Abstract: The invention relates to absorbent articles, such as diapers and like articles and is concerned with methods for preventing undesirable odors and/or preventing the growth of undesirable microorganisms when the articles are in use, and also provides an absorbent article which can be worn for long periods of time without generating undesirable odors, incurring the risk of infection or having a negative effect on skin. Another object is to amplify the presence in the wearer's urogenital zone of microbiological flora that will assist in preventing the occurrence of urinal tract infections. These objects have been achieved by adding to the absorbent articles microorganisms which exhibit antagonistic properties against present undesirable strains of microorganisms, so as to restrain the growth of these or establishing of new undesirable species.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a disposable diaper using a pressure-resistant absorbent resin manifesting a ratio of water absorption capacity under pressure of 30 g/g or more to artificial urine under a load of 50 g/cm2, and a pressure-resistant absorption ratio of 0.6 or more, wherein the pressure resistant absorption ratio is defined as the ratio of the ratio of water absorption capacity under high pressure to artificial urine under a load of 100 g/cm2 to a ratio of water absorption capacity under pressure to artificial urine under a load of 50 g/cm2.

Abstract: An absorbent structure in an absorbent product such as a diaper, an incontinence protector, a sanitary napkin, a panty liner or dressing, where the absorbent structure is formed of a piece of foamed material, which as an integrated unit has a liquid permeable surface and a corresponding surface which is liquid-proof and an absorbent layer between them. The liquid-proof surface can preferably be the skin of closed cells, which during manufacturing is formed on the piece of foamed material.

Abstract: A disposable article having a sensor that predicts an impending event such as an elimination of bodily waste. The article may also include an actuator that performs a responsive function when the sensor predicts the impending event.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as the shown diaper (10), has a front waistband portion (14), a back waistband portion (12) and an intermediate portion (16) interconnecting said front and back waistband portions. The article includes a backsheet member (30), a liquid permeable topsheet layer (28), and an absorbent body (32) sandwiched between the topsheet layer (28) and backsheet member (30). The backsheet member includes an air permeable, polymer sheet layer (96), and a first, outward nonwoven fibrous web (94) attached to or otherwise operatively joined with a major facing surface (78) of the polymer sheet layer (96) at a plurality of individual, spaced apart thermal bonds (98).

Abstract: A container for odorous material (in the present case an ostomy bag), consists of a front wall (10) and a rear wall (12) welded together around a peripheral seam (14). The walls are made of a plastics material through which odorous gas can permeate. The container carries or contains malodor counteractant material to counter, or mask, the odor. The malodor counteractant material may be provided in microencapsulated form, and coated (at 28) on the interior faces of the walls, or carried on an article (54) placed within the container.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes an absorbent pad and an outer cover. An extensible layer replaces at least one of the tissue layers of the absorbent pad. The extensible layer can be secured to an extensible bodyside liner or an extensible outer cover. The extensible layer is adhesively secured to the inner surface of the outer cover or the bodyside liner. In embodiments where the outer cover is extensible in a cross-direction and/or a longitudinal direction, the extensible layer is extensible in the same directions and moves with the outer cover. Absorbent core is not physically secured to the extensible layer. Thus the extensible layer has free mobility with respect to the absorbent core when the outer cover is extended, without deleterious effect on the absorbent core, or the absorbent pad as a whole. Therefore, tearing of the absorbent pad and damage to, or release, of superabsorbent material from the absorbent pad is prevented.

Abstract: Guard devices adapted to protect a medical appliance attached to and in communication with an opening in the body having:a rigid, substantially U-shaped base member extending in a base plane and including a pair of opposing side members extending along the length of the device, both sides members having ends that together define an opening in the base member;a plurality of spaced-apart rigid cross-members extending between the side members and upwardly from the base plane, with the base members and the cross-members cooperatively defining a cavity adapted to completely enclose the medial appliance;one or more rigid base members extending between two or more of the aforementioned members; andmeans for securing the base member to the body of the person, wherein the body has an opening with a medical appliance attached thereto in communication therewith, so that the medical appliance is completely enclosed by the cavity defined by the base member and the cross-member.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improvement in a disposable absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin, etc. having a liquid permeable cover sheet or cover sheet, optionally a distribution or transfer layer, an absorbent core and a liquid-impermeable backsheet. The improvement in the disposable absorbent article resides in an improved bond for generally continuous contact between the cover sheet and the transfer layer or absorbent core. Adhesion is effected by applying an adhesive binder to the top sheet with a print roller.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes at least one containment flap which is configured to maintain a perpendicular, spaced relation away from the absorbent article in use to reduce the flow of body exudates from the article. The article further includes a dewatering layer located on an outer surface of the containment flap for absorbing at least a portion of any exudates which pass over said containment flap in use. The dewatering layer defines an absorbency of at least about 3 grams of saline solution per gram of material. The dewatering layer may further define a total absorbency of at least about 0.5 grams of saline solution and an incline absorbency of at least 1 milliliter.

Abstract: Described are absorbent members useful in the containment of body liquids such as urine. The storage members 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 relatively high capillary pressures, 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 of the disclosure. The absorbent members may include an osmotic absorbent (preferably a hydrogel-forming absorbent polymer) or a high surface area material, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Uniaxially oriented microporous breathable films having exceptional toughness transverse to the direction of orientation are disclosed herein. Such films include a particulate filler and a nonelastic material including a copolymer of ethylene with at least one C.sub.4 -C.sub.8 .alpha.-olefin monomer, such copolymers being described in the trade as "super tough", "next generation", etc., and being prepared with "new" or "improved" catalyst systems or with metallocene or similar single-site catalysts. A method of manufacture is also disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-denier non-woven fabric suitable for use as a body side liner in disposable absorbent products such as diapers, sanitary napkins, underpads, surgical dressings, tampons, and the like. The multi-denier non-woven fabric is made from an interconnected network thermoplastic polymer fiber elements comprising a homogeneous blend of high denier and low denier fibers having a denier in a range of from 2 to 15 denier, wherein the high denier fiber elements and the low denier fiber elements differ by at least one denier.

Abstract: A disposable diaper includes a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core disposed therebetween to define a front waist region, a rear waist region and a crotch region therebetween. At least one of the front and rear waist regions, for example, the front waist region has a plurality of gathers along an upper zone of this waist region appearing as an elastic member contracts. These gathers are covered with a flap comprising portions of the topsheet and the backsheet extending from an upper end of the front waist region downward beyond the elastic member. A distal end of the flap is bonded to the backsheet of the front waist region at a level lower than the elastic member.

Abstract: Disclosed are polymeric foam structures suitable for absorbing and storing body fluids such as urine, menses and the like. These liquid storage structures are high suction collapsible polymeric foam materials. The collapsed foams, upon contact with aqueous fluids, can absorb and expand these fluids even when opposed by significant hydrostatic pressures. These absorbent polymeric foams comprise interconnected open-cells. In one aspect, the foams can absorb at least about 25 g/g against a hydrostatic head pressure of 50 cm. In another aspect, the foams of the present invention will have a vertical hang sorption height at 90% of at least about 60 cm.

Abstract: An absorbent article (10) has a front waistband portion (14), a back waistband portion (12) and an intermediate portion (16). The article comprises a flexible backsheet member (30), and a liquid permeable topsheet layer (28). An absorbent body structure (32), with a retention portion (48), is sandwiched between the backsheet member (30) and the topsheet layer (28), and a wetness indicator (40) visually shows a presence of liquid in selected areas of the article. The wetness indicator is provided by at least one indicator section of the backsheet member (30) which includes a polymer sheet layer (96). Desirably, The wetness indicator is provided by at least one indicator section of the backsheet member (30) which includes a backsheet laminate material having a fibrous nonwoven web (94) attached to a polymer sheet layer (96).

Abstract: A disposable absorbent garment comprising a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and backsheet is disclosed. The absorbent core is formed from at least one and preferably more than one laminate comprising three layers, including an upper layer, a lower layer and a central fibrous layer containing from about 50-95% by weight superabsorbent polymer. The upper and lower layers comprise tissue, airlaid fluff pulp or synthetic non-woven fibrous layers. The upper and lower layers together assist to maintain the integrity of the core during manufacture and in use, contain the superabsorbent polymer within the insult area of the garment and act to diffuse multiple insults so that gel blocking is minimized. The absorbent garment thus formed is very thin, lightweight and economical.

Abstract: Disclosed is the use of an adhesive to prepare a disposable absorbent product intended for the absorption of liquids such as body liquids. It is generally desired that the adhesive exhibits a storage modulus greater than about 1.times.10.sup.8 dynes per square centimeter across the temperature range of about 0.degree. F. to about 130.degree. F. The use of such an adhesive results in a reduced visibility of the adhesive through the outer sheets, such as breathable films, of a disposable absorbent product to a wearer or user, thereby improving the aesthetics of the disposable absorbent product.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved structure that includes a nonwoven web including a viscoelastant treatment. The treated web, when contacted by a viscoelastic fluid such as menses alters the viscoelastic properties of the fluid and enhances its wicking and distribution throughout the absorbent structure. A desirable viscoelastant is a alkyl polyglycoside, particularly those having 8 to 10 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain. When applied so as to provide an amount of about 0.1% to about 5.0% solids add-on based on the weight of the dry nonwoven web, rapid fluid wicking and distribution may be obtained. Other viscoelastants are disclosed. Advantageously the treatment may be applied as a high solids composition using conventional application means such as spray coaters and the like or as an internal additive. The absorbent structure finds particular utility as a distribution layer component of a sanitary napkin for absorbing menses as well as other blood handling products such as surgical drapes, for example.

Abstract: In a method of making high-absorbency articles for use in wound care, incontinence, ostomy applications, and other more varied uses, a loose high-absorbency powder is arranged between a pair of sheets. The sheets and powder are compressed in certain areas. Loose powder is extracted e.g. by vacuum or gravity, and by cutting and sealing, packet-like articles are produced.