Abstract: Apparatus for and methods of providing a multiplicity of streams of air-entrained fibers. The apparatus is of the type which includes a splitting member having multiple ports disposed in and along the surface of the splitting member; a first conduit duct in communication with a first port for directing a column of air past a first port to cause a portion of the column of fibers to split off and be drawn into the first conduit duct; and a second conduit duct in communication with a second port for directing a column of air past a second port to cause a second portion of the column of fibers to split off and be drawn into the second conduit duct.

Abstract: Apparatus for and methods of forming, from a single column of fibers, an airlaid fibrous web having a multiplicity of components.

Abstract: An integral disposable absorbent article such as a diaper having a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, at least one elastically contractible gasketing cuff, and at least one barrier cuff. The barrier cuff has a proximal edge and a distal edge. The absorbent article is additionally provided with spacing means for spacing the distal edge away from the top surface of the topsheet. In addition, adhesive means secure the end portions of the barrier cuff closed. A channel is formed between the proximal and distal edges in at least the crotch region because the distal edge is spaced away from the topsheet top surface.When the diaper embodiment of the present invention is applied to a wearer, the barrier cuff rides up along the inner thighs and the perineum of the wearer in the crotch region and along the buttocks in the back waist region.

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: Disposable diapers having elasticized waistbands which are shaped to conform to the wearers' waists and methods 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: A disposable diaper having an improved side closure is disclosed. The disposable diaper is provided with an outer fastening means and an inner fastening means. The outer fastening means maintains the waist portions of the diaper in an overlapping configuration while the inner fastening means reduces shifting of the overlapping portions.