Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating a material is provided. In one aspect, the apparatus is an adjustable artificial arm for transmitting fluid into the material. An artificial skin, for example, is removably attached to the artificial arm, and the material is placed over the artificial skin. The fluid is insulted into the material proximate the artificial skin. The artificial skin is evaluated for wetness or dryness to prescreen the material. In another aspect, an artificial torso is provided through which fluid is transmitted and insulted into the material for evaluation.

Abstract: Methods of using an evaluation apparatus for pre-screening a material for use in an absorbent article are provided. The evaluation apparatus includes a simulated body part having a simulated skin substrate. The material is placed proximate the simulated skin substrate, and a predetermined amount of simulated physiological fluid is insulted into the material at a pre-measured location. After a predetermined time, the simulated skin substrate is removed from the body part and fluid loss measurements are taken.

Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating a material is provided. In one aspect, the apparatus is an adjustable artificial arm for transmitting fluid into the material. An artificial skin, for example, is removably attached to the artificial arm, and the material is placed over the artificial skin. The fluid is insulted into the material proximate the artificial skin. The artificial skin is evaluated for wetness or dryness to prescreen the material. In another aspect, an artificial torso is provided through which fluid is transmitted and insulted into the material for evaluation.

Abstract: Methods of using an evaluation apparatus for pre-screening a material for use in an absorbent article are provided. The evaluation apparatus includes a simulated body part having a simulated skin substrate. The material is placed proximate the simulated skin substrate, and a predetermined amount of simulated physiological fluid is insulted into the material at a pre-measured location. After a predetermined time, the simulated skin substrate is removed from the body part and fluid loss measurements are taken.

Abstract: The present invention provides a natural fiber knit-like multi-layer composite containing at least one layer of a nonwoven fiber web and at least one layer of an elastomeric material, wherein the nonwoven web layer is joined to the elastic layer at spaced-apart locations and is gathered between said spaced-apart locations. The nonwoven fiber web is fabricated from multicomponent conjugate fibers or filaments that contain at least one polyolefin, and is a spunbond fiber web, staple fiber web or hydroentangled web. The composite exhibits soft, cloth-like texture of natural fiber knits as well as highly useful elastic properties.

Abstract: A curved tampon applicator and a process for forming the applicator and assembling an absorbent tampon into the applicator is disclosed. The curved tampon applicator can facilitate placement of an absorbent tampon into a woman's vagina. The curved tampon applicator contains first and second arcuately shaped tubular members telescopically joined together. The first member has a stepped outer configuration with an enlarged portion designed to contain an absorbent tampon joined to a finger-grip portion. The enlarged portion is formed on a centerline having a first radius of curvature. The second member is formed on a centerline having a radius of curvature which is different from the first radius of curvature. The second member is sized and configured to slide within the finger-grip portion while being restricted from rotating therein. The second member contains at least one flared end which is sized to prevent separation of the second member from the first member.

Abstract: A curved tampon applicator and a process for forming the applicator and assembling an absorbent tampon into the applicator is disclosed. The curved tampon applicator can facilitate placement of an absorbent tampon into a woman's vagina. The curved tampon applicator contains first and second arcuately shaped tubular members telescopically joined together. The first member has a stepped outer configuration with an enlarged portion designed to contain an absorbent tampon joined to a finger-grip portion. The enlarged portion is formed on a centerline having a first radius of curvature. The second member is formed on a centerline having a radius of curvature which is different from the first radius of curvature. The second member is sized and configured to slide within the finger-grip portion while being restricted from rotating therein. The second member contains at least one flared end which is sized to prevent separation of the second member from the first member.

Abstract: An absorbent article is disclosed having an absorbent with a bodyside surface and a garment facing surface. A liquid-impermeable baffle is positioned adjacent to the garment facing surface of the absorbent and a liquid-permeable cover cooperates with the baffle to enclose the absorbent and form a pad. The pad has a pair of longitudinal side edges and a pair of distally spaced ends. A garment adhesive strip is secured to the garment facing surface of the pad and is positioned along the longitudinal axis thereof. The garment adhesive strip provides attachment of the pad to the crotch portion of the undergarment. A pair of adhesive strips are secured to the cover and are positioned on opposite sides of the garment adhesive strip. A liquid-impermeable protective sheet can be optionally attached to the pair of adhesive strips to prevent side leakage of body fluid off of the pad from staining the crotch portion of the undergarment.