Abstract: Non-perforated tear lines for removal and evacuation of contents of disposable undergarments such as training pants. Non-perforated tear lines include a series of bond sites which are shaped, sized, spaced and arranged to provide a zone of weakness to permit severance of nonelasticized portions as well as elastic disposed in the waistband, the body of the pant, and the elastic leg bands for complete removal. Bond sites are formed by displacing a portion of material such that a thickened outer edge defines a weakened area of reduced thickness. Thus, elastic in the waistband may be disposed continuously 360 degrees around the wearer's waist, and elastic in the leg bands may be disposed continuously 360 degrees around the wearer's legs. In addition, improved pants having elasticized ear flaps in the body of the pants can be conveniently removed from the wearer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for forming a pulsed stream of discrete particles of absorbent material. The apparatus comprises a particle metering apparatus for providing a stream of particles having a predetermined mass flow rate, an ejector having an acceleration air nozzle for accelerating the stream of particles, at least one deceleration air nozzle; and valving for alternately directing air through the acceleration and deceleration nozzles. The apparatus can be used to form a fibrous web having a predetermined variation in basis weight of absorbent material along the length of the web.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for forming a pulsed stream of discrete particles of absorbent material. The apparatus comprises a particle metering apparatus for providing a stream of particles having a predetermined mass flow rate, an ejector having an acceleration air nozzle for accelerating the stream of particles, at least one deceleration air nozzle; and valving for alternately directing air through the acceleration and deceleration nozzles. The apparatus can be used to form a fibrous web having a predetermined variation in basis weight of absorbent material along the length of the web.

Abstract: An integral disposable absorbent article such as a diaper having an absorbent core, a backsheet, a continuous topsheet, an elastically contractible leg cuff along each longitudinal edge, and a pair of floating inner cuffs extending longitudinally along the absorbent article in at least the crotch region. The floating inner cuffs provide enhanced containment of body exudates and enhanced fit. The floating inner cuffs each preferably comprise a cuff layer, a base layer underlaying the cuff layer, a first seam that affixes a portion of the cuff layer to the base layer, a central seam that affixes another portion of the cuff layer to the base layer, an unadhered stand-up portion of the cuff layer between the first seam and the central seam, and a central elastic member having a pair of affixed portions and an unaffixed portion between the pair of affixed portions.