Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent article ( 10) having a longitudinal direction ( 26), and a lateral, cross direction ( 24). The article includes a liquid permeable top sheet layer ( 28), a substantially liquid impermeable backsheet layer ( 30), and an absorbent structure ( 32) having a primary retention portion ( 48) sandwiched between the top sheet and backsheet layers. The retention portion ( 48) includes a wet-formed mixture of fibers and superabsorbent material. The retention portion has a selected edge-wise compression value, such as an edge-wise compression value of not more than a maximum of about 9 g/gsm, and a modified circular bend value, such as a modified circular bend value of at least minimum of about 0.3 g/gsm. In particular aspects, the retention portion ( 48) can include cellulosic fibers.

Abstract: An article and method are disclosed including a disposable absorbent garment having an initial expanded shape, a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis, a front region, and a back region. In one aspect, the front region and the back region are oppositely positioned on the longitudinal axis, and a central region is positioned between the front region and the back region. The front region, the back region, and the central region each have a length along the longitudinal axis of one third of the length of the absorbent garment.

Abstract: Breathable microporous films are provided having controlled regional breathability with thick high WVTR regions and thinner low WVTR regions. The zoned breathable microporous films can be made by selectively applying heat and/or pressure to specific regions the microporous film such as by feeding a microporous film through a pair of heated nip rollers with one of the rolls having a raised surface area or by applying a focused stream of hot air. Monolayer microporous films and multilayer films having at least one microporous layer can be treated to impart zoned breathability to the film.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a substantially uniform distribution of particulate material within the cross direction of a fibrous web includes a conveying mechanism for providing a gas entrained supply of the particulate material. A transferring mechanism directs the particulate into a delivery gas stream to provide a flow volume of the particulate material a delivery conduit and a delivery nozzle 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 flow of particulate material from the delivery conduit and the delivery nozzle into the web forming chamber. A foraminous forming layer is disposed within the web forming chamber for receiving the fibrous material and the particulate material to produce a fibrous web which includes a substantially uniform distribution in the cross direction of the particulate material therein.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for compacting a web (12) which contains a superabsorbent material (32) can include a plasticizing of the superabsorbent material contained in the web (12), and a compressing of the web (12) at a relatively low pressure. The selected, low pressure can be arranged to substantially avoid an excessive fracturing of the superabsorbent material.

Abstract: A method for forming a substantially uniform distribution of particulate material within a fibrous web includes a conveying step for providing a gas entrained supply of the particulate material. A transferring step directs the particulate material into a delivery gas stream through a delivery conduit and delivery nozzle into a web forming chamber. A fiberizing step provides a flow of a selected fibrous material into the web forming chamber. A foraminous forming layer is disposed within the forming chamber for receiving the fibrous material and the particulate material to produce a fibrous web.

Abstract: A urinary incontinence device is disclosed along with a method of making the device. The device includes a resilient member and a non-absorbent which at least partially encloses the resilient member. The non-absorbent and the resilient member are formed into an elongated softwind having a first end and a second end. The softwind is folded upon itself such that the first and second ends are aligned adjacent to one another and the softwind contains at least two folds therebetween. The resilient member extends between at least two of the folds. The softwind is then compressed into an elongated pledget having an insertion end and a trailing end with the resilient member located at least in the insertion end. The resilient member is capable of expanding at least a portion of the pledget to provide a supportive backdrop for a woman's urethra when inserted into a woman's vagina.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a moisture barrier, a bodyside liner bonded to the moisture barrier, and an absorbent structure disposed between the bodyside liner and moisture barrier. Elasticized bumpers which function as three-dimensional physical barriers to liquid movement are disposed in the margins of the article. The elasticized bumpers include an internal barrier structure and an elasticized cover disposed over the internal barrier structure and bonded to one of the margins. In particular embodiments, the elasticized cover is formed of a hydrophobic material, is unadhered to the internal barrier structure, and/or is comprised of elastic strands of variable degrees of power.

Abstract: An expandable dome-shaped urinary incontinence device is disclosed along with a method of making the device. The device includes a resilient member and a non-absorbent which at least partially encloses the resilient member. The non-absorbent and the resilient member are formed into an elongated softwind having a first end, a second end, a first portion located adjacent to the first end, a second portion located adjacent to the second end and a third portion located between the first and second portions. The softwind is folded upon itself, such that the first and second ends are aligned adjacent to one another and a closed loop is formed. The first and second portions are then brought together to minimize the closed loop and the third portion is transformed into a dome shape. The softwind is then compressed into an elongated pledget having an insertion end and a trailing end with the resilient member located at least in the insertion end.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a moisture barrier, a bodyside liner bonded to the moisture barrier, and an absorbent structure disposed between the bodyside liner and moisture barrier. Elasticized bumpers which function as three-dimensional physical barriers to liquid movement are disposed in the margins of the article. The elasticized bumpers include an internal barrier structure and an elasticized cover disposed over the internal barrier structure and bonded to one of the margins. In particular embodiments, the elasticized cover is formed of a hydrophobic material, is unadhered to the internal barrier structure, and/or is comprised of elastic strands of variable degrees of power.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a fastening system having first and second buttons bonded to an elastic strap member in respective first and second end regions. The straps are adapted to attach to a garment and maintain the garment in place during use. Reinforcement members are provided within reinforcement zones surrounding the attachment locations of each of the buttons. The reinforcement members locally stabilize the strap member near the attachment locations to minimize or eliminate rolling and twisting of the sides of the strap members during use.

Abstract: A method of making an absorbent article includes the steps of providing a continuous carrier web having opposite side edges and disposing a continuous absorbent web on the continuous carrier web between the side edges Continuous strands of an internal barrier material are disposed on the continuous carrier web with one of the strands being located between the absorbent web and each of the side edges. The continuous carrier web, absorbent web and strands of internal barrier material forming a continuous in-process composite structure which is transversely cut to form a plurality of individual, in-process composite structures. Each individual, in-process composite structure includes an absorbent structure and a pair of internal barrier structures disposed on a carrier sheet. The method also includes disposing the individual, in-process composite structures on a continuous moisture barrier web, and providing a pair of continuous covers.

Abstract: Breathable microporous films are provided having controlled regional breathability with thick high WVTR regions and thinner low WVTR regions. The zoned breathable microporous films can be made by selectively applying heat and pressure to the microporous film such as by feeding a microporous film through a pair of heated nip rollers with one of the rolls having a raised surface area.

Abstract: Monolithic films are provided having controlled regional breathability with high WVTR regions and low WVTR regions. The zoned monolithic films are be made by selectively applying adhesive to the monolithic film.

Abstract: Breathable microporous films are provided having controlled regional breathability with high WVTR regions and thicker low WVTR regions. The zoned breathable microporous films are be made by selectively applying adhesive to the microporous film.

Abstract: Absorbent garments including monolithic backing members are provided having controlled regional breathability with high WVTR regions and low WVTR regions. The zoned monolithic films can be made by selectively applying adhesive to the monolithic film.