each tape tab is joined to the chassis of an absorbent article by means of mechanically bonding the fixed end to the absorbent article.

Abstract: A sanitary towel having two side flaps designed to be folded around a folded sanitary towel after use to form a disposable package or small bag is described. The side flaps are preferably designed to form an integral part of a small protective pouch in which the sanitary towel is packaged prior to use. The invention obviates both the need for a separate package for disposal of the used sanitary towel and the use of independent individual packaging for the sanitary towels.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin having side flaps is disclosed. The sanitary napkin comprises a main napkin body and flaps extending from the right and left sides of said main napkin body, the end of each of said flaps being folded with the back side thereof inside and said folded portions being releasably overlapped with an adhesive portion and a release portion in opposition thereto.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive adhesive and tape are provided having a rubber component (30-60 weight percent) of polyisoprene (4-55 weight percent) blended with a styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer (96-45 weight percent) and a tackifying component (70-40 weight percent) to provide an adhesive that exhibits superior adhesion performance to low surface energy substrates.

Abstract: Tabless adhesive fasteners are provided for diapers. In one aspect of the invention, one face of each adhesive fastener is permanently bonded to the diaper assembly proper at an associated permanent-bond area of the diaper assembly proper at one of the two lateral sides of the diaper assembly proper and adjacent the periphery of the diaper assembly proper. The other face of each adhesive fastener is releasably carried by liner or tape protective means carried on an area of the diaper assembly proper which is offset from such associated permanent-bond area. In another aspect of the invention, the adhesive fasteners include an adhesive layer which penetrates the water-permeable inner layer of the diaper assembly proper and adhesively interacts with the water-impermeable outer layer of the diaper assembly proper, whereby such adhesive layer and inner and outer diaper layers cooperate to provide a reinforced fastener base. Each adhesive fastener may comprise two adhesive layers with a carrier layer between them.

Abstract: The invention relates to an absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin or an incontinence guard intended to be worn in the crotch part of a pair of underpants (9), and comprising an elongated absorbent pad (3) which is enclosed in a casing (1, 2) and which has attached to both long side edges (6, 7) flexible flaps (4, 5) which are intended to be folded around the leg edges (10, 11) of the underpants (9) in use, so as to prevent soiling of the underpants. An inventive article is mainly characterized in that each flap (4, 5) has an edge part which coincides generally with a corresponding edge part on the article casing (1, 2), and in that the flaps (4, 5) and the casing (1, 2) are mutually joined within the mutually coincidental edge parts (12, 13), with the flaps (4, 5) extending inwardly over the absorbent pad (3).

Abstract: A method for making an absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, having tabs. A first series of patches of a hot melt type pressure sensitive adhesive are applied to one side of a double-sided release strip. The release strip is then placed against the central portion of the absorbent article so that the first adhesive patches bond to the central portion. A second series of patches of the adhesive are applied to the other side of the double-sided release strip and tabs are folded over the central portion so that the second adhesive patches bond to the tabs. Since the release strip has been coated with a release agent, such as silicone, on both of its sides, the first and second patches of adhesive bond to the central portion and the tabs, respectively, with greater tenacity than they did to the release strip. When the user removes the release strip prior to use, the first and second adhesive patches remain on the central portion and the tabs.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin characterized by that there are provided adjacent transversely opposite side edges of a basic body a pair of elastically stretchable flaps in the form of straps and rising from a backsheet, adhesives being applied on top surface of said flaps so that said flaps may be adhesively fastened to the user's skin.

Abstract: An individual absorbent article package, such as a sanitary napkin wrapper and an adhesive fastening system for such a wrapper are disclosed. The adhesive fastening system comprises a tape tab having an adhesive for releasably securing the wrapper and sanitary napkin in a folded configuration prior to and after use. The adhesive is adhered to a landing surface such as a portion of the sanitary napkin wrapper that forms part of the package body. The landing surface need not be reinforced to prevent tearing upon opening of the package. The fastening system provides bond security while at the same time making the fastening system easy to open without tearing by carefully matching of the properties of the adhesive, the tape tab, and the landing surface. The surface characteristics, elasticity modulus, and caliper of the landing surface are specified.

Abstract: Disposable absorbent articles such as baby diapers or adult incontinent briefs provided with a refastenable adhesive fastening system. The adhesive fastening system preferably comprises a pair of tape tabs each having an adhesive surface which during use is adhered to a landing member having an adherence surface which may comprise only the backsheet that has no reinforcement for strength against tearing or may comprise a reinforced backsheet. The invention improves bond security while at the same time making the fastening system more easy to remove without tearing by careful optimization of the properties of the adhesive, the tape tab, and the landing member. In particular, it has been found that the adhesive fastening system should have a Standard Shear Hang Time of greater than about 1000 minutes per square inch.

Abstract: A method for forming a plurality of adhesive fastener assemblies includes the step of providing a substantially continuous web of substrate material along a selected, longitudinal machine-direction (132). The substrate web has a laterally extending cross direction (134) which is substantially perpendicular to the machine direction, and has laterally opposed, longitudinally extending side edge regions (142 and 144) thereof. A selected fastening means, such as a layer of primary adhesive (54), is positioned and applied onto a major facing surface (186) of the substrate web (140). A first longitudinally extending web of stiffening material (154) is attached to the major surface of the substrate web (140) at a location which is proximate a first side edge region (142) of the substrate web. A second longitudinally extending web of stiffening material (156) is attached to the major surface of the substrate web (140) at a location which is proximate the second side edge region (144) of the substrate web (140).

Abstract: A laminated loop fastening material for a refastenable mechanical fastening system, the loop fastening material being capable of engaging a complementary hook fastening material.

Abstract: An adhesive of certain elastomeric block copolymers and tackifying materials can be hot-melt coated onto a flexible backing to provide an adhesive tape, two pieces of which can bond to each other to have excellent resistance to shear forces but can be easily peeled apart, even after prolonged periods of time. The adhesive can be low-tack or tack-free. When the novel adhesive is tacky, it can bind sheets into a note pad from which individual sheets can be removed, temporarily adhered to paper and other substrates, and later cleanly removed, even after prolonged contact.

Abstract: In the double-side pressure-sensitive tapes (A and B) of the first embodiment of the present invention, a first pressure-sensitive adhesive layer (2) comprising a blend of 100 parts by weight of an acrylic or rubber-based pressure-sensitive adhesive composition with from 0.01 to 30 parts by weight of a silicone polymer is formed on one side of a substrate and an acrylic or rubber-based pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is formed as a second pressure-sensitive adhesive layer (3) on the other side. By this, a double-side pressure-sensitive tape in which the pressure-sensitive adhesives, even when being bonded to each other, can thereafter be easily separated is obtained.

Abstract: A disposable diaper which can be put on by means of pressure-adhesive tape. For loosening and refastening the fastening tape tabs, the diaper is provided in the region for fastening the tape tabs with a non-elastic plastic strip, suitably of polyester.

Abstract: Absorbent articles such as diapers, incontinent briefs, training pants, diaper holders and liners, feminine hygiene garments, and the like, designed to provide sustained dynamic fit about the wearer during use as well as to improve the containment of body exudates and wearer comfort/mobility. Such an absorbent article has an absorbent core preferably designed to fit within the low motion zone of the wearer so that dynamic forces imparted by movements of the wearer on the absorbent core are minimized. The absorbent article is also provided with a closure system for anchoring the absorbent article on the wearer to sustain the dynamic fit of the absorbent article throughout wearing. The closure system is designed so that a primary line of tension, fitting at an angle to the body, is formed to secure the absorbent article on a wearer.

Abstract: Microtextured elastomeric laminates comprising at least one elastomeric layer and at least one thin skin layer is preferably prepared by coextrusion of the layers followed by stretching the laminate past the elastic limit of the skin layers in predetermined regions of the laminate and then allowing the laminate to recover in these regions.

Abstract: A hot melt coatable pressure-sensitive adhesive is provided showing high levels of adhesion to low surface energy films and nonwovens. The adhesive elastomeric phase comprises from 78 to 98 parts by weight of a diblock A-B type block copolymer with an elastomeric block of 1,3-polybutadiene with 2 to 22 parts by weight of multiblock A-B type block copolymer. The tackifying material comprises 140 parts or less of a solid tackifying resin and a liquid tackifier to provide an adhesive having a composite midblock glass transition temperature of less than -10.degree. C.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a main body portion and a pair of flaps joined to the main body portion. The flaps are folded over the garment side of the main body portion such that the flap adhesives and the central pad adhesives can be covered by a single release liner. The flaps may or may not be used while the absorbent article is being used, i.e., the absorbent article may be used by wrapping the flaps around the edges of the crotch region and securing the flap adhesives to the underside of a user's panty; alternatively, the flaps may be left in their folded configuration on the garment side of the main body portion and the flap adhesives may be secured, along with the central pad adhesive, to the inner crotch region of the panty.

Abstract: An absorbent or other article including a tensioning system for joining portions of the article together. The system includes a plurality of hook members attached on one portion of the article, and a plurality of loop members attached to a loop panel wherein the loop panel may be intermittently attached to the article.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medical or sanitary adhesive tape comprising a support composed of a laminate structure of a first layer containing a thermoplastic elastomer and a second layer comprising a plastic film or nonwoven fabric, and an adhesive layer formed at least one surface of said support. The adhesive tape possesses advantages that is endowed with properties of both softness and elasticity, gentle to the skin and excellent in handling and processing characteristics.

Abstract: A tape closure system exhibiting high shear and high non-shocky peel to a low adhesion backsize coated substrate is disclosed. The adhesive used on the fastening tape used in the closure system comprises a high diblock (.gtoreq.25 percent) styrene-isoprene-styrene elastomer component with a composite midblock glass transition temperature of 244 to 264 Kelvin with 30 to 60 percent elastomer.

Abstract: An article of manufacture is disclosed for absorbing liquids, particularly body fluids such as menses. The disclosed article is disposable and has a wrapper associated therewith. An elastic material is secured to the backsheet and is maintained in a substantially tensioned state until separation of the wrapper from the backsheet. Upon separation of the wrapper from the backsheet the tension in the elastic member is released causing the disposable absorbent article to form an upwardly cupped configuration to conform more closely to the wearer's body.

Abstract: A distinctive article has first and second waistband sections, and an intermediate section which interconnects the waistband sections. The article comprises a backsheet layer, a liquid permeable topsheet layer superposed in facing relation with the backsheet layer, and an absorbent body interposed between the backsheet and topsheet layers. At least one adhesive tape member connects to the first waistband section. The tape member has a factory-bond section for connecting the tape member to the first waistband section, and a user-bond section for securing the article on a wearer. The user-bond section connects to a finger tab which includes a non-securing grasping section thereof. In particular embodiments, the grasping section can comprise a layer of absorbent material.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article with a mechanical fastening system having an additional fastening element so as to provide convenient disposal of the absorbent article. The mechanical fastening system preferably comprises a tape tab having a first fastening element, a landing member comprising a second fastening element engageable with the first fastening element, and an additional fastening element for allowing the absorbent article to be secured in a configuration that provides convenient disposal of the absorbent article. The additional fastening element preferably comprises a second fastening element affixed to the backing surface of at least one of the tape tabs so that the first fastening element of the opposite tape tab will engage the second fastening element comprising the additional fastening element so as to secure the absorbent article in its disposal configuration.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent garment, illustrated as a disposable diaper, includes a backsheet, an absorbent panel positioned on top of the backsheet, and a composite, three-component topsheet assembly positioned on top of the absorbent panel. The topsheet assembly includes a central portion generally overlying the absorbent panel, and a pair of side marginal portions joined to opposite side edges of the central portion. Each side marginal portion includes a plurality of segments, including an elasticized, standing gather segment for enhanced containment. The containment characteristics of the garment are further enhanced by joining the central portion of the topsheet assembly to each side marginal portion in spaced relationship to the associated backsheet of the garment.

Abstract: An article having a target part for adhering, wherein the part adheres with an adhering face of a tab in a repeatedly releasable manner in which the target part is made of a hot melt resin composition. Thus, the total cost for making the target part is reduced.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive tape, a pressure-sensitive tape-fixing structure comprising a member made of a material having a rough surface, having fixed thereto the pressure-sensitive tape, and a roll of the pressure-sensitive tape are disclosed, the pressure-sensitive tape comprising a pressure-sensitive tape comprising a tape substrate, a first pressure-sensitive adhesive area provided on one side of the tape substrate in a tape substrate part which is close to one end of the tape substrate, and a second pressure-sensitive adhesive area provided on one side of the tape substrate in a tape substrate part which is close to the other end of the tape substrate, wherein either or both of said first pressure-sensitive adhesive area and said second pressure-sensitive adhesive area have a strongly adhesive area at an end part thereof to which an external peeling force is to be applied first, and said strongly adhesive area has a peel strength higher than that of the other part of the pressure-sensitive adhesive area.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for encasing a sanitary napkin in a pouch which eliminates the need for release paper strips and provides for the disposal of the napkin.