Abstract: The present invention provides a package containing absorbent articles and inserts. The package includes at least one first absorbent article having a predetermined absorbent capacity, and at least one insert. When the insert is joined with the absorbent article, either before being placed in the package or by the caretaker before being placed on the wearer, the insert and the first absorbent article together form a combined absorbent article having an absorbent capacity which is greater than the absorbent capacity of the first absorbent article.

Abstract: A method for making an absorbent article having a transverse partition including the following steps: a) providing a first web of barrier leg cuff material having a generally uniform width in a machine direction; b) providing a second webs of barrier leg cuff material in a machine direction generally parallel to the first web of barrier leg cuff material; c) activating at least a portion of said first webs so as to provide an activated region which is extensible in at least said lateral direction; d) providing a transverse partition having a proximal edge and a distal edge; e) joining at least a portion of the transverse partition adjacent the distal edge to the first webs of barrier leg cuff material adjacent to the activated region of the first web of barrier leg cuff material; f) providing a third web of topsheet material; g) joining at least a portion of each of the first and second webs of leg cuff material to the third web of topsheet material; h) providing a fourth web including an absorbent material d

Abstract: The present invention provides a package containing absorbent articles having differing absorbent capacities. The package includes at least one first absorbent article packaged within the package and having a predetermined absorbent capacity, and at least one second absorbent article packaged within the package and having a predetermined absorbent capacity. The absorbent capacity of the second absorbent article is greater than the absorbent capacity of the first absorbent article.

Abstract: The method relates to functional absorbent materials that are profiled through cutting and heating to form flow channels, and in one embodiment to form bellows which rise above the flow channels. Additionally, the flow channels which are partially cut into an absorbent material may also function as hinge means for that material as regards bending and conformity of fit. In one embodiment, functional absorbent material is provided with discrete heating and cutting, e.g., by a laser, by which channels and bellows are simultaneously formed. In another embodiment using a discrete heating and cutting means, e.g., a laser, is used to provide channels partially through the surface of a functional absorbent material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making stretchable absorbent diaper articles. An absorbent material is provided and entangled with a stretchable material to form a stretchable network incorporating the absorbent material. In one embodiment a plurality of foam absorbent material particulates are drawn or accelerated by gravity, vacuum or forced air through a stream of a meltblown adhesive that contacts and entangles the particulates and forms a stretchable network incorporating the particulates.

Abstract: Absorbent articles to be fitted to wearers, such as disposable diapers, incontinence briefs, diaper holders and the like with improved fastening system and waistband features that provide sustained dynamic fit about the waist of a wearer as well as improved containment characteristics.

Abstract: Absorbent structures are disclosed which contain specific, relatively narrow, particle size distributions of superabsorbent hydrogel-forming materials. The absorbent structures of the present invention are useful in disposable absorbent articles such as diapers, adult incontinence pads, and the like. The absorbent articles of the present invention comprise a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet joined to the topsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and backsheet. At least a portion of the absorbent core comprises particles of substantially water-insoluble, absorbent hydrogel-forming, polymer material formed by solution polymerization methods. The particles of the hydrogel-forming, polymer material are of such size that at least about 80% of said particles, by weight, will pass through a U.S. Standard 50 mesh sieve with 297 micron openings and be retained on a U.S.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a diaper, sanitary napkin, adult incontinence device which has absorbent components comprised of blends of different types of fibers is provided. The absorbent components are arranged in structures that provide improved core integrity and liquid processing. The absorbent article preferably comprises a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet joined to the topsheet, an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, and an acquisition layer overlying the absorbent core. The absorbent core comprises a blend of cellulosic fibers, absorbent gelling material, and fibers such as crimped synthetic fibers that form liquid stable bonds with adjacent layers. The acquisition layer also comprises at least some fibers that form liquid stable bonds with adjacent layers. The fibers that form liquid stable bonds in the absorbent core and the acquisition layer are bonded to liquid stable components.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a diaper, sanitary napkin, adult incontinence device which has absorbent components comprised of blends of different types of fibers is provided. The absorbent components are arranged in structures that provide improved core integrity and liquid processing. The absorbent article preferably comprises a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet joined to the topsheet, an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, and an acquisition layer overlying the absorbent core. The absorbent core comprises a blend of cellulosic fibers, absorbent gelling material, and fibers such as crimped synthetic fibers that form liquid stable bonds with adjacent layers. The acquisition layer also comprises at least some fibers that form liquid stable bonds with adjacent layers. The fibers that form liquid stable bonds in the absorbent core and the acquisition layer are bonded to liquid stable components.

Abstract: An integral disposable absorbent article such as a diaper provided with an absorbent core, a liquid impervious backsheet, an elastically contractible gasketing cuff preferably formed by a gasketing flap and a flap elastic member, a barrier cuff having a flap portion and a channel portion comprising a proximal edge and a distal edge, and a liquid pervious topsheet. The topsheet extends outwardly toward the edge of the absorbent core and terminates inwardly of the proximal edge. A seal means for adjoining the proximal edge to the gasketing flap is positioned along the proximal edge so as to provide a leakage-resistant seal along the proximal edge. The barrier cuffs may be provided with spacing means for spacing the distal edges away from the liquid-receiving surface so as to enhance the containment characteristics of the barrier cuffs.

Abstract: Disposable diapers having liquid impermeable waistshields and elastically expansible waistbands. The waistshields and waistbands are formed of a single--unitary--liquid impermeable material. In preferred embodiments, the waistshield/waistband is formed of a material which has a heat unstable state and a heat stable and elastic state. In diapers ready for use, the waistband portion is relatively more heat stable and elastic than the waistshield portion.