Abstract: Disclosed is a mechanical fastening tab formed from a substrate adapted to be joined to a disposable absorbent product and a first mechanical fastener component. The fastening tab has a Gurley stiffness value of less than about 1000 milligrams in an area of the fastening tab which includes said first mechanical fastening component. Also disclosed are disposable products comprising such mechanical fastening tabs.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent garment including a pair of outer containment flaps and a pair of inner containment flaps, said outer and inner containment flaps being formed from a first integral sheet of containment flap material having a length, said inner containment flaps having a length less than the length of said first sheet of containment flap material. Also described is a method of producing the absorbent garments.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved fastening tape for use on a disposable absorbent garment. The fastening tape comprises a first substrate and an interlocking material attached to said first substrate. The interlocking material extends the entire width of the fastening tape, and the interlocking material is longitudinally spaced from both transverse edges of the fastening tape. Also disclosed is a process for manufacturing the fastening tape. The process involves providing a continuous length of an interlocking material having a width and traveling in a first direction. The interlocking material is attached to a first substrate to form a composite. The composite is then cut along a second direction to form fastening tapes suitable for attachment on a disposable absorbent garment. The second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved fastening tape for use on a disposable absorbent garment. The fastening tape comprises a first substrate and an interlocking material attached to said first substrate. The interlocking material extends the entire width of the fastening tape, and the interlocking material is longitudinally spaced from both transverse edges of the fastening tape. Also disclosed is a process for manufacturing the fastening tape. The process involves providing a continuous length of an interlocking material having a width and traveling in a first direction. The interlocking material is attached to a first substrate to form a composite. The composite is then cut along a second direction to form fastening tapes suitable for attachment on a disposable absorbent garment. The second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: Described is a wet-formed composite. The wet-formed composite is formed from a combination of fibers and absorbent material. Specifically, the wet-formed composite is formed from absorbent material and a fiber slurry wherein the absorbent material is swellable in the dispersion medium of the slurry. Also disclosed is a method of forming the wet-formed composite. The method involves forming a fiber slurry, combining an absorbent material with the fiber slurry prior to forming the composite and then forming and drying the composite. The absorbent material is swellable in the dispersion medium of the fiber slurry.

Abstract: An absorbent structure comprising a fibrous web of cellulosic material, a first complex forming material present within said web and a second complex forming material present within said web. When wetted, the first and second complex forming materials form a complex thereby providing the fibrous web of cellulosic material with improved integrity.

Abstract: Described is a method for preparing a water-swellable, substantially water-insoluble material. The method involves forming a first solution containing a water-soluble phycocolloid. The first solution is then added to a second solution containing an ion capable of rendering the water-soluble phycocolloid substantially water insoluble. The phycocolloid material is then removed from the second solution and subjected to a solvent exchange to remove water present in the phycocolloid material. Hollow particles can be formed by including a gelation-retarding agent in the first solution. Also described is a water-swellable, substantially water-insoluble particle defining an interior void. The particle comprises an outer shell formed from a water-insoluble phycocolloid. The outer shell defines an interior void which contains a phycocolloid.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to an absorbent composite suitable for use in a disposable absorbent garment. The absorbent composite includes means for containing a superabsorbent material and a superabsorbent material contained by said containment means. The superabsorbent material has a Pressure Absorbency Index of at least 100 and a 16-hour extractable level of less than about 13 weight percent; a Pressure Absorbency Index of at least 100 and a Vortex Time of less than about 45 seconds; or a Pressure Absorbency Index of at least about 110. The superabsorbent material is present in said containment means in an amount of from about 30 to about 100 weight percent based on total weight of the containment means and the superabsorbent material. In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a disposable absorbent garment including an outer cover, a body-side liner, and an absorbent composite such as that described above.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article, including a pair of containment flaps, which containment flaps are particularly well suited for use on an absorbent article having a relatively narrow crotch. Specifically, the containment flaps include a proximal edge and a distal edge. The proximal edge is adhered to a bodyside liner of the absorbent product with the distal edge being adhered to the bodyside liner at a point outboard of the proximal edge. Alternatively, the proximal edge and distal edge are adhered to the bodyside liner in a manner to form a C-fold in the containment flap. The C-fold may be inboard or outboard facing.

Abstract: An absorbent article which delimits a front waistband section, a rear waistband section and an intermediate section which interconnects the front and rear waistband sections. The article includes a substantially fluid-impermeable backsheet layer, a liquid-permeable topsheet layer positioned in facing relation with the backsheet layer, and an absorbent body located between the backsheet layer and topsheet layer. The article further defines a humidity transfer area in at least one of the waistband sections. A humidity transfer material overlays the humidity transfer area.

Abstract: Described is a method for preparing a water-swellable, substantially water-insoluble material. The method involves forming a first solution containing a water-soluble phycocolloid. The first solution is then added to a second solution containing an ion capable of rendering the water-soluble phycocolloid substantially water insoluble. The phycocolloid material is then removed from the second solution and subjected to a solvent exchange to remove water present in the phycocolloid material. Hollow particles can be formed by including a gelation-retarding agent in the first solution. Also described is a water-swellable, substantially water-insoluble particle defining an interior void. The particle comprises an outer shell formed from a water-insoluble phycocolloid. The outer shell defines an interior void which contains a phycocolloid.

Abstract: A method for producing an absorbent article in which a backsheet layer is provided. A hinged cutout section is formed in the backsheet and defines a hinged line. The hinged cutout section is folded along the hinge line to define a vapor-permeable panel. An absorbent body is positioned on the backsheet layer, and a liquid-permeable topsheet layer is positioned in facing relation with the backsheet layer. The absorbent body and the folded, hinged cutout section are located between the topsheet layer and the backsheet layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a water-swellable, generally water-insoluble modified polysaccharide having improved age-stable absorption properties. The method involves forming a mixture of a modified polysaccharide, water, and, optionally, a crosslinking agent, recovering the modified polysaccharide from the mixture and, optionally, heat-treating said recovered modified polysaccharide.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a garment with a tape fastener that provides for the display of printed information only when the garment is not being worn. The garment has opposite inner and outer surfaces and first and second waistband sections. The tape fastener, which is bonded to the first waistband section, includes an interior tape member and an exterior tape member. The interior tape member is bonded to the inner surface, and in one embodiment, contains the printed information. The exterior tape member includes a factory-bond section, which is bonded to the first waistband section, and a user-bond section, which is formed of a transparent material and includes an adhesive surface adapted to releasably engage the interior tape member. The printed information will not show through clothing when the garment is being worn.

Abstract: A threadlike or ribbonlike elastic strand is provided with a substantially continuous filament of adhesive helically wrapped around the elastic strand. The elastic strand is suitable for use in disposable absorbent products such as diapers and adult incontinent products. Also disclosed is a method and, apparatus for making such adhesive-wrapped elastic strands.

Abstract: A threadlike or ribbonlike elastic strand is provided with a substantially continuous filament of adhesive helically wrapped around the elastic strand. The elastic strand is suitable for use in disposable absorbent products such as diapers and adult incontinent products. Also disclosed is a method and apparatus for making such adhesive-wrapped elastic strands.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a surface-crosslinked, modified polysaccharide having improved absorption properties. The method involves forming a mixture of water and a crosslinking agent, adding a generally water-soluble, modified polysaccharide to said mixture wherein the surface of the polysaccharide becomes crosslinked, and drying the modified polysaccharide. Also described is a surface-crosslinked, modified polysaccharide having improved absorption properties.

Abstract: Disclosed is an elastomeric ear suitable for use on a disposable absorbent article. The elastomeric ear is formed from an elastomeric material which defines a proximal edge, a distal edge, a first connecting edge and a second connecting edge. The first and second connecting edges connect the proximal and distal edges. The second connecting edge is non-parallel to the first connecting edge, and the proximal edge is longer than the distal edge. A fastener is joined to the elastomeric ear. Also described is a disposable absorbent article including such an elastomeric ear.

Abstract: A growth adjustable diaper for newborn babies is adjustable in length by use of a foldable absorbent panel at the front edge of the diaper and is adjustable about the waist of the baby by means of ear members that can overlap and attach to each other or not overlap and attach to the front section of the diaper. Cushion barriers are provided at the crotch section and back waist edge to protect the newborn's sensitive, tender skin.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a surface-crosslinked, modified polysaccharide having improved absorption properties. The method involves forming a mixture of water and a crosslinking agent, adding a generally water-soluble, modified polysaccharide to said mixture wherein the surface of the polysaccharide becomes crosslinked, and drying the modified polysaccharide. Also described is a surface-crosslinked, modified polysaccharide having improved absorption properties.