Abstract: Absorbent articles having improved sustained fit on the body, improved appearance through the period of use, and improved comfort for the wearer. The absorbent article has a containment assembly, a waist feature and a diagonal support member feature disposed so as to lie in the diagonal support zone of the wearer's body when the article is worn. The diagonal support member is designed to support the article from the small of the back, over the hip, and to the lower abdomen. The diagonal support member is distinct from the waist feature, which is designed to provide only enough circumferential tension to hold itself in position on the body. The absorbent article has a garment-like high-waisted appearance, gentle tension around the waist to avoid discomfort and/or pressure marking, good leakage protection, good sustained fit, and easy application and removal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a female component for engaging a complementary hook component in a refastenable fastening device. The female component of the present invention is capable of engaging a hook component that has flexible, resilient individual hook elements. The female component comprises at least two, and preferably three zones or layers. Each zone has certain of the desired individual characteristics for entangling and holding the hooks of the mating hook component. These include a first zone for admitting and engaging at least some of the hooks of the complementary hook component (the “entanglement” zone), a second zone for providing space for the hooks to occupy after they have been admitted by the entanglement zone (referred to as the “spacing” zone), and a backing adjacent to the spacing zone for providing a foundation for the entanglement and spacing zones.

Abstract: An absorbent article that includes a topsheet, a backsheet that is at least partially joined to the topsheet and an absorbent core that lies between the topsheet and the backsheet are described. A water activatable adhesive that, when activated, can adhere to a wearer's skin is also deposited on at least part of the absorbent article is also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dispensing cartons for sheet materials such as polymeric sheets, metallic foils, and other sheet materials, particularly those suitable for use in the containment and protection of various items including perishable materials. The present invention further relates to such cartons which permit end-loading of the roll of product into the carton during the manufacturing process. The present invention provides an asymmetrical carton for containing and dispensing a roll of sheet material. The carton has a longitudinal axis, and has both an erected condition and a flattened condition. The carton when erected forms a cylindrical structure having an asymmetrical polygonal cross-section formed from a plurality of substantially planar side panels. The carton has fold lines defined by the intersection of adjacent side panels, and is foldable into a flattened condition by folding the carton at two fold lines to form a substantially planar structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition for softening an absorbent tissue and tissue structures softened using the composition. The composition includes an effective amount of a softening active ingredient; a vehicle in which the softening active ingredient is dispersed; an electrolyte dissolved in the vehicle; and a bilayer disrupter. The electrolyte and the bilayer disrupter cooperate to cause the viscosity of the composition to be less than the viscosity of a dispersion of the softening active ingredient in the vehicle alone. Preferably, the softening active ingredient is a quaternary ammonium compound with the formula: (R1)4−m—N+—[(CH2)n—Y—R3]mX− the vehicle is water, the electrolyte is calcium chloride, and the bilayer disrupter is a nonionic surfactant.

Abstract: An embossed multiple ply paper product which displays aesthetically pleasing decorative attributes. The embossed multiple ply paper product also exhibits the functional characteristics of softness, absorbency, and drape. The decorative attributes comprise embossed patterns of indicia displaying a high quality cloth-like appearance for a softer, more quilted look.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible storage bag having an opening, a closure system for the opening, and a closure indicator. The closure indicator provides an audibly detectable signal upon closure, and optionally opening, of the closure system. The closure system may provide a seal which is preferably closed by a translatable slider as is known in the art. The translatable slider may intercept protuberances causing the protuberances to produce a snap or clicking sound as the slider passes over the protuberances. Alternatively, the closure indicator may be an adhesive bond which is disrupted by the translation of the slider. The closure indicator is passive, meaning that no additional action beyond the ordinary and commonly accepted movement of the slider is required to produce the audible signal.

Abstract: A disposable garment comprising a chassis having a front region, a back region, and a crotch region between the front and back regions, the chassis comprising a liquid impervious backsheet and at least one pair of side panels extending laterally outwardly from the chassis. The backsheet comprises a liquid impervious film extending longitudinally in the front, back, and crotch regions, and having a nonuniform lateral width so as to form a first portion in the crotch region and a second portion in the front or back region. The second portion has a lateral width dimension less than the lateral width dimension of the first portion such that the film does not extend into the side panels. At least one of the side panels comprises an elastomeric material extending laterally outwardly from the chassis, wherein the elastomeric material is joined to the second portion of the liquid impervious film.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition for softening an absorbent tissue and tissue structures softened using the composition. The composition includes an effective amount of a softening active ingredient; a vehicle in which the softening active ingredient is dispersed; and an electrolyte dissolved in the vehicle. The electrolyte causes the viscosity of the composition to be less than the viscosity of a dispersion of the softening active ingredient in the vehicle alone. Preferably, the softening active ingredient is a quaternary ammonium compound with the formula: (R1)4−m—N+—[(CH2)n—Y—R3]mX− the vehicle is water, and the electrolyte is calcium chloride.

Abstract: A deflection member comprising a patterned framework having a web-side and a backside opposite to the web-side and forming an X-Y plane. The framework comprises a plurality of bases extending from the X-Y plane in a Z-direction perpendicular to the X-Y plane, and a plurality of suspended portions laterally extending from the plurality of bases to form void spaces between the X-Y plane and the suspended portions. The deflection member can comprise a reinforcing element joined to the plurality of bases and positioned between the web-side and at least a portion of the backside of the framework. A process for making the deflection member comprises curing a coating of a liquid photosensitive resin supported by a forming surface through a mask having a pattern of transparent and opaque regions. The opaque regions comprise regions having first opacity and regions having second opacity less than the first opacity.

Abstract: In a deflection member comprising a framework having a web-side, a backside defining an X-Y plane, and a Z-direction perpendicular to the X-Y plane, the framework comprises a multi-layer structure formed by at least two layers joined together in a face-to-face relationship. Each of the layers has a deflection conduit portion extending in the Z-direction. The deflection conduit portion of at least one layer is fluid-permeable and positioned such that portions of that layer comprise a plurality of suspended portions elevated in the Z-direction from the X-Y plane to form void spaces between the X-Y plane and the suspended portions. The deflection member can comprise a reinforcing element positioned between the web-side and at least a portion of the backside of the framework. Each of the layers can comprise a substantially continuous network, a semi-continuous network, or a plurality of discrete protuberances.

Abstract: A process for autogeneously bonding two cellulosic laminae to form a multi-lamina substrate by high pressure lamination. The attachment occurs at selective bond sites wetted with a functional fluid such as water prior to bonding. The process is applicable to multi-lamina substrates formed from laminae treated with chemical softening agents.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprising a topsheet, a backsheet joined with at least a portion of the topsheet, an absorbent core disposed between at least a portion of the topsheet and the backsheet; and an adhesive capable of adhering of the absorbent article to the skin of the wearer during use or a portion of the absorbent article to itself during use. The adhesive is deactivatable by the wearer or caregiver to facilitate easy and comfortable removal of the product from the wearer.

Abstract: A disposable article having a sensor that predicts an impending event such as an elimination of bodily waste. The article may also include an actuator that performs a responsive function when the sensor predicts the impending event.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for impingement of fluid onto a moving surface. The apparatus includes an asymmetric slot nozzle having an opening formed between an upstream wall and a downstream wall. The nozzle is disposed generally adjacent the surface onto which the fluid is to be impinged forming an impingement distance between each of the walls of the nozzle and the surface. The impingement distance of the upstream wall is greater than the impingement distance of the downstream wall such that at least a portion of the fluid is delivered through the nozzle in a direction that is counter to the machine direction.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprising a topsheet, a backsheet joined with at least a portion of the topsheet, an absorbent core disposed between at least a portion of the topsheet and the backsheet; and a thermally activatable adhesive capable of adhering of the absorbent article to the skin of the wearer during use. The thermally activatable adhesive is preferably activated at temperatures in the range of about 30° C. to about 60° C.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for making a papermaking belt are provided, the belt comprising a reinforcing structure and a resinous framework joined together. The preferred continuous process comprises the steps of depositing a flowable resinous material onto a patterned molding surface; continuously moving the molding surface and the reinforcing structure at a transport velocity such that at least a portion of the reinforcing structure is in a face-to-face relationship with a portion of the molding surface; applying a fluid pressure differential to transfer the flowable resinous material from the molding surface onto the reinforcing structure and causing the flowable resinous material and the reinforcing structure to join together; and solidifying the resinous material thereby forming the resinous framework joined to the reinforcing structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition for softening an absorbent tissue and tissue structures softened using the composition. The composition includes an effective amount of a softening active ingredient; a vehicle in which the softening active ingredient is dispersed; an electrolyte dissolved in the vehicle; a bilayer disrupter and a high polymer. The electrolyte and the bilayer disrupter cooperate to cause the viscosity of the composition to be less than the viscosity of a dispersion of the softening active ingredient in the vehicle alone. The high polymer adds “stringiness” to the composition opening the air pressure operating window for spray application of the softening composition.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for imprinting a web. A yankee drum and pressure roll are juxtaposed to form a nip. An imprinting member, such as through air drying belt or other patterning belt is interposed in the nip. A felt is also interposed in the nip, contacting the backside of the imprinting member. The imprinting member carries a paper web. The paper web is imprinted in the nip and simultaneously transferred to the yankee drying drum. The nip may be formed with a vacuum roll juxtaposed with the felt. The vacuum roll may remove from the felt and hence the web.