Abstract: An absorbent article is provided which includes a pH control agent in an amount sufficient to maintain prolonged natural skin pH. The pH control agent can be applied in conjunction with a surfactant. Generally, the pH control agent and optional surfactant can be added to the topsheet, absorbent core, and/or any tissue layer included in the absorbent article. Particularly preferred pH control agents include citric acid and sodium citrate.

Abstract: This invention relates to water responsive thermoplastic compositions and articles constructed thereof. This invention particularly relates to thermoplastic copolyester compositions useful for the manufacture of disposable-articles such as disposable diapers and feminine napkins. More particularly, this invention relates to thermoplastic copolyester compositions that are useful as a raw material in the manufacture of nonwovens, barrier films or coatings and as well as for various improved hot melt adhesives compositions useful for incorporating hydrophilic features into disposable articles.

Abstract: Disclosed are multicomponent fibers wherein at least one component comprises a conventional, non-biodegradable synthetic polymer forming the exposed surface of the multicomponent fiber, thereby permitting thermal bonding of the multicomponent fiber to other fibers. The fibers also include at least one biodegradable component. The multicomponent fibers are useful in the manufacture of nonwoven structures, and in particular nonwoven structures used as a component in disposable absorbent products.

Abstract: A containment liner assembly is provided having first and second elongated elasticized members and a containment liner member. The first and second elongated elasticized members are adapted to be disposed along first and second longitudinal sides of an absorbent article chassis, respectively, with a first end portion of each of the first and second elongated elasticized members coterminous with one of the front and back edges of the absorbent article. The containment liner member has opposed first and second ends with the first end joined with the first elongated elasticized member first end portion and the second end joined with the second elongated elasticized member first end portion. Also, provided are associated absorbent articles and methods for providing a containment liner to an absorbent article.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprising a liquid-permeable casing sheet (1), a liquid-impermeable casing sheet (2) and an absorbent body (3) enclosed between the two casing sheets. The absorbent body (3) includes a liquid acquisition space (24) which consists of at least one cavity or one region of lower density than the density of an acquisition layer (19) located in said absorbent body (3) adjacent the space (24) and essentially in the same plane thereas. The acquisition layer (19) includes a material which when wetted increases in size in the thickness direction of the article (the z-direction). The article is mainly characterized in that the material in the acquisition layer (19) exhibits relatively low expansion in the plane of the article (the xy-direction) when wetted, such that the volume of the liquid-acquisition space (24) will increase by at least 100%, preferably by at least 200%, more preferably by at least 400% and most preferably by 900% when wetted.

Abstract: The present invention is a high capillary suction storage absorbent member comprising an agglomerate of particulate hydrogel-forming absorbent polymer and particulate high surface area open-celled hydrophilic foam. In another aspect of the invention the agglomerate of particulate hydrogel-forming absorbent polymer and particulate high surface area open-celled hydrophilic foam is disclosed. The absorbent member is useful in the containment (e.g., storage) of body liquids such as urine. In one embodiment, the storage absorbent member comprises the agglomerate. In another embodiment, the absorbent member comprises the agglomerate adjacent to at least one sheet, strip or piece of high surface area open-celled hydrophilic foam material.

Abstract: A liquid reception device as a component, for example, of a personal care product such as a disposable diaper, an incontinent garment, or for other applications such as, for example, an industrial soaker pad or the like. The device includes liquid activated means to move a liquid insult from a target zone to a peripheral zone. The liquid activated transport means operated mechanically by suction created by compression or vacuum or by physical movement of a liquid container from the target zone to the peripheral zone. The disclosed device provides increased use of available liquid handling capacity.

Abstract: A breathable, liquid-impermeable, apertured film/nonwoven laminate is provided for use as a backsheet on various absorbent articles such as diapers, sanitary napkins, incontinent garments, and the like. The laminate is formed from a nonporous, breathable polymeric film layer, an apertured film layer, and a nonwoven web layer. The layers may be attached in an arrangement where the breathable polymeric film layer is sandwiched between the nonwoven web layer and apertured film layer, or where the apertured film layer is sandwiched between the nonwoven web layer and the breathable film layer. A process for making the laminate is also provided.

Abstract: An article to be fitted to a wearer including an agent which is available in an effective concentration to physically or chemically modify some or all of the fecal material or other bodily exudates deposited in the article. The modification of the feces may improve acceptance and/or retention of the exudates within the article to reduce the spreading of fecal material within the diaper and/or to reduce the tendency of the fecal material to adhere to the wearer's skin.

Abstract: A releasable wrapper for absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, and adult incontinence devices, and the like which have side flaps is disclosed. The releasable wrapper covers the adhesive fasteners on the garment-facing side of the absorbent article and provides an individual package for the absorbent article.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions comprising at least one cationic ion-exchange hydrogel-forming polymer and at least one anionic ion-exchange hydrogel-forming polymer, wherein the composition exhibits improved absorbency characteristics relative to comparable mixtures of the hydrogel-forming polymers in their neutralized state. Also disclosed are mixed-bed ion-exchange compositions having improved Performance Under Pressure values relative to prior mixed-bed compositions, which, e.g., alleviate detrimental gel blocking incurred with these prior systems. Also disclosed are absorbent members useful in the containment of body fluids such as urine, that have at least one region comprising a mixed-bed ion-exchange hydrogel-forming absorbent polymer composition in a concentration of from about 60 to 100% by weight.

Abstract: Described are absorbent members useful in the containment of body liquids such as urine. These absorbent members comprise at least one osmotic absorbent (preferably a hydrogel-forming absorbent polymer) and a high surface area material, and have a high capillary suction capacity. For purposes of the present disclosure, capillary suction capacity is measured in terms of the member's ability to uptake liquid at high capillary heights, which are generally encountered when the member is positioned in an absorbent article. In particular, capillary suction capacity is measured in terms of a member's capillary sorption absorbent capacity, which is measured in accordance with the Capillary Sorption method described in the Test Methods section.

Abstract: A disposable pull-on diaper includes a liquid absorbent core, and the core is joined to a topsheet in front and rear waist regions as well as in a crotch region but not joined to a backsheet in the front and rear waist regions. The topsheet and the backsheet are not joined to each other in their portions extending between longitudinally opposite ends of the liquid-absorbent core and a peripheral edge of a waist-opening. The diaper thus constructed prevents the core from being flexed or crooked.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article is provided with a odor control powder which is unscented in a dry state and releases a burst of fragrance when wetted, such as by human waste. The powder contains a relatively small amount of fragrance oil, such as 0.5% to 4% by weight, to prevent skin irritation to the wearer. The small amount of fragrance oil is microencapsulated in a starch which constitutes from about 50% to 90%, and preferably about 70%, of the total weight of the particles. Sodium bicarbonate is also included in the particulate odor control material in an amount ranging from 5.0% to 45%, and preferably about 25% by weight, of the total weight of the particles. The sodium bicarbonate promotes skin wellness by controlling the pH levels of the fragrance oil, starch and human waste. A small amount of flow agent is also contained in the particulate odor control material.

Abstract: A dog diaper system. Pants are adapted to be worn over the hindquarters of a dog. The pants have a lower panel with a front end of an enlarged size, a back end of a reduced size and with side edges between the front end and back end. The pants also have an upper panel with a front end of an enlarged size and a back end of a reduced size with side edges between the front end and back end. Coupling components join the side edges of the upper panel and the lower panel. Enlarged leg holes extend through the pants and are located essentially equally between the front panel and the rear panel adjacent to the rear end. A small aperture is formed in the panels at the bottom end for the passage of a dog's tail. A strap couples the front end of the pants to the neck of the dog. A pad is coupled to the pants on the interior surface of the lower panel.

Abstract: An integral absorbent article (10) has a longitudinal length direction (27), a lateral width direction (25), and at least one edge margin (20, 22). The article includes a substantially liquid-impermeable backsheet layer (30), a liquid permeable topsheet layer (28), and a retention portion (48) sandwiched between the backsheet and topsheet layers. The edge margin (20, 22) can include an elastomeric member (34) joined to provide elastomerically contracted gathers (66) in the edge margin. The edge margin (20, 22) can also include a restraint (84) applied to an appointed portion of its corresponding gathers (66) to operatively restrict a re-expansion of a constrained section (94) of the corresponding gathers (66).

Abstract: A disposable body fluids absorbent article which includes a topsheet made of nonwoven fabric, the topsheet being formed with a plurality of pleats extending substantially in one direction. Crests and troughs of the pleats have a relatively high density and side walls defined between the crests and the troughs have a relatively low density. The article having such a topsheet enables the absorption capacity of an absorbent core of the article to be utilized as efficiently as possible.

Abstract: A medical device for fluid collection and method to fill multiple specimen tubes is disclosed. The device is designed to collect and transfer a specimen into a non-evacuated tube through an integrated open port. The device has no cannulas, either blunt or sharp, and therefore provides safety from skin puncture. The device has a non-evacuated test tube attached to the integrated open port. The tube is attached to the open port by a luer fitting in the tube's cap which is pressed into a receptacle detail on the device. A finger pad is held during collection of the specimen. The finger pad allows collection without the risk of contaminating the inside of the container. The container also contains a horizontal support platform which allows the device to be placed on a flat surface with or without the test tube attached without tipping over.

Abstract: A diaper or incontinence guard includes a waist belt (1) and an absorbent unit (2) with a front part (3), a rear part (4) and an intermediate crotch part (5). Fastener devices (9-11 and 6-8 respectively) are disposed at the front end and the rear end of the absorbent unit and can be fastened to the belt. Each of the front and rear ends of the absorbent unit (2) includes a respective central fastener device (10 and 7) that is located on the longitudinal symmetry axis (A—A) of the unit, and two lateral fastener devices (9, 11 and 6, 8 respectively) located on respective sides of the axis.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a breathable microporous film is disclosed. The breathable microporous film is made by stretching a mixture of a thermoplastic resin and inorganic fillers at least in one direction. At least a part of the breathable microporous film is deformed such that Z number specified by equation (1) is 3.0 or above, wherein MS: average material strain at break of breathable microporous film; AS: average applied strain for deformation; N: neck down prevention coefficient; &sgr;MS: standard deviation of material strain at break; &sgr;AS: standard deviation of applied strain.