Abstract: An absorbent article is provided for use in the perineal area of the body. Compliant sealing gaskets are pre-formed to extend outward from the central portion of the article. The gaskets may be formed by looping a strip of material so as to form a compliant cuff which bears against the user's body in a comfortable manner. An elastic member placed in tension so as to impart an arcuate shape to the article may be placed inside a cavity formed by the cuff. The gaskets may be applied to an article having wings attached to the central portion so as to form pockets for retaining the elasticized portions of the panty crotch. The proximal ends of the gaskets are disposed outward of the pockets and the distance between the pockets is less than the width of the panty crotch so that the body facing said of the article is placed in tension.

Abstract: An absorbent article is provided for use in the perineal area of the body. Compliant sealing gaskets are pre-formed to extend outward from the central portion of the article. The gaskets may be formed by looping a strip of material so as to form a compliant cuff which bears against the user's body in a comfortable manner. An elastic member placed in tension so as to impart an arcuate shape to the article may be placed inside a cavity formed by the cuff. The gaskets may be applied to an article having wings attached to the central portion so as to form pockets for retaining the elasticized portions of the panty crotch. The proximal ends of the gaskets are disposed outward of the pockets and the distance between the pockets is less than the width of the panty crotch so that the body facing said of the article is placed in tension.

Abstract: A tampon inserter is included in a package of about the size used for conventional digital tampons, without, a decrease in the number of such tampons in the package. The inserter provides an alternate means for insertion of digital and other tampons and may be used as a training device for new users.

Abstract: An absorbent article is provided having an apparatus attached to its garment facing side which allows the article to be attached to, and yet float on, an undergarment and which also serves to distribute the forces imposed on the article by the user's body over a large portion of the article and to transmit the forces to the undergarment, thereby increasing the geometric stability and shape maintenance of the article. The apparatus comprises a semi-rigid elastic frame formed from a thin plastic sheet and having two longitudinally extending members connected by at least one transversely extending member. Inwardly extending tabs for attaching the article to an undergarment are disposed at the mid-point of each longitudinally extending member. The longitudinally and transversely extending members may be pre-formed to give the article an arcuate shape.

Abstract: The invention provides a disposable urinary pad having high liquid impact capacity, high liquid retention, and allows the skin of the wearer to remain dry. The pad is comprised of a liquid-impermeable, substantially flexible shell containing a fibrous web superstructure substantially filling the shell and an absorbent medium between the superstructure and the bottom of the shell.

Abstract: The invention provides a disposable urinary and fecal waste containment product suitable for active adults. The product has a high liquid impact capacity, high liquid retention, contains fecal waste without leakage and allows the skin of the wearer to remain dry. The product has a liquid-impermeable substantially flexible shell containing a superstructure associated with an absorbent medium and a rear portion with a superstructure of three-dimensional characteristics with sufficient friction to prevent movement of fecal matter laterally.

Abstract: An absorbent structure is provided which contains a loosely compacted cellulosic fibrous batt having two reservoirs and a connecting channel. The absorbent structure may be an infant diaper, an adult diaper, a sanitary napkin and incontinence pad or the like.

Abstract: A batt including a major percent of thermo-mechanical wood pulp fibers is stabilized by the inclusion of a minor percent of thermoplastic fibers, which latter fibers are heat fused to one another and to the thermo-mechanical wood pulp fibers at fiber intersections to provide a supporting network which inhibits collapse and agglomeration of the thermo-mechanical wood pulp fibers.

Abstract: An absorbent product is provided having a first fibrous layer in the form of a nonwoven web and a second layer which is discrete from the first layer but united to the first layer. The second layer has a higher capillary pressure than the first layer to provide preferential attraction and wicking of liquid. The layers are corrugated and stabilized to retain the transverse folds when wet.

Abstract: A batt of non-delignified fibers is stabilized by applying ultrasonic energy thereto in narrow compressed lines which aid in distributing liquid within the batt. The fibers are partially delignified at fiber intersections which are hydrogen bonded. Supplementary stabilization may be provided by thermoplastic bond sites.

Abstract: An absorbent batt of non-delignified fibers is stabilized by applying a lignin solvent to an assemblage of such fibers to soften at least 10 percent of the fibers. When the fiber assemblage is compressed and the solvent is removed, the softened lignin of adjacent contacting fibers cause a lignin-to-lignin interfiber bond to occur at the fiber intersection.

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent structure comprising a moisture-impermeable backing, an absorbent batt and a moisture-permeable cover covering at least the side opposite the moisture-impermeable backing. The absorbent batt is of loosely-compacted, cellulosic fibers and is provided with a reservoir having a capacity of at least 10 cc. The reservoir is formed by compression of the fibers in the reservoir zone and is located so that the product, when worn, retains the proper shape.

Abstract: An absorbent structure of loosely compacted cellulosic fibers substantially rectangular in shape having increasing gradient densities from the central portion to each transverse end and methods for making the structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent structure comprising a moisture-impermeable backing, an absorbent batt superimposed thereon and a moisture-permeable cover covering at least the side opposite the backing sheet of the absorbent batt. The absorbent batt contains two reservoirs each formed by compression of the fibers in the reservoir zone. The first reservoir is open toward the cover and the second reservoir is located below the first reservoir and contains particles of superabsorbent.

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent structure for body fluids comprising a moisture-impermeable backing, an absorbent batt superimposed thereon and a moisture-permeable cover covering at least the side of the batt opposite the backing sheet. The absorbent batt contains a reservoir capable of receiving at least 75% of the discharge of body fluid in one second. The reservoir is located in the void zone, is formed by compression of the fibers and contains superabsorbent deposited therein.

Abstract: A method is provided for the stabilization of a high loft, low density, air-laid pad of short length fibers by the formation of a thin, reinforcing layer on a surface thereof. The film is formed by first pretreating a surface of the pad with a light spray (at a level not higher than about 15 cc per sq. meter of the pad) of a solution of a coagulating material for a resin dispersion, and then applying the resin dispersion to the pretreated surface and limiting its penetration into the pad by instant coagulation thereof.