Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article including a temperature change member for providing a cooling effect. The temperature change member includes a matrix of fibers and temperature change material intermixed within the matrix of fibers. The temperature change material includes erythritol.

Abstract: A wearable article useful for facilitating toilet training. The wearable article includes a temperature change element providing a cool/wet signal when wetted which causes discomfort to the wearer. The temperature change element comprises a temperature change substance disposed on an impermeable material in order to maximize the thermal signal provided to the skin of the wearer.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article having an area which is visible when the article is worn. A color gradation in the area provides a coloration which varies in intensity over the area from a higher intensity of color to a lower intensity of color. A visible element, such as an indicator for indicating a change in condition of the article, is at a location where the coloration is of lower intensity or absent so as not to obscure visibility of the element.

Abstract: A film that is biodegradable and water-sensitive (e.g., water-soluble, water-dispersible, etc.) in that it loses its integrity over time in the presence of water is provided. The film contains a biodegradable polyester, starch, water-soluble polymer, and plasticizer. The desired water-sensitive attributes of film may be achieved in the present invention by selectively controlling a variety of aspects of the film construction, such as the nature of the components employed, the relative amount of each component, the manner in which the film is formed, and so forth.

Abstract: A superabsorbent article of the invention having improved odour control and microbial control, comprises a liquid-impervious back layer, a liquid-absorbing intermediate layer containing a partially neutralized, acidic hydrophilic polymer, especially a surface-crosslinked polyacrylate, and a liquid-pervious, non-absorbing top layer, and is characterised by comprising an alkali-neutralising agent which is evenly distributed in said absorbing intermediate layer.

Abstract: A water-degradable and biodegradable, environmentally-friendly feminine hygiene product that can be utilized and then disposed of by flushing the entire product without disassembly or separation of parts.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article with an associated polymer film that is positioned to be activated by contact with bodily fluids, wherein the polymer film can release odor control and/or skin wellness agents upon contact with such bodily fluids. The polymer film can release the odor control and/or skin wellness agents immediately, gradually over a period of time after contact with such bodily fluids, or a combination of both. The polymer film can also be used for household cleaning applications, in which the polymer film can similarly contain and subsequently release household cleaning agents upon contact with water.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an absorbent article to be worn by a wearer comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, an absorbent core and a hydrophilic lotion to reduce the adherence of the menses or feces to the skin, thereby improving the ease of menses or bowl movement (BM) clean up; the absorbent article further comprises one or more cuffs to provide a high barrier to reduce leakage of liquids, such as urine.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a substantially oblong rectangular absorbent body A composed of a topsheet 2, a backsheet 3, and an absorbent core 4 between the topsheet 2 and the backsheet 3. The absorbent article further has a pair of side sheets 5 as leak preventive side members on its skin facing side C of the absorbent body A. The leak preventive side members have a pattern P printed with ink in a configuration such that the printed ink is substantially kept away from contact with the skin of a wearer.

Abstract: An absorbent article including a cover layer, a barrier layer, and a stabilizing layer arranged between said cover layer and said barrier layer. The stabilizing layer has a Dry Stiffness Index of at least about 0.9 g/gsm and a Wet Stiffness Loss of at least about 80%.

Abstract: An absorbent article including a cover layer, a barrier layer, and a stabilizing layer arranged between said cover layer and said barrier layer. The stabilizing layer has a Dry Stiffness Index of at least about 0.9 g/gsm and a Wet Stiffness Loss of at least about 80%.

Abstract: The Liquid Window Shade is a sealed double glazed window comprises of two spaced panes of glass sealed in a frame with spacer with sealed holes for connecting hoses for dyed water or other colored liquid to be pumped in or re-circulated, to block light coming in or decrease it to increase privacy, UV filtering or decrease heat loss. Air pump is to create a stream of air curtain inside the enclosure using several holes in the air strip located on the bottom. Draining solenoid, liquid and air pump connected to a timer creates an automated “shade up, shade down” cycle. Different colors, waterproof confetti, UV filtering chemicals can be added, for seasonal changes, for parties, or creating a falling snow flake affect.

Abstract: An aid is usable with a wearer's garment, the aid including a structural layer having a skin-facing side, wherein the structural layer is adapted to be positioned within the garment such that the skin-facing side is in at least partial skin contact with the wearer; and a thermal grill disposed on the structural layer. Also, an absorbent article delivers discomfort without causing physiological damage, the article including a bodyside liner; a plurality of warm portions disposed on the bodyside liner; and a plurality of cool portions disposed on the bodyside liner, wherein the warm portions and cool portions are disposed in an alternating pattern.

Abstract: A vaginal drug delivery system includes a device formed of porous material that holds a flowable therapeutic formulation. The device, preferably in a soft, prewetted state, is inserted into the vagina to reside typically at or near the cervix where it continuously releases the flowable therapeutic formulation through its outer surface which is in contact with the vaginal surfaces. In operation, the flowable therapeutic formulation migrates via capillary forces from a reservoir that is centrally located in the device and through a covering that envelopes the reservoir.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article including a temperature change member. The temperature change member includes temperature change material disposed with the temperature change member in a nonuniform distribution by weight across the temperature change member.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes an outer cover having a longitudinal axis, a topsheet attached to the outer cover and having a body-facing surface, and an absorbent core disposed between the outer cover and the topsheet. The article further includes a sensation member that includes a sensate, which can be associated with the topsheet or may be separate from the topsheet. The sensate provides a sensation of a temperature change greater than an actual temperature change to the wearer's skin in response to a urination event. The sensate can be incorporated in combination with one or more additional sensation members, such as hydrophilic members, hydrophobic members, and tactile members. Visible and/or tactile indicia may be associated with the sensation member.

Abstract: This application relates to absorbent articles, to be worn by a user, comprising a backsheet and in addition a topsheet, and/or barrier cuffs, and/or leg cuffs, comprising on one or more surfaces thereof that are in contact with the skin of the user, a coating composition or partial coating with a particulate material dispersed in a carrier component. More particularly, said coating composition is a lotion composition that is transferable to the wearer's skin by normal contact and wearer motion and/or body heat. Preferred articles herein have at least such a topsheet and preferred are infant (baby) diapers, including training pants, and adult incontinence devices, sanitary napkins, panty-liners and the like.

Abstract: Absorbent articles comprising fibrous nits and other free-flowing particles are disclosed. In one embodiment, an absorbent article is disclosed comprising free-flowing particles in a central portion which, in conjunction with other absorbent members, provides excellent body fit and good fluid handling performance. In another embodiment, good leakage control is provided by the combined effect of good intake and fluid handling performance of fibrous nits coupled with a wicking barrier between the nits and the longitudinal sides of the articles. An optional central rising member can further enhance the topography of the article when compressed by urging the portion comprising nits to deflect vertically upward. Methods of preparing cellulosic nits and incorporating them into absorbent articles are also described.

Abstract: Absorbent articles having enhanced absorption of bodily exudates are disclosed. The absorbent articles comprise a bodily exudate modifying agent and a skin care formulation. The bodily exudate modifying agent is capable of reducing the viscosity of bodily exudates such as feces and menses. The skin care formulation comprises a film forming agent that, upon transfer to the skin, can form a continuous film layer on the skin to retard harmful agents.

Abstract: An absorbent insert for use with an absorbent garment has a body-facing outer surface and a garment-facing outer surface. The garment-facing outer surface is at least partially permeable to fluids. The insert also includes one or more absorbent layers and one or more delay layer(s) adapted to substantially affect the flow of fluid through the insert.

Abstract: An interlabial absorbent article is provided for disposition primarily within the vestibule of a female wearer. The article includes a liquid permeable top sheet, a polymeric film back sheet, and an absorbent material disposed between the top sheet and back sheet. The polymeric film back sheet is also liquid permeable such that the article may be disposed at generally any orientation within the wearer's vestibule and absorb bodily fluids at any such orientation.

Abstract: A personal care absorbent article includes a generally liquid permeable cover sheet, a generally liquid impermeable baffle, and an absorbent material disposed between the cover sheet and the baffle. A water soluble flexible absorbent binder composition is applied between the cover sheet and the baffle and functions as a primary absorbent material and to adhere the cover sheet to the baffle. The absorbent binder composition includes a crosslinked absorbent polymer and a polymer dispersion added in an amount so as to maintain structural integrity of the article for a time period of at least about two hours after the article is immersed in water by being flushed.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes an outer cover member, a liner, and an absorbent body structure disposed between the cover member and the liner. A first matrix of discrete deposits of a skin wellness lotion formulation are applied relative to the body facing surface of the liner so as to contact the wearer's skin. The lotion formulation deposits have a phase-change temperature less than body temperature. A second matrix of discrete deposits of a phase-change liquid are applied to the body facing surface of the liner interspaced with the lotion deposits. These phase-change liquid deposits have a phase-change temperature greater than body temperature. The phase-change lotion deposits have a height above the body facing surface greater than the height of the phase-change liquid deposits.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent structure comprising an acidic or basic water-swellable, water-insoluble polymer, a basic or acidic second material, and, optionally, a buffering agent, wherein the absorbent structure exhibits desirable absorbent properties. Specifically, the present invention relates to an absorbent structure having the ability to absorb a large quantity of liquid while maintaining a substantially desired and balanced pH profile on or along the upper surface of the absorbent structure. The absorbent structure is useful in disposable absorbent products, such as those disposable absorbent products that are used to absorb body liquids.

Abstract: A wearable article including a fever indicator disposed on at least a portion of the article for indicating the body temperature of a wearer. The fever indicator may be used in conjunction with a disposable absorbent article and provides a signal indicating qualitative or quantitative information about the body temperature of the wearer based on the temperature of the wearer's urine.

Abstract: An absorbent article which includes a phase change material capable of adding or removing heat to or from at least a portion of the absorbent article to perform a useful function on the article. The phase change material may be activated by an action of the wearer or caregiver or by environmental conditions between the article and wearer.

Abstract: Sphagnum, sphagnum moss, and/or sphagnum peat is milled to create a multitude of sphagnum, sphagnum moss, and/or sphagnum peat particles substantially all of which have a size less than about 850 microns. Particles of milled sphagnum moss have been shown to retain excellent water and oil absorption capabilities until particle sizes become smaller than 180 microns.

Abstract: An absorbent personal care device, such as an interlabial pad, tampon, sanitary pad or liner, or incontinence product adapted to deliver a therapeutic agent to the vaginal epithelium for systemic and topical treatment, the tampon including absorbent material and a formulation including a therapeutic agent, wherein the therapeutic agent is a botanical. The botanical may be, but is not limited to, Agnus castus, aloe vera, comfrey, calendula, dong quai, black cohosh, chamomile, evening primrose, Hypericum perforatum, licorice root, black currant seed oil, St. John's wort, tea extracts, lemon balm, capsicum, rosemary, Areca catechu, mung bean, borage seed oil, witch hazel, fenugreek, lavender, soy, heath, cranberries, blueberries, azaleas, red onion skin, short red bell peppers, long red bell peppers, beet root extract, capsanthin, whortleberry, lingenberry, chokeberry, sweet rowan, rowanberry, seabuckhrouberry, crowberry, strawberries, or gooseberries.

Abstract: An article containing a liquid pervious topsheet coated with a lotion composition is disclosed. The lotion composition provides a skin benefit and/or reduces the adherence of BM to the skin of the wearer, thereby improving the case of BM clean up. The lotion composition applied to the article in a nonuniform manner, preferably such there are regions on the article's topsheet that are not coated with lotion.

Abstract: A portable, electric breast pump has an electronic controller adapted to track time and operate a solenoid to automatically maintain a predetermined suction and release rhythm as a function of time to mimic the natural sucking rhythm of an infant. Suction is produced by a continuously running diaphragm pump. A needle valve permits user vacuum level adjustment, but no other user control is required. A flapper valve in the top of the bottle reduces the suction rise time but incorporates a fixed amount of leakage to build a small amount of bottle pressure for pulling collected milk into the bottle during the release portion of the cycle. An improved bulkhead design helps to keep milk from entering the diaphragm pump if the unit is shaken or turned on its side.

Abstract: An absorbent article including an absorbent structure is disclosed. The absorbent structure has an absorbent core and a plurality of discrete entities deposited on the absorbent core, wherein the combination of absorbent core and discrete entities form a body facing surface of the absorbent article.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the control of noisome odors created by the decomposition of human waste in a personal hygiene product. Control of the decomposition process is by the pre-application of an odor control compound comprising a hydroxydiphenyl ether in a modified acidic environment to one or more components of the personal hygiene product. The odor control compound exhibits a multi-functional performance, affecting not only the odiferous decomposition byproducts, but the biochemical decomposition and degradation pathways.

Abstract: An absorbent article containing a liquid pervious topsheet coated with a lotion composition is disclosed. The lotion composition comprises a plastic or fluid emollient such as mineral oil or petrolatum, an immobilizing agent such as a fatty alcohol or paraffin wax to immobilize the emollient on the surface of the topsheet, and optionally a hydrophilic surfactant to improve wettability of the coated topsheet. Because the emollient is substantially immobilized on the surface of the topsheet, less lotion is required to impart the desired therapeutic or protective lotion coating benefits.

Abstract: An absorbent swimwear garment having a built-in draining mechanism for releasing excess swim water. The draining mechanism can include a liquid-permeable outer cover in a crotch area of the garment and/or liquid-permeable containment flaps. In addition, an absorbent assembly can be configured to direct incoming fluid away from the most liquid-permeable areas of the outer cover and containment flaps. During initial product use, the absorbent swimwear garment is able to contain urine and bowel movements, similar to ordinary diapers and training pants. When the swimwear garment is submersed in swim water, such as pool or lake water, the hydrostatic head of any excess water in the garment is sufficient to drain through the liquid-permeable outer cover and/or containment flaps, thereby allowing swim water, but not bowel movements, to drain out the bottom of the garment.

Abstract: Environmentally degradable molded or extruded articles comprising a blend of polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer and an environmentally degradable thermoplastic polymer or copolymer are disclosed. Such compositions provide annealing cycle times to form molded or extruded articles that are less than annealing cycle times to form a molded or extruded article lacking the environmentally degradable thermoplastic polymer or copolymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates a method for maintaining or improving skin health by repeatedly applying lotion-treated absorbent articles to a wearer. When applied with sufficient frequency, the skin in the area covered by lotion-treated absorbent articles shows equal or improved skin health, relative to skin covered by untreated absorbent articles that do not comprise a skin care composition. The present invention also relates to methods for assessing skin health in the area covered by an absorbent article.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprising a liquid retentive absorbent layer containing a superabsorbent polymer and a liquid-impermeable leak proof layer is disclosed. An agent having a skin care effect and substantially no decomposing action on the superabsorbent polymer is fixed on a prescribed region of the absorbent article in a state ready to be released from that region upon contact with moisture.

Abstract: An interlabial pad, which can be discarded by flushing down a toilet and yet with which neither the functions and comfort during use of the interlabial nor the functions of a septic tank are damaged, is provided. The interlabial pad comprises: an absorbent body absorbing liquids; and a cover body covering the absorbent body in an enclosing manner and comprising a liquid permeable surface side sheet and a liquid impermeable back face side sheet. The cover body is arranged from a plurality of small sheet pieces and the small sheet pieces that are adjacent each other are mutually overlapped and form seam parts. The abovementioned seam parts are set so as to become weakened in physicochemical strength upon permeation of water and separate into the plurality of small sheet pieces when the interlabial pad is discarded by being flushed down a toilet.

Abstract: An absorbent article which includes a thermal cell actuator capable of adding or removing heat to or from at least a portion of the absorbent article to perform a useful function on the article. The thermal cell actuator may be activated by an action of the wearer or caregiver or by environmental conditions between the article and wearer.

Abstract: An absorbent product has an absorption body with a generally oblong shape with two longitudinal sides, two transverse sides, a longitudinal center line, and also includes a first, liquid-permeable surface layer and a second, essentially liquid-impermeable surface layer, an essentially liquid-impermeable backing layer, an absorption body positioned between the liquid-permeable surface layer and the backing layer, two leakage barriers made of flexible material in the longitudinal direction on each side of the longitudinal center line. Each leakage barrier has a first edge permanently fastened along the first, liquid-permeable surface layer and a second edge which extends in the direction of the longitudinal center line of the absorbent product. The first surface and/or the second surface of each leakage barrier is fastened to or near to the first, liquid-permeable surface layer and/or the second, liquid-impermeable surface layer.

Abstract: Provided is an absorbent article which includes a backsheet, a liquid-pervious topsheet and an absorbent core sandwiched between the backsheet and the topsheet. At least the backsheet is made from a water-decomposable material. The backsheet is formed of a fibrous sheet that contains water-dispersible fibers and water-insoluble carboxymethyl cellulose. The water-insoluble carboxymethyl cellulose has a degree of etherification (D.S.) falling between 0.3 and 0.6, and is modified so that the hydrogens of at least 95% of carboxylic acids therein are substituted with metal.

Abstract: Disclosed are flushable tampon applicators which comprise a combination of thermoplastic materials that readily disintegrate in water such as toilet water for improved disposal and reduced environmetal concerns regarding the destruction of these applicators. The flushable tampon applicators comprise a combination of high molecular weight polyethylene oxides, low molecular weight polyethylene glycols, and biodegradable polymers, wherein this combination of water-dispersible and biodegradable thermoplastic polymers provide flushable tampon applicators that are readily disposed of and that are smooth, soft, flexible, and non-sticky or non-slimy to the touch before and during use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite material including a substrate with a first and a second layer, and a surfactant. The surfactant is applied to the first layer of the substrate. The surfactant acts to lower the surface tension of a fluid which contacts the first layer of the substrate such that the fluid is allowed or more readily enabled to pass through the first layer of the substrate, but such that the surfactant does not substantially adversely effect the absorption capacity or wicking height of the second layer of the substrate, as the second layer of the substrate substantially inactivates the surfactant upon contact or interaction therewith.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for personal cleaning and, in particular, for cleaning and/or drying following defecation or urination, or for cleaning and freshening during menstruation. Devices according to the invention are unitary, in the sense that they do not require any configuring or formatting prior to use, and have two distinct zones of varying functional performance, one zone being configured with the principal objective of absorbing and retaining faeces, urine or menses, and the other zone being configured with the principal objective of protecting the user's hand. The devices drape over the user's hand and can be manipulated into body crevices.

Abstract: The absorbent article of the invention has a liquid impervious backsheet and a liquid pervious topsheet joined to the backsheet. The topsheet has an inner surface oriented toward the interior of the absorbent article and an outer surface oriented toward the skin and hair of the wearer when the absorbent article is being worn and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. At least a portion of the topsheet outer surface comprises an effective amount of a lotion coating which is semi-solid or solid at 20 degrees C.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to ion-sensitive, water-dispersible polymers. The present invention is also directed to a method of making ion-sensitive, water-dispersible polymers and their applicability as binder compositions. The present invention is further directed to fiber-containing fabrics and webs comprising ion-sensitive, water-dispersible binder compositions and their applicability in water-dispersible personal care products.

Abstract: Environmentally degradable molded or extruded articles comprising a polyhydroxyalkanoate C4C6 copolymer composition having short annealing cycle times are provided. Such short annealing cycle times are achieved by compositions having a percentage of C6 units of 2-8%. Desirable annealing cycle times are obtained for molded or extruded articles, particularly for tampon applicators.

Abstract: This invention relates to an absorbent composite which utilizes multifunctional superabsorbent materials to enhance distribution of fluids within the absorbent composite. More specifically, this invention relates to superabsorbent materials which swell and absorb fluids and also can deswell and release fluids into the surrounding absorbent composite and towards additional superabsorbent material. The superabsorbent materials of this invention deswell and release fluid by means of a triggering mechanism. Triggering mechanisms can include thermal, chemical, mechanical, electronic, magnetic, and radiation energies. Swelling and deswelling of the superabsorbent materials can be repeated for more than one cycle thereby improving fluid distribution. Multiple swelling and deswelling cycles allow multiple insults to be distributed throughout an absorbent composite, fully utilizing the absorbent capabilities of the full absorbent composite and minimizing leakage.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a diaper, a pants-type diaper, an incontinence protector or a pants-like sanitary napkin, having a front part, a rear part and an intermediate central part. The article includes an absorbent body enclosed between an inner, liquid-permeable sheet and a liquid-impermeable outer sheet, and fastener devices for releasably connecting side-portions of the front and rear parts. The fastener devices are made of a renewable material. The fastener devices are welded to at least one of the sheets of the article and the fastener devices and the sheets are made of a material having a glass transition temperature which lies between 50-60° C. and a melting point which lies between 140-180° C., preferably between 150-175° C.

Abstract: A dispersible absorbent product comprises a mechanically weakened fibrous web. The dispersible absorbent product can absorb a sufficient amount of fluid without becoming overloaded and suffering from leakage, and is dispersible using a standard toilet. The mechanically weakened regions of the web enhance the dispersibility of the product. Additionally, the dispersible absorbent products may be pre-moistened with a composition. The pre-moistened products are stable in storage, easily dispersible down a toilet, and deliver cleaning, conditioning, and like benefits. Methods of making such dispersible absorbent products are also disclosed.