Abstract: An absorbent article (20;620;720;820;920;1020) capable of inhibiting leakage of a fluid insult generally extends in a plane defined by a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction. The absorbent article (20;620;720;820;920;1020) contains fluid-shrinkable members (60,61), a topsheet (11;611;711;811), and a base pad (12;812) that includes a baffle (28;828) and an absorbent core (30) positioned between the topsheet (11;611;711;811) and the baffle (28;828). The topsheet (11;611;711;811) extends in the longitudinal direction to define a distal end (153) and an opposing proximal end (152). At least a portion of the proximal end (152) remains generally unbonded to the baffle (28;828). The fluid-shrinkable members (60,61) extend in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article (20;620;720;820;920;1020) so that at least a portion of the fluid-shrinkable members (60,61) are located adjacent to the proximal end (152) of the topsheet (11;611;711;811).

Abstract: In a tampon applicator, an elongated barrel has an interior chamber for housing a tampon therein, a grip region generally adjacent an outer end of the barrel, a tip region generally adjacent an inner end of the barrel, and a central region extending longitudinally between the grip region and the tip region. A plunger extends into the barrel at the outer end thereof and is moveable relative to the barrel to expel the tampon from the barrel at its inner end. The outer surface of the barrel at the grip region has a different coefficient of friction than at the central region of the barrel. In other embodiments the coefficient of friction of the barrel outer surface at the central region is different from the coefficient of friction at the tip region.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a personal care absorbent article such as a feminine hygiene absorbent personal care article for receiving a body exudate such as menses. The article includes a topsheet layer, a backsheet layer, at least one absorbent core layer positioned between the topsheet layer and the backsheet layer, optionally a pair of wings, and a decolorization means associated with the article for altering the visual appearance and/or physical characteristics of the a body exudate. The use of the decolorization means provides several benefits to the end user including the creation of a visually smaller stain on the top surface of the topsheet layer and a possible reduction in staining of the wearer's apparel should the body exudate leak from or off of the article being worn.

Abstract: A feminine hygiene absorbent personal care article includes a topsheet layer, a backsheet layer, at least one absorbent core layer positioned between the topsheet layer and the backsheet layer and decolorizing agents positioned on at least one decolorizing agent-containing layer, adjacent the article side edges, with the decolorizing agent-containing layer extending laterally beyond the lateral side edges of the absorbent core layer and being noncontinuous over at least a portion of the article in the article transverse direction.

Abstract: The use of a decolorizing composition for removing colored substances from aqueous fluids (e.g., colored pigments, blood-containing fluids, etc.) is provided. The decolorizing composition contains one or more inorganic salts. In one embodiment, for example, the composition contains a mixture of sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) and monopotassium phosphate (KH2PO4). The decolorizing composition may be placed in fluid communication with an absorbent core, a liquid-permeable layer, or combinations thereof, in an absorbent article to help decolorize blood-containing fluids (e.g., menses) exuded from the body.

Abstract: An absorbent article that is capable of inhibiting leakage of a fluid insult is provided. The absorbent article contains a fluid-shrinkable member, topsheet, and a base pad that includes a baffle and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the baffle. The fluid-shrinkable member extends in a longitudinal direction of the article so that at least a portion of the member is located adjacent to an end of the topsheet. At least a portion of the end of the topsheet remains generally unbonded to the baffle. Thus, when the fluid-shrinkable member contracts upon contacting a fluid insult, the end of the topsheet can rise outwardly from the plane of the absorbent article. The raised area creates a barrier to the leakage of fluids from the center of the article towards its end.

Abstract: An absorbent article (20;620;720;820;920;1020) capable of inhibiting leakage of a fluid insult generally extends in a plane defined by a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction. The absorbent article (20;620;720;820;920;1020) contains fluid-shrinkable members (60. 61), a topsheet (11;611;711;811), and a base pad (12;812) that includes a baffle (28;828) and an absorbent core (30) positioned between the topsheet (11;611;711;811) and the baffle (28;828). The topsheet (11;611;711;811) extends in the longitudinal direction to define a distal end (153) and an opposing proximal end (152). At least a portion of the proximal end (152) remains generally unbonded to the baffle (28;828). The fluid-shrinkable members (60,61) extend in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article (20;620;720;820;920;1020) so that at least a portion of the fluid-shrinkable members (60,61) are located adjacent to the proximal end (152) of the topsheet (11;611;711;811).

Abstract: An absorbent article has a longitudinal direction, a transverse direction, a first major surface which forms a body-facing surface of the absorbent article, and a second major surface disposed distally from the first major surface which forms a garment-facing surface of the absorbent article. The article includes an absorbent core positioned between the first major surface and the second major surface. The article also includes at least one barrier structure having an inward-facing side and an outward-facing side, and at least one liquid shrinkable string. The at least one barrier structure is disposed on the first major surface, and the inward-facing side of the at least one barrier structure is attached to the absorbent article. In addition, a first portion of the at least one liquid shrinkable string is attached to the at least one barrier structure.

Abstract: In a body adhering absorbent article, an absorbent structure is configured for disposition adjacent a female wearer's vaginal region to absorb bodily fluids discharged by the wearer. A shell supports the absorbent structure at the vaginal region and has an adhesive on a body-facing surface for adhering the shell directly to the wearer. The article may be configurable between folded and unfolded configurations. Securement components may be provided for securing the article in a folded configuration during wear and/or to the wearer's undergarment. A method of adhering a body adhering absorbent article to a wearer includes adhering the article to the wearer with a portion of the article positioned generally at a predetermined target region.

Abstract: In a body adhering absorbent article, an absorbent structure is configured for disposition adjacent a female wearer's vaginal region to absorb bodily fluids discharged by the wearer. A shell supports the absorbent structure at the vaginal region and has an adhesive on a body-facing surface thereof for adhering the shell directly to the wearer. A placement aid is disposed on at least one of the absorbent structure and the shell to facilitate placement on the wearer. Securement components may be provided for securing the article in a folded configuration during wear and/or to the wearer's undergarment. Detachment components may also be provided to facilitate detachment of the article from the wearer.

Abstract: A feminine hygiene absorbent personal care article includes a topsheet layer, a backsheet layer, at least one absorbent core layer positioned between the topsheet layer and the backsheet layer and decolorizing agents positioned on at least one decolorizing agent-containing layer, adjacent the article side edges, with the decolorizing agent-containing layer extending laterally beyond the lateral side edges of the absorbent core layer and being noncontinuous over at least a portion of the article in the article transverse direction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a personal care absorbent article such as a feminine hygiene absorbent personal care article for receiving a body exudate such as menses. The article includes a topsheet layer, a backsheet layer, at least one absorbent core layer positioned between the topsheet layer and the backsheet layer, optionally a pair of wings, and a decolorization means associated with the article for altering the visual appearance and/or physical characteristics of the a body exudate. The use of the decolorization means provides several benefits to the end user including the creation of a visually smaller stain on the top surface of the topsheet layer and a possible reduction in staining of the wearer's apparel should the body exudate leak from or off of the article being worn.

Abstract: The use of a decolorizing composition for removing colored substances from aqueous fluids (e.g., colored pigments, blood-containing fluids, etc.) is provided. The decolorizing composition contains one or more inorganic salts. In one embodiment, for example, the composition contains a mixture of sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) and monopotassium phosphate (KH2PO4). The decolorizing composition may be placed in fluid communication with an absorbent core, a liquid-permeable layer, or combinations thereof, in an absorbent article to help decolorize blood-containing fluids (e.g., menses) exuded from the body.

Abstract: An absorbent article has a longitudinal direction, a transverse direction, a first major surface which forms a body-facing surface of the absorbent article, and a second major surface disposed distally from the first major surface which forms a garment-facing surface of the absorbent article. The article includes an absorbent core positioned between the first major surface and the second major surface. The article also includes at least one barrier structure having an inward-facing side and an outward-facing side, and at least one liquid shrinkable string. The at least one barrier structure is disposed on the first major surface, and the inward-facing side of the at least one barrier structure is attached to the absorbent article. In addition, a first portion of the at least one liquid shrinkable string is attached to the at least one barrier structure.

Abstract: In a body adhering absorbent article, an absorbent structure is configured for disposition adjacent a female wearer's vaginal region to absorb bodily fluids discharged by the wearer. A shell supports the absorbent structure at the vaginal region and has an adhesive on a body-facing surface thereof for adhering the shell directly to the wearer. A placement aid is disposed on at least one of the absorbent structure and the shell to facilitate placement on the wearer. Securement components may be provided for securing the article in a folded configuration during wear and/or to the wearer's undergarment. Detachment components may also be provided to facilitate detachment of the article from the wearer.