Abstract: A capacity monitor for diapers and the like, including super absorbent material disposed in or adjacent to an absorbent core is disclosed. The monitor comprises an indicator and a baffle to prevent direct contact between the absorbent core and the indicator. The indicator is preferably a ribbon of hot melt adhesive with a wetness indicator which changes color when exposed to liquid. The baffle is a substantially water impervious sheet positioned between the absorbent core and the indicator so as to prevent direct contact between them. The diaper and the monitor are constructed so that there is a threshold level of liquid which, when deposited in the diaper, will effect a color change in the indicator. A quantity of liquid which is below the threshold will not effect a color change in the indicator and a quantity of liquid which is above the threshold will effect a color change in the indicator.

Abstract: Several embodiments of apparatus for producing disposable absorbent personal articles are disclosed. According to one embodiment, apparatus is disclosed for depositing superabsorbent polymer powder on a portion of a fluff mat in a given concentration greater than zero and a second, different concentration of superabsorbent polymer powder on another portion of a fluff layer, so that there is a heavier concentration of super absorbent polymer in a target area than in areas adjacent the target area. Such apparatus has a dosing cylinder with a discontinuous outer cylindrical surface which has a pattern of first dosing depressions adjacent to a pattern of second dosing depressions. The dosing cylinder is rotated through a polymer powder hopper and powder received in the first and second depressions is sequentially discharged from the hopper and deposited on a fluff substrate in alternating areas of high powder concentration and low powder concentration.

Abstract: The invention addresses problems with liquid absorbent pads having at least about 50% of their absorption capacity represented by water absorbent (including water-swellable) material capable of absorbing at least about 5 times its own dry weight of aqueous liquid. By openings of specified area, present in undulating layer(s) of such absorbent material in specified numbers and total area per unit area of said layer(s), and/or through forming such openings as hinges and displaced flap members for locking the layers of a moving composite together for bending into said undulating configuration, and/or through use of sheath members of material which substantially retain their structural integrity in contact with aqueous liquids, and have open or openable portion(s), pads are formed with both high absorption rate and capacity and/or ready disposability and/or rapid production characteristics, ideally suited for urinary incontinence care and other uses.

Abstract: A cover (36) is disclosed for use on the stirrups (12, 14) of a physician's examination table (10), to provide cushioned, comfortable surfaces against which the patient's feet rest during examination. Two layers (38, 42) of polymeric foam are joined to form a pocket (56) which slips over the stirrup from the top side (18) thereof. The exterior side (38) of the pocket which faces the examination table includes an upstanding wall (58) of foam material which cushions and protects the patient's heel from contact with bottom side (24, 26) of the stirrup. A method of making such a cover also is disclosed.

Abstract: A cover (36) is disclosed for use on the stirrups (12, 14) of a physician's examination table (10), to provide cushioned, comfortable surfaces against which the patient's feet rest during examination. Two layers (38, 42) of polymeric foam are joined to form a pocket (56) which slips over the stirrup from the top side (18) thereof. The exterior side (38) of the pocket which faces the examination table includes an upstanding wall (58) of foam material which cushions and protects the patient's heel from contact with bottom side (24, 26) of the stirrup. A method of making such a cover also is disclosed.

Abstract: An improved holder and protector (10) for sterilizable instruments is disclosed which comprises two layers (12) of heat fusible, reticulated foam material joined to define a plurality of open-ended pockets (18) for receiving instruments and a cover flap (22) for folding over the instruments and pockets to protect them. A strip (20) of the layers below the pockets is fused to provide a smooth surface on which indicia of the contents of the pockets may be provided, as by manual printing.

Abstract: A cover for a laundry bag supported between pivotally interconnected leg members of inverted U-shape. The cover comprises a hood having slots near the ends of its opposing side walls, for fitting over pivot members extending between the two leg members and pivoting thereon from an open position in which the mouth of the bag is exposed to a closed position in which it is completely covered. The cover may be hand operated or spring closed and foot opened.

Abstract: The disclosure describes various forms of scuff-type slippers which are durable and resist turning under of the heel portion in use. These include a transversely elastic vamp, a sole which can be bent transversely by tension forces in the vamp, to which it is fusion bonded, and, extending above the sole, a heel overlayer that is secured to the sole at least in part by fusion bonding along the sides thereof. Also disclosed are methods of making such slippers.

Abstract: An improved laundry bag is disclosed which includes a combined bag closure and support band or flap having a specially configured lower edge which intersects the side seams of the bag at an acute angle. This angle of intersection distributes stresses developed in use in the closure and support band or flap so that the tendency to tear at the side seams or elsewhere is reduced substantially. The bag preferably is made from bias-cut material, which minimizes puckering of seams and adds extra stretchiness to the product. The bag also includes an improved form of handle pocket at its lower end. A method of manufacture which minimizes material wastage is also disclosed.

Abstract: Slipper-boots made of synthetic polymeric foam sheeting material comprise an upwardly flared foot-receiving throat having an upper opening with a first perimetral length to provide excess material for stress distribution and a lower opening having a second, smaller perimetral length to grip the wearer's ankle. Gussetted bottom soles also may be provided for additional width. An apparatus and method for making such slipper-boots comprise means or steps for simultaneously forming the heel of a leading slipper and the toe of a following slipper across an intermittently moving folded band of material, whereby slipper size may be varied by altering the time of movement of the folded band of material between formations of the slipper-boot heels and toes. Material folding means are also disclosed.

Abstract: Slippers of heat-sealable synthetic polymeric sheeting comprise a sole member and an upper member joined thereto by a heat-seal joint, the upper member having a progressively wider portion of said sheeting relative to the sole member, as measured across the slipper, whereby a permanent foot-receiving pocket is provided to facilitate donning the slipper without requiring the use of the hands. Method and apparatus for making such slippers comprise steps or means for joining separate bands of the material by heat-sealing the bands to each other on profiles corresponding to the sole and upper members, while simultaneously providing extra width in the upper member to create the foot receiving pocket.