Abstract: There is provided by this invention a least three integrated regions, each region having wherein the density and fluid affinity of the composite continuously increases from top to bottom thereby facilitating effective fluid transport and efficient utilization of storage capacity. An additional layer of SA and tissue may be provided to the absorbent product to provide an absorbent structure with dry feel and low stain. Methods of forming integrated, multi-layered absorbent composites and structures comprising at least three regions wherein each region has distinct density and fluid affinity gradients and wherein the density and fluid affinity of the composite continuously increases from top to bottom, are also provided herein.

Abstract: An absorbent product containing sphagnum moss selected from the group of botanical sections consisting of PALUSTRIA, ACUTIFOLIA, RIGIDA, SUBSECUNDA and CUSPIDATA. The invention also extends to a novel method for manufacturing a highly absorbent structure and to a method for evaluating the liquid absorbent properties of a sphagnum moss composition.

Abstract: Prebent, anatomically shaped, self-aligning absorbent products comprising a fluid permeable body facing cover, an absorbent element, a central, partially longitudinally disposed core, and a flexible, moisture barrier having partially longitudinally disposed permanent creases proximate to the longitudinal edges of the moisture barrier, are provided. Such products generally have a convex shape in the approximate center portion of the body facing surface which shape allows the product to conform to the body and more closely approximate the source of fluid discharge thereby reducing unwanted movement or misalignment which may result in leakage. Such products further generally have an hourglass shape which complements the general contour of the inside surfaces of the thighs.

Abstract: Sanitary napkins and other absorbent products as well as a method for their use are provided by this invention. The sanitary napkin includes wick structure disposed on a body-facing side of the napkin which is biased away from the body-facing side to provide a body-contacting portion disposed in a different plane from the plane of the body-facing side.

Abstract: A package for dispensing a substance that imparts a desirable property to a body of water. The dispensing package comprises a water permeable bag of non-woven fabric enclosing a predetermined quantity of particulated product, such as tea or coffee that releases a flavouring substance in steeping liquid. The non-woven fabric has a thermally activated bonding surface permitting to permanently close the bag by peripherally heat-sealing the bag walls to one another. The heat-sealing operation is performed by driving in the wall portions to be joined a multitude of heated projections that rapidly transfer heat to the thermally activated bonding layers in order to quickly effect the seal. The resulting joint area displays a plurality of perforations formed by the heated projections. The invention also extends to a method and apparatus for heat-sealing the dispensing package.

Abstract: A panty liner comprising a primary liquid-retaining component in the form of a unitary sheet of non-woven fabric. A liquid-impervious barrier layer is affixed to the sheet of non-woven fabric to prevent body exudate absorbed therein to egress through a garment facing side of the panty liner. The invention also extends to a method and to an apparatus for manufacturing the panty liner.

Abstract: A feature of this invention is the raised longitudinal hydrophobic edges or edge members in combination with the raised central member. Since the raised central member captures the body fluids close to the source of fluid discharge it contains the body fluids in the central portion of the napkin. In addition, the raised hydrophobic longitudinal edges or edge members prevent fluid from wicking through to the undergarment of the user.

Abstract: There is provided by this invention a least three integrated regions, each region having wherein the density and fluid affinity of the composite continuously increases from top to bottom thereby facilitating effective fluid transport and efficient utilization of storage capacity. An additional layer of SA and tissue may be provided to the absorbent product to provide an absorbent structure with dry feel and low stain. Methods of forming integrated, multi-layered absorbent composites and structures comprising at least three regions wherein each region has distinct density and fluid affinity gradients and wherein the density and fluid affinity of the composite continuously increases from top to bottom, are also provided herein.

Abstract: A package for dispensing a substance that imparts a desirable property to a body of water. The dispensing package comprises a water permeable bag of non-woven fabric enclosing a predetermined quantity of particulated product, such as tea or coffee that releases a flavouring substance in steeping liquid. The non-woven fabric has a thermally activated bonding surface permitting to permanently close the bag by peripherally heat-sealing the bag walls to one another. The heat-sealing operation is performed by driving in the wall portions to be joined a multitude of heated projections that rapidly transfer heat to the thermally activated bonding layers in order to quickly effect the seal. The resulting joint area displays a plurality of perforations formed by the heated projections. The invention also extends to a method and apparatus for heat-sealing the dispensing package.

Abstract: A highly absorbent and flexible cellulosic pulp board comprising a perf-embossed cellulosic pulp board which has incorporated therein a hydrophilizing and softening effective amount of a debonding agent wherein the density of the board is in the range of about 0.1 to 1.0 g/cc and its method of making and method of use in disposable absorbent products.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for forming absorbent products and the improved absorbent products formed thereby are disclosed. In a first embodiment of the present invention, a rotary die is used to cut ellipsoidal and hyperbolic-shaped from a single sheet of material and these shapes are overlaid to form an absorbent structure. The shapes are chosen such that there is no waste of the material and yet the resulting absorbent structure is of a useful shape. Methods are also disclosed whereby two sets of rotary dies are used to simultaneously cut two sheets of material into an arcuate segment and the arcuate segments are overlaid atop each other to form useful absorbent structures. In either embodiment, powders such as superabsorbents may be added to one or more of the surfaces of the components used to construct the absorbent structures.

Abstract: An absorbent article is provided which is capable of rapidly absorbing gushes of menstrual fluid, comprising an upper plate and a lower plate which are spaced apart from each other, and wherein a plurality of openings extend through the upper plate. The openings are large enough to allow easy passage of the fluid to the interior of the article and the plates are spaced apart to allow each flow of the fluid in the x-y plane.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a three-dimensional fabric of the type which may be used in absorbent garments, dressings or the like involves the use of an apertured collector element which has a predetermined three-dimensional shape. The method involves positioning material adjacent to one side of the apertured collector element and developing a pressure differential between the one side of the apertured collector element and a second, opposite side to force the fabric material against the apertured collector element. The material, which has conformed to the shape of the collector element, is then solidified into its intended three-dimensional shape.

Abstract: An absorbent product containing sphagnum moss selected from the group of botanical sections consisting of PALUSTRIA, ACUTIFOLIA, RIGIDA, SUBSECUNDA and CUSPIDATA. The invention also extends to a novel method for manufacturing a highly absorbent structure and to a method for evaluating the liquid absorbent properties of a sphagnum moss composition.

Abstract: There is provided by this invention a least three integrated regions, each region having wherein the density and fluid affinity of the composite continuously increases from top to bottom thereby facilitating effective fluid transport and efficient utilization of storage capacity. An additional layer of SA and tissue may be provided to the absorbent product to provide an absorbent structure with dry feel and low stain. Methods of forming integrated, multi-layered absorbent composites and structures comprising at least three regions wherein each region has distinct density and fluid affinity gradients and wherein the density and fluid affinity of the composite continuously increases from top to bottom, are also provided herein.

Abstract: Improved pads for application to the body to absorb body fluids are disclosed. Menstrual pads having a plurality of projections which are most preferably filled with a superabsorbent material are disclosed, as well as methods for making same. The present invention discloses the use of novel melt-blown technology to form a surface having hollow projections which are then filled with superabsorbent. The present invention is directed to menstrual pads, as well as other pads which may be placed against the body, such as bandages. In the latter, medicinal compounds replace superabsorbents as the preferred material within the projections. In certain embodiments, a wicking layer, preferably comprised of peat moss based absorbent product is disposed between a cover layer and the projections containing superabsorbent.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing a fibrous web with a decorative pattern, comprising a printing roll having a cavity forming a shaped ink transfer zone to print a principal pattern on the fibrous web through rolling contact therewith, and an array of small recesses in a spaced apart relationship surrounding the cavity and having the ability to trap dirt particles adhering to the printing roll which are being trained over its relief surface by a doctor blade scraping excess ink therefrom. The array of recesses provides a cleaning action by continuously dislodging dirt particles collecting underneath the leading edge of the doctor blade and preventing the dirt particles from agglomerating into large flocs which may interfere with the operation of the doctor blade. The array of recesses also defines an ink transfer zone printing on the fibrous web a relatively faint background pattern upon which the principal pattern is visually eminent.

Abstract: An attachment mounted to an articulated boom of a carrier vehicle for harvesting and dewatering peat moss material. The attachment comprises an apertured bucket for digging peat moss material and a ram movable with relation to the bucket between an extended position and a retracted position. The ram and the bucket define a variable volume press chamber which is contractible in response to movement of the ram member toward the extended position for expressing water from the load of peat moss material gathered in the bucket. The invention also extends to a novel method for harvesting and dewatering peat moss material.

Abstract: Absorbent products and components for use in absorbent products are disclosed. These absorbent products comprise pressure-sensitive adhesive microfibers and thermoplastic polymer microfibers, that when incorporated into absorbent products provide good liquid transport properties, resiliency, and attachment systems; and further mask odors associated with bodily fluids.