Abstract: A distinctive absorbent article includes an absorbent body composed of a substantially hydrophilic material which is capable of absorbing a selected liquid. A liquid permeable topsheet layer composed of a substantially hydrophobic material is superposed in facing relation with said absorbent body and has an effective average pore size therein. A liquid permeable transport layer is located between the topsheet layer and the absorbent body, and is composed of a material which is less hydrophilic than the absorbent body and has an effective average pore size therein which is smaller than the pore size of the topsheet layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for fastening refastenable garment such as diaper or incontinent garment in which a tape and polymer backing material for the garment are provided such that tape may be removed after refastening to the diaper without tearing of the polymer material. The system of the invention utilizes a polypropylene tape material that is embossed on the outer surface and smooth on the adhesive-carrying surface. The adhesive on the tape is a semihard adhesive that provides high adhesion values to the polymer that nevertheless may be peeled free for removal of the tape and subsequent refastening. The polymer forming the outer backing if the diaper is a relatively thick, embossed polymer sheet. In the refastenable system of the invention the strength and adherence of the tape to the strong, embossed polymer backing sheet is controlled so as to achieve secure fastening with release of the adhesive from the embossed sheet without tearing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for fastening refastenable garment such as diaper or incontinent garment in which a tape and polymer backing material for the garment are provided such that tape may be removed after refastening to the diaper without tearing of the polymer material. The system of the invention utilizes a polypropylene tape material that is embossed on the outer surface and smooth on the adhesive-carrying surface. The adhesive on the tape is a semihard adhesive that provides high adhesion values to the polymer that nevertheless may be peeled free for removal of the tape and subsequent refastening. The polymer forming the outer backing if the diaper is a relatively thick, embossed polymeric sheet. In the refastenable system of the invention the strength and adherence of the tape to the strong, embossed polymer backing sheet is controlled so as to achieve secure fastening with release of the adhesive from the embossed sheet without tearing.

Abstract: An elasticized waist diaper in which a layer of elastic material is positioned in an opening in the waist area of a diaper. The elastic layer is located such that it forms a portion of the waist edge of the diaper. The elastic layer may be formed from the same piece of elastic material as is used for the diaper leg elastic.

Abstract: Lightweight, pattern bonded, generally continuous filament web having physical, aesthetic, and functional attributes particularly desirable for liner material for disposable absorbent products such as diapers, sanitary napkins, and the like. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a continuous filament polypropylene web is formed and pattern bonded by heat and pressure producing a high frequency of high density bond areas. This bonded web is then subjected to hot embossing in a gross pattern producing permanent web deformation and increasing the web effective thickness. In use the nonwoven web of the invention provides a very soft, flexible web having a pleasing appearance and yet retaining strength properties making it very effective at low basis weights for applications such as liners for disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, and the like.

Abstract: An elastic leg disposable diaper is provided which, when worn, forms an absorbent pocket with planar sides in the crotch area. The pocket has flex regions in the crotch area of the diaper which define a bottom crotch profile and elastic edges which encircle the leg of the baby and semirigid absorbent-containing planar sides extending upward from the flex regions to the elastic edges. The diaper at its lowest profile in the crotch area is either planer or upwardly arcuate when the baby is standing. The stiffness of the sides is generally correlative of a Taber stiffness value of at least seven gm-cms for the absorbent material located thereon.

Abstract: Stabilization of maleic anhydride with 4,4'-di(hydroxyphenyl)alkanes or 4-alkylphenols.