Abstract: A web speed metering device to which a moving web is fed at a constant web infeed speed and from which the web periodically exits at a different speed that is correlated with the timing of a downstream operation performed on the moving web. The metering device is a rotatable member that is non-axisymmetric and that has a cross-sectional shape having a centroid that is offset from the axis of rotation of the rotatable member to change the web output speed as the web exits from the metering device. The metering device allows a web to be fed to a downstream cutting device and enables the web output speed to be regulated so that the web as it leaves the metering device can be cut transversely by a non-instantaneous cut that takes place over a predetermined machine-direction distance, such as a chevron-shaped cut.

Abstract: Disclosed is a registration system and a method useful for controlling and correcting the phase and position of simultaneously advancing webs having pre-printed objects spaced at a pitch length characterized by a pitch variation to a target web. Also disclosed are consumer products, such as disposable absorbent articles including the preprinted objects which were previously included in the webs phased before combining with a target web by utilizing the instant registration system. The pre-printed objects may include pre-printed, pre-bonded, pre-applied, pre-cut, or pre-glued objects or elements of disposable absorbent articles or registration marks produced on a separate independent process not control-linked to the instant registration method. The registration marks may be visible or normally invisible to the human eye.

Abstract: An article having a surface fastening system and a primary direction of load bearing. The surface fastening system includes at least one first fastening element and at least on second fastening element. The first fastening element further includes an attached portion, partially joined to the article, at least one liftable portion extending from the attached portion, and at least one hinge line disposed at an angle less than 90 degrees relative to the primary direction of load bearing, the hinge line is positioned between the attached portion and the liftable portion. At least one second fastening element is affixed at a second position to the article and configured to be engageable with the liftable portion of the first fastening element. Articles such as disposable diapers, bibs, clothing, etc. are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable absorbent article having a fecal management member intended to handle fluids including in particular high viscosity fluids such as feces and menses. The fecal management member includes a plurality of fibers oriented in the z-direction which lead to improved fluid transportation in the z-direction and is positioned intermediate the topsheet and the backsheet of the disposable absorbent article.

Abstract: Disclosed is a registration system and a method useful for controlling and correcting the phase and position of simultaneously advancing webs having pre-printed objects spaced at a pitch length characterized by small but significant pitch variation to a target web. Also disclosed are consumer products, such as disposable absorbent articles including the preprinted objects which were previously included in the webs phased before combining with a target web by utilizing the instant registration system. The pre-printed objects may include pre-printed, pre-bonded, pre-applied, pre-cut, or pre-glued objects or elements of disposable absorbent articles or registration marks produced on a separate independent process not control-linked to the instant registration method. The registration marks may be visible or normally invisible to the human eye.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a disposable diaper, adapted to be worn about the lower torso of a wearer. The diaper includes side panels and fastener elements for assembling the diaper about the body of the wearer. The outer surface of the diaper and the side panels or fastener tabs include indicia that complement each other and are provided to facilitate the proper and symmetrical application of the diaper to the wearer for maximum comfort and for optimal functioning of the diaper as a waste retention vehicle without leakage between the diaper and the legs of the wearer.

Abstract: A method for making a longitudinal fold in a web, including the steps of: (1) providing a web-supporting device; (2) providing a folding belt disposed adjacent to a first longitudinal edge of the web-supporting device; (3) providing the web which is superimposed onto a web-contacting surface of the web-supporting device such that a first longitudinal edge of the web extends laterally beyond the first longitudinal edge of the web-supporting device and at least partially onto the folding belt; and (4) folding the first longitudinal fold of the web by twisting the folding belt around its longitudinal axis of rotation. The longitudinal axis of rotation of the folding belt extends parallel to the longitudinal fold line of the web.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for receiving parts traveling at a first speed through a receiving zone and applying the parts to a carrier traveling at a second speed through an application zone. The method and apparatus utilizes transferring devices for transporting the parts between the zones. The transferring devices are coupled to programmable servo motors capable of varying the speed of the transferring devices to accommodate the receiving and application processes.

Abstract: A method for pre-fastening disposable absorbent articles having a slot-and-tab fastening system during manufacturing of the pre-fastened disposable articles, such as diapers, pull-on diapers, training pants, adults incontinence pads and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for applying discrete portions (10) of a web material onto a receiving web (7) comprising: a primary axis of rotation and an attachment zone to an average radial distance, R1, from the primary axis of rotation; transfer elements (6) rotatable about the axis, the transfer elements receiving a second web (2) at a radial distance, R2, from the primary axis wherein the radial distance R1, is greater than the radial distance R2; a means for displacing the transfer elements (6) so that the second web (2) is moved immediately adjacent to the attachment zone; and an attachment surface (10) rotatable about the primary axis and through the attachment zone, for transporting the receiving web (7) about the primary axis, whereby discrete portions (10) of the second web (2) are attached to the receiving web (7) in the attachment zone, forming a composite web comprising the receiving web (7) and discrete portions (10) of the second web (2).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fastener device. The fastener device includes a first tape section having a free end portion and a first connection portion opposing the free end portion; a second tape section having a second connection portion and a first anchor portion opposing the second connection portion The second connection portion is joined to the first connection portion of the first tape section. The fastener device further includes a third tape section having a third connection portion and a second anchor portion next to the third connection portion. The third connection portion is joined to the second connection portion of the second tape section. The third connection portion is joined to a branch connection portion between the second connection portion and the first anchor portion of the second tape section. The present invention is also directed to a disposable product which employs the fastener device.

Abstract: The present invention is a disposable absorbent article having a liquid pervious topsheet, a backsheet joined to the topsheet, and a fecal management member positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. The fecal management member includes a backing and a sheet of fibers. The sheet of fibers have anchor portions in the backing at spaced bonding locations and have arcuate portions of the sheet projecting from the backing between bonding locations.

Abstract: A dual fastening device suitable for pull-up and cinch use with absorbent articles. The fastening device preferably includes a first fastening member and a second member.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article is disclosed, comprising a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent layer between the topsheet and the backsheet, wherein the backsheet is comprised of a microporous polymer film printed with a registered graphic and comprising by weight: from about 30% to about 60% of a polyolefin; and from about 40% to about 80% of calcium carbonate; wherein the film has a “b” value of between about 0 and about 0.5 and exhibits less than about 2% thermal shrinkage at about 50° C. and about 50% relative humidity for one week.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for providing cut pieces from a first moving web and associating the cut pieces with a second, faster-moving carrier web. A vacuum roll is provided and cooperates with an adjacent cutter roll to enable transverse cuts to be made in the first web material. A vacuum manifold is provided and contacts the end wall surface of the vacuum roll to provide vacuum to apertures provided in the outer periphery of the vacuum roll. The vacuum roll and the vacuum manifold have spiral-like ports and slots to provide communication between a source of vacuum and the periphery of the vacuum roll at predetermined points in the path of rotation of the vacuum roll.

Abstract: An applicator system, for use in delivering a flowable composition, comprising; (a) container including an inner collapsible layer distinct from an outer deformable layer, the inner collapsible layer defining a reservoir, and the outer deformable layer being separated from the inner collapsible layer by a buffer zone; (b) a dispenser including a first passageway distinct from a second passageway, the first passageway being in communication with the buffer zone and the second passageway being in communication with the reservoir; and (c) valve means operable to control entry of air into the buffer zone through the first passageway and exit of flowable composition from the reservoir through the second passageway; wherein the valve means is of unitary construction.