Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for forming and attaching tabs to an absorbent article worn in the perineal portion of the body, such as sanitary napkins. A strip of tab material is cut into two tab strips by making an approximately sinusoidal shaped longitudinal cut using a rotary die. The tab strips are then inverted so the tabs face outward and aligned so that the tabs are in-line. The tab strips are then cut into tab pairs and attached to a strip of absorbent article using an adhesive. In an alternate embodiment, the tab pairs are first attached to a layer of material which is then attached to a second layer of material on which an absorbent core is disposed, thereby enclosing the absorbent core. An absorbent article made by the aforementioned method and apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: An absorbent article is provided for use in the perineal area of the body having an absorbent core having an upper body facing surface, a lower garment facing surface, first and second longitudinal sides, and first and second transverse ends. A body fluid impervious sealing wrapper, having upper and lower portions each having longitudinally and transversely extending edges along which said portions are joined, is formed around the absorbent core so as to enclose at least the entirety of the garment facing surface, the longitudinal sides and the transverse ends, thereby forming a seal. A centrally disposed opening is formed in the upper portion of the sealing wrapper thereby forming a window on the body facing surface of the absorbent core that exposes it to fluid flow. A fluid pervious layer covers at least the portion of the body facing surface on which the window is formed. The upper portion of the sealing wrapper and the pervious layer are joined so as to form a laminated layer.

Abstract: An absorbent article is provided for use in the perineal area of the body having an absorbent core having an upper body facing surface, a lower garment facing surface, first and second longitudinal sides, and first and second transverse ends. A body fluid impervious sealing wrapper, having upper and lower portions each having longitudinally and transversely extending edges along which said portions are joined, is formed around the absorbent core so as to enclose at least the entirety of the garment facing surface, the longitudinal sides and the transverse ends, thereby forming a seal. A centrally disposed opening is formed in the upper portion of the sealing wrapper thereby forming a window on the body facing surface of the absorbent core that exposes it to fluid flow. A fluid pervious layer covers at least the portion of the body facing surface on which the window is formed. The upper portion of the sealing wrapper and the pervious layer are joined so as to form a laminated layer.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for rapidly forming plastic foam shells from a flexible foam sheet. The foam sheet is intermittently passed through a radiant heating unit and is rapidly heated on both sides to 130.degree.-250.degree. F. to soften the foam. The heated foam sheet is immediately passed through a forming die unit in which the foam sheet is deformed partly into the die cavity by withdrawal of air from the cavity, and a die plug descends and final forms a shell while rapidly cooling the foam shell to below its plastic deformation temperature. By this forming method and apparatus, ethylene-containing foam shells having a depth 10-25 times the foam sheet initial thickness are rapidly formed at 10-30 cycles/minute.