Abstract: A sanitary napkin is provided which comprises a cover with clean and dry properties in combination with the fluid transport properties of an impressed channel. The napkin comprises an absorbent core having impressed into its body facing side at least one elongated channel. A hydrophobic, body fluid pervious, cover overlies said body facing side and said channel and said cover extends into the channel and is adhered to the channel bottom.

Abstract: A cover is provided for a body fluid absorbing product which has a pattern of depressed and undepressed areas imposed on its exterior surface, which pattern presents a highly visible color contrast between the depressed and undepressed areas. The cover comprises a relatively light colored, relatively opaque outer cover having an interior layer of relatively dark color placed in face-to-face relationship with the interior surface of said outer cover and co-embossed.

Abstract: An absorbent body for absorbing body fluids is provided which is highly liquid retentive and comprises cellular polymeric absorbent material. The absorbent body of the invention comprises a cellular interpenetrating polymeric network comprising a crosslinked polyelectrolyte.

Abstract: This invention provides a sanitary napkin of the type emplacement in the inner crotch portion of an undergarment. The napkin comprises a central absorbent element having flaps extending from each of its longitudinal edges. The flaps extend to a sufficient length to allow the flaps to overlie the outer crotch portion of an undergarment with the flaps being sufficiently drapable so as to allow each to fold about the crotch portion at any of an infinite number of lines lying essentially parallel to the junction line between the absorbent element and each flap. Accordingly, when the sanitary napkin is applied to crotch portions of varying width, the napkin will conform to the dimensions of the crotch and be emplaced without wrinkling.

Abstract: A softened, absorbent, composite structure is provided which structure is comprised of a fibrous web containing at least about 200 percent by weight of superabsorbent and containing a wicking layer subjected to microcorrugating in at least one direction and perf-embossing to yield an absorbent composite structure having a Taber stiffness value less than about 25, preferably less than about 10.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin is provided which is capable of being used as is or can be elongated by simple action by the user. The napkin comprises short tabs having pleats therein which can be unfolded to render the napkin longer.

Abstract: A soft, perf-embossed, absorbent composite structure is provided which comprises an absorbing layer of a fibrous web containing at least about 200 percent by weight of superabsorbent and a wicking layer. The composite structure has a Taber stiffness value less than about 30.

Abstract: A batt including a major percent of thermo-mechanical wood pulp fibers is stabilized by the inclusion of a minor percent of thermoplastic fibers, which latter fibers are heat fused to one another and to the thermo-mechanical wood pulp fibers at fiber intersections to provide a supporting network which inhibits collapse and agglomeration of the thermo-mechanical wood pulp fibers.

Abstract: An absorbent product is provided having a first fibrous layer in the form of a nonwoven web and a second layer which is discrete from the first layer but united to the first layer. The second layer has a higher capillary pressure than the first layer to provide preferential attraction and wicking of liquid. The layers are corrugated and stabilized to retain the transverse folds when wet.

Abstract: A disposable diaper having an absorbent layer and a moisture-impervious backing sheet. The diaper has an adhesive tab system comprising an adhesive tab and a release liner. The adhesive tab has an anchoring end portion which is permanently attached to the backing sheet, an intermediate portion, and a free end portion. The release liner has an end portion which is permanently secured to an outermost portion of the free end portion of the tab in covering relation in the free end portion of the adhesive tab. The intermediate portion of the adhesive tab may be folded back under the backing sheet with the tacky surface thereof facing outward of the backing sheet and the free end portion of the adhesive tab and the release liner may be further folded back such that the other surface of the release liner is in covering relation to the intermediate portion of the adhesive tab.

Abstract: A superthin absorbent disposable product is provided having an absorbing layer containing superabsorbent and a wicking layer. The product is suitable for use in disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, incontinent pads, wipes and the like.

Abstract: A laminated structure adapted to be gathered for improved fit about a portion of the human body, said laminated structure comprising an elastic member disposed between first and second substrates of flexible gatherable material, said elastic member including a plurality of interconnected elastic elements defining apertures therebetween, and the first and second substrates of said laminated structure being secured together through at least some of said apertures.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent product is provided in the form of a layered structure. A first fibrous layer of resilient fibers contains superabsorbent and is superposed on a layer of hydrophilic material. The layers are unpressed and slit followed by extrusion to open the slits to provide apertures. The structure is used as the absorbent core in diapers, sanitary napkins, wound dressings and the like.

Abstract: An absorbent structure is provided, which is comprised of a fibrous web, having an initial dry bulk of at least about 20 cc/gm., a dry bulk recovery of at least about 30 percent, and a wet bulk of at least about 30 cc/gm., and a basis weight less than about 4 oz/sq. yd. containing at least about 200 percent by weight superabsorbent. The structure is microcorrugated to provide a softness having a Taber stiffness value less than about 50.

Abstract: The invention provides a liquid-impermeable ethylene-containing polymer foam backing for an absorbent product adapted to be removably attached to a nether garment, there being adhesive attachment means positioned on the bottom surface of said backing for adhering said backing to the crotch portion of a nether garment. The preferred backing comprises a flexible shell, adapted to contain within it an absorbent structure.

Abstract: An absorbent, flexible, resilient, cellular polymer is provided which comprises the reaction product of at least one epoxy resin and amine terminated poly(alkylene oxide).

Abstract: An absorbent material comprising hydrocolloidal fibers provided in board form having substantial structural integrity both in the dry state and after being wetted with body fluids. The board comprising hydrocolloidal fibers is subjected to a heat treatment step whereby the board is heated, in a dry state to impart such stability.

Abstract: An adhesive resealable tab fastener means suitable for use on a disposable diaper is provided which minimizes tearing of the tab fastener means itself or tearing it from the diaper when opening and closing repeatedly. The tab fastener means is provided with a grippable holding means and a grippable carrying tape segment. By being able to grip both parts of the tab fastener means, accidental tearing or rupturing of the fastener or diaper is minimized.

Abstract: An absorbent material is provided for body fluid absorbent products which material has relatively high tensile strength, and is extremely flexible and may be incorporated into absorbent products without substantial loss in user's comfort. The material is made by forming a slurry of water wherein the solids comprise cellulosic fibers and hydrocolloidal material. The wet web is formed from the slurry and the web is then dried. The dry web is then compacted to a density of at least 110% and preferably at least 150% based on the density of the dry web. The resulting product has a tensile strength of at least 10 Kg/cm.sup.2 and the Gurley Stiffness of less than about 40 gm.