Abstract: A package comprising an externally visible face. The externally visible face comprises embossed indicia, said indicia being in the shape of a droplet and having disposed thereon a relatively glossy or shiny coating. The externally visible face comprises an additional coating surrounding the indicia, the additional coating being relatively non-glossy. Or, the externally visible face comprises embossed indicia, the indicia having disposed thereon a relatively non-glossy coating. The externally visible face comprises an additional coating surrounding the indicia, the additional coating being relatively glossy or shiny.

Abstract: A method for designing an absorbent article to be worn close to the body is disclosed. For one embodiment of the method, the steps are attaching middy tape in the shape of an edge of a first element of an absorbent article onto a body form to create an outline of the first element of the absorbent article, attaching conformable sheet material to the body form about the outline of the first element of the absorbent article, marking the shape of the outline of the first element of the absorbent article on the conformable sheet material to create a pattern, removing the conformable sheet material from the body form, constructing a first element of the absorbent article corresponding to the pattern.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin comprising a fluid permeable topsheet, a fluid permeable backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed therebetween is disclosed. The sanitary napkin can be a pantiliner. The absorbent core comprises relatively hydrophilic material defining a core outer periphery. The topsheet and the backsheet comprise relatively hydrophobic nonwoven material, at least one of the topsheet and the backsheet defining a sanitary napkin outer periphery that is substantially larger than the core outer periphery. The area between the core outer periphery and the sanitary napkin outer periphery is a breathable zone. The sanitary napkin further comprises a fluid impermeable barrier between the backsheet and the absorbent core, the fluid impermeable barrier being disposed within the core outer periphery.

Abstract: The invention provides an absorbent article, at least a portion of which has a protease inhibitor incorporated therein to decrease the activity of proteases that may otherwise initiate or contribute to inflammation of the skin of a wearer of the article resulting in skin irritation or dermatitis. The article can further comprise a delivery system for releasably containing and delivering the protease inhibitor to at least a portion of the skin of the wearer. The delivery system can comprise a skin care composition and at least a portion of the composition, including the protease inhibitor, is automatically transferred from the article to the wearer's skin without manual intervention during normal usage of the article to form a defense against protease activity.

Abstract: A method for placing a feminine hygiene article in the crotch portion of an undergarment having a crotch portion bounded on opposite sides by portions of curved leg openings. The method comprising the steps of providing a feminine hygiene article having a body-facing surface and at least one functional enhancement indicator visible from the body-facing surface, the functional enhancement indicator providing a distinct visual emphasis to a portion of the feminine hygiene article; orienting the feminine hygiene article with respect to the crotch portion such that the at least one functional enhancement indicator is oriented toward the front of the undergarment; and, affixing the feminine hygiene article to the crotch portion of the undergarment.

Abstract: An absorbent article and method of making an absorbent article. The absorbent article has a first layer and a second layer in facing relationship with one another. The first layer has a first imparted colored region coincident with the longitudinal centerline. The second layer has a second imparted colored region laterally more extensive in a direction orthogonally away from the longitudinal centerline than the first imparted colored region. The second imparted colored region extends across the longitudinal centerline and has free ends. The absorbent article has a background region. The first imparted colored region and the second imparted colored region differ in color as compared to the background region.

Abstract: A method for making a polymeric web exhibiting a soft and silky tactile impression on at least one side thereof. The method comprises the steps of providing a forming structure being moveable upon a forming drum and comprising a plurality of protrusions extending from the forming structure, the protrusions being generally columnar forms having an average aspect ratio of at least about 1. The forming structure is disposed adjacent a vacuum chamber and vacuum is applied at a sufficient level to induce a sufficient partial pressure to conform a precursor web to the forming structure, thereby forming the polymeric web. The precursor web can be cast directly onto the forming structure, or it can be re-heated by re-heat means to elevate its temperature sufficiently to permit vacuum formation.

Abstract: A package for household articles provided with a holistic coding system. The coding system allows consumers to select the articles required for their needs without confusion. The coding system includes first coding elements on the dispensing means of package and second coding elements on the articles contained in the package.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a central colored region, an intermediate colored region, an outer colored region, and a background region. The intermediate colored region can be between the central colored region and the outer colored region. The intermediate colored region can substantially circumscribe the central colored region. The central colored region, intermediate colored region, and outer colored region differ in color from the background region.

Abstract: The absorbent article provides a signal viewable from the top surface of the absorbent article which gives a perception of depth within the absorbent article. This creation of depth perception is accomplished by the use of at least two tones within a color and/or by the use of multiple tones and multiple colors operating together to create a perception of depth within the absorbent article.

Abstract: Dark colored absorbent articles, such as pantiliners or sanitary napkins. More specifically, dark colored absorbent articles are disclosed comprising an apertured topsheet, an underlying layer visible through the apertures of the topsheet and a backsheet, wherein both the topsheet and underlying layer have a L Hunter value of less than 60. Preferably the topsheet, the backsheet and the underlying layer have the same color (e.g., black).

Abstract: An absorbent article providing improved body fit. The absorbent article includes an extensible fluid permeable facing layer and a first absorbent layer joined to the facing layer. The first absorbent layer includes zones of extensibility. Each zone of extensibility is a region of the first absorbent layer of relatively higher extensibility than regions of first absorbent layer adjacent to the zone of extensibility. A liquid impermeable backsheet is joined to the facing layer at the periphery. The liquid impermeable backsheet has a garment facing surface. A fastening means is disposed on at least a portion of the garment facing surface of the liquid impermeable backsheet. The fastening means defines attachment zones. At least a portion of the first absorbent layer is decoupled from the attachment zones of the fluid impermeable backsheet.

Abstract: A system for controlling the strength of seals imparted to workpiece layers by a sealing roll and an anvil roll, the sealing roll and the anvil roll arranged on opposing sides of a conveyed web of workpiece layers, heating elements provided on at least one of the rolls, temperature sensors provided on the at least one of the rolls, and a controller in communication with the sensors and in operable communication with the heating elements. The sealing roll includes a textured sealing surface, the textured sealing surface being divided into a plurality of regions, the texture of a first of the regions being different from a texture of a second of the regions. By controlling the temperature of the respective regions, detrimental effects of anvil wear on the strength of the seal imparted to the workpiece layers may be offset, increasing the service life of rolls.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a longitudinal centerline and adapted to be worn in an undergarment having a crotch portion bounded on opposite sides by portions of curved leg openings. The absorbent article comprises a main body portion, the main body portion comprising a liquid pervious body-facing surface, a liquid impervious garment facing surface, and an absorbent core positioned between the body-facing surface and the garment-facing surface. The absorbent article comprises at least one indicator marker visible from the body-facing surface, the indicator markers disposed to indicate proper alignment of the absorbent article with respect to undergarment-specific features such as the curved leg openings.

Abstract: A method of determining an amount of skin agent transferred from an absorbent article to an area of human skin is provided. An absorbent article is applied to and then after use removed from an area of skin. Tape is then releasably attached to and removed from the area of skin. The amount of skin agent that adheres to the tape is then analyzed to determine the amount of skin agent transferred to the area of skin.

Abstract: A package comprising an externally visible face. The externally visible face comprises indicia, the indicia having disposed thereon a relatively glossy or shiny coating. The externally visible face is embossed in a portion corresponding to the indicia. The externally visible face comprises an additional coating surrounding the indicia, the additional coating being relatively non-glossy. The indicia is non-alphanumeric.

Abstract: A tampon showing improved leakage protection through improved expansion characteristics is disclosed. The tampons disclosed demonstrate these improved expansion characteristics particularly in the width dimension without introducing new drawbacks. Preferred tampons are described which are compressed to an initial size comparable to current tampons, but which expand to a width exceeding that achieved by current tampons. Such increased expansion is preferably accomplished without an increase in the total absorbency of the tampon. Tampons of various absorbencies are disclosed having increased total expansion in the width direction compared to current tampons. Additionally, tampons of various absorbencies which expand to a greater degree in the width direction under pressure are also disclosed. Tampons of various absorbencies which expand at a rate exceeding that achieved previously are also disclosed.

Abstract: An applicator includes a handle and an applicator head coupled to the handle. The applicator head includes at least one helical applicator surface, the at least one helical applicator surface disposed about a hollow space, and a plurality of projections attached only to a section of the at least one helical applicator surface facing the hollow space. The plurality of projections depend into the hollow space.