Abstract: A disposable absorbent article, and a method of manufacture of the disposable absorbent article, which better contains fecal material within the article, and which prevents leakage of fecal material out of the article, and/or prevents movement of fecal material from the anal region to the genital region is described herein. The absorbent article utilizes barrier cuffs, an absorbent core, and a topsheet with at least one cut in the intermediate region of the absorbent article such that part of the intermediate region of the topsheet is lifted out of the plane of the rest of the topsheet by the barrier cuffs. The lifted portion forms a transverse barrier and a pocket between the topsheet and the absorbent core.

Abstract: This invention provides a process and apparatus (38) for the manufacture of disposable absorbent cores from a continuous web (40), wherein a plurality of first and second core elements (40a, 40b) are cut from the same continuous web (40). The object of the invention is achieved by rotating each of first and second core elements (40a, 40b) about axes perpendicular to the plane of the core element and subsequently combining a first core element (40a) and a second core element (40b) in proximal relationship to form the absorbent core. Preferably each of the first and second core elements (40a, 40b) are rotated through 90° in mutually counter-rotating directions.

Abstract: The invention provides a process and apparatus for the manufacture of disposable absorbent articles comprising the application of discrete web panels (40a, 40b) to a receiving web (1), wherein a plurality of first web panels (40a) and second web panels (40b) are cut from the same continuous web (40), and wherein the process comprises the steps of: cutting the continuous web (40) to form at least a first web panel (40a) and a second web panel (40b); rotating the second web panel (40); and applying the first web panel (40a) and the second web panel (40b) to the receiving web (1).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for applying discrete portions (10) of a web material onto a receiving web (7) comprising: a primary axis of rotation and an attachment zone to an average radial distance, R1, from the primary axis of rotation; transfer elements (6) rotatable about the axis, the transfer elements receiving a second web (2) at a radial distance, R2, from the primary axis wherein the radial distance R1, is greater than the radial distance R2; a means for displacing the transfer elements (6) so that the second web (2) is moved immediately adjacent to the attachment zone; and an attachment surface (10) rotatable about the primary axis and through the attachment zone, for transporting the receiving web (7) about the primary axis, whereby discrete portions (10) of the second web (2) are attached to the receiving web (7) in the attachment zone, forming a composite web comprising the receiving web (7) and discrete portions (10) of the second web (2).

Abstract: The object of the invention is achieved by an apparatus (10) comprising a plurality of means for forming web loops (101), each means for forming web loops being positioned between adjacent web support plates (20), wherein each of the web support surfaces lies in an arc, the arcs lying around the circumference of a circular path, and wherein the web support surfaces and means for forming web loops (101) are rotatably mounted about the axis of the circular path. In a prefered embodiment of the invention, the means for forming web loops (101) is provided by rotatably driving the web support plates (20) around the circular path with a circumferential velocity, wherein the circumferential velocity is varied between a minimum circumferential velocity and a maximum circumferential velocity so that the distance between adjacent web support plates (20) varies between a minimum distance and a maximum distance.

Abstract: A disposable diaper comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and backsheet. The topsheet and backsheet define a periphery and longitudinal edges, portions of the longitudinal edges define leg openings when the diaper is worn. The diaper has a discrete edge seal folded about and joined to the longitudinal edges at least at the portions defining leg openings when the diaper is worn. An apparatus for affixing a discrete edge seal onto a portion of a longitudinal edge of a continuous web and methods for affixing a affixing discrete edge seal onto a predetermined portion of a longitudinal edge of a continuous web are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a process comprising the steps of: feeding a web into a web transfer apparatus (1) at a first speed (V1); cutting a web portion (101) off the web (100); and accelerating the web portion (101) to the speed (V2) of a receiving web (200), separating the web portion (101) into at least a first web portion (102) and a second web portion (103) by means of at least a second cut; moving the web portions (102, 103) relative to each other so that they are spaced apart; and applying each of the spaced apart web portions (102, 103) to the receiving web (200).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for activating a web, such as a web of interconnected disposable absorbent articles. The web is fed in a first direction to an activation system which includes a central disc and at least one outer disc. The central disc has a top surface and a pair of opposing side surfaces. The side surfaces of the central disc have activation tools located thereon while the outer disc includes complementary activation tools, The web is folded about the central disc such that a first zone of the web is positioned adjacent the top surface and a second zone of the web is positioned adjacent one of the side surfaces. The activation tool of the outer disc is then engaged with the activation tool of the central disc. The activation tool of the outer disc is then disengaged from the activation tool of the central disc. The activated web is then removed from the central disc.

Abstract: A disposable pull-on diaper (10) comprising an outer surface, an inner surface, a front portion (11), a rear portion (12), a crotch portion (13), each of said front portion (11) and said rear portion (12) having side panels with side edges (14), and overlapping side seams (15) which join together said side panels of said front portion (11) and said rear portion (12) to form leg openings (16) and a waist area characterized in that at least one side flap (17) is disposed outboard of each of the side edges (14) of said side panels forming the outermost portion of said overlapping side seams (15).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing tape tabs for use in disposable absorbent articles such as diapers. The method includes steps of cutting a unitary strip of material along parallel curved transverse lines to product tab shapes in the strip material having rounded corners, doubling over the strip material into itself to form a gripping area, and cutting the strip material along parallel cut lines which extend from the curved transverse cut lines to the longitudinal edge to form individual tape tabs.

Abstract: A method of joining at least two webs (11, 12), said webs (11, 12) being porous and comprising meltable components, said webs (11, 12) being arranged in an adjacent manner to form a web structure (10), said web structure (10) comprising outer surfaces (13, 14) and an area of overlap (15) between said webs (11, 12); said method characterized by the steps of: 1) sufficiently heating a fluid to enable at least a partial melting of said meltable components; 2) directing a high speed jet of said heated fluid towards at least one of said outer surfaces (13, 14); 3) allowing said fluid to penetrate said webs (11, 12) at discrete locations; and 4) allowing said fluid to circulate in said webs (11, 12) to at least partially melt said meltable components. In another aspect of the invention, a disposable absorbent article Is made according to the method described herein.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprising: a backsheet having a user-facing side, a garnent-facing side, two longitudinal sides, a first transverse edge, a first waist region located along the first transverse edge, a second transverse edge, and a second waist region located along the second transverse edge. The absorbent article includes an inner layer covering at least a part of the user-facing side of the backsheet, an absorbent core located adjacent the user facing side of the backsheet, and a mechanical fastening system. The fastening system comprises at least one hook-type fastening member located in the second waist region and extending transversely beyond one longitudinal side, and an extensible landing member located in the first waist region for mechanically engaging with the hook-type fastening member. The landing member is formed from an extension of the inner layer which extends beyond the front transverse edge of the backsheet.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprising: a backsheet having a user-facing side, a garment-facing side, two longitudinal sides, a first transverse edge, a first waist region located along the first transverse edge, a second transverse edge, and a second waist region located along the second transverse edge. The absorbent article includes an inner layer covering at least a part of the user-facing side of the backsheet, an absorbent core located adjacent the user facing side of the backsheet, and a mechanical fastening system. The fastening system comprises at least one hook-type fastening member located in the second waist region and extending transversely beyond one longitudinal side, and an extensible landing member located in the first waist region for mechanically engaging with the hook-type fastening member. The landing member is formed from an extension of the inner layer which extends beyond the front transverse edge of the backsheet.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprising: a backsheet having a user-facing side, a garment-facing side, two longitudinal sides, a first transverse edge, a first waist region located along the first transverse edge, a second transverse edge, and a second waist region located along the second transverse edge. The absorbent article includes an inner layer covering at least a part of the user-facing side of the backsheet, an absorbent core located adjacent the user facing side of the backsheet, and a mechanical fastening system. The fastening system comprises at least one hook-type fastening member located in the second waist region and extending transversely beyond one longitudinal side, and an extensible landing member located in the first waist region for mechanically engaging with the hook-type fastening member. The landing member is formed from an extension of the inner layer which extends beyond the front transverse edge of the backsheet.

Abstract: In an absorbent article (20) a mechanical fastening system (24) is provided wherein the landing member (64) comprises a loop-type material. The landing member (64) is elastically extensible in the direction of the front transverse edge by at least 5 percent, preferably at least 30 percent, so that it allows for elastic contraction and expansion of the front waist region (94). The landing member may be of extensible material and may be formed by the topsheet material (26) which projects beyond the transverse edge of the backsheet (30) or topsheet material (26) which is doubled over at the front waist region (94). Alternatively, the backsheet comprises a front waist section of different material than the back waist section (98). A separate elastic element may be associated with the landing member, or the landing member itself may be of stretchable loop-type material.

Abstract: The invention relates to an absorbent article having two hook-type fastening members and a loop-type landing member in the front waist region, which is formed by a doubled over part of an inner layer that is located on the user facing side of the backsheet. The doubled over inner layer may for instance be comprised of the topsheet and may extend beyond the front transverse edge of the backsheet or may be co-extensive with the backsheet. The front waist region is maintained in a doubled over configuration by attachment means.

Abstract: A mechanical fastening system for an absorbent article including a landing member comprising a loop-type material wherein the loop-type material underlies the backsheet. The absorbent article includes at least one cut-out section in the backsheet through which the loop-type material is exposed. The landing member may be a part of the fastening system for attaching the article on a wearer or may be a part of a disposal system for maintaining the diaper in a rolled-up disposal configuration.

Abstract: An absorbent article is comprised of two hook-type fastening members and a loop member for mechanically engaging with the hook-type members. The easily manufactured landing member, a section of the backsheet, is of low bulk and can be elastically contracted and extended.

Abstract: An absorbent article according to the invention comprises a mechanical fastening system having hook-type fastening members and a loop-type landing member. The landing member is formed by a fibrous layer extending on at least a part of the user-facing side of the backsheet and extending beyond the front peripheral edge of the backsheet.

Abstract: A method for forming an undergarment comprises the steps of transporting a two-dimensional web in a substantially flattened position on a transport device, cutting the web along a transverse edge to form a two-dimensional pre-form, gripping the pre-form adjacent each waist section with a gripping device in four gripping areas, jointly rotating at least the gripping means which hold the gripping areas in the region of the first transverse edge of the pre-form around a first axis of rotation extending substantially parallel to the transverse edges of the pre-form, rotating each gripping device around a respective axis of rotation extending generally parallel to the longitudinal sides of the pre-form to place the sealing areas located along the same longitudinal side in a contacting relationship, joining the superimposed sealing areas in a sealing unit, and releasing the undergarment from the gripping device. The apparatus comprises an umbrella-type mechanism.