Abstract: The present invention pertains, in a preferred embodiment, to a fluid-pervious web comprising a first or wearer-contacting surface and a second or garment-facing surface. The web is particularly well suited for use as a topsheet on a disposable absorbent article. The first and second surfaces are separated from one another by an intermediate portion. The first surface of the web provides a structure which exhibits a surface energy less than the surface energy of the intermediate portion. In a preferred embodiment, the web exhibits a plurality of regions of comparatively low surface energy which define surface energy gradients where they interface with higher surface energy web surfaces. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a fluid-pervious web having a plurality of small-scale surface energy gradients which are oriented and located so as to effectively transport fluid away from the first or wearer-contacting surface.

Abstract: The present invention pertains, in a preferred embodiment, to a fluid-pervious web comprising a first or wearer-contacting surface and a second or garment-facing surface. The web is particularly well suited for use as a topsheet on a disposable absorbent article. The first and second surfaces are separated from one another by an intermediate portion. The first surface of the web provides a structure which exhibits a surface energy less than the surface energy of the intermediate portion. In a preferred embodiment, the web exhibits a plurality of regions of comparatively low surface energy which define surface energy gradients where they interface with higher surface energy web surfaces. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a fluid-pervious web having a plurality of small-scale surface energy gradients which are oriented and located so as to effectively transport fluid away from the first or wearer-contacting surface.

Abstract: The present invention pertains, in a preferred embodiment, to a fluid-pervious web comprising a first or wearer-contacting surface and a second or garment-facing surface. The web is particularly well suited for use as a topsheet on a disposable absorbent article. The first and second surfaces are separated from one another by an intermediate portion. The first surface of the web provides a structure which exhibits a surface energy less than the surface energy of the intermediate portion. In a preferred embodiment, the web exhibits a plurality of regions of comparatively low surface energy which define surface energy gradients where they interface with higher surface energy web surfaces. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a fluid-pervious web having a plurality of small-scale surface energy gradients which are oriented and located so as to effectively transport fluid away from the first or wearer-contacting surface.

Abstract: The present invention pertains, in a preferred embodiment, to a fluid-pervious web comprising a first or wearer-contacting surface and a second or garment-facing surface. The web is particularly well suited for use as a topsheet on a disposable absorbent article. The first and second surfaces are separated from one another by an intermediate portion. The first surface of the web provides a structure which exhibits a surface energy less than the surface energy of the intermediate portion. In a preferred embodiment, the web exhibits a plurality of regions of comparatively low surface energy which define surface energy gradients where they interface with higher surface energy web surfaces. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a fluid-pervious web having a plurality of small-scale surface energy gradients which are oriented and located so as to effectively transport fluid away from the first or wearer-contacting surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for making laminate materials, and more particularly the present invention relates to a method for making laminate materials having a capillary zone or passageway to acquire, move and/or store fluid within the laminate material. Such laminate materials are particularly suitable for use as a topsheet, an acquisition layer and/or an absorbent core in absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, catamenials, sanitary napkins, bandages, incontinent briefs and the like.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a laminate material. The laminate material includes a first sheet and a second sheet spaced apart from one another by spacers to define a capillary zone for the capillary movement of fluid between the first and second sheets. The spacers connect the first sheet and the second sheet together to form the laminate material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a resilient, fluid-pervious, laminate, plastic web suitable for use as a topsheet on absorbent articles, especially catamenial articles. The web includes a first layer of polymeric material, a second layer of polymeric material and an intermediate layer of fibrous material. The fibrous material of the intermediate layer extends below the second surface of the web, preferably into the absorbent core. In-use, fluid deposited on the topsheet drains or empties more readily as the fibrous material of the intermediate layer breaks up the fluid meniscuses which form along the second surface of the web, thereby providing improved dryness and cleanliness for the user.

Abstract: Disclosed are abrasive wiping articles, e.g., nonwoven, preferably paper towels, which comprise an absorbant nonwoven substrate having printed thereon a cured scrubbing bead mixture which comprises a) certain carboxylated, ionically-charged polymeric abrasive particles, b) a carboxyl group-containing polymeric adhesive material, and c) an amino-epichlorohydrin, e.g., Kymene.RTM., cross-linking agent. The polymeric abrasive particles range in size from about 20 to 400 microns and have a Knoop hardness of from about 4 to 25. The polymeric adhesive material, upon curing, has a Knoop hardness of from about 0.5 to 17.Preferred wiping articles of the foregoing type have a pattern of the scrubbing bead mixture printed onto from about 20% to 70% of the surface area of a paper substrate with the abrasive particles affixed to the substrate in such a manner that their exposed portion extends for a distance of from about 40 to 300 microns above the surface of the paper substrate.