Abstract: An absorbent pad effectively adapted for use as an adult diaper or, in a slightly different version, to be worn as an absorbent disposable pad within reusable panties. The product includes a liquid impervious backing sheet, a liquid permeable upper facing sheet adhered to the backing sheet about the edges thereof and an intermediate absorbent pad combination comprising upper and lower tissue layers and a paper fluff filler mat sandwiched together with a pair of spatially separated barrier strips that are positioned parallel to each other along the sides of the article between the two tissue layers. The plies of the tissue layers are formed with a crepe-like irregular surface oriented to develop a wicking action directed along the layers in a transverse direction, toward the absorbent barrier strips.

Abstract: An absorbent pad for use with meat and poultry products in retail sale packages has a laminated tissue absorbent mat sandwiched and sealed between upper and lower plastic sheets. The pad is perforated by penetration of perforating pins entirely through the pad to develop a series of holes for the passage of liquid from the meat package into the absorbent mat inside the pad. A myriad of outwardly projecting tufts of tissue material are developed along the underside of the pad by the perforating pins. These tufts develop a wicking effect which enhances the capillary action of the tissue layers inside the pad. Methods of fabrication of the individual pads and continuous linear absorbent sheet material are also disclosed.

Abstract: An absorbent underpad for use on an article of bedding includes a liquid impervious backing sheet, a liquid permeable upper facing sheet adhered to the backing sheet about the edges thereof, and an interior absorbent pad combination comprising upper and lower tissue layers generally coextensive with the boundarees of the underpad, a pair of spatially separated barrier strips formed of super-absorbent material between the tissue layers, and a non-woven transfer layer along the central region of the upper tissue layer adjacent the upper facing sheet. The plies of the tissue layer are formed with a crepe-like irregular surface oriented to develop a wicking action directed along the layers in a transverse direction, toward the absorbent barrier strips.

Abstract: An absorptive laminated sheet material having improved, moisture-resistant, pressure bonded spots for locking the lamination layers together. During fabrication of the laminated product, a thermoplastic low-viscosity wax-like substance, such as melted wax or paraffin, hot melt plastic or the like, is applied in minute amounts onto juncture lines of pressure bonded spots formed in the pads. The thermoplastic material penetrates the layers of the laminated product so that, on cooling, it forms a "wax rivet" at each bonded spot, thus providing added strength for the juncture lines and rendering the layers impervious to absorbed liquid at the points of application.

Abstract: An absorptive laminated sheet material having improved, moisture-resistant, pressure bonded spots for locking the lamination layers together. During fabrication of the laminated product, a thermoplastic low-viscosity wax-like substance, such as melted wax or paraffin, hot melt plastic or the like, is applied in minute amounts onto juncture lines of pressure bonded spots formed in the pads. The thermoplastic material penetrates the layers of the laminated product so that, on cooling, it forms a "wax rivet" at each bonded spot, thus providing added strength for the juncture lines and rendering the layers impervious to absorbed liquid at the points of application.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of operation for automatically folding obstetrical pads into a so-called three-fold configuration which occupies approximately 40% less volume than two-fold pads of the prior art. The obstetrical pads, as fabricated, have two opposed, elongated tab portions extending beyond the pad proper, and the pad is folded by the apparatus so that these tab portions are juxtaposed adjacent one another in order to facilitate removal of the pad from its package and provide enhanced convenience in preparation of the pad for use. More importantly, the placement of the tab portions in this fashion permits the handling of the pad without contaminating the sterile field in the inner fold area of the pad. By virtue of the reduced volume of the three-fold pad, substantial savings are realized in the manufacturing process, in the storage facilities required for warehousing and inventory at each step in the distribution process, as well as in shipping.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for developing and applying an adhesive strip and protective cover strip on the backing side of a hospital underpad. The apparatus is positioned along the production line where the folded hospital underpad material has been fabricated and is ready for cutting into individual pads. The apparatus draws a continuous ribbon from a supply spool, applies a strip of liquid plastic melt adhesive to the upper side of this ribbon, and then inverts the ribbon and directs it, with the adhesive strip on the underside, onto the intermediate layer of the folded underpad material where rollers press it into the desired position. The plastic melt adhesive fuses to the portion of the hospital underpad backing layer with which it comes in contact. After the folded sheet material is cut into individual hospital underpads, the ribbon serves as a protective strip which may be easily pulled away from the adhesive strip when the hospital underpad is to be placed in service.