Abstract: A heating apparatus at the end of a diaper production line composed of a series of radiant energy sources. These radiant energy sources are controlled so as to emit differing concentrations of radiant energy. The sources are controlled so as to emit radiant energy more absorbent by diaper polymer backing sheets in the first section of the heater and more absorbent by heat-shrinkable diaper elastics in the downstream portion of the heater. Further, the temperature of the heaters is preferably controlled to the desired infrared range by blowing hot air past the heaters and onto the diapers so as to provide conductive transfer and at the same time control the infrared radiant energy that is provided by the heaters.

Abstract: The invention is generally accomplished by providing an incontinent garment or feminine pad having an indicator thereon to aid in proper placement of the pad onto the body of the wearer.The invention in preferred form provides a sanitary napkin configured for partial labial disposition within the vestibule of the wearer, and for at least partially occluding said vestibule respecting fluid flow therefrom, said napkin comprises a fluid-absorbent body having a posterior region including a raised profile for projection within the vestibule intermediate the labia majora inwardly bounding the same from a position posteriorly remote from the clitoris and extending to the rearwardmost aspect of said vestibule, and anterior region merging with said posterior region and for generally external disposition about the vulvar region over said labia majora and spaced from said clitoris with a visual and/or tactile indicator located in the area of the pad that is to be placed immediately below the vestibule of the wearer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for fastening refastenable garment such as diaper or incontinent garment in which a tape and polymer backing material for the garment are provided such that tape may be removed after refastening to the diaper without tearing of the polymer material. The system of the invention utilizes a polypropylene tape material that is embossed on the outer surface and smooth on the adhesive-carrying surface. The adhesive on the tape is a semihard adhesive that provides high adhesion values to the polymer that nevertheless may be peeled free for removal of the tape and subsequent refastening. The polymer forming the outer backing if the diaper is a relatively thick, embossed polymeric sheet. In the refastenable system of the invention the strength and adherence of the tape to the strong, embossed polymer backing sheet is controlled so as to achieve secure fastening with release of the adhesive from the embossed sheet without tearing.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin is provided which minimizes the probability of side staining or side leakage by using embossed channels which are located adjacent to the longitudinal edges of the napkin. These embossed channels are activated during use by the thighs, allowing the sides of the napkin to fold upwards during use, thus forming an occlusive container.

Abstract: The invention generally provides for formation of meltblown material containing wood fiber on to a continuous foraminous belt. During formation a polymer and wood fiber first layer is applied to a moving belt from at least one bank of meltblown forming apparatus. This first layer does not contain superabsorbent. The belt carrying the first layer passes beneath at least one further source of meltblown fiber into which superabsorbent is added along with the wood fibers. This provides at least one additional layer integrally connected to the first-formed layer and having superabsorbent properties. The first layer acts to aid in trapping of any superabsorbent which is not immediately entangled in the meltblown and wood fibers and prevents it passing through the forming belt.

Abstract: Inner and outer convolutely wound cardboard tubes of a tampon applicator are formed with a different number of ply windings.

Abstract: A fiberizer for disintegrating fibrous sheets and a method of fiberizing using a rotor having peripheral teeth arranged within bands which extend transversely around the rotor axis is disclosed. The tooth pattern in each band is circumferentially extending and shaped approximately in a sinusoidal wave on the rotor periphery extending in the direction of rotation, and providing a substantially sinusoidal distribution of impacts against a sheet fed to an anvil in the form of simple harmonic motion along a cross direction impact line adjacent the anvil and thus transversing impacts within adjacent strips of the sheet corresponding to the bands. Individual points along the width of the fibrous sheet are periodically impulsively loaded by the impacts when they are at a period of highest response, i.e.

Abstract: The invention is generally accomplished by providing a pad that has an impermeable backing member, an overlaying permeable member and an absorbent coform layer therebetween. The pad is provided with a quilted pattern by permanent adhering compression of the pad in narrow areas, forming a lined pattern. The pad further may be heated to shrink the coform and provide a pleasing puckered surface.

Abstract: The present invention involves a folding apparatus for folding a flexible sheet during the manufacture of an article such as a diaper or personal incontinence pad. Briefly, the apparatus comprises at least one folding board. The folding board, in turn, comprises four panels which are joined by three hinges for allowing the board to bend along three specified fold lines. The first hinge allows the board to bend between the first and second panel along a first centrally-located fold line which extends from the leading edge of the folding board to the trailing edge. The second hinge allows the board to bend between the first and third panel along a second fold line which extends from the leading edge to one of the sides edges of the board. The third hinge allows the board to bend between the second and fourth panel along a third fold line which extends from the leading edge to the other side edge of the board.

Abstract: The invention is generally accomplished by providing a sheet of cover material, folding the sheet such that one portion to become the front extends up to a line slightly below the edge of the portion to become the back. The flap of the back portion extending above the front is coated with adhesive; the disposal container is formed by sealing the sides of the folded sheet. Outward of the seal lines that form the container are placed tear lines such as perforation lines. The object to be wrapped then is placed onto the exterior side of the front of the container, and the container is wrapped around the object and sealed with the adhesive strip on the flap to form a package. The ends of the package are then sealed. The package may be opened by tearing at the perforations and unrolling the container by releasing the adhesive flap to recover the wrapped article.

Abstract: The invention provides an efficient method and apparatus for applying linear segments of elastic to a base material transverse to the direction the base material is moving in a production line. This object is obtained by providing an apparatus with means for sequentially and repeatedly gripping an elastic strip, pulling that elastic strip across the base material, and then releasing the elastic strip. At about the same time the elastic strip is released, it is cut to size. Also at this same time, the elastic strip is brought into contact with the base material. Preferably, the elastic strip is brought into contact with the base material by virtue of rotation of the gripping, pulling and releasing means.

Abstract: A three-dimensionally hourglass-shaped sanitary napkin with a cellulose fluff insert for absorption that is outwardly bulging on the baffle side to create a thicker region near the center of the sanitary napkin. The baffle or fluid-impervious layer wraps around the absorbent cellulose fluff insert to form a well thereby maintaining fluid within its borders to afford increased protection from fluid leakage.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin as provided with a multilayer absorbent, the top layer of which is designed to transfer fluid rapidly from the cover to secondary layers. The top layer contains at least 60% thermoplastic fiber and is oriented 90.degree. from the axis of deposition of the web from which it was derived.

Abstract: An anatomical liner is provided which is ellipsoidal in both horizontal and vertical cross-section and is designed to be positioned and maintained within the vulva without penetrating the vaginal canal.

Abstract: A combination sanitary napkin and interlabial pad is provided by forming an absorbent layer which tapers at one end and folding the layer over on itself to form a double layer with the top layer designed, due to its reduced width, to engage the labia of the user. The upper layer is moveable with respect to the bottom absorbent layer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a coated paper outer tube for a tube tampon providing low friction inner and outer surfaces after the tube has been formed by convolutely winding.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin is provided which contains an absorbent core layer which is overlayed on its top and bottom surface with a secondary layer of reduced absorbency. The secondary layer has abutting faces adjacent each other on the bottom sides of the napkin. Adhesive is applied to a strip of nonwoven material which is positioned above the parallel faces of the bottom layer to maintain the napkin configuration.

Abstract: The invention is generally accomplished by providing a disposable undergarment having a multi-layer web and sealed with small, neat, exterior seams. The exterior seams are sealed along a plurality of narrow lines such that the total seam is less than about 3/16" wide with the bonding area forming about 50% of said total seal area. The seam is preferably formed by means of an ultrasonic anvil.

Abstract: A means for attaching a perineal pad to a support garment so as to restrict the range of possible displacement of the pad while not transferring dynamic loads from the garment to the pad and being characterized by a tab secured to the garment side of the pad near one end of the longitudinal midline of the pad. The tab has adhesive on the pad side of its free end so that, in use, after the tab has been passed through a loop provided on the support garment the free end of the tab may be adhered to the garment side of the pad and thereby create a loop coupling between the pad and the garment.

Abstract: An absorbent web is provided with spaced apertures which have been formed by slitting, tensioning, and setting fusible material which forms a part of the web. The web preferably includes absorbent material which is capable of increased absorbency when compared to conventional cellulosic fibers.