Abstract: Individualized, crosslinked fibers made by (a) defibrating moistened, cellulosic fibers and at least partially drying the fibers under substantially unrestrained conditions, i.e., in the substantial absence of interfiber bonds (b) contacting the fibers with a crosslinking agent, (c) reacting the crosslinking agent with the fibers in the substantial absence of interfiber bonds, to form intrafiber crosslink bonds, (d) subjecting the fibers, while in a moistened condition, to a second defibration step, and then at least partially drying the fibers under substantially unrestrained conditions.

Abstract: Airlaid fibrous webs having a primary layer having discrete particles of absorbent gelling material dispersed through at least a portion of the web airlaid over a dusting layer of essentially hydrophilic fiber material. The dusting layer acts to block the passage of particles injected in the stream of fibers forming the primary layer so as to minimize equipment plugging problems and the loss of particles or fibers through the foraminous forming element and to provide a more efficient absorbent core.

Abstract: A compact, low shipping volume paper product comprising a compression loaded, core-wound roll of paper and a compression constraining element; and concomitant method of making such a paper product. The roll comprises a length of paper which is wound on a tubular core, and which roll may have an obround or parallelopipedal shape due to being unidirectionally compressively loaded after winding; and then constrained against expanding by a suitable constraining element. Preferably, the roll is sufficiently compressively loaded to completely flatten the core. In another aspect of the invention, the roll may be further compressed by applying a compressive loading that is substantially greater than that needed to cause the core to become flat; and, some of that high compressive loading may be relieved before the constraining element is applied or secured.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article with a mechanical fastening system having adhesive tape disposal means so as to provide convenient disposal of the absorbent article. The mechanical fastening system preferably comprises a first tape tab having a first fastening element, a landing member comprising a second fastening element engageable with the first fastening element, and disposal means comprising one or a number of separate adhesive tape tabs positioned on the body portion of the absorbent article. The adhesive tape tabs secure the absorbent article in a disposal configuration so as to prevent the contents of the soiled absorbent article from spilling or leaking out during disposal.

Abstract: An improved, continuous airlaying apparatus for making airlaid articles such as discrete absorbent fibrous cores for catamenial napkins and disposable diapers and the like having high structural integrity, and good edge definition. The articles are airlaid in discrete cavities as they pass through a deposition zone of the apparatus, and are compacted a predetermined amount prior to their being removed from their respective deposition cavities. An exemplary mechanism for effecting the compacting comprises a lugged cylinder having circumferentially spaced lugs which are configured and pitched to mesh in a quasi gear-like manner with the deposition cavities.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for dynamically mechanically bonding together a plurality of laminae, at least one of which comprises thermoplastic material: for example, polyethylene. In one aspect of the invention the laminae are forwarded in face to face relation through a pressure biased nip between a patterned nip defining member and an opposing nip defining member (e.g., a relief patterned cylinder and an anvil cylinder) which members are independently driven to maintain a predetermined surface velocity differential between them. In another aspect of the invention which is particularly useful at intermediate and higher line velocities--preferably for line velocities of about 300 feet or more per minute and, more preferably, for line speeds of about 450 feet or more per minute--the nip defining members may be operated with equal surface velocities.

Abstract: A disposable diaper comprising an absorbent core that is encased between a liquid pervious topsheet and a liquid impervious backsheet, elasticized leg openings, and a fastening device for securing the diaper on a wearer. The fastening device comprises a first member having a plurality of fiber elements and a second member having a plurality of engaging elements that are mechanically engageable with the fiber elements of the first member. The engaging elements are disposed and manufactured so as to provide a fastening device that is capable of resisting the peel forces and shear stress that are encountered during use and that is comfortable and skin friendly for the wearer. Each of the engaging elements thus preferably comprises a stem and an enlarged head positioned on one end of the stem; the head having a smooth, generally convex top surface that provides a skin friendly second member and a bottom surface that extends radially outwardly from the stem to engage the fiber elements of the first member.

Abstract: An absorbent article wherein the deposition region of its absorbent member comprises a storage zone and an acquistion zone having a lower average density and a lower average basis weight per unit area than the storage zone. The acquisition zone is positioned toward the front of either the absorbent member or the absorbent article so that the acquistion zone may most effectively and efficiently rapidly acquire discharged liquids. The absorbent member also comprises a mixture of hydrophilic fibrous material and discrete particles of absorbent gelling material to enhance the absorbent capacity of the absorbent member.

Abstract: An integral disposable absorbent garment, such as a disposable diaper or an incontinent brief, having a chassis means and an improved fastening system in a waist portion of the chassis means. The fastening system comprises a laterally displaceable elastic member, which is affixed to the chassis means, and a fastening means, such as a refastenable tape, joined to said elastic member. Thus, the fastening means, rather than being affixed to the garment in a fixed relation, is instead laterally displaceable in relation to the balance of the garment. The improved fastening system provides the garment with a better fit, improved adjustability, and the capability of being able to be pulled on or off the wearer without unfastening.

Abstract: An integral disposable absorbent article such as a diaper provided with an absorbent core; a liquid impervious backsheet; a first barrier cuff disposed adjacent each longitudinal edge of the absorbent article and each having a first proximal edge and a first distal edge; a spacing means for spacing the first distal edge of each of the first barrier cuffs away from the liquid-receiving surface of the absorbent article; and a second barrier cuff disposed adjacent at least one and preferably adjacent each of the end edges of the absorbent article and having a second proximal edge and a second distal edge, the distal edges of the barrier cuffs overlapping at corner points to form a containment pocket. The spacing means preferably comprises a spacing elastic member that extends longitudinally along the first distal edge beyond the second distal edges.

Abstract: A disposable diaper having an improved leg cuff. The disposable diaper is provided with an elastic member which is affixed to the diaper at its ends and unaffixed in its central portion. The elastic member is contained between seams having bond portions and hinge portions.

Abstract: An integral disposable absorbent article such as a diaper having an absorbent core, a backsheet, a continuous topsheet, an elastically contractible leg cuff along each longitudinal edge, and a pair of floating inner cuffs extending longitudinally along the absorbent article in at least the crotch region. The floating inner cuffs provide enhanced containment of body exudates and enhanced fit. The floating inner cuffs each preferably comprise a cuff layer, a base layer underlaying the cuff layer, a first seam that affixes a portion of the cuff layer to the base layer, a central seam that affixes another portion of the cuff layer to the base layer, an unadhered stand-up portion of the cuff layer between the first seam and the central seam, and a central elastic member having a pair of affixed portions and an unaffixed portion between the pair of affixed portions.

Abstract: Disposable diapers having elasticized waistbands which are shaped to conform to the wearers' waists and method of making them. The shaped disposable diapers are made by affixing an elastomeric material having a heat unstable state and a heat stable and elastic state to the diaper while the elastomeric material is in its heat unstable state and then heating the elastomeric material while the diaper is restrained in a folded configuration.

Abstract: An article of manufacture is disclosed for absorbing liquids, particularly body fluids such as urine. An absorbent core is encased in an outer covering layer to which flaps are connected along the longitudinal sides. The flaps are elasticized and have a leakage resistant portion which is non-wicking, non-absorbent and liquid impermeable.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article such as a diaper having an outer covering layer comprising a liquid pervious topsheet and a liquid impervious backsheet, an absorbent core encased in the outer covering layer, and at least one cuff member extending outwardly from and along an edge of the absorbent core. The cuff member comprises an upper layer, a base layer, a cantilever flap interposed between the upper layer and the base layer and having a fixed edge and a distal edge, and gathering means such as a plurality of elastic members secured to the cantilever flap. The cuff member enhances containment and fit of the absorbent article and minimizes cuff roll-out and collapse during use.

Abstract: An integral disposable absorbent article such as a diaper provided with an absorbent core, a liquid impervious backsheet, an elastically contractible gasketing cuff preferably formed by a gasketing flap and a flap elastic member, a barrier cuff having a flap portion and a channel portion comprising a proximal edge and a distal edge, and a liquid pervious topsheet. The topsheet extends outwardly toward the edge of the absorbent core and terminates inwardly of the proximal edge. A seal means for adjoining the proximal edge to the gasketing flap is positioned along the proximal edge so as to provide a leakage-resistant seal along the proximal edge. The barrier cuffs may be provided with spacing means for spacing the distal edges away from the liquid-receiving surface so as to enhance the containment characteristics of the barrier cuffs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a disposable absorbent article such as an incontinent pad that is both comfortable and suitable for absorbing and containing large volumes of body liquids rapidly without leakage, especially a subsequent gush of liquid. Such an absorbent article comprises a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, a layered expandable absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, at least two resilient shaping members, an acquisition channel, a liquid acquisition zone and at least two liquid impervious shelves. The present invention also relates to an absorbent article provided with an expandable overwrap having an expansion means for allowing the overwrap to expand when the absorbent core swells when wetted.The overwrap of the absorbent article is provided with an expansion means for permitting the overwrap to expand as the absorbent core swells when it is wetted.

Abstract: The present invention provides a disposable absorbent article such as an incontinent pad that is both comfortable and suitable for absorbing and containing large volumes of body liquids rapidly without leakage, especially a subsequent gush of liquid. Such an absorbent article comprises a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, a layered expandable absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, at least two resilient shaping members, an acquisition channel, a liquid acquisition zone and at least two liquid impervious shelves. The present invention also relates to an absorbent article provided with an expandable overwrap having an expansion means for allowing the overwrap to expand when the absorbent core swells when wetted. The liquid impervious shelves comprise a multiplicity of shelf layers formed from a portion of the backsheet being folded.

Abstract: The present invention provides a disposable absorbent article such as an incontinent pad that is both comfortable and suitable for absorbing and containing large volumes of body liquids rapidly without leakage, especially a subsequent gush of liquid. Such an absorbent article comprises a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, a layered expandable absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, at least two resilient shaping members, an acquisition channel, a liquid acquisition zone and at least two liquid impervious shelves. The present invention also relates to an absorbent article provided with an expandable overwrap having an expansion means for allowing the overwrap to expand when the absorbent core swells when wetted. The resilient shaping members of the present invention provide an improved absorbent article design having raised side edges and an acquisition channel.

Abstract: An absorbent pad having a densification pattern comprising relatively low density tuft regions which are separated and surrounded by channels. The channels further comprise storage regions and transport regions wherein one of said storage regions or said transport regions separate and surround the other of said storage regions or said transport regions. The transport regions have a density greater than the density of the storage regions which, in turn, have a density greater than the tuft regions.