Abstract: An absorbent article includes a moisture barrier, a bodyside liner bonded to the moisture barrier, and an absorbent structure disposed between the bodyside liner and moisture barrier. Elasticized bumpers which function as three-dimensional physical barriers to liquid movement are disposed in the margins of the article. The elasticized bumpers include an internal barrier structure and an elasticized cover disposed over the internal barrier structure and bonded to one of the margins. In particular embodiments, the elasticized cover is formed of a hydrophobic material, is unadhered to the internal barrier structure, and/or is comprised of elastic strands of variable degrees of power.

Abstract: A noncompressive dewatering device generates air streams that can be used to remove water from cellulosic webs in an energy efficient manner. Further, a wet-pressed machine can be modified to economically produce low-density tissue with an energy/capital efficiency greater than that of the throughdrying process. For instance, a cellulosic web can be non-compressively dewatered from a post forming consistency to a consistency from about 25 percent to the water retention consistency by passing air through the web with an Energy Efficiency at least 10 percent greater than that achievable using vacuum dewatering at the same speed.

Abstract: A method is provided for making a universal packaging bag that has a window through which a component on a product can be visually perceived. The method provides for the bag to be used on differently designed bagging machines, such a right-handed bagging machine or a left-handed bagging machine.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for controllably registering two continuously moving layers of material is provided. A continuously moving first layer has a plurality of components, and a continuously moving second layer has a plurality of reference marks representing a respective plurality of components. The process and apparatus control the distance between reference marks of the second layer to a selected distance, and then controllably registers each reference mark of the second layer to a respective component of the continuously moving first layer.

Abstract: A tissue sheet is made using a modified wet pressing process employing an integrally sealed air press. After initial formation and conventional vacuum dewatering, the wet web is conformed to the surface contour of a relatively coarse fabric to give the web a textured surface. By creating a pressure differential across the web of at least 30 inches of mercury and an air stream through the web of at least 500 SCFM/in.sup.2, the air press noncompressively dewaters the wet web to a consistency of about 30 to about 40 percent prior to a Yankee dryer. The web is dried to substantially preserve its three-dimensional, throughdried-like texture. The resulting web has an exceptionally high degree of bulk and absorbency not previously found in wet-pressed products.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for controllably registering two continuously moving layers of material is provided. One of the layers is elasticized and has a plurality of reference marks representing a plurality of separate and distinct components, and the other of the continuously moving layers has a respective plurality of components thereon. The process and apparatus controls the distance between reference marks to a selected distance, and controllably registers each reference mark to a respective component of the continuously moving second layer.

Abstract: A universal flexible packaging bag is provided that contains a stack of products, such as a plurality of disposable absorbent training pants, in which each product has a component, such as a graphic on a front panel of a training pant, that is to be visually perceived through a window in the bag. The bag is uniquely designed to accommodate differently designed bagging machines, such as a right-handed bagging machine and a left-handed bagging machine, so that a stack of products can be positioned in the bag such that the component is visible through the window.

Abstract: An apparatus for controllably registering two continuously moving layers of material is provided. One of the layers of material has a plurality of reference marks representing a plurality of separate and distinct components, and the other of the continuously moving layers has a respective plurality of different components thereon. The apparatus controls the distance between reference marks to a selected distance, and controllably registers each reference mark to a respective component of the continuously moving second layer. An article is provided in which a graphic is controllably registered within a designated area thereof.

Abstract: A flexible polymer packaging bag is provided with an easy-open end seal feature for easily tearing through a fused seal. The bag has a pair of side walls, a pair of end walls, a top wall, and a bottom wall, in which the walls form an interior space. A stack of articles are contained in the interior space. A seal is in one of the walls and includes at least one seal area and at least one weakened zone. A frangible line for opening the bag is in the one wall and intersects the seal at the weakened zone, so that the frangible line can be easily tom where it intersects the seal.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for controllably registering two continuously moving layers of material is provided. One of the layers is an elastic film and has a plurality of reference marks representing a plurality of separate and distinct components, and the other of the continuously moving layers has a respective plurality of different components thereon. The process and apparatus controls the distance between reference marks to a selected distance, and controllably registers each reference mark to a respective component of the continuously moving second layer.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a diaper, includes a liquid control member formed of a liquid permeable material adapted to remain in contact with the urethral region of the wearer regardless of the position of movements of the wearer.

Abstract: A universal flexible packaging bag is provided that contains a stack of products, such as a plurality of disposable absorbent training pants, in which each product has a component, such as a graphic on a front panel of a training pant, that is to be visually perceived through a window in the bag. The bag is uniquely designed to accommodate differently designed bagging machines, such as a right-handed bagging machine and a left-handed bagging machine, so that a stack of products can be positioned in the bag such that the component is visible through the window.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for controllably registering two continuously moving layers of material is provided. One of the layers comprises a permanently settable material, and has a plurality of reference marks representing a plurality of separate and distinct components, and the other of the continuously moving layers has a respective plurality of different components thereon. The process and apparatus controls the distance between reference marks to a selected distance, and controllably registers each reference mark to a respective component of the continuously moving second layer.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article has a liquid impermeable backsheet, a topsheet, and an absorbent structure therebetween. The backsheet defines a liquid barrier zone on both sides of the absorbent structure, and a pair of liquid impermeable containment flaps overlie respective liquid barrier zones. Each liquid impermeable containment flap includes a flap elastic member and a leg elastic member. A liquid barrier is in each liquid barrier zone, and extends between the front edge and the back edge of the backsheet.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for controllably registering two continuously moving layers of material is provided. A continuously moving first layer has a plurality of components thereon, and a continuously moving second layer has a plurality of reference marks representing a respective plurality of components thereon. The process and apparatus control the distance between reference marks of the second layer to a selected distance, and controllably registers each reference mark of the second layer to a respective component of the continuously moving first layer.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a generally reduced length absorbent assembly positioned between a moisture barrier and a bodyside liner. The moisture barrier and the bodyside liner extend beyond the absorbent assembly and define at least one waist region with a length dimension greater than about 10 centimeters. A moisture control layer is present in from about 25 to 100 percent of the area of the first waist region. The moisture control layer is configured to accommodate liquid that may be present in the waist region as a result of condensation or perspiration and also limit the transport of liquid from the absorbent assembly into the waist region.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a diaper, includes a liquid control member formed of a liquid permeable material adapted to remain in contact with the urethral region of the wearer regardless of the position or movements of the wearer.

Abstract: A method for can drying wet webs for tissue products to preserve web bulk includes, in one embodiment, restraining a partially dewatered wet web between a pair of sheet molding fabrics. The restrained wet web is processed over a plurality of can dryers to dry the wet web, for example from a consistency of at least about 40 percent to a consistency of at least about 70 percent. The sheet molding fabrics in this embodiment protect the wet web from direct contact with the can dryers and impart an impression in the web. A can drying assembly and tissue machine for accomplishing the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes first and second liquid containment beams that are moveable relative to a moisture barrier. In particular embodiments, leakage barriers formed of a liquid impermeable material are bonded to the moveable containment beams to impede lateral movement of liquid. In other embodiments, the moisture barrier is formed of a breathable material and the leakage barriers are positioned between the containment beams and moisture barrier to minimize condensation on an exterior surface of the moisture barrier. Desiccant particles may also be included adjacent the moisture barrier to further minimize condensation.

Abstract: A toilet training aid is in the form of a pad that creates a noticeable, distinct feeling during urination. In particular embodiments, the pad may provide the wearer with a temperature change sensation, a wet sensation, a dimensional change sensation, or some combination thereof to signal that urination is occurring. The toilet training aids are desirably attached to a garment by a consumer, thus enabling the consumer to select the type of accompanying garment and the particular time that is best suited to toilet training.