Abstract: A paper structure having at least three regions is disclosed. The paper structure has a first region, a patterned second region, and a third transition region connecting the first and second regions. The first and second regions are disposed at different elevations, and can each have a thickness less than a thickness of the transition region. An apparatus and process for making such a paper structure are also disclosed.

Abstract: A papermaking vacuum apparatus having a web-facing surface adapted to support a papermaking belt and comprising a head, a body and at least one vacuum slot disposed in the head and defining an aperture on the web-facing surface. The vacuum slot is in fluid communication with the web-facing surface and extends from the web-facing surface to the body which is in further fluid communication with a vacuum source. The web-facing surface comprises a leading surface and a trailing surface. The leading surface has a transitional area juxtaposed with the aperture created by the vacuum slot. This transitional area has a predetermined Z-directional spacing from the papermaking belt, which Z-spacing continuously and gradually increases in the machine direction whereby the amount of vacuum pressure applied through the vacuum slot to the paper web gradually increases as the paper web travels in the machine direction over the slot.

Abstract: An absorbent article useful for absorbing bodily fluids discharged by the wearer of the article is provided. The absorbent article comprises a fluid pervious topsheet, a fluid impervious backsheet affixed to the topsheet, an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, and a resilient tubular member disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet for transporting the fluids to a predetermined region of the core. The tubular member has a plurality of fluid inlets and a plurality of fluid outlets, the inlets and outlets providing fluid communication between the interior and exterior of the tubular member. Discharged fluids may be transported from regions adjacent the inlets into the interior of the tubular member, and thereafter through the outlets to the predetermined regions of the core adjacent the outlets, thereby rapidly transporting the fluids to the predetermined region of the core.

Abstract: Pull-on garments provided with a continuous belt in the front region and the back region to distribute the forces generated during use in order to better fit the pull-on garment on the wearer. In a preferred embodiment, the pull-on garment comprises a chassis layer comprising a continuous sheet that defines a front region, a back region, and a crotch region; a first belt layer joined to the chassis layer in the front region; a second belt layer joined to the chassis layer in the back region; elastic panel members positioned between the belt layers and the chassis layers which laminate is mechanically stretched to form elastically extensible stretch laminates in both the front region and the back region in the side panels; and seams joining the front region to the back region so as to form the leg openings and waist openings. The continuous chassis layer and belt layers thus form the continuous belt of the pull-on garment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compressable polymeric foam materials useful as insulation. These polymeric foams are prepared by polymerization of certain water-in-oil emulsions having a relatively high ratio of water phase to oil phase, commonly known as "HIPEs." The polymeric foam materials comprise a generally hydrophobic, flexible or semi-flexible, nonionic polymeric foam structure of interconnected open-cells. The foam structures have:(a) a specific surface area per foam volume of at least about 0.01 m.sup.2 /cc;(b) an expanded density of less than about 0.05 g/cc; and(c) a ratio of expanded to compressed thickness of at least about 3:1;wherein when the foam is compressed to 33% of its original expanded thickness and is thereafter maintained without artificial restraint on its surface, said foam will reexpand by no more than 50% after 21 days at ambient temperature (22.degree. C.).

Abstract: Biodegradable and/or compostable polymers are made from isoprene, 2,3-dimethyl-1,3-butadiene or like conjugated dienes and a crosslinking agent having a cleavable linking group such as ethylene glycol dimethacrylate. These polymers can be used to make absorbent foams that are useful in absorbent articles such as diapers, as well as other biodegradable articles such as films, and latexes useful as binders and adhesives.

Abstract: Wet-like cleaning wipes and similar articles that are particularly useful in removing perianal soils. These wipes comprise a carrier comprising at least one polarphobic region, an optional, preferred substrate such as tissue paper web, and an emulsion applied to the carrier. The emulsion comprises a continuous external lipid phase and a dispersed internal polar phase. The continuous lipid phase of the emulsion is sufficiently brittle that it ruptures when subjected to low shear pressures during use to release the dispersed internal phase. Inclusion of the polarphobic region allows the ability to control flow of the internal water phase components following rupture of the emulsion.

Abstract: Absorbent foam materials that are capable of acquiring and distributing aqueous fluids, especially discharged body fluids such as urine. These absorbent foams combine relatively high capillary absorption pressures and capacity-per-weight properties that allow them to acquire fluid, with or without the aid of gravity. These absorbent foams also give up this fluid efficiently to higher absorption pressure storage materials, including foam-based absorbent fluid storage components, without collapsing. These absorbent foams are made by polymerizing high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs).

Abstract: The present invention relates to fluid pervious, dispersible, and flushable webs particularly suited for use in a disposable absorbent article, such as a diaper, sanitary napkin, panty liner, incontinence pad, or the like. The present invention further relates to such webs which also include an improved, functional textured surface so as to be suitable for use as a topsheet on such a disposable absorbent article.The present invention provides a fluid pervious web which disperses into fragments which are readily flushable in a normal toilet. The web preferably comprises a wetlaid apertured tissue having a temporary wet strength resin incorporated therein. The web preferably further includes a plurality of individual fibrils on a body-facing surface thereof, so as to provide a clean and dry tactile impression in use. The fibrils serve to separate the wearer's skin from the underlying tissue substrate in use.

Abstract: An absorbent core comprises, in sequence through it thickness, a first structure comprising an upper layer comprising a first fibrous material having compressibility of at least 5 cm.sup.3 /g and a drip capacity of a least 10 g/g, the structure also comprising a first superabsorbent material having a substantially non-decreasing dynamic swelling rate and a second a structure comprising a second fibrous material and a second superabsorbent material having a dynamic swelling pressure of at least 15 g/g at 10 g/cm.sup.2 (0.7 psi), wherein the dynamic swelling rate of the first superabsorbent material is not greater than 2/3 of the dynamic swelling rate of the second superabsorbent material. The absorbent core allows improved fluid handling of body discharges throughout the core and in the subsequent efficient storage of these discharges.

Abstract: A method for producing uncreped, strong, soft, and low dusting tissue paper webs useful in the manufacture of soft, absorbent sanitary products such as bath tissue, facial tissue, and absorbent towels is disclosed. The tissue papers comprise fibers such as wood pulp and a non-cellulosic, water insoluble particulate filler such as kaolin clay.

Abstract: Compounds comprising the oxidation product of a polysaccharide in which the hydroxyl groups in at least a portion of the repeating units of the polysaccharide are cis-hydroxyl groups, the oxidation product comprising aldehyde groups, are disclosed. The compounds are useful for imparting temporary wet strength to paper products. Preferred polysaccharides for use in the invention include guar gum and locust bean gum.

Abstract: Biodegradable articles such as diaper topsheets, diaper backsheets, garbage bags, tampon applicators, disposable syringes and the like that are made from trans-1,4-polyisoprene and like trans-polymers. These articles can also be made from blends of these trans-polymers with other biodegradable components such as starch.

Abstract: Wet-like cleaning wipes and similar articles that are particularly useful in removing perianal soils. These wipes comprise a carrier substrate such as tissue paper web that is treated with a high internal water phase inverse emulsion made with an organopolysiloxane-polyoxyalkylene emulsifier. The organopolysiloxane-polyoxyalkylene emulsifiers provide better water retention than other organic emulsifiers used in formulating high internal phase inverse emulsions, as well as better hand feel aesthetics for the wipe treated with the emulsion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for forming a sanitary napkin having a multi-segment core. Such a core is formed using a mold having a deposition cavity which is divided into cavity segments by at least one partition. Each partition can comprise a passageway for interconnecting adjacent cavity segments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compressable polymeric foam materials useful as insulation. These polymeric foams are prepared by polymerization of certain water-in-oil emulsions having a relatively high ratio of water phase to oil phase, commonly known as "HIPEs." The polymeric foam materials comprise a generally hydrophobic, flexible or semi-flexible, nonionic polymeric foam structure of interconnected open-cells. The foam structures have:(a) a specific surface area per foam volume of at least about 0.01 m.sup.2 /cc;(b) an expanded density of less than about 0.05 g/cc; and(c) a ratio of expanded to compressed thickness of at least about 3:1;wherein when the foam is compressed to 33% of its original expanded thickness and is thereafter maintained without artificial restraint on its surface, said foam will reexpand by no more than 50% after 21 days at ambient temperature (22.degree. C.).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for applying discrete particles of absorbent material to a predetermined location on a fibrous web. The apparatus comprises a continuously rotating mask, and a means for directing a supply stream of absorbent particles to form an acute included angle with a diverting surface on the rotating mask. The mask diverting surface splits the supply stream of absorbent particles into a first intermittent stream passing through the mask and a second intermittent stream deflected by the diverting surface. The absorbent particles in one of the first and second intermittent streams is directed to the fibrous web.

Abstract: Absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders, training pants, feminine hygiene garments and the like, that have a unique waist feature that improves the dynamic fit as well as the containment characteristics of the absorbent article. Such absorbent articles comprise a chassis assembly preferably comprising a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet; an extensible back waist feature; and a closure system for maintaining the absorbent article on the wearer. The extensible back waist feature provides an extensible feature that provides a more comfortable and contouring fit by initially conformably fitting the diaper to the wearer and by sustaining this fit. The extensible back waist feature has a hip panel, a central waistband panel, and a pair of side panels. The force/extension characteristics of each panel is designed to provide such improved fit and containment.

Abstract: Skin wetness is minimized on overnight usage of a disposable absorbent article containing an acquisition and distribution member consisting essentially of C.sub.2 -C.sub.9 polycarboxylic acid crosslinked cellulosic fibers prepared in the presence of surfactant.