Abstract: A disposable absorbent article adapted to be worn about a lower torso of a human body and having a chassis, a non-removable absorbent core component disposed in a crotch region of the chassis, and one or more replaceable absorbent core component or components disposed in capillary liquid communication with the non-removable absorbent core component. The replaceable absorbent core component may be removed and a like component may be substituted in place of the removed component without the removal of the absorbent article from the wearer. The replaceable absorbent core component may be disposed inside an openable chassis pocket, with access for its removal and replacement provided at an openable end of the pocket, such as at an area of a waist end edge where the garment-facing layer and a wearer-facing layer may be separated for access into the pocket.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article includes two laterally opposing longitudinally extending backsheet strips attached to an exterior surface of an absorbent assembly in laterally opposing attachment zones. Each backsheet strip may include a water-impermeable layer and may be extensible. The absorbent assembly includes laterally opposing side flaps which may be formed by folding portions of the absorbent assembly laterally inward. A longitudinally extending elastic gathering member is attached to each side flap adjacent to its proximal edge. When the article is worn, the elastic gathering members contract and raise the side flaps to form side barriers. The absorbent assembly includes an absorbent core that may contain superabsorbent particles, which may be contained inside pockets. A portion of the absorbent assembly such as the portion that lies between the backsheet strip attachment zones may be extensible and may include a water-impermeable layer.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article having laterally opposing interiorly attached barrier cuff strips and at least one deployable belt strip. Each barrier cuff strip is attached to an interior surface of an absorbent assembly and has a longitudinally extending elastic gathering member attached adjacent to its proximal edge. The belt strip has a fixed end portion and opposing first and second edges connecting the fixed end portion and an opposing free end portion. The belt strip is attached in the fixed end portion and is deployed by being folded laterally outward such that the first edge extends laterally outward from one end point of a diagonal fold line and the second edge extends laterally outward from the opposing end point of the diagonal fold line. The belt strip may be tied to another belt strip or may be fastened to the waist region of the article or to another belt strip.

Abstract: A simple disposable absorbent article including an absorbent assembly attached to a chassis. The absorbent assembly includes an absorbent core that may contain superabsorbent particles, which may be contained inside pockets. The absorbent assembly is folded laterally inward at both of its side edges to form laterally opposing side flaps. Each side flap is attached to an interior surface of the absorbent assembly adjacent to its end edges. A longitudinally extending elastic gathering member is attached to each side flap adjacent to its proximal edge. When the article is worn, the elastic gathering members contract and raise the side flaps to form breathable side barriers. The chassis includes a water-impermeable sheet and may be extensible. The absorbent assembly may be attached in a cruciform pattern such that portions of the chassis that lie outside the attachment pattern are not restrained by attachment to the absorbent assembly and therefore remain extensible.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article adapted to be worn about a lower torso of a human body and having a chassis, a non-removable absorbent core component disposed in a crotch region of the chassis, and one or more replaceable absorbent core component or components disposed in capillary liquid communication with the non-removable absorbent core component. The replaceable absorbent core component may be removed and a like component may be substituted in place of the removed component without the removal of the absorbent article from the wearer. The replaceable absorbent core component may be disposed inside an openable chassis pocket, with access for its removal and replacement provided by an aperture in a garment-facing layer, an openable end of an external pocket, or an openable end of an internal pocket formed at an area of a waist end edge where the garment-facing layer and a wearer-facing layer may be separated.

Abstract: The invention relates to an absorbent, disposable article, preferably a diaper, having a backsheet and a topsheet comprising a first waist region, a second waist region, and a crotch region interposed there between, a longitudinal axis, and an opening, which provides a passageway to a primary void space for receiving bodily exudates therein, positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet; whereby the opening is positioned in at least the crotch region along the longitudinal axis; whereby the topsheet is elasticated; and whereby the article has a shortened article portion, as defined herein, which has a shortened article length L, a stretched shortened article length Ls and a contacted shortened article length Lc, whereby the article and/or its topsheet has an specific elastic profile and/or a specific ratio of Lc to Ls.

Abstract: An ink-printed substrate web exhibiting ink rub-off resistance is disclosed. The substrate web is printed with an ink composition to form an ink film on the substrate web. The ink-printed substrate web being coated with a coating composition to form a coating film on the ink film. At least one of the ink composition and the coating composition forms a cross-linked structure within the film thereof and forms a cross-linked structure with the other composition between the ink film and the coating film. A disposable absorbent article using the ink-printed substrate web is also disclosed.

Abstract: An absorptive product comprising a front region, a rear region, a crotch region, a waist opening, a pair of leg openings, and a liquid-impermeable back sheet. Disposed interiorly of the back sheet are a front absorber and a rear absorber. An access port is provided for taking out and/or replacing at least one of these absorbers.

Abstract: A disposable garment having a localized retention zone for retention of the garment in its initial position on the body of a wearer. The retention zone has a higher coefficient of static friction than does the major area of the body-facing surface of the garment. The garment may also include localized areas having a lower coefficient of static friction than that of the major area to facilitate placement of the garment in a desired wearing position. Such lower coefficient of static friction areas can include the areas adjacent the leg openings and the area of the waistband that overlies the stomach of the wearer. Additionally, the garment can also include areas wherein the coefficient of static friction varies from high to low to provide improved retention and comfort over a wide range of wearing conditions and a wide range of movements of the wearer.

Abstract: A wearable article including a fever indicator disposed on at least a portion of the article for indicating the body temperature of a wearer. The fever indicator may be used in conjunction with a disposable absorbent article and provides a signal indicating qualitative or quantitative information about the body temperature of the wearer based on the temperature of the wearer's urine.

Abstract: A flexible manufacturing system having a feature section including at least one module, at least one operational unit mounted to the module and a local controller operatively connected to the operational unit. The local controller is adapted to receive a reference signal and to control the operation of the operational unit based upon the reference signal.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article adapted to be worn about a lower torso of a human body and having a chassis, a non-removable absorbent core component disposed in a crotch region of the chassis, and one or more replaceable absorbent core component or components disposed in capillary liquid communication with the non-removable absorbent core component. The replaceable absorbent core component may be removed and a like component may be substituted in place of the removed component without the removal of the absorbent article from the wearer. The replaceable absorbent core component may be disposed inside an openable chassis pocket, with access for its removal and replacement provided by an aperture in a garment-facing layer, an openable end of an external pocket, or an openable end of an internal pocket formed at an area of a waist end edge where the garment-facing layer and a wearer-facing layer may be separated.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article suitable for absorbing and retaining aqueous body fluids includes a backsheet that is substantially liquid impervious except at a discontinuity therein and an absorbent core between the backsheet and a topsheet. The absorbent core includes a non-removable component and a removable and replaceable component in fluid communication with the non-removable component. Access for the removal and replacement of the removable component is provided by the discontinuity in the backsheet. The replaceable absorbent core component may be removed and a like component may be substituted in place of the removed component without removal of the absorbent article from the wearer.

Abstract: An external change aid having engaging means which can engage with a landing member on an absorbent article and having a specific peel force and/or shear force when engaged with such an absorbent article. Also provided are combinations of such external change aids and absorbent articles and methods for applying an absorbent article by use of the external change aid. Also provided are external change aids having specifically designed engaging means structures and absorbent articles with specifically designed engaging means structures.

Abstract: Method of urinary continence training utilizing an objective measurement indicative of the state of fullness of the bladder of the subject to identify the occurrence of an appropriate continence training opportunity. When the objective measurement equals or exceeds a signal threshold value, set to correspond to a bladder volume that is less than a reflexive urination volume, a signal is provided to the subject or to a caregiver. The objective measurement may be performed by a bladder monitor, using any of several modalities of automatic sensing, and preferably using ultrasound. The signal threshold value may be recalculated and increased, so as to continue to correspond to a relatively full bladder, as the subject grows and/or achieves progress toward continence. The method may include other steps directed to help the subject associate the physical sensation of a full bladder with voluntary urination, such as informing the subject that urination is imminent.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article includes two laterally opposing longitudinally extending backsheet strips attached to an exterior surface of an absorbent assembly in laterally opposing attachment zones. Each backsheet strip may include a water-impermeable layer and may be extensible. The absorbent assembly includes laterally opposing side flaps which may be formed by folding portions of the absorbent assembly laterally inward. A longitudinally extending elastic gathering member is attached to each side flap adjacent to its proximal edge. When the article is worn, the elastic gathering members contract and raise the side flaps to form side barriers. The absorbent assembly includes an absorbent core that may contain superabsorbent particles, which may be contained inside pockets. A portion of the absorbent assembly such as the portion that lies between the backsheet strip attachment zones may be extensible and may include a water-impermeable layer.

Abstract: Disclosed are absorbent cores for inclusion in articles such as diapers, incontinent briefs, training pants, diaper holders and liners, feminine hygiene garments, and the like, designed to provide improved fit and comfort for the wearer while adequately containing body exudates. The absorbent core is designed so as to retain low levels of fluid in the crotch region, relative to the other core regions, even when the core absorbs significant amounts of fluid during use. To achieve this, the absorbent core is designed such that fluid is moved substantially from the crotch region to the front and/or rear ends of the article. In particular, the absorbent core comprises in its crotch region a material having significant vertical wicking absorbent capacities. The absorbent core also preferably comprises a non-removable absorbent core component in the crotch region, and removable absorbent core components in the front or rear regions of the article.

Abstract: Method of urinary continence training, utilizing an objective measurement, indicative of the state of fullness of the bladder of the subject, to identify the occurrence of an appropriate continence training opportunity. When the objective measurement equals or exceeds a signal threshold value, set to correspond to a bladder volume that is less than a reflexive urination volume, a signal is provided to the subject or to a caregiver. The objective measurement may be performed by a bladder monitor, using any of several modalities of automatic sensing, and preferably using ultrasound. The signal threshold value may be recalculated and increased, so as to continue to correspond to a relatively full bladder, as the subject grows and/or achieves progress toward continence. The method may include other steps directed to help the subject associate the physical sensation of a full bladder with voluntary urination, such as informing the subject that urination is imminent.