Abstract: Disposable articles for treating objects such as surfaces, devices, persons, contaminants, and the like or for treating substances disposed on, in, or in proximity to such objects having a responsive system. The responsive system may respond continuously or discontinuously. A continuous responsive system of the present invention further includes a feedback control loop. A discontinuous responsive system of the present invention may include either a feedback control loop or an open loop.

Abstract: Disposable articles such as diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders and/or inserts, training pants, feminine hygiene garments, tampons and the like having a responsive system including an electrical actuator. The responsive system may respond continuously or discontinuously. A continuous responsive system of the present invention further includes a feedback control loop. A discontinuous responsive system of the present invention may include either a feedback control loop or an open loop.

Abstract: Disposable articles such as diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders and/or inserts, training pants, feminine hygiene garments, tampons and the like having a responsive system. The article includes a sensor that detects an input and a mechanical actuator that is adapted to perform a responsive function upon bodily waste, a wearer, the article or a component or components thereof.

Abstract: Disposable articles such as diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders and/or inserts, training pants, feminine hygiene garments, tampons, and the like, having a responsive system. The article includes a sensor that detects an input, an actuator that is adapted to perform a responsive function upon the input, and a feedback control loop in which the actuator is adapted to perform the responsive function upon the input in a discontinuous manner. The responsive system may include an open loop or a closed loop system.

Abstract: Disposable articles such as diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders and/or inserts, training pants, feminine hygiene garments, tampons, and the like, having a responsive system. The article includes a sensor that detects an input, an actuator that is adapted to perform a responsive function upon the input, and a feedback control loop in which the actuator is adapted to perform the responsive function upon the input when the sensor detects the input.

Abstract: A disposable article having a void area for isolation of fecal material is disclosed. The void is created by having a split absorbent core and at least one elastically extendible topsheet/backsheet panel proximate to the split. The void is created and adjusted by the amount of extension of the topsheet/backsheet proximate to the split.

Abstract: A female component for a refastenable fastening device having an elastomeric adhesive backing and a multiplicity of fibrous elements extending from the backing. The female fastening component is formed by a method comprising the steps of: providing a first lamina comprising an elastomeric, pressure-sensitive adhesive film having a first adhesive surface and a second adhesive surface opposed to said first adhesive surface, a relaxed orientation, an elongated orientation and preferably at least two regions of differential elongation; stretching said first lamina from said relaxed orientation to said elongated orientation; contacting a second lamina comprising a nonwoven web with said first surface of said first lamina in said elongated orientation, thereby directly joining said second lamina and said first lamina to form a laminate; and relaxing said first lamina such that said second lamina is shirred to form catching regions capable of entangling the hooks of a complementary male fastening component.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article for wearing about a wearer's lower torso is provided. The disposable absorbent article comprises: a chassis; an absorbent assembly joined to the chassis; and seams joining the front portion of the chassis to the rear portion of the chassis so as to form two leg openings and a waist opening. A bloused outer layer has a pattern imprinted thereon such that the inner layer with the absorbent assembly joined thereto is substantially unnoticeable to a viewer thereby providing a very garment like appearance to the absorbent article.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article for wearing about a wearer's lower torso is provided. The disposable absorbent article comprises: a chassis; an absorbent assembly joined to the chassis; and seams joining the front portion of the chassis to the rear portion of the chassis so as to form two leg openings and a waist opening. The garment comprises an outer layer having at least a portion of its periphery joined to at least a portion of the periphery of the inner layer of the chassis so that the outer layer can blouse away from the central area at selected portions. The bloused outer layer has a pattern imprinted thereon such that the inner layer with the absorbent assembly joined thereto is substantially unnoticeable to a viewer thereby providing a very garment like appearance to the absorbent article.

Abstract: A female component for a refastenable fastening device having an elastomeric adhesive backing and a multiplicity of fibrous elements extending from the backing. The female fastening component is formed by a method comprising the steps of: providing a first lamina comprising an elastomeric, pressure-sensitive adhesive film having a first adhesive surface and a second adhesive surface opposed to said first adhesive surface, a relaxed orientation and an elongated orientation; stretching said first lamina from said relaxed orientation to said elongated orientation; contacting a second lamina comprising a nonwoven web with said first surface of said first lamina in said elongated orientation, thereby directly joining said second lamina and said first lamina to form a laminate; and relaxing said first lamina such that said second lamina is shirred to form catching regions capable of entangling the hooks of a complementary male fastening component.

Abstract: A topsheet for use in a disposable absorbent article. The topsheet is divided into three trisections disposed in a particular arrangement along the longitudinal axis of the disposable absorbent article. The front trisection has no elastic extensibility. The central trisection has elastic extensibility in the transverse direction. The rear trisection has elastic extensibility in the longitudinal direction. If desired, the topsheet may be further provided with an aperture for communicating fecal material through the topsheet into a void space in the disposable absorbent article. An exemplary disposable absorbent article is also included in the disclosure.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article, such as a diaper, is disclosed. The topsheet of the diaper is elastically extensible and provides a relatively low contact pressure against the skin of the wearer at relatively high elongations. This arrangement provides a diaper topsheet which can be elongated to conform to the shape of the wearer without causing undue discomfort or irritation. The relatively low ultimate contact pressure at relatively high elongation may be accomplished either through a low contact force differential material, or through a material which exhibits stress relaxation over a relatively short period of time. The topsheet may be a laminate having one elastomeric lamina and an inelastic lamina. Also disclosed is a method for making such a laminate.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article, such as a diaper, is disclosed. The diaper has two lengthwise extending longitudinal marginal portions, each longitudinal marginal portion having two elastically extensible leg cuffs, a barrier cuff and a gasket cuff. The leg cuffs serve to help contain body exudates within the disposable article. Each leg cuff is elasticized to provide a relatively low ultimate contact force against the skin of the wearer at relatively high elongations. This arrangement provides a diaper with leg cuffs which can be elongated to conform to the shape of the wearer, without causing undue discomfort or irritation to the legs of the wearer. The relatively low ultimate contact force at relatively high elongations may be accomplished either through a low contact force differential material, or through a material which exhibits stress relaxation over a relatively short period of time.

Abstract: Strong, soft, absorbent tissue paper products comprising a substrate carrying an emollient. The substrate is planar and is a laminate formed of two or more tissue paper sheets. At least one of its two major surfaces must be soft, relatively untextured, and smooth. The emollient is distributed over at least a major portion of the smooth surface. In preferred embodiments, each tissue paper ply consists of two layers: the first is relatively weak compared to the second and has an outwardly facing surface which is soft, relatively untextured and smooth; the second layer is strong enough to impart to the ply sufficient strength to enable it to accomplish its intended purpose. The plies of tissue paper are joined together by a laminating means consisting of embossments in a region of embossing; the region of embossing is substantially free of emollient.