Abstract: The present invention provides for a method for producing a shaped tampon. The method includes the following steps: providing a mold having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first end, a second end, and an opening located in said second end; providing a tampon pledget; transferring said tampon pledget through said opening into said second end of said mold using a transfer member resulting in a tampon mold; self-sustaining said shaped tampon wherein said shaped tampon has an undercut; and removing said shaped tampon from said tampon mold.

Abstract: An embossing and adhesive application process including the steps of: applying an adhesive to a first patterned embossing roll which is engaged with a second patterned embossing roll having a complementary pattern to the first embossing roll; passing a web of sheet material between the first and second embossing rolls at a tangential line speed to simultaneously emboss the web and direct the adhesive against the web; and splitting the adhesive such that at least some of the adhesive remains on the first embossing roll and some of the adhesive remains on the web to form an adhesive pattern between embossments on the web.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method for producing a shaped tampon. The method includes the following steps: providing a mold having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first end, a second end, and an opening located in said second end; providing a tampon pledget; transferring said tampon pledget through said opening into said second end of said mold using a transfer member resulting in a tampon mold; self-sustaining said shaped tampon wherein said shaped tampon has an undercut; and removing said shaped tampon from said tampon mold.

Abstract: An embossing and adhesive application process including the steps of: applying an adhesive to a first patterned embossing roll which is engaged with a second patterned embossing roll having a complementary pattern to the first embossing roll; passing a web of sheet material between the first and second embossing rolls at a tangential line speed to simultaneously emboss the web and direct the adhesive against the web; and splitting the adhesive such that at least some of the adhesive remains on the first embossing roll and some of the adhesive remains on the web to form an adhesive pattern between embossments on the web.

Abstract: A method for aperturing a laminate. The first step is to provide a laminate having at least one nonwoven web of thermoplastic fibers and at least one elastic member. The laminate is forwarded through a pressure biased nip having a relief patterned nip defining member having a plurality of pattern elements and a nip defining anvil member. The nip defining members are biased towards each other with a predetermined pattern-element loading. Each nip defining member is heated to a temperature that is sufficiently above the melt temperature of the thermoplastic fibers of the nonwoven web and above the melt temperature of the elastic member to enable aperturing of the laminate.

Abstract: Absorbent articles having side panels that provide inflected barrier cuffs which promotes better containment and fit. The absorbent articles comprise a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet; a side panel extending laterally from each longitudinal edge of the absorbent article and having a proximal edge, a distal edge and a fold intermediate the distal edge and the proximal edge; spacing means for spacing the distal edge away from the liquid-receiving surface (topsheet) of the absorbent article; and a closing means for securing the distal edges inboard of the proximal edges in the front waist region. The fold of the side panel is secured inboard of the proximal edges in the front waist region and is disposed outboard of the proximal edge in the rear waist region when fitted to the wearer.