Abstract: A disposable absorbent article, such as a diaper, comprising a medium viscosity feces storage material having an improved ability to store in particular medium low viscosity feces.

Abstract: Disclosed are flexible plastic tapes each having at least one rounded edge, a method for forming the rounded edge by the application of heat, and an absorbent article provided with such tapes. The edges are rounded to reduce their sharpness in order to reduce the risk of irritation or injury to a wearer of the absorbent article and/or to any person coming into contact with the tapes. The tapes have a thickness not greater than that at which the edge would be sharp if it were not rounded. The tapes are relatively stiff and formed from a plastic material such as polypropylene or polypropylene copolymer.

Abstract: A disposable sanitary towel (1) comprising an upper layer (5) which is permeable to liquids, a lower impermeable layer (7) and an absorbent member (6) is provided with an intermediate layer (10) located between the upper layer (5) containing the absorbent member (6) and extending around the longitudinal side edges and end edges of the absorbent member (6) so as to distribute the liquid received and to prevent the loss of liquid from the edges of the absorbent member (6).

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article comprising a backsheet, a topsheet, a fluid acquisition/distribution region and at least on fluid storage region, said article having a total product acquisition performance of more than 3.75 ml/sec in the first gush and more than 0.5 ml/sec in the fourth gush and an in bag stack height of less than 9.9 mm, characterized in that said topsheet allows to retain no more them 0.25 g of fluid as measured by the topsheet-on-acquisition-material-wetness test, and that said acquisition/distribution region has a drip capacity of at least 5.0 grams of fluid per gram of material.

Abstract: Described are absorbent members useful in the containment of body liquids such as urine. The storage members have a high capillary suction capacity. For purposes of the present disclosure, capillary suction capacity is measured in terms of the member's ability to uptake liquid at relatively high capillary pressures, which are generally encountered when the member is positioned in an absorbent article. In particular, capillary suction capacity is measured in terms of a member's capillary sorption absorbent capacity, which is measured in accordance with the Capillary Sorption method described in the Test Methods section of the disclosure. The absorbent members may include an osmotic absorbent (preferably a hydrogel-forming absorbent polymer) or a high surface area material, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A coversheet is provided for covering an absorbent body of an absorbent sanitary article. The coversheet is elastic in at least one direction and has perforations which extend therethrough. The coversheet has an upper layer including a nonwoven material intended to face outwardly of the absorbent body, an intermediate layer including an elastic film, and a lower layer including a nonwoven material intended to face towards the absorbent body. The upper and lower layers are connected to the intermediate layer only around the perimeters of the perforations.

Abstract: The invention provides a superabsorbent material which comprises a combination of (1) a cationic superabsorbent in which from 20 to 100% of the functional groups are in basic form, and (2) a cationic exchanger in which from 50 to 100% if the functional groups are in acid form. The combination is particularly effective as a superabsorbent for electrolyte containing solutions such as menses and urine.

Abstract: Disclosed are materials capable of distributing and releasing aqueous fluids, e.g., urine, to a storage material, and absorbent articles comprising such fluid distribution materials. These fluid distribution materials have A) a ratio of capillary desorption height (i.e., height at 50% capacity) to capillary absorption height (i.e., height at 50% capacity) of not more than about 1.8:1; B) a capillary desorption height of not more than about 50 cm; C) the ability to wick synthetic urine at 31.degree. C. to a height of 15 cm in not more than about 25 minutes; and D) a vertical wicking capacity at 15 cm of at least about 6 g/g.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thin, layered, absorbent structure comprising first and second layers of fibrous material and an intermediate layer comprising particles of a hydrogelling, absorbent material, in an amount exceeding 120 g/m.sup.2, and particles of a thermoplastic, polymeric, organic material; the first and second fibrous layers extend beyond the intermediate layer laterally to form longitudinal edge portions. The two fibrous layers are bound together with the intermediate layer between them by the melting of the particles of thermoplastic, polymeric, organic material and by means of a continuous line of adhesive extending longitudinally on each longitudinal edge portion.

Abstract: A resealable pack having a body portion formed substantially of flexible sheet material and defining an article-receiving cavity. The body portion comprises a first end defined by an end wall and tapers to a second end spaced apart from the first end. The body portion also comprises a face in which is defined a dispensing opening. A resealable sealing member is secured to the body portion and, in a closed position, covers the opening in sealing contact with the body portion around the periphery of the opening. A plurality of sheet-form articles is disposed within the cavity in the form of a flattened roll, with one end of the roll being capable of extending through the opening.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article such as a diaper is provided with a continuous upper layer, an absorbent element, an impermeable plastics sheet, elastic parts positioned along the lateral edges to either side of the absorbent element and two elasticized flaps positioned inwardly of the elastic parts. Each flap is formed out of the continuous upper layer by use of an elastic element fixed along its entire length to the inner surface of the continuous layer. The continuous upper layer is liquid-permeable in the zone between the two elastic elements of the flaps and impermeable in the two adjacent zones located between the elastic elements and the lateral edges of the absorbent article.

Abstract: The present invention provides a superabsorbent material which comprises a combination of (1) an anionic superabsorbent in which from 20 to 100% of the functional groups are in free acid form, and (2) an anion exchanger in which from 20 to 100% of the functional groups are in basic form. The combination is particularly effective as a superabsorbent in the case of electrolyte containing solutions such as menses and urine.

Abstract: A synthesis is described for the preparation of cationic polymer materials with a semisynthetic matrix, having superabsorption characteristics towards water and saline solutions. More particularly, cellulose cationic derivatives are described, having superabsorption characteristics, which are obtained starting from cellulose substrates which are reacted with an excess of quaternary ammonium compound in an alkaline medium.

Abstract: A disposable sanitary towel (1) comprising a liquid-permeable upper layer (5), an impermeable lower layer (7) and an absorbent element (6), is provided with an intermediate layer (10) disposed between the upper layer (5) and the absorbent element (6) and extending around the side edges (8) of the absorbent element (6) such that it can distribute the liquid received and prevent losses of liquid from the side edges of the absorbent element (6). The towel (1) is further provided with an absorbent element (6) comprising an improved layer structure.

Abstract: Polymeric polyetheramidoamine hydrogel materials, which are capable of complexing heparin in physiological conditions are herein described. Said materials are useful in the manufacturing of medical devices.

Abstract: Polyetheramidoamine hydrogels consisting of polyetheramidomaine and/or polyamidoamine prepolymers crosslinked by Michael's nuceophilic polyaddition with alpha-omega-diamino monomers or with alpha-omega-diamino monomers or oligomers; said hydrogels having a swelling degree in water higher than 500% and are useful as superabsorbent materials.

Abstract: A thin, layered, absorbent structure comprises first and second layers of fibrous material and an intermediate layer comprising particles of a hydrogelling, absorbent material and particles of a thermoplastic, polymeric, organic material, the first and second fibrous layers extend beyond the intermediate layer laterally to form longitudinal edge portions.The two fibrous layers are bound together with the intermediate layer between them by the melting of the particles of thermoplastic, polymeric, organic material and by means of a continuous line of adhesive extending longitudinally on each longitudinal edge portion.

Abstract: An absorbent element for absorbent articles comprised of hydrophilic fibers and a discontinuous, non-uniform layer of particles of absorbent hydrogelling material arranged on the upper surface of the element includes a deposition zone on which the absorbent hydrogelling material is distributed with an increased surface density.The zone of increased surface density of the absorbent hydrogelling material can preferably be located in different positions suitable for the different anatomical forms of the users, so as to ensure more effective sealing against the backflow of the liquid and thus ensure an improved feeling of dryness.

Abstract: A fibrous composition for absorbent pads which, in addition to cellulose fibers, also contains first and second synthetic polymeric materials. At least the second polymeric material is constituted by synthetic fibers which have a higher melting point than that of the first polymeric material. The fibrous mixture is formed into the desired shape, for example, an absorbent body for disposable sanitary products, by pneumatic means. The absorbent body thus formed is then heat-treated to a temperature higher than the melting point of the first polymeric material but lower than that of the second polymeric material for a period of time so as to melt the first polymeric material and form bonding points or bridges between at least the synthetic fibers which have not melted and which constitute the second polymeric material. The absorbent body is cooled to a temperature such that the first polymeric material sets, bonding at least the synthetic fibers together so as to form a framework containing the cellulose fibers.

Abstract: A package for packs, for example packs of absorbent articles, each pack comprising a plurality of such absorbent articles and a wrapper of flexible material with a carrying handle at the top. The package comprises a plurality of packs disposed side by side and fixed together with adhesive tape, the adhesive tape being detachable without tearing the flexible material. Each handle is capable of supporting the weight of the entire package.