Abstract: A perineal shield and discharge containment device comprised of a sheet of flexible material adapted for folding along a plurality of pre-established fold lines to provide a folded configuration which will closely conform to the perineal contours of the human body. The pre-established fold lines radiate outward from a common base point interiorly disposed on the longitudinal center-line of the sheet material. When folded as prescribed, the sheet material has an upwardly concave configuration in both transverse and longitudinal directions with the deepest point of the concavity originating at the base point. When the folded sheet material is positioned in contact with the perineum an upstanding anterior portion, comprising the full width of the sheet, covers the pubic area. From the full width anterior portion the folded sheet tapers back to form a narrow isthmus which fits comfortably between the thighs, then diverges outward to form a full width posterior portion which covers the after-parts of the perineum.

Abstract: Webs are formed by mixing chemically modified cellulose fibers in a carrier and dewatering to form a mixture of gel-like consistency having a minimum of external water wherein the fibers have not lost their individual structures. This mixture is sprayed or injected into a gas stream of volume and velocity such that the individual fibers are separated. These fibers are collected into highly-absorbent webs having varying structures. Due to the rapid separation of fibers and subsequent drying, reduced interfiber hydrogen bonding takes place resulting in good tactile properties such as softness and drape. By controlling the direction and velocity of the fibers, webs can be produced having structures ranging from very dense mats to loose, fluffy batt-like products. The webs of the invention possess high absorbency, good wicking, and strength sufficient for handling. They may be used as components for wipers, surgical sponges, and personal care products such as sanitary napkins, tampons, and disposable diapers.

Abstract: A process and mechanism for the dry screen forming of fibers to attain a dispersion in air of substantially individual fibers from which a fibrous sheet is formed. Fibrous nits, pills and flocs are removed from the dispersion by rolling the nits, pills and the like into elongated shapes as they pass a fiber screening member and carrying the elongated fibrous bodies from the dispersion of fibers and away from the sheet forming area for the fibers. The mechanism includes a fiber screening member, a fiber receiving member on which the sheet is formed and a foraminous member which rolls the nits, pills and the like between it and the fiber screening member as the air dispersion of fibers passes toward the fiber receiving member.

Abstract: An improvement in tubular applicators for inserting hygienic media into body cavities. The applicator is of the type having telescoping elements in which annular flanges are disposed at the rear of each element and in which the rear surface of one flange confronts the front surface of the other flange. The improvement comprises providing a stop means on one or both of the confronting flange faces to keep the faces from touching when the elements are fully telescoped together and thus prevent entrapment of body tissue or hair between the closed flanges.

Abstract: Fibrous webs are bonded by passing through a nip comprising an anvil and a hammer vibrating at high frequencies in the presence of uncombined liquid. The liquid is moved within the web causing rearrangement and entanglement of the fibers resulting in improved web properties such as strength, drape, and softness. The nature of the rearrangement and entanglement may be varied to produce random or highly entangled webs having correspondingly varying properties. Other embodiments include the use of additional fibers or other materials in the liquid or in the web and the bonding of multiple layers.

Abstract: A die-cut, contoured, catamenial napkin of joined-together layers of sheet material assembled into a sandwich which combines a thin, soft, flexible peripheral portion for comfort with a thick central portion for increased fluid-holding capacity. The uppermost layer is a thin batt of intermingled fibers provided with unbonded low density cushion areas separated by spaced bonded areas comprised of compressed fluid-distributing channels of higher density extending generally longitudinally of the batt and intersecting the ends and edges. The central portion of the uppermost layer is upwardly deformed to provide a pad-receiving cavity in which a main fluid-holding element consisting of a relatively thick pad of absorbent material is positioned in intimate physical contact with the uppermost layer while the horizontal face portions of the side and end walls of the central pad are free of contact with neighboring components.

Abstract: A protective and discharge containment device for the perineum made from flexible sheet material shaped to provide close conformity with changing perineal contours by being folded on a set of pre-established lines radiating outward from a base point interiorly disposed on a line defining the main longitudinal axis of the sheet material. When folded as prescribed, the sheet material takes on an upwardly concave configuration in both the transverse and longitudinal directions with the deepest part of the concavity originating at the base point.

Abstract: An improved wrapper structure for tampons containing superabsorbent material. The wrapper provides the used tampon with a fluid-lubricated surface to ease withdrawal. The wrapper is a fluid-permeable web material having a saline fluid retention capacity sufficient to partially counteract the high capillary suction pressure exerted by superabsorbent fibers in the tampon core and thereby retain enough fluid in the wrapper during use to maintain the surface fibers of the wrapper in soft, lubricous condition.