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: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for cyclically accelerating the leading end of a slower moving first material web to match the faster speed of a continuous second material web. The apparatus is comprised of a set of upstream metering rolls which feed the first material web at a constant slow speed, a set of downstream applicator rolls having a constant and relatively faster rotational velocity, and an acceleration mechanism which variably and alternately reverses and allows forward movement of a leading end segment of the first material web while allowing for the constant rotational velocities of the upstream and downstream rolls. The first material web is wrapped partially around the set of upstream rolls and the leading end segment thereof is wrapped partially around one of the downstream rolls. The acceleration mechanism is juxtapositioned between the upstream rolls and the downstream rolls in the feed path of the first material web.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, incontinent device, or the like. The absorbent article includes a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, and an absorbent core that lies between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent article further includes a pair of longitudinally extending bands of web material positioned on the body surface of the topsheet on each side of a longitudinal centerline of the absorbent article and joined to at least one of the topsheet and the backsheet in a longitudinally elastically elongated state. The bands of web material include first and second regions which are visibly distinct from each other. The first region has at least two substantially planar portions and the second has a plurality of rib elements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for affixing a fastener to the garment side of an absorbent article having a profiled shape, especially an absorbent article that is thicker in the center than at the ends. The method involves placing a fastener with its pressure sensitive adhesive surface adjacent the garment side of the absorbent article, and applying pressure to adhere the pressure sensitive adhesive surface to the garment side of the absorbent article while the absorbent article and the fastener are between a compressible component and an anvil surface. The apparatus comprises a compressible component comprising a surface with a plurality of compressible, resilient elements projecting therefrom in a direction toward an anvil surface.

Abstract: A disposable sanitary towel (1) comprising a liquid-permeable upper layer (5), an impermeable lower layer (7) and an absorbent element (6), is provided with an intermediate layer (10) disposed between the upper layer (5) and the absorbent element (6) and extending around the side edges (8) of the absorbent element (6) such that it can distribute the liquid received and prevent losses of liquid from the side edges of the absorbent element (6). The towel (1) is further provided with an absorbent element (6) comprising an improved layer structure.

Abstract: A flushable and dispersible absorbent article is described. The absorbent article comprises a liquid pervious topsheet which preferably comprises a wet laid, apertured fibrous web having a temporary wet strength resin incorporated therein, the topsheet also having a body surface provided with a plurality of fibrils, the fibrils comprising a water resistant resinous material, a backsheet impervious to bodily fluids which preferably comprises a wet laid fibrous assembly having a temporary wet strength resin incorporated therein, the body surface of the backsheet being coated with a water resistant resinous material, an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, and means for removably attaching the sanitary napkin to a wearer's undergarment. The topsheet and the backsheet are joined, at least about their periphery, using a water soluble adhesive. Alternative embodiments of the present invention can also comprise laterally extending flaps.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, having longitudinal side margins with pleats or tucks is provided. The tucks cause the absorbent article to assume a curved, body-conforming shape, and provide the absorbent article with sides that stand up to serve as a barrier to soiling of the wearer's undergarments.

Abstract: A method of folding and handling a web of material in a continuous manufacturing operation is disclosed. The method can be used during the process of making disposable absorbent articles, such as sanitary napkins and the like which have side flaps. During the method, a discontinuous portion (or tab) defined by the distal edge of the web of flap material is held stationary and the continuous portion (or continuous ribbon) of the web of flap material is folded.

Abstract: Absorbent articles, such as disposable diapers, incontinence briefs, diaper holders, training pants, and the like having fit panels that improve body contact of the containment assembly, with resulting improved fit, are provided. The fit panels have longitudinal elastic extensibility that provides a body contact force causing the containment assembly to have improved contact with a wearer throughout the full range of wearer motions. The longitudinal elastic extensibility of the fit panel also allows the absorbent article to adapt to the change in body rise dimensions that occurs during normal movement. An alternative embodiment of the invention also provides a stretchable attachment component allowing the waist feature of the absorbent article to be attached to the waistband of a wearer's clothing in a manner such that it can stretch and contract with the waistband while remaining attached.

Abstract: A disposable cover which, when used with an absorbent material, such as a pad of woven cloth, provides an absorbent article, such as a catamenial pad is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the disposable cover comprises a liquid pervious rewet barrier and an anti-stain barrier joined thereto. Preferably, the rewet barrier comprises a material having capillaries which allow bodily liquids to rapidly penetrate therethrough and the anti-stain barrier is provided in two portions, one of which is joined to each longitudinal edge of the fewer barrier. The disposable cover can also be provided with absorbent attachment means for securing the cover to the absorbent material and with garment attachment means for securing the assembly of the disposable cover and the absorbent material to a user's undergarment. Alternative embodiments of the invention can assume a pouch configuration.

Abstract: An absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin having a liquid distribution strip that provides improved distribution or wicking of liquid exudates. The absorbent article comprises a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet, a liquid absorbent pad and a liquid distribution strip. The absorbent pad is positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. The liquid distribution strip is positioned between the topsheet and the absorbent pad. The liquid distribution strip comprises a nonwoven web which has a screen pattern having high fiber density portions with reduced spacing between the fibers and/or an embossed pattern having a highly compressed portion. The high fiber density portion of the screen pattern is oriented primarily to the longitudinal ends of the absorbent pad so as to distribute the liquid exuded to the longitudinal ends.

Abstract: Absorbent articles, particularly sanitary napkins, having longitudinally adjustable flaps are provided. The flaps are connected to the central absorbent body of the article by an extensible means and can be adjusted in the longitudinal direction either by manually positioning the flaps or by using an optional adjustment tab to adjust the position of the flaps. Absorbent articles of the present invention thus provide improved protection to undergarments and improved comfort to a wearer, since the wearer can adjust both the flaps and the central absorbent body of the article in an optimal position for their particular needs.

Abstract: Absorbent articles having side panels that provide inflected barrier cuffs which promotes better containment and fit. The absorbent articles comprise a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet; a side panel extending laterally from each longitudinal edge of the absorbent article and having a proximal edge, a distal edge and a fold intermediate the distal edge and the proximal edge; spacing means for spacing the distal edge away from the liquid-receiving surface (topsheet) of the absorbent article; and a closing means for securing the distal edges inboard of the proximal edges in the front waist region. The fold of the side panel is secured inboard of the proximal edges in the front waist region and is disposed outboard of the proximal edge in the rear waist region when fitted to the wearer.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin is provided. The sanitary napkin of the present invention has at least one component facing the body surface of the sanitary napkin having a window cut out therein. The sanitary napkin is provided with an acquisition/distribution component such as a tow of resilient fibers having intra-fiber capillary channels. The tow of resilient fibers is positioned so that it at least partially lies in the space defined by the window. The acquisition/distribution component has a compressed configuration and an uncompressed configuration. In its uncompressed configuration, the acquisition/distribution component lies relatively flat behind the window. In its compressed configuration, the acquisition/distribution component forms a hump on the body surface that protrudes from the window.

Abstract: Absorbent articles are provided having a bolstering waist feature. In its preferred embodiment, the bolstering waist feature expands upon exposure to aqueous body liquids effectively tightening the diaper by stretching of the waist regions of the absorbent article. There is a resulting increase in the contractive forces in the band of lateral tension in the waist regions of the absorbent article with a corresponding reduction in the risk of waist leakage. The bolstering waist feature further provides a member resisting longitudinal bending in the waist regions of the absorbent article, particularly adjacent to a wearer's belly. This member can also act as a "strut" resisting the forces, such as those due to gravity, which tend to cause an absorbent article to slide downward.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a generally thin, flexible sanitary napkin with a topsheet, backsheet and absorbent core is provided. The absorbent article has a means for directional fluid distribution such as a fluid directing strip positioned between the topsheet and absorbent core, and an absorbent strip positioned between the topsheet and fluid directing strip. The relationships between the sizes of the fluid directing strip and the absorbent strip are such that the width of the fluid directing strip is greater than that of the absorbent strip and the length of the absorbent strip in greater than that of the fluid directing strip, so that bodily exudates may be directed toward the ends of the absorbent core even when the sanitary napkin assumes a body-conforming shape or is otherwise distorted during use.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core is described. The absorbent core comprises an acquisition member, a storage/distribution member, and an indicator member. The absorbent article further has a longitudinally oriented middle region defined by the storage/distribution member and a pair of longitudinally oriented side regions that lie laterally outboard of the middle region. The acquisition member is disposed on the storage/distribution member and the indicator member is disposed, at least partially, in the side regions. The storage/distribution member has a higher capillary suction than the acquisition member such that absorbed bodily fluids are drawn from the acquisition member into the storage/distribution member providing a clean appearance.

Abstract: Absorbent articles having a unique elastic feature improving the dynamic fit as well as containment characteristics. The elastic feature preferably includes an elastomeric member and a nonelastic web; a portion of the nonelastic web coincides with at least a portion of the elastomeric member; this portion of the nonelastic web being mechanically prestrained. Mechanical prestraining of the nonelastic web improves not only the extension of the elastomeric member, but also the heat-shrink contraction of preferred elastomeric members.

Abstract: Absorbent articles with a plurality of transversely extending flap pairs are provided. Longitudinally adjacent flap pairs are joined along a transversely oriented line of weakness. Individual flap pairs are deployed from a retracted position to an extended position by tearing along this line of weakness and transversely extending the flap pair.