Abstract: A low basis weight substrate is printed by a folded substrate, dual-sided printing process. The substrate is folded to present two printing surfaces. The folded substrate is then passed through a printing station to have an ink pattern printed on one surface, and then is reversed to have a second pattern printed on the second printing surface. Any ink striking through one of the surfaces is collected by the other surface of the printed substrate.

Abstract: A low basis weight substrate is printed by a folded substrate, dual-sided printing process. The substrate is folded to present two printing surfaces. The folded substrate is then passed through a printing station to have an ink pattern printed on one surface, and then is reversed to have a second pattern printed on the second printing surface. Any ink striking through one of the surfaces is collected by the other surface of the printed substrate.

Abstract: A dual substrate, single-pass printing process prints a high basis weight substrate and a low basis weight substrate. Ink striking through the low basis weight substrate is collected and absorbed by the high basis weight substrate. The printed substrates are then separated and rewound for subsequent transport and handling.

Abstract: A method is provided for joining an elastic band to a continuously moving, partially elastic substrate. The method includes temporarily inhibiting portions of the elastic band and then positioning the band on the substrate. The substrate includes elastic and non-elastic segments, and the band is positioned so that an elastic portion of the band is on an elastic segment of the substrate and the temporarily inhibited portion of the band is on the non-elastic segment of the substrate. The band and substrate are then joined together, and the temporarily inhibited portion is activated to gather the non-elastic segment.

Abstract: A growth adjustable diaper for newborn babies is adjustable in length by use of a foldable absorbent panel at the front edge of the diaper and is adjustable about the waist of the baby by means of ear members that can overlap and attach to each other or not overlap and attach to the front section of the diaper. Cushion barriers are provided at the crotch section and back waist edge to protect the newborn's sensitive, tender skin.

Abstract: A diaper or absorbent article comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, an absorbent between the topsheet and backsheet, and an elevating device for spacing the topsheet above the absorbent to form a pocket-like shape. The topsheet can have an opening and the absorbent can have a hole therein, both of which receive and isolate waste material from the wearer.

Abstract: A growth adjustable diaper for newborn babies is adjustable in length by use of a foldable absorbent panel at the front edge of the diaper and comprises an elastic member positioned between the foldable panel and a topsheet.

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: A growth adjustable diaper for newborn babies is adjustable in length by use of a foldable absorbent panel at the front edge of the diaper, and is adjustable about the waist of the baby by means of ear members that can overlap and attach to each other or not overlap and attach to the front section of the diaper. Cushion barriers are provided at the crotch section and back waist edge to protect the newborn's sensitive, tender skin.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for receiving and rotating a strip of material toward a continuously moving surface, and then orienting the strip of material so that it is surfacely placed generally flat with the continuously moving surface.

Abstract: A diaper or absorbent article comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, an absorbent between the topsheet and backsheet, and an elevating device for spacing the topsheet above the absorbent to form a pocket-like shape. The topsheet can have a generally U-shaped opening and the absorbent can have a hole therein, both of which receive and isolate waste material from the wearer. The absorbent side edges can have portions that are gatherable by elastic members attached in a stretched condition.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for receiving and rotating a strip of material toward a continuously moving surface, and then orienting the strip of material so that it is surfacely placed generally flat with the continuously moving surface.

Abstract: A fluid-operated stabilizing apparatus receives an article having loose, wrinkled overlapping surfaces and by use of fluid flow control devices directs flows of fluid to the overlapping surfaces to fluidly shake the surfaces to smooth out wrinkles and any folded portions thereof, and then to align and hold the surfaces for subsequent treatment, such as bonding together. A method is also provided for smoothing and aligning the overlapping surfaces for subsequent treatment.

Abstract: A scarfing method and apparatus are disclosed for making a longitudinally and transversely contoured batt on a moving fibrous web. The apparatus comprises a scarfing roll disposed on one side of a foraminous belt and a contouring roll, having a nonuinform surface, disposed on the opposite side of the belt. As the contouring roll is rotated, it raises the belt and the fibrous web towards the scarfing roll, according to the shape of the nonuniform surface. Hence, a contour is provided in the direction of movement of the web. The transverse contour can be provided by the shape of the scarfing roll itself.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for producing a novel fastener means of the type having a plurality of fastening means extending from bight portions 60 bonded to a backing material 48. Products fabricated with the novel fastener means. The apparatus generally comprises means for drawing an array of filaments 46, or other material, onto a forming wheel 14 having a plurality of grooves 28, and land zones 30 between the grooves, means for positioning a plurality of pins 42 against the filaments 46 and aligned with the grooves 28, means for urging the pins 42 into the grooves 28 and thereby forming loops 50 in the filaments 46, and means for placing a backing material 48 against the filaments 46 and bonding the backing material to the filaments at spaced locations. Pins 42 are trapped in spaces 53 between the filaments 46 and the backing material 48. The apparatus further includes means for releasing the pins from the spaces.

Abstract: This invention is generally accomplished by providing continuous self-adhesive strands of elastic to a substrate having retractable supports extending therefrom. The retractable supports in a convex pattern are contracted with the self-adhering elastic and the substrate bearing the elastic and supports is brought into contact with the web to which the elastic is to be transferred. The series of supports around which the elastic contacts are forced to retract as the self-adhering elastic is pressed against the web causing the elastic to transfer to the substrate thereby creating an elastic band on the substrate. In a preferred form the substrate is fed two strips of self-adhering elastic that are applied on each side of a series of a convex pattern of pins and then pressed together around opposing sides of the convex pattern of pins to seal the elastic to itself and sever the elastic, creating a contoured closed loop around the pins.

Abstract: A perineal shield and discharge containment device comprises a sheet of flexible material adapted for folding into a configuration which will closely conform to the perineal contours of the human body. Fold lines radiate outwardly from a common point disposed on the longitudinal center line of the sheet material. When folded as prescribed, the sheet material forms a partial funnel-shape portion and a pocket having its deepest point generally located at the common point.

Abstract: A disposable pant-like garment for absorbing human discharge is provided, and comprises an absorbent assembly comprising a liquid-impervious outer cover, a liquid-pervious liner, and an absorbent medium therebetween. The absorbent assembly also has generally opposite side edges and generally opposite end edges. A pair of stretchable side panels are joined to each one of the side edges to form with the absorbent assembly a waist opening and a pair of leg openings. A gathering means is joined along at least a portion of each leg opening for gathering that portion. The stretchable side panels provide generally inwardly directed force vectors against a wearer to maintain the garment snugly against the wearer's body and the absorbent assembly snugly in place against the crotch area both before and after a discharge.

Abstract: A disposable pant-like garment for absorbing human discharge comprises an absorbent assembly including a liquid impervious outer cover, a liquid pervious liner, and an absorbent medium therebetween. A pair of stretchable side panels are joined to the absorbent assembly to form a waist opening and a pair of leg openings, and an intermediate portion of each stretchable side panel is generally peripherally disposed about a respective leg opening. The stretchable side panels provide generally inwardly directed force vectors against a wearer to maintain the garment snugly against the wearer's body and the absorbent assembly snugly in place against the crotch area both before and after a discharge.

Abstract: A seam construction for an absorbent article comprises a layered composite portion of the absorbent article including a liquid pervious liner, a liquid impervious outer cover, and an absorbent medium therebetween. A pair of stretchable members are joined to the layered composite portion between respective side portions of the outer cover and the liner. The stretchable side members also extend outwardly beyond the opposite side portions of the outer cover and liner. The layered composite portion and each stretchable member form a seam construction that is resistant to liquid leakage and that provides a gentle transition between the layered composite portion and the stretchable members.