Abstract: A distinctive method and apparatus provide a technique for forming a fastener system. Generally stated, the apparatus includes a supply mechanism for providing along a machine-direction a first web of material having a medial portion thereof. A first assembly mechanism attaches a second web of material to the medial region of the first web along the machine direction to provide a web laminate, and a first parting mechanism separates the web laminate into at least a first laminate section and a second laminate section. Each laminate section includes a portion of the first web and a portion of the second web, and each laminate section has an edge region thereof. A directing mechanism spaces apart the first and second laminate sections, and a delivery mechanism locates a securement web of fastening material between the first and second laminate sections. The securement web has a first side region and a second side region thereof.

Abstract: An article has a fastening system connected thereto, and the fastening system includes a panel member which is composed of a panel material. The panel member has first and second, opposed major facing surfaces, an appointed inboard region, and an appointed outboard region which includes a terminal outboard edge thereof. A reinforcement strip is composed of a reinforcement material, and is laminated to the first surface of the side panel at the outboard region of the side panel. The reinforcement strip has a terminal outboard edge thereof which is coterminous with the outboard edge of the panel member. A fastener tab is laminated to the second surface of the side panel, and has a user-bond region thereof which extends from the panel member. The fastener tab includes first and second, opposed major surfaces, and includes a securing means located on at least one of the major surfaces of the fastener tab.

Abstract: A distinctive technique for forming an elasticized article includes the steps of providing first and second webs of elasticized side panel material. The side panel material is constructed to be elastically stretchable at least along an appointed lateral cross direction. At least one first fastener is attached to the first web of side panel material, and at least one second fastener is attached to the second web of side panel material. A web of bridge material is provided with first and second side edge regions thereof. The first web of side panel material is attached to the first side edge region of the web of bridge material, and the second web of side panel material is attached to the second side edge region of the web of bridge material. The second web of side panel material is arranged to provide a cross-directional alignment between at least one corresponding, laterally opposed pair of the first and second fasteners.

Abstract: Highly absorbent low density fibrous structures such as webs or batts formed from mixtures of powdered or microcrystalline hydrogel preparations with surfactant treated filler materials having a particle size equal to or greater than the hydrogel particle size. Absorbent materials of the invention exhibit good wicking properties and result in more efficient use of hydrogels by minimizing gel blocking. Additional improvements include reduced dusting, improved stabilization and somewhat higher absorbency when compared with hydrogel materials alone. Uses for these materials include, by way of example and not limitation, disposable diapers, incontinent pads, sanitary napkins, wipes, surgical sponges and the like.

Abstract: A catamenial tampon having as the absorbent element a resiliently compressible hydrophilic foam member, including foam-fiber composites, enclosed in an elongate, closed-end sleeve of fluid-permeable sheet material, assembled in a manner to improve withdrawal characteristics after use. The foam member is made up of an oblong rectangular strip of resiliently compressible hydrophilic polyurethane foam curled or rolled up along its length into a shape which proximates that of a hollow right cylinder in which the ends of the curled up foam strip forming the cylinder are in contact or overlap but are free of attachment to each other. The approximate cylindrical shape of the foam member is maintained by confinement inside one end of a loosely-fitting sleeve. The long axis of the sleeve coincides with the axis of the foam cylinder and the sleeve length is substantially greater than the length of the cylinder.