Abstract: An absorbent article has an absorbent composite that includes a water-insoluble fibrous matrix, a superabsorbent polymer composition that has an initial absorbent capacity of at least about 5 grams of saline per gram of superabsorbent polymer composition; and a first triggering mechanism having a first release time of between about 5 and 60 minutes, and a second triggering mechanism. The superabsorbent polymer composition may have a second absorbent capacity that is at least about 25% greater than the first absorbent capacity as measured by the mCRC Test.

Abstract: An absorbent composite includes a water-insoluble fibrous matrix, a superabsorbent polymer composition that has an initial absorbent capacity of at least about 5 grams of saline per gram of superabsorbent polymer composition; and a first triggering mechanism having a first release time of between about 5 and 60 minutes, where the superabsorbent polymer composition has a second absorbent capacity that is at least about 25 % greater than the first absorbent capacity as measured by the mCRC Test.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a liner adapted for contiguous relationship with the wearer's body, an outer cover in generally opposed relationship with the liner, and an absorbent body disposed between the liner and the outer cover. An absorbent structure of the absorbent body has a length, a thickness, a width, a longitudinal axis and a non-uniform lateral compression stiffness across its width. The non-uniform lateral compression stiffness is such that the absorbent structure assumes a pre-determined, or non-random buckled configuration under lateral compression thereof. In one embodiment, the buckled configuration is generally symmetric about a plane normal to the absorbent structure and in which the longitudinal axis of the absorbent structure lies.

Abstract: An absorbent structure and method for making the absorbent structure including an absorbent core made from a matrix of fibers, wherein the matrix is reinforced with a stretchable reinforcing member, such as scrim. The absorbent matrix may be secured to the web of scrim with the scrim in a stretched condition. When the web of scrim is in an unstretched condition, the web of scrim partially gathers the absorbent core to form rugosities on the core. The reinforcing member can have a non-uniform transverse width to conform to the shape of the absorbent core. The absorbent structure can have multiple layers of reinforcing members. The reinforcing member has strands arranged in a pattern to facilitate stretching. A first set of strands can cross a second set of strands at junction in a non-orthogonal relationship.

Abstract: An absorbent composite includes a water-insoluble fibrous matrix, a superabsorbent polymer composition that has an initial absorbent capacity of at least about 5 grams of saline per gram of superabsorbent polymer composition; and a first triggering mechanism having a first release time of between about 5 and 60 minutes, where the superabsorbent polymer composition has a second absorbent capacity that is at least about 25% greater than the first absorbent capacity as measured by the mCRC Test.

Abstract: In a method of evaluating a product worn on a body, a computer based body sub-model of at least a portion of the body is created. A computer based product sub-model of the product is created, at least one parameter of which is variable as a function of fluid loading of the product. A computer based interaction model is also created to define instructions as to how the body sub-model and the product sub-model interact and to further define instructions corresponding to a fluid loading of the product. The body sub-model, the product sub-model and the interaction model are combined in a use model to simulate interaction between the body sub-model and the product sub-model in response to fluid loading of the product. The use model is evaluated to determine the performance of at least one product feature of the product in response to fluid loading of the product.

Abstract: An absorbent structure can include a matrix of fibers, wherein the matrix is reinforced with a reinforcing member, such as scrim. The scrim is secured to the fibrous matrix by entanglement of fibers with the scrim and entanglement of fibers in the matrix from opposite sides of the scrim with each other. The scrim layer can be restricted to a longitudinally extending, medial region of the absorbent. In a particular arrangement, the scrim has a cross-directional width dimension which is less than a narrowest width dimension of the fibrous matrix. The scrim can be located between two, opposed, major surfaces of the fibrous matrix. The scrim has a reduced stiffness in the cross direction which promotes fit and comfort of the absorbent structure as incorporated into a disposable absorbent garment.

Abstract: Absorbent articles including an absorbent core having multiple absorbent layers. The absorbent layers interact in a manner which desirably locates absorbed liquid in an appointed, high saturation wicking layer. The localization of the liquid within this wicking layer increases the potential of this layer to move liquid through capillary action due to the higher saturation level and increased amount of liquid available. The intake capability of the absorbent system is maintained or improved over current systems by keeping a second layer of the absorbent system at low saturation levels through as many insults of the absorbent article as possible, while providing enhanced intake performance through appropriate control of the composite properties.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article having a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The article includes an operative, liquid impermeable backsheet, an operative, liquid permeable top sheet connected to the backsheet, and a multi-layer absorbent body positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent body further includes an airlaid, stabilized, first absorbent layer having a first absorbent surface having a first absorbent area, and containing a quantity of absorbent fibers, a quantity of superabsorbent material and a quantity of thermally activated binder material. The absorbent body further includes a second absorbent layer located adjacent the first absorbent layer, the second absorbent layer having a second absorbent surface having a second absorbent area, and containing a quantity of absorbent fibers and a quantity of superabsorbent material, where the first absorbent area is less than the second absorbent area.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a liner adapted for contiguous relationship with the wearer's body, an outer cover in generally opposed relationship with the liner, and an absorbent body disposed between the liner and the outer cover. An absorbent structure of the absorbent body has a length, a thickness, a width, a longitudinal axis and a non-uniform lateral compression stiffness across its width. The non-uniform lateral compression stiffness is such that the absorbent structure assumes a pre-determined, or non-random buckled configuration under lateral compression thereof. In one embodiment, the buckled configuration is generally symmetric about a plane normal to the absorbent structure and in which the longitudinal axis of the absorbent structure lies.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprises a first, liquid-permeable carrier layer and at least a second carrier layer. A carrier attaching mechanism secures together the carrier layers to provide substantially attached zones and a multiplicity of substantially unattached zones thereof. The substantially unattached zones provide a plurality of pocket regions, and high-absorbency material is located within the pocket regions to provide an absorbent laminate having a laminate length and a laminate width. A selected plurality of the pocket regions can, for example, be configured with an elongate shape having a major axis length and a relatively shorter minor axis width. The selected plurality of elongate pocket regions is included within a dispersed pocket array having a non-contiguous, labyrinth configuration of pockets.

Abstract: Generally stated, the present invention provides a distinctive absorbent article comprising a backsheet layer, and a topsheet layer which is disposed in facing relation with the backsheet layer. An absorbent body is interposed between the backsheet layer and topsheet layer. The absorbent body includes a retention portion which comprises a matrix of substantially hydrophilic fibers having a distribution of high-absorbency particulate material therein. The hydrophilic fibers and high-absorbency particles can be provided in a fiber-to-particle weight ratio within the range of about 70:30 to about 30:70. A surge management layer, comprising bicomponent fibers having a denier of not more than about 3 d, is located adjacent at least one major, facing surface of the topsheet layer, and can cooperate with the article components to provide for a liquid Penetration Rate index of not less than about 2.67 ml/sec.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprises a first, liquid-permeable carrier layer and at least a second carrier layer. A water sensitive attaching mechanism secures together the carrier layers to provide substantially attached zones and substantially unattached zones thereof. The substantially unattached zones provide a plurality of pocket regions, and a high absorbency material is located within the pocket regions to provide an absorbent laminate. A secondary attaching mechanism secures together the carrier layers along selected secondary attachment regions and provides a substantially water-insensitive connection therebetween. The secondary attachment regions are substantially restricted to locations spaced from the pocket regions.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprises a first, liquid-permeable carrier layer and at least a second carrier layer. A carrier attaching mechanism, such as a water-sensitive adhesive, secures together the carrier layers to provide substantially attached zones and a multiplicity of substantially unattached zones thereof. The substantially unattached zones provide a plurality of pocket regions, and a high-absorbency material is located within the pocket regions to provide an absorbent laminate. Matrix fibers are dispersed within the high-absorbency material in the pocket regions, and the matrix fibers are present in a selected amount which, in particular aspects of the invention, can be within the range of about 0.1-10 weight percent, as determined with respect to the total weight of the absorbent material contained in the pockets.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprises a first, liquid-permeable carrier layer and at least a second carrier layer. A water sensitive attaching mechanism secures together the carrier layers to provide substantially attached zones and substantially unattached zones thereof. The substantially unattached zones provide a plurality of pocket regions, and a high absorbency material is located within the pocket regions to provide an absorbent laminate.

Abstract: A distinctive absorbent article includes an absorbent body composed of a substantially hydrophilic material which is capable of absorbing a selected liquid. A liquid permeable topsheet layer composed of a substantially hydrophobic material is superposed in facing relation with said absorbent body and has an effective average pore size therein. A liquid permeable transport layer is located between the topsheet layer and the absorbent body, and is composed of a material which is less hydrophilic than the absorbent body and has an effective average pore size therein which is smaller than the pore size of the topsheet layer.

Abstract: An improved absorbent article includes a layer of absorbent material which has a length, a width and a thickness. Particles of superabsorbent material are distributed within the absorbent material layer, and these superabsorbent particles are disposed to form a substantially continuous, non-step-wise, positive concentration gradient of superabsorbent through at least a portion of the thickness of the absorbent layer.