Abstract: An apparatus for forming a shaped fibrous nonwoven structure including a delivery system adapted to provide a high speed composite stream comprising thermoplastic polymer fibers and a secondary material. The apparatus also includes a movable collection device having a collection surface which intersects the composite stream, and at least one deflector to mechanically redirect at least a portion of the composite stream. Further the deflector moves in synchronization with the movable collection device, such that the composite stream is collected on the collection surface forming a fibrous nonwoven structure having at least one non-linear edge.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming an air formed, reinforced fibrous web has a form member on which fluent fibrous material is deposited in an air formed deposition process. The fibrous web may be used as an absorbent core of an absorbent article. The form member has a forming surface which is shaped and arranged to contact and support a reinforcing member, such as a web of scrim. The forming surface is particularly formed to locate the reinforcing member at the proper position within the thickness of the fibrous web. No additional locating structure is needed and the reinforcing member can be placed on the forming surface prior to entry into the forming chamber where fibrous material is deposited onto the forming chamber. A form and a method for making a reinforced fibrous web are also disclosed.

Abstract: An absorbent article is constructed with a discontinuous absorbent core strengthened by a reinforcing scrim material embedded in the absorbent material of the core. The scrim facilitates maintenance of the integrity of the core in use although the core may be weakened by the provision of ventilation openings or other discontinuities. The scrim also helps to keep the proper location of the absorbent core within the article. Moreover, use of scrim or other reinforcing material facilitates the manufacture of the absorbent core and of the absorbent article.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming an air formed, reinforced fibrous web has a form member on which fluent fibrous material is deposited in an air formed deposition process. The fibrous web may be used as an absorbent core of an absorbent article. The form member has a forming surface which is shaped and arranged to contact and support a reinforcing member, such as a web of scrim. The forming surface is particularly formed to locate the reinforcing member at the proper position within the thickness of the fibrous web. No additional locating structure is needed and the reinforcing member can be placed on the forming surface prior to entry into the forming chamber where fibrous material is deposited onto the forming chamber. A form and a method for making a reinforced fibrous web are also disclosed.

Abstract: An absorbent article is constructed with a discontinuous absorbent core strengthened by a reinforcing scrim material embedded in the absorbent material of the core. The scrim facilitates maintenance of the integrity of the core in use although the core may be weakened by the provision of ventilation openings or other discontinuities. The scrim also helps to keep the proper location of the absorbent core within the article. Moreover, use of scrim or other reinforcing material facilitates the manufacture of the absorbent core and of the absorbent article.

Abstract: The invention is generally accomplished by providing a tampon-applicator combination wherein the tampon is a generally elongated tampon having a series of grooves in the surface. An applicator is provided that has a handle and a series of prongs corresponding to the number of grooves in the tampon. The prongs are placed in the grooves of the tampon and hold the tampon for insertion into the vagina. The prongs do not resist withdrawal from the grooves when the applicator is removed from the vagina, leaving the tampon in place.