Abstract: Disclosed are disposable cleansing articles (1) which comprise a multi-phase, multi-component emulsion (5) and an activation web (2) that facilitates activation of the emulsion during use. In a preferred embodiment, the multi-phase emulsion is a high internal phase inverse emulsion having a continuous external lipid phase and a discontinuous internal polar phase. During use, the activation web facilitates breakage of the emulsion's external phase, thereby releasing the internal phase for its desired use. Because the internal liquid phase may account for up to about 97% of the emulsion, significant levels of fluid (e.g., water or a polar liquid) may be delivered from a “dry” wipe.

Abstract: An absorbent core for use in an absorbent article for absorbing discharged bodily fluid comprises a first absorbent material dispersed throughout the core, and a second absorbent material provided in a discrete strip, and substantially surrounded by the first absorbent material. An apparatus and method for producing such cores comprises a mold support advanceable in a predetermined direction and having at least one mold therein, and a tubular conduit for the second material alignably positioned such that a portion of the conduit will pass through at least a portion of the mold as the mold support is advanced. The mold support may comprise a forming drum or a forming belt. The tubular conduit has a distal end through which the second absorbent material may be expelled.

Abstract: An absorbent core for use in an absorbent article for absorbing discharged bodily fluid includes a first absorbent material dispersed throughout the core, and a second absorbent material provided in a discrete strip, and substantially surrounded by the first absorbent material. An apparatus and method for producing such cores includes a mold support advanceable in a predetermined direction and having at least one mold therein, and a tubular conduit for the second material alignably positioned such that a portion of the conduit will pass through at least a portion of the mold as the mold support is advanced. The mold support may include a forming drum or a forming belt. The tubular conduit has a distal end through which the second absorbent material may be expelled.

Abstract: An absorbent article useful for absorbing bodily fluids discharged by the wearer of the article is provided. The absorbent article comprises a fluid pervious topsheet, a fluid impervious backsheet affixed to the topsheet, an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, and a resilient tubular member disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet for transporting the fluids to a predetermined region of the core. The tubular member has a plurality of fluid inlets and a plurality of fluid outlets, the inlets and outlets providing fluid communication between the interior and exterior of the tubular member. Discharged fluids may be transported from regions adjacent the inlets into the interior of the tubular member, and thereafter through the outlets to the predetermined regions of the core adjacent the outlets, thereby rapidly transporting the fluids to the predetermined region of the core.