Abstract: Absorbent article comprising an optional liquid permeable topsheet, an optional, sometimes liquid impermeable, backsheet, an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and backsheet, if any, and at least one liquid management member which comprises a film having at least one microstructure-bearing hydrophilic surface that promotes rapid directional spreading of liquids, the liquid management member and core being in contact. Also, liquid management members which comprise a film having at least one microstructure-bearing hydrophilic surface that promotes directional spreading of liquids. The surface has a plurality of V-shaped grooves having an angular width of Alpha, Alpha being between about 10° and about 120°. The hydrophilic surface has a contact angle with water of Theta, Theta being equal to or less than (90°−Alpha/2).

Abstract: A web of material has a plurality of stems extending from at least one side of the web. The web includes a first layer of material having a first side and a second side and a second layer of material. The second layer of material has a first side which faces the first side of the first layer and a second side from which the plurality of stems extend. The first and second layers of material are joined together while they are both molten, before either layer has cooled. The first and second layers of material can be formed of thermoplastic material or melt processable polymeric material. A method of making a web of material includes selecting a first material for a first layer of material and selecting a second material for a second layer of material. The first and second layers of material are melt formed. Then, the first and second layers of material are joined while the layers are in the molten state to form a multiple layer sheet.

Abstract: A mushroom-type hook strip for a hook-and-loop fastener has a flexible backing of thermoplastic resin and, integral with backing, an array of upstanding stems distributed across at least one face of the backing, each having a mushroom head. The stems have a molecular orientation as evidenced by a birefringence value of at least 0.001. The mushroom-type hook strip can be produced continuously by injecting resin into cavities of a cylindrical mold while evacuating and cooling the cavities so that the cooled resin becomes molecularly oriented, thus affording to the stems excellent stiffness, durability, and tensile and flexural strength.

Abstract: A mushroom-type hook strip that can be used in a hook-and-loop mechanical fastener. The hook strip comprises a homogeneous backing of thermoplastic resin and, integral with the backing, a high density array of hooks including stems projecting from the backing and circular disc shaped heads at the ends of the stems opposite the backing. The large number, small size, and shape of the heads on the hooks allow them to engage the fibers in conventional types of fabrics and non-woven materials that are not normally used as the loop portions of hook and loop fasteners.

Abstract: Composite films and film laminates comprising at least one elastomeric core and a surrounding nonelastomeric matrix preferably prepared by coextrusion. The film when stretched and allowed to recover will create an elastomeric composite.

Abstract: Composite films and film laminates comprising at least one elastomeric core and a surrounding nonelastomeric matrix preferably prepared by coextrusion. The film when stretched and allowed to recover will create an elastomeric composite.

Abstract: Composite films and film laminates comprising at least one elastomeric core and a surrounding nonelastomeric matrix preferably prepared by coextrusion. The film when stretched and allowed to recover will create an elastomeric composite.

Abstract: A mushroom-type hook strip that can be used in a hook-and-loop mechanical fastener. The hook strip includes a homogeneous backing of thermoplastic resin and, integral with the backing, a high density array of hooks including stems projecting from the backing and circular disc shaped heads at the ends of the stems opposite the backing. The large number, small size, and shape of the heads on the hooks allow them to engage the fibers in conventional types of fabrics and non-woven materials that are not normally used as the loop portions of hook and loop fasteners.

Abstract: Composite films and film laminates comprising at least one elastomeric core and a surrounding nonelastomeric matrix preferably prepared by coextrusion. The film when stretched and allowed to recover will create an elastomeric composite.

Abstract: A mushroom-type hook strip for a hook-and-loop fastener has a flexible backing of thermoplastic resin and, integral with backing, an array of upstanding stems distributed across at least one face of the backing, each having a mushroom head. The stems have a molecular orientation as evidenced by a birefringence value of at least 0.001. The mushroom-type hook strip can be produced continuously by injecting resin into cavities of a cylindrical mold while evacuating and cooling the cavities so that the cooled resin becomes molecularly oriented, thus affording to the stems excellent stiffness, durability, and tensile and flexural strength.

Abstract: A mechanical fastening system for a diaper or like disposable garment of a male mechanical fastening tab (e.g., a hook-type fastener) attached to a corner or edge region of the garment with a mating fibrous web on an opposing corner or edge region. The male mechanical fastening tab creates two areas of attachment, an outward portion extending beyond the first corner or edge region and an inward area extending inward of the first corner or edge region, where both areas of attachment engage the fibrous web on the opposing corner or edge. The male mechanical fastening tab with the fibrous web creates a secure non-rotational attachment using a single fastening tab.

Abstract: A mechanical fastening system for a diaper a like disposable garment of a male mechanical fastening tab (e.g., a hook-type fastener) attached to a corner or edge region of the garment with a mating fibrous web on an opposing corner or edge region. The male mechanical fastening tab creates two areas of attachment, an outward portion extending beyond the first corner or edge region and an inward area extending inward of the first corner or edge region, where both areas of attachment engage the fibrous web on the opposing corner or edge. The male mechanical fastening tab with the fibrous web creates a secure non-rotational attachment using a single fastening tab.

Abstract: A disposable training pant is provided with a mechanical fastening tab permanently sealed to a fibrous web in the side panel portion at a first end. The second end of the mechanical fastening tab is free to adhere to the same or another fibrous web for adjustment of fit and disposability. The first end of the mechanical fastening tab is heat sealed, interlocking the male mechanical fastening element to the fibers of the fibrous web.

Abstract: Absorbent article comprising an optional liquid permeable topsheet, an optional, sometimes liquid impermeable, backsheet, an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and backsheet, if any, and at least one liquid management member which comprises a film having at least one microstructure-bearing hydrophilic surface that promotes rapid directional spreading of liquids, the liquid management member and core being in contact. Also, liquid management members which comprise a film having at least one microstructure-bearing hydrophilic surface that promotes directional spreading of liquids. The surface has a plurality of V-shaped grooves having an angular width of Alpha, Alpha being between about 10.degree. and about 120.degree.. The hydrophilic surface has a contact angle with water of Theta, Theta being equal to or less than (90.degree.-Alpha/2).

Abstract: An elastic strand construction comprising a plurality of spaced ribs separated by thin zones is provided. The elastic strand construction is preferred for applications in disposable garments or the like. A method of manufacturing the preferred elastic strand comprises extrusion of polymeric material through a profiled die or the like. In the alternative, a method of formation comprising extrusion between a profiled roller arrangement is described. A preferred disposable garment construction utilizing elastic strands according to the present invention is described.

Abstract: Inelastic films comprising at least one elastomeric core and a surrounding inelastic matrix preferably prepared by coextrusion. The film when stretched and allowed to recover will create an elastomeric composite.

Abstract: A highly conformable and deformable nonwoven web comprising melt-blown microfibers having multiple layers of a relatively low modulus material and a high modulus material.

Abstract: An elastic strand construction comprising a plurality of spaced ribs separated by thin zones is provided. The elastic strand construction is preferred for applications in disposable garments or the like. A method of manufacturing the preferred elastic strand comprises extrusion of polymeric material through a profiled die or the like. In the alternative, a method of formation comprising extrusion between a profiled roller arrangement is described. A preferred disposable garment construction utilizing elastic strands according to the present invention is described.

Abstract: A refastenable adhesive closure is provided. The closure has a pressure-sensitive adhesive-bearing fastening tab and a target portion, or target strip, having a working face for contact with the adhesive-bearing fastening tab. The working face of the target strip is formed with peaks and valleys, the height of the peaks above the valleys being substantially uniform and from about 40 to 300 .mu.m, the spacing between adjacent peaks being from about 50 to 500 .mu.m, the back face of the target portion being substantially flat, and the thickness of the adhesive layer of the tab being no more than about 90% of the height of the peaks above the valleys. The closure is resistant to contamination by dust and other fine particulate matter and is especially useful for refastenable disposable diaper closures and refastenable envelope closures.

Abstract: Disposable diapers can be manufactured at high production speeds by using for the waistband a heat-shrinkable plastic film that is dimensionally stable at ordinary room temperatures and shrinks in one direction at least 25% within 5 seconds at 54.degree. C. Such a heat-shrinkable plastic film can be made by uniaxially cold-stretching a thin extrudate of a blend of an EVA copolymer and an (A-B) block copolymer of polystyrene and polyisoprene.