Abstract: A disposable absorbent article having a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core structure disposed therebetween. The absorbent core structure includes an upper nonwoven layer comprising polymer fibers and having a basis weight of from about 35 to about 85 gsm; a lower nonwoven layer comprising polymer fibers and having a basis weight of from about 10 to about gsm; and an inner core layer disposed between the upper and lower nonwoven layers. The inner core layer comprises from about 50% to about 85% cellulosic fibers, by weight of the inner core layer, and from about 15% to about 50% superabsorbent particles, by weight of the inner core layer. The absorbent core structure has an average density of between about 0.045 g/cm3 and about 0.15 g/cm3. The inner core layer is contained within the nonwoven layers by substantially sealing at least a left and right side region of the upper and lower nonwoven layers.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article having a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core structure disposed between the topsheet and backsheet. The absorbent core structure includes an upper nonwoven layer comprising polymer fibers; a lower nonwoven layer comprising polymer fibers; and an inner core layer disposed between the upper and lower nonwoven layers. The inner core layer may include from about 50% to about 85% cellulosic fibers, by weight of the inner core layer, and from about 15% to about 50% superabsorbent particles, by weight of the inner core layer. The absorbent article may have a CD Dry Bending Stiffness between about 10 N mm2 to about 30 N·mm2 as measured according to the Wet and Dry CD and MD 3 Point Bend Method and a 5th Cycle Wet % Recovery of between about 29% and about 40% as measured according to the Wet and Dry Bunched Compression Method.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article having a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core structure disposed therebetween. The absorbent core structure includes an upper nonwoven layer comprising polymer fibers, a lower nonwoven layer comprising polymer fibers, and an inner core layer disposed between the upper and lower nonwoven layers. The inner core layer includes from about 50% to about 85% cellulosic fibers, by weight of the inner core layer, and superabsorbent particles. The inner core layer is contained within the nonwoven layers by substantially sealing at least a left side region and a right side region of the upper and lower nonwoven layers. The absorbent article has a CD Dry Bending Stiffness between about 10 to about 30 N·mm2 as measured according to the Wet and Dry CD and MD 3 Point Bend Method and a Total IFF+SFF value of between about 20 and about 200 mg as measuring according to the Acquisition Time and Rewet Method.

Abstract: A method for altering the appearance of molded articles is described herein. The method includes the steps of providing a plurality of articles; feeding a first article to a conveyor; transporting the first article to a treatment station; activating an activatable colorant of the first article by exposing the first article to at least one energy source, thereby causing a color change in the first article; manipulating the exposure of the first article to create a first discernable pattern in the first article; feeding a second article to the conveyor; transporting the second article to the treatment station; activating an activatable colorant of the second article by exposing the second article to the at least one energy source, thereby causing a color change in the second article; and manipulating the exposure of the second article to create a second discernable pattern in the second article.

Abstract: Packages for containing consumer goods are disclosed. The consumer goods may be disposable, durable or semi-durable. Absorbent article is one class of disposable articles that may be contained by packages. The packages comprise an opening that is covered by an overlabel. The overlabel is at least partially peeled off of the package so that articles contained within the package can be removed through the now exposed opening. In some embodiments, the package can be reclosed by covering the opening with the overlabel. A consumer may wish to dispose of a used article by placing the article back into the package via the opening and re-adhering the overlabel.

Abstract: A method for altering the appearance of molded articles is described herein. The method includes the steps of providing a plurality of articles; feeding a first article to a conveyor; transporting the first article to a treatment station; activating an activatable colorant of the first article by exposing the first article to at least one energy source, thereby causing a color change in the first article; manipulating the exposure of the first article to create a first discernable pattern in the first article; feeding a second article to the conveyor; transporting the second article to the treatment station; activating an activatable colorant of the second article by exposing the second article to the at least one energy source, thereby causing a color change in the second article; and manipulating the exposure of the second article to create a second discernable pattern in the second article.

Abstract: The present application relates to absorbent articles, including catamenial devices, such as tampons and sanitary napkins, for the absorption of menses. More particularly, the present invention relates to catamenial devices comprising one or more graphical elements wherein the graphical elements highlight the functional area of the absorbent article.

Abstract: Included are systems and methods for modeling compliant parts. Some of the systems and/or methods include creating a 3-dimensional simulation of a product that includes an outer part and an inner part, determining a deformation characteristic of the product, and simulating an interaction of the inner part with the outer part. Similarly, in some of the systems and/or methods a characteristic of interaction may be measured from the interaction, a determination may be made regarding whether the characteristic of interaction meets a predetermined threshold. In some of the systems and/or methods, in response to determining that the characteristic of interaction meets the predetermined threshold, an output may be sent indicating product design acceptability. In response to determining that the characteristic of interaction does not meet the predetermined threshold, the 3-dimensional simulation may be iteratively altered until the characteristic of interaction meets the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Heat and/or mechanical treatments on a post-molded article to create designs or textures that extend minimally above or below a surface of the article are described.

Abstract: Included are systems and methods for modeling compliant parts. Some of the systems and/or methods include creating a 3-dimensional simulation of a product that includes an outer part and an inner part, determining a deformation characteristic of the product, and simulating an interaction of the inner part with the outer part. Similarly, in some of the systems and/or methods a characteristic of interaction may be measured from the interaction, a determination may be made regarding whether the characteristic of interaction meets a predetermined threshold. In some of the systems and/or methods, in response to determining that the characteristic of interaction meets the predetermined threshold, an output may be sent indicating product design acceptability. In response to determining that the characteristic of interaction does not meet the predetermined threshold, the 3-dimensional simulation may be iteratively altered until the characteristic of interaction meets the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Methods for moving and controlling the position of an article are described. In one embodiment, the method employs a conveyor including a substantially planar surface and a support member situated opposite the substantially planar surface. An article is placed between and in contact with both the substantially planar surface and the support member. And at least one of the conveyor and the support member are moved wherein the article is both rotated and translated so that the rotation amount substantially matches the translation amount.

Abstract: Wrappers having cord reservoirs are provided. A feminine device having an insertion end, a withdrawal end, and a withdrawal member, the withdrawal member having a proximal end nearest the withdrawal end of the feminine device and a distal end disposed opposite the proximal end is provided. The feminine device can be at least partially enclosed by a wrapper. The wrapper can have a first end disposed adjacent to the insertion end, a second end opposite the insertion end, and a longitudinal axis. In certain embodiments, the wrapper can have a cord reservoir at the second end of the wrapper, the cord reservoir being adapted to contain at least a portion of the withdrawal member within the cord reservoir. In addition, the cord reservoir can have a length measured along the longitudinal axis from the distal end of the feminine device to the second end of the wrapper of at least about 1 mm.

Abstract: A tampon having an improved finger pocket. The finger pocket can have a width that can be calculated by the equation DF=DT?(L1+L2), where DF is the width of the finger pocket, DT is the diameter of the tampon, L1 is the thickness of the steering lip on a first side and L2 is the thickness of a steering lip on a second side, and/or a ratio of the indentation width to the base diameter from about 1:1.1 to about 1:1.5. In certain embodiments, the base can have at least one steering lip adjacent the indention that can have a thickness of at least about 0.5 mm. A method for making a tampon having an improved finger pocket that can include forming a compressed pledget having an insertion end and a base, and compressing the base of the pledget with a heated compression member to form an improved finger pocket in the base.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing compressed, gas-stabilized tampons are disclosed. The gas-stabilized tampons include tampons having preferably multiple folds for improved leakage protection and comfort through improved expansion characteristics. The number of folds can vary from 3 to 20 and greater. The process includes the step of forcing a gas through the compressed tampon. The gas can include steam.

Abstract: A method of individually wrapping digital tampons having a withdrawal string attached thereto is disclosed. The method includes a multiplicity of transporting devices for transporting digital tampons in a machine direction and for holding withdrawal strings attached to the tampons such that the withdrawal strings do not interfere with the subsequent wrapping operations.

Abstract: Application devices comprising an applicator substrate, an interposed patch, and a release substrate. The application substrate and release substrate have graspable tabs allowing the user to grasp the tab of the applicator substrate, to grasp the tab on the release substrate, and to apply the patch to a target surface without releasing the tabs as originally grasped.