Abstract: This invention is directed to an absorbent article, preferably a diaper or training pants, having a backsheet, an absorbent core and a topsheet, provided with at least one opening adapted to receive fecal material, comprising also a genital coversheet, which in use covers the genitals, and which is positioned in, under or above part of the opening, such that a void space can be created between the genital coversheet and the absorbent core and such that a void space is present between the topsheet and the absorbent core.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a process for making surface treated absorbent gelling material by treating partially swollen absorbent gelling polymers, which have a specific water content with a treatment agent, such as a coating agent, and subsequently removing at least part of the water. The treatment agent thus typically forms a shell on the polymers or part thereof, which can extend when the polymers swell in water; thus, the treatment shell or coating does not rupture when the polymers swell in a liquid, e.g., water or saline water, the coating being extensible in wet state. The treatment agent comprises preferably an elastomeric polymeric material. The invention also relates to surface-treated absorbent gelling material obtainable by the process of the invention, and to products, e.g., disposable absorbent articles, comprising such material.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a process for making solid, typically particulate, water-swellable material comprising coated water-swellable, preferably hydrogel-forming polymers, which are coated with a coating agent, which is such that it does not rupture when the polymers swell in a liquid, e.g., water or saline water. Hereto, the coating agent is extensible in wet state and comprises thereto a wet-extensible material that has a tensile stress at break in the wet state of at least 1 MPa. Typically, the coating agent comprises thereto an elastomeric polymeric material. The invention also relates to solid (particulate) water-swellable material obtainable by the process of the invention.

Abstract: This invention is directed to absorbent structures and preferred absorbent articles, comprising solid, typically particulate, water-swellable material that comprises coated water-swellable, preferably hydrogel-forming polymers, which are coated with a coating agent, which is such that it does not rupture when the polymers swell in a liquid, e.g., water or saline water. Hereto, the coating agent is extensible in wet state and comprises thereto a wet-extensible material that has a tensile stress at break in the wet state of at least 1 MPa. Typically, the coating agent comprises thereto an elastomeric polymeric material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles for retaining body fluids such as urine, menses, or fecal material. In particular, the absorbent article of the present invention comprises a liquid handling member that collapses at a pressure between 2756 Pascal (0.4 psi) and 3447 (0.5 psi) in order to reduce the likelihood of causing skin marking.

Abstract: An absorbent article, preferably a disposable absorbent article such as a diaper, is disclosed having an absorbent core which imparts increased wearing comfort to the article and makes it thin and dry. The absorbent core useful for an absorbent article comprises a substrate layer, a discontinuous layer of absorbent material, and a layer of thermoplastic material. A second surface of the discontinuous layer of absorbent material is in at least partial contact with a first surface of the substrate layer. Portions of a second surface of the layer of thermoplastic material are in direct contact with the first surface of the substrate layer and portions of said second surface of the layer of thermoplastic material are in direct contact with a first surface of the discontinuous layer of absorbent material. A process for providing a storage layer for an absorbent core useful in an absorbent article is further disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an absorbent, disposable article, preferably a diaper, having a backsheet and a topsheet comprising a first waist region, a second waist region, and a crotch region interposed there between, a longitudinal axis, and an opening, which provides a passageway to a primary void space for receiving bodily exudates therein, positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet; whereby the opening is positioned in at least the crotch region along the longitudinal axis; whereby the topsheet is elasticated; and whereby the article has a shortened article portion, as defined herein, which has a shortened article length L, a stretched shortened article length Ls and a contracted shortened article length Lc, whereby the article and/or its topsheet has an specific elastic profile and/or a specific ratio of Lc to Ls. The article preferably has a slit opening with on each side elastic regions, preferably in the shape of an X, as shown in FIG.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for converting a continuous structure into discrete, spaced apart elements by means of an expandable support web. First, the continuous structure is combined with a support web comprising longitudinal expansion means. Then, after separation of the continuous structure into discrete elements, the discrete elements are spaced apart by expanding the support web. The process of the present invention is particularly well suited for the industrial manufacture of articles comprising fragile discrete elements supplied to the production process in continuous form.

Abstract: The invention is a method applying a foamable movement obstruction agent to an absorbent article which comprises superabsorbent material. The foamable agent can be applied before, after, or simultaneously to creation of the foam structure, and can be applied to the article directly or to a carrier substrate to then be combined with the article.

Abstract: The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles such as baby diapers or sanitary napkins having a breathable yet liquid leakage retarding backsheet which comprises an inner and an outer layer. The inner layer being closer to the absorbent structure of the article is a formed film with directional liquid transport characteristics while the outer layer is a fibrous fabric.

Abstract: An absorbent member and a method for forming the absorbent member. A web comprising a fibrous material and superabsorbent material is fed to an applicator. The web has a first side edge and a second side edge. A superabsorbent material movement obstruction agent is applied to the web from the applicator in discrete, spaced apart, continuous zones. The web is then cut through said superabsorbent material movement obstruction agent zones into individual absorbent members having a pair of opposing cut ends.

Abstract: The present invention is a disposable absorbent article having a topsheet, a backsheet joined to the topsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and backsheet. The topsheet includes a backing and a sheet of fibers. The sheet of fibers have anchor portions in the backing at spaced bonding locations and have arcuate portions of the sheet projecting from the backing between bonding locations.

Abstract: The present invention is a multiple zone member (29) having at least a first zone (300) and a second zone (302); the member includes a backing (120, 122) and a sheet of fibers (126); the sheet of fibers in the first zone having anchor portions (127) in the backing at spaced bonding locations (128) and having arcuate portions (130) of the sheet projecting from the backing between bonding locations; the arcuate portions in the first zone having a height (301) from the backing; the sheet of fibers in the second zone having anchor portions in the backing at spaced bonding locations and having arcuate portions of the sheet projecting form the backing between bonding locations; the arcuate portions in the second zone having a height (304) from the backing which is less than the height of the arcuate portions from the backing in the first zone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles for retaining body fluids such as urine, menses, or fecal material. In particular, the absorbent article of the present invention comprises a liquid handling member that collapses at a pressure between 2756 Pascal (0.4 psi) and 3447 (0.5 psi) in order to reduce the likelihood of causing skin marking.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent article such as sanitary napkins and panty liners comprising a topsheet, absorbent core, and backsheet which are breathable by the incorporation of a breathable backsheet and have a reduced tendency to exhibit garment wet through. The backsheet comprises at least one air permeable layer such as an apertured formed film or fibrous layer which is applied and preferably coated with a non-soluble, liquid swellabe material, such as polyvinyl alcohol. Upon contact with fluid discharge, the material swells and closes the apertures of the layer, thereby reducing air permeability and preventing the passage of liquid through the layer and thus through the backsheet onto the garment of the wearer of the article.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing individual layered structures and the structures themselves. A continuous layered structure is provided. The continuous layered structure has designated cutting regions and includes a particulate material between the layers. At least one of the layers is permeable to liquids. A thermoplastic material in liquid state is applied to the continuous layered structure over at least part of the designated cutting regions to provide the designated cutting regions with a joining means. The thermoplastic material is made of natural or synthetic polymers, or mixtures thereof. The thermoplastic material has a softening point, as measured according to the ASTM Method E 28-67, lower than 120° C.; a viscosity at 130° C. lower than 0.05 Pa.s; and a temperature range in which the viscosity changes between 0.05 Pa.s and 0.35 Pa.s which is greater than 5° C. The thermoplastic material is allowed to set.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable absorbent article (1) comprising a liquid pervious top sheet (2), an absorbent core (4), and a back sheet (3). Said back sheet comprises a fluid permeable polymeric film having uni-directional fluid transfer towards the core, and said core comprising a fluid storage layer, wherein said absorbent article exhibits a fluid contact angle gradient across said storage layer and said back sheet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to breathable absorbent articles particularly sanitary napkins, panty liners, adult incontinence products or sweat pads. In particular, the present invention relates to such breathable absorbent articles which are worn by direct attachment to the skin of the wearer in the area where absorption of bodily liquids is desired.

Abstract: The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles, particularly sanitary napkins, pantiliners, adult incontinence products, or baby diapers. In particular the present invention relates to such disposable absorbent articles with side cuffs which are maintained in their in-use position by direct attachment to the skin of the wearer. The topical adhesive attachment of such side cuffs needs to be secure and pleasing upon application and during use of such articles, yet cause no discomfort upon removal of the article. This is achieved by the present invention selecting the rheological characteristics of adhesives for such articles.

Abstract: An absorbent article especially adapted for users ranging from walking infants to adults in a predominantly laying-down position includes a layer of absorbent material, wherein the average basis capacity of absorbent material located in a back half section of the layer is higher than the average basis capacity of absorbent material located in the front half section of the layer. A liquid barrier means is located between a transverse centerline of the layer and the waist edge of a back sheet to prevent liquids from leaking to the back waist edge.