Abstract: The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles such as baby diapers or sanitary napkins having a breathable yet liquid leakage retarding backsheet which comprises an inner and an outer layer. The inner layer being closer to the absorbent structure of the article is a formed film with directional liquid transport characteristics while the outer layer is a fibrous fabric.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of making a fibrous loop member which can be used in disposable absorbent articles such as diapers, adult incontinence devices, sanitary napkins, and the like. The fibrous loop member includes a backing and a sheet of fibers which has arcuate portions projecting from the backing.

Abstract: The object of the invention is achieved by an apparatus (10) comprising a plurality of means for forming web loops (101), each means for forming web loops being positioned between adjacent web support plates (20), wherein each of the web support surfaces lies in an arc, the arcs lying around the circumference of a circular path, and wherein the web support surfaces and means for forming web loops (101) are rotatably mounted about the axis of the circular path. In a prefered embodiment of the invention, the means for forming web loops (101) is provided by rotatably driving the web support plates (20) around the circular path with a circumferential velocity, wherein the circumferential velocity is varied between a minimum circumferential velocity and a maximum circumferential velocity so that the distance between adjacent web support plates (20) varies between a minimum distance and a maximum distance.

Abstract: A low stress relaxation elastomeric material comprises a block copolymer having an elasotmeric soft block portion and thermoplastic hard block portions, at least one vinylarene resin and mineral oil. The elasotmeric material may be used in a film comprising an elastomeric layer and at least one substantially less elastomeric skin layer. The skin layer comprises a thermoplastic polymer such as polyolefins. The film exhibits desired elastic and stress relaxation properties at body temperature. The film is useful in forming a macroscopically-expanded, three-dimensional elastomeric web.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dispensing cartons for sheet materials such as polymeric sheets, metallic foils, and other sheet materials, particularly those suitable for use in the containment and protection of various items including perishable materials. The present invention further relates to such cartons which permit end-loading of the roll of product into the carton during the manufacturing process. The present invention provides an asymmetrical carton for containing and dispensing a roll of sheet material. The carton has a longitudinal axis, and has both an erected condition and a flattened condition. The carton when erected forms a cylindrical structure having an asymmetrical polygonal cross-section formed from a plurality of substantially planar side panels. The carton has fold lines defined by the intersection of adjacent side panels, and is foldable into a flattened condition by folding the carton at two fold lines to form a substantially planar structure.

Abstract: An absorbent member and a method for forming the absorbent member. A web comprising a fibrous material and superabsorbent material is fed to an applicator. The web has a first side edge and a second side edge. A superabsorbent material movement obstruction agent is applied to the web from the applicator in discrete, spaced apart, continuous zones. The web is then cut through said superabsorbent material movement obstruction agent zones into individual absorbent members having a pair of opposing cut ends.

Abstract: A method of providing a system of selecting feminine hygiene products to a consumer comprises the steps of: providing an array of feminine hygiene products from at least one array, wherein said array is comprised of one or more feminine hygiene products and wherein said array is adapted to correspond to a predetermined range of panty styles, and; providing information to said consumer regarding the products which make up said array, thereby enabling said consumer to select feminine hygiene products by panty style. A kit for use with the system of selecting feminine hygiene products comprises at least one feminine hygiene product, a package containing the product and indicia on the package to inform the consumer of a panty style with which said product is to be used.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for modifying the physical characteristics of a web which involves passing the web between at least one pair of interengaged rolls to incrementally stretch the web, and then withdrawing the incrementally stretched web from between the rolls under tension. A web modified according to the disclosed method has desirable breathability and liquid impermeability, as well as extensibility and a soft, cloth-like textured surface. One embodiment of the present invention provides a breathable web comprising a microporous film exhibiting an MVTR of at least about 2000 g/m2/24hr, a dynamic impact value of less than about 10 g/ m2, a bubble pressure at least about 45 psi, and an air flow of at least about 2 liters/m2/s.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a liquid impervious backsheet joined to a liquid permeable topsheet with an absorbent core disposed therebetween. The joined topsheet and backsheet includes an extensible portion that is non-elastically, laterally extensible having a percent elongation of at least about 125%. A pair of elastomeric side panels is joined to a portion of the joined topsheet and backsheet near the extensible portion. Each of the side panels is elastically laterally extensible such that the force required to elongate the side panels a select percent elongation is less than the force required to elongate the extensible portion of the joined topsheet and backsheet an equivalent select percent elongation.

Abstract: A substance delivery system has a three dimensional structure with outermost surface features and spaces for containing a substance. The substance has a level below the outermost surface features such that the substance is protected from inadvertent contact with external surfaces. The substance remains protected until the three dimensional structure is sufficiently deformed into a substantially two dimensional structure and the substance is thereby exposed to contact an external surface without compliance of the external surface being necessary. Deforming is preferably achieved by a compression force, wherein the outermost surface features of the three dimensional structure deform in a direction of the compression force.

Abstract: A device and a method for producing a batch of products having a multiplicity of interfolded, generally rectangular sheets including wet wipes, from a limited amount of a web material, at a high production speed and in efficiently used floor space.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a void space for receiving bodily exudates comprises a spacer including an opening in communication with the void space and a body for maintaining at least a portion of the void space. The spacer includes an alignment guide which aids in keeping the spacer opening in a desired configuration for receiving and containing bodily exudates.

Abstract: Described are absorbent members useful in the containment of body liquids such as urine. These absorbent members comprise at least one osmotic absorbent (preferably a hydrogel-forming absorbent polymer) and a high surface area material, and have a high capillary suction capacity. For purposes of the present disclosure, capillary suction capacity is measured in terms of the member's ability to uptake liquid at high capillary heights, which are generally encountered when the member is positioned in an absorbent article. In particular, capillary suction capacity is measured in terms of a member's capillary sorption absorbent capacity, which is measured in accordance with the Capillary Sorption method described in the Test Methods section.

Abstract: A disposable garment comprising a chassis having a front region, a back region, and a crotch region between the front and back regions, the chassis comprising a liquid impervious backsheet and at least one pair of side panels extending laterally outwardly from the chassis. The backsheet comprises a liquid impervious film extending longitudinally in the front, back, and crotch regions, and having a nonuniform lateral width so as to form a first portion in the crotch region and a second portion in the front or back region. The second portion has a lateral width dimension less than the lateral width dimension of the first portion such that the film does not extend into the side panels. At least one of the side panels comprises an elastomeric material extending laterally outwardly from the chassis, wherein the elastomeric material is joined to the second portion of the liquid impervious film.

Abstract: In a deflection member comprising a framework having a web-side, a backside defining an X-Y plane, and a Z-direction perpendicular to the X-Y plane, the framework comprises a multi-layer structure formed by at least two layers joined together in a face-to-face relationship. Each of the layers has a deflection conduit portion extending in the Z-direction. The deflection conduit portion of at least one layer is fluid-permeable and positioned such that portions of that layer comprise a plurality of suspended portions elevated in the Z-direction from the X-Y plane to form void spaces between the X-Y plane and the suspended portions. The deflection member can comprise a reinforcing element positioned between the web-side and at least a portion of the backside of the framework. Each of the layers can comprise a substantially continuous network, a semi-continuous network, or a plurality of discrete protuberances.

Abstract: A deflection member comprising a patterned framework having a web-side and a backside opposite to the web-side and forming an X-Y plane. The framework comprises a plurality of bases extending from the X-Y plane in a Z-direction perpendicular to the X-Y plane, and a plurality of suspended portions laterally extending from the plurality of bases to form void spaces between the X-Y plane and the suspended portions. The deflection member can comprise a reinforcing element joined to the plurality of bases and positioned between the web-side and at least a portion of the backside of the framework. A process for making the deflection member comprises curing a coating of a liquid photosensitive resin supported by a forming surface through a mask having a pattern of transparent and opaque regions. The opaque regions comprise regions having first opacity and regions having second opacity less than the first opacity.

Abstract: A flexible manufacturing system including at least one module, a operational unit mounted to said at least one module and a local controller operatively connected to the operational unit. The local controller is adapted to control the operational unit. The at least one module and the local controller together are capable of operating in a standalone operation or of integration into a flexible manufacturing system. The local controller is further adapted to receive a reference signal from the flexible manufacturing system and to synchronize the operational unit to the flexible manufacturing system when the at least one module is connected to the flexible manufacturing line.

Abstract: A disposable garment having enhanced extensibility around the leg openings is disclosed. The disposable garment has a front region, a back region and a crotch region between the front region and the back region. The disposable garment comprises a chassis and seams. The chassis comprises a topsheet, a backsheet joined with the topsheet, and an absorbent core interposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The chassis has a central panel having side edges and a waist edge, and an ear panel extending laterally outwardly from each side edge of the central panel in the front region and the back region. The ear panel is rendered extensible to form an extensible ear. The extensible ear has a higher end edge, a lower end edge, an inner side edge, and an outer side edge. The outer side edge is non-parallel to the inner side edge, and is non-parallel to a longitudinal center line of the garment, and projects laterally outwardly proximate the lower end edge.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article substaining low vapor phase moisture in the space as enclosed between the article and the wearer in use, such as can be evaluated by measuring relative humidity on a laboratory mannequin, such can be achieved by combining high performance, low rewet absorbent comes with breathable backsheet materials.