Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus of the type for forming a nonwoven web from a fiber forming thermoplastic polymer resin which includes a reservoir for supplying a quantity of melted fiber forming thermoplastic resin, a pump for pumping the molten resin to a fiber forming die, and a die for forming a discrete resin stream to flow therefrom. The die includes a first fluid passageway for forming a stream of fluid, such as air, in contact with and substantially surrounding the formed flow of resin for a predetermined distance within the die and a fluid interrupt system for selectively cycling the flow of resin on and off and clearing the resin from the fiber forming die. A receiving belt collects the fibers formed from the resin flow beyond the first fluid passageway spaced at a predetermined distance from the die.

Abstract: A curved tampon applicator and a process for forming the applicator and assembling an absorbent tampon into the applicator is disclosed. The curved tampon applicator can facilitate placement of an absorbent tampon into a woman's vagina. The curved tampon applicator contains first and second arcuately shaped tubular members telescopically joined together. The first member has a stepped outer configuration with an enlarged portion designed to contain an absorbent tampon joined to a finger-grip portion. The enlarged portion is formed on a centerline having a first radius of curvature. The second member is formed on a centerline having a radius of curvature which is different from the first radius of curvature. The second member is sized and configured to slide within the finger-grip portion while being restricted from rotating therein. The second member contains at least one flared end which is sized to prevent separation of the second member from the first member.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a zoned distribution of particulate material within a fibrous web includes a conveying mechanism for providing a gas entrained supply of the particulate material and a segregating mechanism for centrifugally directing at least a portion of the particulate material into an accumulation region of the apparatus. A transferring mechanism selectively directs particulate material from the accumulation region into a delivery gas stream to provide an intermittent flow volume of a selected quantity of particulate material from the accumulation region through a delivery conduit and into a web forming chamber. A fiberizing mechanism provides a flow of a selected fibrous material into the web forming chamber, and a directing mechanism controls the intermittent flow of particulate material from the delivery conduit into the forming chamber.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a clasp and a method of fastening the absorbent article to an adjacent garment is disclosed. The absorbent article includes a first member and clasp means for holding the first member secure to an adjacent garment, such as to the crotch portion of an undergarment. The clasp means includes two relatively stiff portions joined together by a hinge which permits bending of one portion relative to the other portion. At least one of the portions has an arcuate shape along the length thereof and extends outward from the first member. The arcuate portion is designed to pivot on the hinge and forcefully press the undergarment towards the first member when the absorbent article is worn.

Abstract: A method of forming a catamential tampon is disclosed which is capable of absorbing menstrual fluids. The method includes the steps of starting with an absorbent having a cross-sectional area of varying thickness. The thickest portion has a greater volume of fibers than the thinnest portion. The absorbent can be optionally enclosed with a cover. An opening is formed through the absorbent and/or cover and a withdrawal string is secured thereto. The absorbent is formed into a generally elongated, cylindrically shaped blank and then is compressed into a pledget having a zone of high density fibers and a zone of low density fibers. After compression, the zone of low density fibers will expand faster and/or to a greater extent than the zone of high density fibers, thereby forming a curved tampon. The curved tampon is rigid and self sustaining and can be used as either a digital tampon or with an applicator.

Abstract: Improved treatment, composition and method of obtaining a naturally hydrophobic nonwoven web with desired conductivity and/or water repellency, and alcohol repellency. To obtain conductivity, the web is contacted with a composition containing an oxygen or nitrogen rich compound such as ethers, acids or alcohols and especially polymers thereof such as polyethers, and polyacids having an affinity for the substrate. In a further preferred embodiment alcohol repellency is obtained by subsequent or simultaneous contact of the treated web under appropriate pH conditions with a fluorocarbon-containing composition. The result is a conductive material satisfying anti-static requirements for surgical room use and still maintaining desirable water and alcohol repellent properties. Preferred embodiments include treatment with compounds having both moieties as part of the molecule producing a combination of both desired effects.

Abstract: The properties of (meth)acrylic ester/(meth)acrylic acid copolymer webs, such as films and nonwovens, are improved by blending the ester/acid copolymer with polyethylene glycol. The polymer blend provides a polymeric material which is useful for making personal care products such as diapers and feminine pads in that it can be made water-soluble while exhibiting other properties which are necessary for adequate product performance.

Abstract: A nonwoven laminiferous structure is provided which has at least two melt-extruded nonwoven layers:(A) a first layer which includes at least a portion of a first nonwoven web; and(B) a second layer adjacent to said first layer which includes at least a portion of a second nonwoven web; in which,(1) the boundary between any two adjacent melt-extruded nonwoven layers is distinct in that fibers at or near the surfaces of such adjacent layer are not significantly intermingled;(2) the fibers of at least one of such first and second layers are prepared by melt extrusion through a die at a shear rate of from about 50 to about 30,000 sec.sup.-1 and a throughput of no more than about 5.4 kg/cm/hour of a mixture of an additive and a thermoplastic polymer, which additive (a) is present at a level of from about 0.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to an absorbent structure and garment comprising a superabsorbent material having a free-swell rate of less than about 60 seconds and a five-minute AUL of at least 15 g/g. The superabsorbent material is contained by containment means, such as a fibrous matrix, such that the superabsorbent material is present in said absorbent structure in an amount of from about 60 to about 100 weight percent based on the total weight of the containment means and superabsorbent material.A second aspect relates to an absorbent garment including containment means containing a high concentration of a superabsorbent material and defining a dry volume less than about 180 cubic centimeters. The absorbent garment has a saturated retention capacity of at least about two times the dry volume, and wherein the containment means and superabsorbent material account for at least about 60 volume percent of said saturated retention capacity.

Abstract: An absorbent composite of the type comprising a porous matrix of fibers and a superabsorbent material dispersed among the interfiber spaces (pores) wherein the superabsorbent material exhibits the ability to absorb greater than about 24 milliliters of a saline solution per gram of superabsorbent material under an applied restraining force of at least about 21,000 dynes/square centimeter provided that, when in the form of discrete particles, at least about 50% of said superabsorbent material has a size greater than the median pore size of the matrix when wet.

Abstract: An article includes a distinctive refastenable adhesive taping system. The article comprises an outer cover which has waistband sections positioned at opposite ends thereof and has an intermediate section which interconnects the waistband sections. The outer cover includes a securing zone which is located at a first of the waistband sections and which provides a landing surface appointed for receiving adhesion of one or more adhesive tabs thereon. The securing zone has a selected peak tensile strength and a selected rigidity value. An adhesive tab is located at at least one lateral side edge of a second of the waistband sections for securing the waistband sections around a wearer. The tab includes a backing layer and an adhesive layer, and, when adhered to the landing surface, has a 180.degree. peel adhesion value which is less than the peak strength of the securing zone.

Abstract: A nonwoven composite structure is provided which has at least two melt-extruded nonwoven layers:(A) a first layer which includes at least a portion of a first nonwoven web; and(B) a second layer which includes at least a portion of a second nonwovfen web;in which,(1) the boundary between any two adjacent melt-extruded nonwoven layers is indistinct in that fibers at or near the surfaces of such adjacent layers are significantly intermingled;(2) the fibers of at least one of such first and second layers are prepared by melt extrusion through a die at a shear rate of from about 50 to about 30,000 sec.sup.-1 and a throughput of no more than about 5.

Abstract: A flavor release material and method for producing the same where the material contains a calculated amount of active surface agent and flavorant adsorbed onto the active surface agent. The flavor release material is capable of controllably releasing flavor and aroma when exposed to a predetermined elevated temperature.

Abstract: A holder for a floor mat comprises at least one connecting device and at least one connecting member which has complementary connection devices whereby the connecting member may be connected in a releasable manner to at least two adjacent mat holders so as to secure the mat holders together. Preferably at least one of the holder or the connecting member are made from flexible material or are designed to be slightly flexible.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a surgical drape or patient cover for use in central venous catheterizations of patients who require intravenous drug therapy and/or parenteral nutrition. The patient cover includes a mainsheet and a reinforcement sheet with two spaced apart triangular shaped fenestrations for use in the insertion of a central venous catheter into either the subclavian or basilic areas of the body.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing disposable wipes or the like having an aperture (30) in one face of the dispenser through which wipes may be dispensed. The aperture comprises a central opening (32) and two relatively thin elongated openings (34) which extend out from either side of the central opening. Protuberances (38) protrude into the elongated openings (34) from each side thereof. The protuberance from one side of each opening is preferably located adjacent to the corresponding protuberance from the other side, in a staggered arrangement.A dispenser is also provided which comprises a hopper (4) to hold at least one stack of wipes, the hopper being receivable in and pivotally attached to an outer casing (6), in such a way that with the outer casing resting on the ground, or secured to a wall, the hopper may be opened in order to insert a stack of wipes.

Abstract: A diaper comprises a rectangular disposable chassis assembly capable of absorbing and containing bodily wastes, including front, crotch and rear portions and a liquid-previous liner and liquid-impermeable barrier formed together about a liquid-absorbing core. A reusable elasticized cloth belt is removably retained by the chassis assembly, holding the diaper in place against the body during use. When fastened about a wearer, the belt provides a line of support extending transversely across the body of the core in the front portion of the chassis assembly corresponding to the lower abdominal region of the wearer. The belt cinches to snugly position the chassis assembly for absorbing discharged wastes. Preferably, the core contains a lower pledget with hydrogel that swells outwardly against the belt. Breathable elasticized leg cuffs extend along the side margins of the chassis assembly.

Abstract: The properties of (meth)acrylic ester/(meth)acrylic acid copolymer webs, such as films and nonwovens, are improved by blending the ester/acid copolymer with polyethylene glyocl. The polymer blend provides a polymeric material which is useful for making personal care porducts such as diapers and feminine pads in that it can be made water-soluble while exhibiting other properties which are necessary for adequate product performance.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for repulping or reclaiming fibers from latex-impregnated materials such as latex impregnated papers. The process involves treating the latex-impregnated material with an alkali solution for a sufficient period of time to separate the latex polymer from the fibers. This is followed by a washing step to rinse away the latex polymer thereby leaving the reclaimed fibers for subsequent use such as the formation of new paper stock.