Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins worn by women. More particularly, the present invention relates to absorbent articles, such as thin sanitary napkins, that are stretchable, especially in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins worn by women. More particularly, the present invention relates to absorbent articles, such as thin sanitary napkins, that are stretchable, especially in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, and incontinence pads. More particularly, the present invention relates to absorbent articles, such as sanitary napkins, that have longitudinal side edge components that naturally wrap the sides of a wearer's panties which provide an alternative to conventional side flaps.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a main body portion, a pair of flaps joined to the main body portion, and a unitary release material joined to a portion of each of the flaps such that the unitary release material superposes the flap adhesive when the flap is folded along a fold line.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, and incontinence pads. More particularly, the present invention relates to absorbent articles, such as sanitary napkins, that have undergarment covering components (or "side wrapping elements") that automatically wrap the sides of a wearer's panties and provide an alternative to conventional side flaps. The side wrapping elements have at least one zone of extensibility and at a region therein that is stiffer than the zone of extensibility.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a main body portion and a pair of flaps joined to the main body portion. The main body portion comprises an absorbent assembly and a pair of retaining members joined to the absorbent assembly to form recessed areas wherein the flaps may be tucked. Each retaining member comprises a unitary release material joined thereto such that the unitary release material superposes and is releasably secured to the flap adhesive when the flap is folded and tucked into the recessed area.

Abstract: An absorbent article including a fluid pervious topsheet, a fluid impervious backsheet joined to the topsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. The topsheet includes a fluid pervious nonwoven material having a patterned network of fluid impervious areas deposited thereon. Bodily fluid deposited on the topsheet is transported through the fluid pervious nonwoven material portion of the topsheet, thereby wetting the nonwoven material while the fluid impervious areas remain dry. The dry fluid impervious areas contrast visually with the wetted nonwoven material portion of the topsheet. This structure provides a topsheet that is perceived as soft and fibrous prior to the discharge of bodily fluids thereon and clean and dry after bodily fluids have been deposited thereon.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, having flaps and zones of differential extensibility for relieving the stresses that develop in the flaps when the flaps are folded down along the edges of crotch of the wearer's undergarments is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides absorbent articles, especially sanitary napkins, containing a fluid transport layer. In-use, the transport layer directs menses to a storage layer, thereby minimizing product failure and staining of undergarments. The transport layer can protrude into, or through, a topsheet to provide very aggressive transport of vaginal discharges. Preferably, the transport layer is a layer of fibers having external capillary channels.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for making an absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, having flaps and zones of differential extensibility for relieving the stresses that develop in the flaps when the flaps are folded down along the edges of crotch of the wearer's undergarments.

Abstract: An absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin, having flaps and a recessed area wherein the flaps may be tucked.

Abstract: A combined litter filtering and disposal system. A particularly preferred system comprises a highly porous litter filtering member underlying a protective member which prevents the pet from coming in contact with and damaging the filtering member in use. The protective member includes a centrally located slit, for allowing granular material, such as litter, to readily pass through onto the underlying filtering member when the system is lifted from the litter box. By employing two discrete members oriented as described, the functions of filtering and resistance to cat's claws are decoupled from one another, i.e., there is no longer a need to compromise between strength and filtering efficiency. Each member of the present bicomponent system can be optimally designed for its intended function, i.e.

Abstract: A system which separates the pet excreta collection, storage and disposal functions wherein each individual component used to perform each of these functions is optimized for its intended purpose. The system of the present invention permits almost indefinite recycling of the substantially nonsorbent, nonclumping granular litter material used by the animal to bury its solid excreta. The combination of the present invention includes a porous filtering member exhibiting a pore size which will readily permit the granular litter material to pass therethrough, yet retain substantially all of the solid animal excreta coming in contact with the fitering member during the filtering operation. A protective member capable of substantially resisting damage when subjected to digging or clawing by animals is secured in superposed relation to and completely overlies the uppermost surface of the porous filtering member.

Abstract: An animal litter box system which reduces odor and extends the useful life of litter by delivering and concentrating urine in an area specifically designed to prevent odor formation. The system of the present invention permits almost indefinite recycling of the substantially nonsorbent, nonclumping granular litter material used by the animal to bury its solid excreta. The combination further includes a porous filtering member exhibiting a pore size which will readily permit the granular litter material to pass therethrough, yet retain substantially all of the solid animal excreta coming in contact with the filtering member during the filtering operation. A protective member capable of substantially resisting damage when subjected to digging or clawing by animals is secured in superposed relation to and completely overlies the uppermost surface of the porous filtering member.

Abstract: A disposable bib having a fibrous topsheet and a tape-tab fastener wherein a predetermined mother's-bond zone of the topsheet is sufficiently impregnated with a bonding material such as a non-pressure sensitive bonding material to enable the mother's-bond end of the tape-tab fastener to be operatively secured to the mother's-bond zone: preferably, refastenably secured thereto so that, for example, an unsoiled bib may be removed for alter use. In a preferred embodiment which comprises a laminate of flexible sheet material, the laminate comprises a tissue paper topsheet having insufficient strength to operatively accept the mother's-bond end of the tape-tab fastener; and a liquid impervious backsheet of, for example, polyethylene film.

Abstract: Strong, soft, absorbent tissue paper products comprising a substrate carrying an emollient. The substrate is planar and is formed of one or more tissue paper sheets. At least one of its two major surfaces must be soft, relatively untextured, and smooth. The emollient is distributed over at least a major portion of the smooth surface. In preferred embodiments, the substrate consists of two plies of tissue paper. Each tissue paper ply consists of two layers: the first is relatively weak compared to the second and has an outwardly facing surface which is soft, relatively untextured and smooth; the second layer is strong enough to impart to the ply sufficient strength to enable it to accomplish its intended purpose. In an alternate embodiment, multiple plies of tissue paper are joined together by a laminating means consisting of embossments in a region of embossing; the region of embossing is relatively free of emollient.

Abstract: A compound sanitary napkin including a primary absorbent member and a secondary absorbent member. The primary absorbent member has a length and a width. The secondary absorbent member has a length and a width. The primary absorbent member and the secondary absorbent member have a common length. The primary absorbent member includes an absorbent core and a fluid pervious topsheet superposed on the absorbent core. The secondary absorbent member includes a fluid pervious topsheet, a fluid impervious backsheet joined to the topsheet and an absorbent element positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. The primary absorbent member is affixed to the secondary absorbent member by union means in such a manner that the longest unattached distance between adjacent points of attachment is less than 75% of the common length.