Abstract: The present invention relates to a simple, cost-effective stretchable, superabsorbent material-containing absorbent structure that provides the superabsorbent material particles therein with improved liquid holding capacity. The stretchable absorbent structure can be used in absorbent articles such as diapers, sanitary napkins, panty liners, and incontinence pads. The stretchable absorbent structure comprises a stretchable absorbent liquid impervious barrier layer and a nonwoven component that is bonded to the barrier layer when the barrier layer is stretched at least partially toward its stretched condition, and superabsorbent, hydrogel-forming material deposited on or distributed within the nonwoven component.

Abstract: A method of making a slitted or particulate absorbent material for an absorbent article such as sanitary napkins, diapers, incontinence devices, and the like. The method can be carried out in situ on another component of the absorbent article in a manufacturing process without cutting the other component. In one embodiment, the absorbent material is placed between two canier webs, and a force is applied to the composite of the absorbent material and the carrier webs. The force breaks the absorbent material, but only deforms the carrier webs to provide a self-contained web of particulate material between two carrier webs.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article which is substantially flat prior to use for wearing adjacent a body discharge area, having a body facing surface and a garment facing surface. The disposable absorbent article includes a liquid pervious topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core intermediate the topsheet and backsheet. The absorbent core has a body facing surface and a garment facing surface, and has an expanding layer for expanding the article into a tridimensional structure while being worn by a user. The expanding layer includes a number of smaller expanding elements that are activated by body fluids, are decoupled from one another, and are capable of expanding substantially in only one direction upon activation by body fluids.

Abstract: The method of making a shaped tube of absorbent material for the sanitary napkin, in one embodiment, involves the steps of: (a) providing a web of absorbent material, the web of absorbent material having a length, a width, a longitudinal centerline oriented in the direction of the length of the web of absorbent material, a first surface and an opposed second surface; (b) providing a cover for the first and second surfaces of the web of absorbent material; (c) at least partially covering the first and second surfaces of the web of absorbent material with the cover to form a composite web having longitudinal side margins; (d) folding the composite web at least once with folds defining fold lines that are arranged about the longitudinal centerline of the web of absorbent material; and (e) autogenously bonding a portion of the cover that covers the first surface of the web of absorbent material to a portion of the cover that covers an opposing portion of the second surface of the web of absorbent material.

Abstract: An apparatus for embossing a pattern into absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, diapers, and adult incontinence pads is disclosed. The apparatus for forming a pattern of embossments in an absorbent article comprises an embosser assembly having a patterned die roll and an anvil roll. In one embodiment, the anvil roll comprises a multi-layered structure, that comprises a metal hub, encircled by a compressible layer and enclosed by a sleeve which reduces machine dynamics, such as vibration, associated with the embossing apparatus and significantly improves the embossing line process and quality. The embosser assembly also has a mechanism for applying compressive pressure on the components of an absorbent article when the components are placed between the die roll and the anvil roll.