Abstract: Absorbent article comprising an absorbent core with a crotch region and at least one waist region, whereby said crotch region has a lower ultimate fluid storage capability than said at least one waist region. The article further has an improved fluid handling performance in particular a low rewet value for minimizing skin hydration during use, such as measured by the post acquisition collagen rewet method value not exceeding 180 mg.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a continuous web of material from a block of material is disclosed. The block is preferably a cylindrical block having a base and a generally vertical central axis extending generally orthogonally from the base. The apparatus comprises a rotatable platen such that the block may be rotatably supported, and a milling cutter for displacing portions of the block defining a displaced portion near the base of the block. A blade is positioned generally parallel to the central axis of the block, the blade positioned to cut into the block a predetermined distance from the central axis. The blade has a portion operatively disposed within the displaced portion of the block. The apparatus also comprises a drive mechanism for rotating the platen; as well as a linear drive mechanism for linearly decreasing the predetermined distance of the blade from the central axis.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing tape tabs for use in disposable absorbent articles such as diapers. The method includes steps of cutting a unitary strip of material along parallel curved transverse lines to product tab shapes in the strip material having rounded corners, doubling over the strip material into itself to form a gripping area, and cutting the strip material along parallel cut lines which extend from the curved transverse cut lines to the longitudinal edge to form individual tape tabs.

Abstract: A bib having an area on each shoulder extension which is permanently elongated to provide extensibility and elasticity which minimizes distortion of the bib body as the shoulder extensions are fastened around a wearer's neck. The area on each shoulder extension can include a strainable network. The network can be formed in a laminate of a paper layer and a plastic film layer. The strainable network can have at least two visually distinct regions.

Abstract: A biofeedback device for predicting an impending elimination of bodily waste in an incontinent person includes a sensing element in contact with an area of a user so as to detect electrical activity of a sphincter muscle associated therewith and a signaling element operatively connected to the sensing element that provides a signal upon an occurrence of a predetermined electrical activity for the sphincter muscle. The biofeedback device is able to predict an impending elimination of bodily waste for an incontinent person, as well as assist the incontinent person in achieving a contraction of his/her sphincter muscle.

Abstract: An absorbent article adapted to be worn about the lower torso of a wearer. The article includes a liquid-impervious, flexible backsheet adapted to face outwardly relative to the body a wearer, a liquid-pervious topsheet adapted to face the body of the wearer, and an absorbent core positioned between the backsheet and the topsheet. The topsheet is preferably elastically extensible and includes a plurality of slits or cuts that extend through the topsheet material and that enlarge to define a plurality of openings in the topsheet when it is subjected to tensile forces as it is worn. The openings permit solid and semi-solid bodily exudates to pass through the topsheet to the absorbent core as the diaper is worn. Upon removal of the diaper from the body of the wearer the tensile forces within the topsheet are relaxed, thereby causing the openings in the topsheet to close and substantially conceal from view the bodily exudates that have passed through the topsheet.

Abstract: A strong, easy to use tab and slot fastening device suitable for use with disposable absorbent articles. The fastening device preferably includes a tab member and a slot member. The slot member has an inboard portion, an outboard portion and a slot. The inboard portion located laterally inboard of the outboard portion and the slot located between the inboard portion and the outboard portion. The tab member has a length, a proximal edge, a distal edge and a lip portion. The tab portion is passed through the slot of the slot member to engage the fastening device. Once passed through the slot, at least the lip portion of the tab member pivots such that it overlaps the outboard portion of the slot member to prevent the tab member from disengaging from the slot member.

Abstract: A method of joining at least two webs (11, 12), said webs (11, 12) being porous and comprising meltable components, said webs (11, 12) being arranged in an adjacent manner to form a web structure (10), said web structure (10) comprising outer surfaces (13, 14) and an area of overlap (15) between said webs (11, 12); said method characterized by the steps of: 1) sufficiently heating a fluid to enable at least a partial melting of said meltable components; 2) directing a high speed jet of said heated fluid towards at least one of said outer surfaces (13, 14); 3) allowing said fluid to penetrate said webs (11, 12) at discrete locations; and 4) allowing said fluid to circulate in said webs (11, 12) to at least partially melt said meltable components. In another aspect of the invention, a disposable absorbent article Is made according to the method described herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a package containing absorbent articles and inserts. The package includes at least one first absorbent article having a predetermined absorbent capacity, and at least one insert. When the insert is joined with the absorbent article, either before being placed in the package or by the caretaker before being placed on the wearer, the insert and the first absorbent article together form a combined absorbent article having an absorbent capacity which is greater than the absorbent capacity of the first absorbent article.

Abstract: The present invention relates to wet wipes (1) for use in wiping surfaces in the home and in industry, in addition to their use on the human body such as for baby wipes, make-up removal and other skin care applications. The wet wipes are folded and interleaved with one another (40, 50) to provide an improved stacking configuration whereby each wipe can be readily singly separated from the wet wipe stack by the consumer.

Abstract: A disposable garment, such as a diaper, having a liner, an absorbent core and a liquid impervious bottom sheet. Coextensive openings are formed in the liner, bottom sheet and core, and a transparent layer of material overlays the openings to form a window through the openings into the diaper. An opaque, pliable cover is preferably attached to an exterior surface of the bottom sheet so as to overlie the transparent window. The cover includes a layer of adhesive material to enable the cover to be releasably affixed to the window. The cover preferably further includes a tab, the tab and adhesive cooperating to enable the cover to be selectively pulled back to allow for viewing through the transparent layer into the diaper, and then replaced over the opening to conceal the contents of the diaper.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for forming a continuous web from a block of material. The block material has a base and a central axis extending generally orthogonally from the base. The apparatus preferably comprises a bath including a fluid into which the block of material can be at least partially submersed. Further, the apparatus preferably includes means for rotating the block about the central axis, a cutting device and means for linearly decreasing the predetermined distance of the cutting blade from the central axis. The cutting device is preferably positioned so as to make a cut into the block at a predetermined distance from the central axis, the cut being generally parallel to the central axis of the block. The material cut form the block preferably forms a continuous web.

Abstract: Disclosed is a container for shipping, display, and subsequent removal of a plurality of articles. The container includes a first surface having two oppositely extending flaps folded towards each other. Each of the flaps has a proximal end and a distal end. The distal ends of the flaps are oppositely disposed and form a flap gap therebetween. The container further includes a line of weakness having two ends. Each end of the line of weakness is juxtaposed with at least one of the distal ends of the flaps. The line of weakness extends therefrom to intercept at least one panel of the container adjacent one of the flaps. The line of weakness may include perforation lines having a multiplicity of cuts and skips. The line of weakness defines a removable segment, which may be removed by tearing along the perforation lines. The flap gap between the distal ends of the flaps provides an opening for the hand access to remove the removable segment of the container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to wet wipes for use in wiping surfaces in the home and in industry, in addition to their use on the human body such as for baby wipes, make-up removal and other skin care applications. The wet wipes (1) are folded and interleaved with one another to provide an improved stacking configuration whereby each wipe can be readily singly separated from the wet wipe stack (23) by the consumer.

Abstract: A disposable diaper comprises an absorbent part, a pair of ear parts projecting in opposite directions from the opposite side edges of one longitudinal end portion of the absorbent part, respectively, and two fastening means attached to the side edges of the ear parts, respectively. Each side edge has a first side edge section and a second side edge section, each ear part has a stress relaxing structure, in which a tensile stress smaller than that which is induced in the peripheral portion of the ear part is induced, in a portion thereof other than the peripheral portion, and each fastening means is attached to the ear part in a pulling section of the side edge, overlapping at least part of a first side edge section and part of a second side edge section so that component tensile forces of a tensile force applied to the fastening means are distributed at a desired distribution ratio to the waist lapping portion and the leg lapping portion of the absorbent part.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article, such as a diaper, comprising a medium viscosity feces storage material having an improved ability to store in particular medium low viscosity feces.

Abstract: Disposable articles such as diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders and/or inserts, training pants, feminine hygiene garments, tampons and the like having a responsive system. The article includes a sensor that detects an input and a mechanical actuator that is adapted to perform a responsive function upon bodily waste, a wearer, the article or a component or components thereof.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprising a waste management element disposed in at least a portion of the crotch region. The waste management element comprises an acceptance element and a storage element. The storage element preferably comprises a three-dimensional web with arcuate portions intermittent with bondable locations forming a lofted open structure.