Abstract: An absorbent article having an attachment mechanism is disclosed along with a method of attaching the absorbent article to an undergarment. The absorbent article includes an absorbent and a baffle secured to the absorbent. The baffle has first and second longitudinal side edges, a first end, and first and second appendages extending laterally outward from the first and second longitudinal side edges, respectively. Each of the first and second appendages are positioned adjacent to the first end and aligned at an angle relative to the longitudinal side edges. Each appendage has a sufficient length to be folded inward and overlap the other appendage. The absorbent article further includes a first magnet positioned on or secured to the baffle and a second magnet secured to one of the appendages. The method includes positioning the absorbent article on an undergarment with the baffle contacting an interior surface of the undergarment.

Abstract: A panty shield is disclosed having a magnet attachment mechanism. The panty shield includes a baffle having a body-facing surface and first and second longitudinal side edges. First and second appendages extend laterally outward from the first and second longitudinal side edges, respectively. Each of the first and second appendages has a sufficient length to be folded inward and overlap one another. The panty shield further includes a first magnet secured to the baffle and a second magnet secured to one of the appendages. The appendages are folded around the crotch portion of an undergarment such that the appendages overlap one another. In this position, the first and second magnets are superimposed and can hold the panty shield secure to the undergarment. An absorbent article can be releaseably attached to the panty shield.

Abstract: An encapsulated catamenial tampon is disclosed which can easily and comfortably be inserted into a woman's vagina. The tampon includes an absorbent having a withdrawal string attached thereto. The absorbent is retained in a dissolvable capsule having a cylindrically-shaped base member and a semi-spherically shaped cap member. The base member houses at least a portion of the absorbent and contains a first end and a second end. The first end is completely open while the second end has an opening formed there in through which the withdrawal string passes. The cap member slightly overlaps the first end of the base member to enclose the absorbent. Both the base and cap members have a plurality of openings formed therethrough which decrease the surface area of the capsule to allow the capsule to dissolve quickly.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin assembly is disclosed having a second absorbent pad that is superposed over and movably secured to a first absorbent pad. Each absorbent pad has a centrally positioned, longitudinal axis. The securement device securing the second absorbent pad to the first absorbent pad allows the second absorbent pad to move along one of the longitudinal axes and preferably permits the second absorbent pad to rotate through an angle of about 90 degrees.

Abstract: A catamenial tampon is disclosed for absorbing menstrual fluid. The tampon includes a compressed pledget having a major and a minor radius of curvature. Zones of different density fibers are arranged adjacent to each radius of curvature and the zones can extend substantially the entire length of the pledget. The pledget is constructed of absorbent fibers which are enclosed by a cover. A withdrawal string is attached to the pledget and facilitates removal of the tampon from a woman's vagina. The absorbent is compressed into an elongated, generally cylindrically shaped pledget having a zone of high density fibers and a zone of low density fibers. After compression, the low density fibers will expand and form a curved tampon.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a clasp and a method of fastening the absorbent article to an adjacent garment is disclosed. The absorbent article includes a first member and clasp means for holding the first member secure to an adjacent garment, such as to the crotch portion of an undergarment. The clasp means includes two relatively stiff portions joined together by a hinge which permits bending of one portion relative to the other portion. At least one of the portions has an arcuate shape along the length thereof and extends outward from the first member. The arcuate portion is designed to pivot on the hinge and forcefully press the undergarment towards the first member when the absorbent article is worn.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin is disclosed which has an absorbent and a fluid-permeable cover positioned over at least one surface of the absorbent. The cover is formed from a nonwoven web having a network of essentially unbroken thermoplastic fibers. The web has a plurality of apertures formed therethrough which are located in a predetermined area which represents less than about 80% of the surface area of the cover. Each of the apertures is surrounded by a consolidated ring formed of thermally set thermoplastic fibers which in turn is surrounded by a raised area which contacts the body of the user. The apertures formed in the web occupy about 20% to 55% of the predetermined area and permit body fluid to quickly pass through to the absorbent.

Abstract: A method of forming a catamential tampon is disclosed which is capable of absorbing menstrual fluids. The method includes the steps of starting with an absorbent having a cross-sectional area of varying thickness. The thickest portion has a greater volume of fibers than the thinnest portion. The absorbent can be optionally enclosed with a cover. An opening is formed through the absorbent and/or cover and a withdrawal string is secured thereto. The absorbent is formed into a generally elongated, cylindrically shaped blank and then is compressed into a pledget having a zone of high density fibers and a zone of low density fibers. After compression, the zone of low density fibers will expand faster and/or to a greater extent than the zone of high density fibers, thereby forming a curved tampon. The curved tampon is rigid and self sustaining and can be used as either a digital tampon or with an applicator.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a clasp and a method of fastening the absorbent article to an adjacent garment is disclosed. The absorbent article includes a first member and clasp means for holding the first member secure to an adjacent garment, such as to the crotch portion of an undergarment. The clasp means includes two relatively stiff portions joined together by a hinge which permits bending of one portion relative to the other portion. At least one of the portions has an arcuate shape along the length thereof and extends outward from the first member. The arcuate portion is designed to pivot on the hinge and forcefully press the undergarment towards the first member when the absorbent article is worn.

Abstract: A method of perforating a nonwoven web of fibrous fabric by directing the web through a nip defined by first and second moveable members. As the web moves through the nip it is penetrated by a plurality of heated pins projecting from the first member which enter heated apertures formed in the second member. The penetration of the pins causes the fibers of the fabric to separate and enter into the apertures and form openings through the web. The openings are surrounded by dense consolidated rings exhibiting greater hydrophilic properties than the nonperforated surface of the web.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming non-woven webs by separating fibers from a compacted sheet or sheets of the fibers utilizing a lickerin. The method and apparatus include provision for attaining substantially individual fibers from a compressed sheet of short papermaking fibers such as wood pulp or cotton linters, and also fibers from a compacted sheet of longer fibers such as rayon, and blending the long and short fibers together into a non-woven web in the continuous operation of the lickerin and associated equipment. For the purpose of obtaining the short (1/4 inch and less) papermaking cellulosic fibers of wood pulp or the like the nose of the feed bar for the compacted short fibers is spaced a considerable distance from the working circumference of the lickerin such that the compacted sheet tip vibrates and the feed of the sheet of short fibers is substantially radially of the lickerin.