Abstract: Method for manufacturing discrete articles from a material web using a cyclic master reference signal to synchronize the servo actuation of multiple operational units in a manufacturing apparatus to perform periodic operations on successive product segments of the material web and thereby form the articles, without the need for ongoing external phasing or registration to maintain synchronization of the operational units relative to the articles being made. The method is particularly suited for application in the manufacture of disposable absorbent articles and other products formed from web materials. Because of the coordination by a common reference signal, the execution by each of the individual servo systems of its programmed actuation instructions results in its actuation being synchronous with that of the other servo systems.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for receiving parts traveling at a first speed through a receiving zone and applying the parts onto a carrier traveling at a second speed through an application zone. Transferring devices transport the parts between the zones. The transferring devices are coupled to programmable servo motors capable of varying the speed of the transferring devices to accommodate the receiving and application processes. The receiving and application operations may be performed at matched or mismatched surface speeds. The parts to be received and applied may be formed by a rotating knife, which may vary in speed. Adhesive may be used to hold the parts on the carrier web. In some embodiments, the transferring devices transfer the parts to a bonding anvil roll and the parts and a carrier web are compressed between the bonding anvil roll and a bonding pattern roll to bond the parts to the carrier web.

Abstract: A wetness indicating composition comprising a colorant disposed in a carrier matrix. The colorant provides a visible signal when activated by urine. The colorant resists leaching from the carrier matrix by being chemically bound to a component of the carrier matrix. The colorant may be bound by ionic or covalent bonds, or by intermolecular forces. The colorant may be a pH indicator. The wetness indicating composition may be incorporated into a wearable article, such as a disposable absorbent article.

Abstract: Absorbent article having a containment assembly and highly extensible leg openings. The leg opening margins may have portions having differential properties, such as differential elastic extensibility. The absorbent article may also have highly extensible outer leg cuffs. Additionally, the absorbent article may have a narrow crotch region. The absorbent article may thus provide ease of application and removal, sustained dynamic fit, prevention of leakage, sustained wearer comfort, and desirable appearance.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing shaped components for absorbent articles from web materials including the following steps. A first web of material is provided in a machine direction. The first web is cut into at least two shaped strips having alternating nested projecting portions defined by at least one shaping cut having a pattern extending in the machine direction and alternately extending in the cross machine direction to alternate distal points located between longitudinal side edges of the first web. At least a first and a second of the shaped strips are separated. A second web of material is provided in the machine direction. At least the first shaped strip is joined to the second web. The second web is repositioned in the cross machine direction a predetermined distance. At least the second shaped strip is joined to the second web. The resultant composite web is cut into separate shaped components.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article with a mechanical fastening system having disposal mechanism so as to provide convenient disposal of the absorbent article. The mechanical fastening system preferably comprises a tape tab having a first fastening element, a landing member comprising a second fastening element engageable with the first fastening element, and disposal mechanism for allowing the absorbent article to be secured in a configuration that provides convenient disposal of the absorbent article. The disposal mechanism preferably comprises a second fastening element affixed to the backing surface of at least one of the tape tab, so that the first fastening element of the opposite tape tab will engage the second fastening element of the disposal mechanism so as to secure the absorbent article in its disposal configuration.

Abstract: A method of making a flangeless seam for a disposable article including the following steps: A first member of the disposable article is provided. An electromagnetic field responsive member is provided on the first member. The first member is folded about the electromagnetic field responsive member providing opposing first proximal and first distal portions of the first member, the electromagnetic field responsive member being disposed at least partially between the opposing first proximal and first distal portions. A second member of the disposable article is provided in a folded configuration juxtaposed at least a portion of the first member to form a laminate including the first member and the second member. An electromagnetic field is applied across at least a portion of the laminate to heat the electromagnetic field responsive member to a temperature which joins at least a portion of the first member and at least a portion of the second member.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article, such as a diaper. The disposable absorbent article has a topsheet with apertures large enough for low-viscosity fecal material to pass through to a fecal material storage element. The fecal material storage element immobilizes the fecal material in position for dewatering, so that the liquid components of the fecal material are absorbed by the core and the solid components of the fecal material are separated from the liquid components. This arrangement provides for easier cleaning of the wearer when the soiled disposable absorbent article is removed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus in which a first liquid is extruded through a porous printing plate to its printing surface, a second liquid is externally applied over the first liquid on the printing surface, and a sheet material is contacted with the printing surface in order to print the second liquid onto the sheet material. In some embodiments, the first liquid is a release agent, the second liquid is a printing agent, and a sheet material is contacted with the printing agent on the printing surface, whereby the release agent prevents the adhesion of the printing agent and the sheet material to the printing surface and thereby allows the sheet material to be easily separated from the printing surface. In some embodiments, the printing agent is an adhesive and the release agent prevents the adhesive from strongly adhering to or accumulating on the printing surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for converting a continuous structure into discrete, spaced apart elements by means of an expandable support web. First, the continuous structure is combined with a support web comprising longitudinal expansion means. Then, after separation of the continuous structure into discrete elements, the discrete elements are spaced apart by expanding the support web. The process of the present invention is particularly well suited for the industrial manufacture of articles comprising fragile discrete elements supplied to the production process in continuous form.

Abstract: A wearable article useful for facilitating toilet training is provided. The wearable article includes a temperature change element providing a cool/wet signal when wetted which causes discomfort to the wearer. The temperature change element comprises a temperature change substance disposed on an impermeable material in order to maximize the thermal signal provided to the skin of the wearer.

Abstract: Absorbent articles having improved sustained fit on the body, improved appearance through the period of use, and improved comfort for the wearer. The absorbent article has a containment assembly, a waist feature and a diagonal support member feature disposed so as to lie in the diagonal support zone of the wearer's body when the article is worn. The diagonal support member is designed to support the article from the small of the back, over the hip, and to the lower abdomen. The diagonal support member is distinct from the waist feature, which is designed to provide only enough circumferential tension to hold itself in position on the body. The absorbent article has a garment-like high-waisted appearance, gentle tension around the waist to avoid discomfort and/or pressure marking, good leakage protection, good sustained fit, and easy application and removal.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent garment having an elastic waist panel that includes one or more localized retention zones for retention the garment in its initial, as-applied position on the body of a wearer. The retention zones includes materials that have a higher coefficient of static friction than does the major surface area that constitutes the inner, body-facing surface of the garment. The garment can also include localized areas having a lower coefficient of static friction than that of the major inner surface area of the garment 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.

Abstract: A wearable article useful for facilitating toilet training is provided. The wearable article includes a wetness sensation member held in close contact with a wearer's skin during use that enhances the wearer's awareness that urination has occurred. The wetness sensation member includes a permeable layer and an impermeable layer. During insults of urine, the permeable layer allows urine to penetrate in the z-direction and provides a medium for the flow of urine in the x-y plane via wicking. The impermeable layer supports the flow of liquid between the permeable and impermeable layers and retains the liquid thereby increasing the wetted area contacting the wearer's skin.

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 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: A web including a fibrous material and superabsorbent material is fed to a station. The web has a first surface, a second surface, a first side edge and a second side edge. At the station, the operation of applying a superabsorbent material movement obstruction agent and cutting the web into individual absorbent members having a pair of opposing cut ends are carried out simultaneously.

Abstract: The present invention is a disposable absorbent article having a topsheet, a backsheet joined to the topsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and backsheet. The topsheet includes a backing and a sheet of fibers. The sheet of fibers have anchor portions in the backing at spaced bonding locations and have arcuate portions of the sheet projecting from the backing between bonding locations.

Abstract: A biofeedback device for predicting an impending elimination of bodily waste in an incontinent person includes a sensing element in contact with an area of a user so as to detect electrical activity of a sphincter muscle associated therewith and a signaling element operatively connected to the sensing element that provides a signal upon an occurrence of a predetermined electrical activity for the sphincter muscle. The biofeedback device is able to predict an impending elimination of bodily waste for an incontinent person, as well as assist the incontinent person in achieving a contraction of his/her sphincter muscle.