Abstract: A reinforcing member is disclosed that will maintain the shape of a product for absorption of human exudate, such as a feminine hygiene pad, diaper or incontinent garment during use. The flexibly stiff reinforcing member will return the pad to its desired shape, even after it has been deformed by movement of the wearer. In one form, the reinforcing member is a flat strip of polyethylene that extends around the periphery of the product. In other embodiments, the resilient reinforcing member may be present only in the periphery of the center or crotch portion of the product. The strength and flexibility required of the reinforcing member will vary depending upon the product stiffness prior to being reinforced and the use for which the product is designed. The reinforcing element is a flexibly stiff, resilient, substantially nonelastic material.

Abstract: A liquid impervious barrier member for use in a variety of medical products is disclosed as including a first outer layer of synthetic thermal plastic fabric material, an intermediate layer of thermal plastic film and a second outer layer of synthetic thermal plastic fabric material, all of the layers being heat and pressure bonded together and then cured to form the liquid impervious barrier member.

Abstract: A hot melt adhesive composition possessing color stability and resistance to heat degradation, oxidation and skin formation. The adhesive composition contains a block copolymer prepared using a bromide based coupling agent, a tackifying resin, and an effective amount of a stabilizer composition. The stabilizer composition contains a thio compound, a phenolic antioxidant, a tris-(nonylated phenyl) phosphite, and an aliphatic compatible epoxy compound. Optionally, the adhesive composition may also contain a plasticizer and/or a petroleum derived wax.

Abstract: A breathable, multilayer, clothlike barrier especially suitable for use as an outer cover or baffle in such disposable absorbent articles as diapers, sanitary napkins, and incontinent pads, which barrier has at least three layers:A. a first layer which is a porous meltblown nonwoven web having a first side and a second side;B. a second layer joined to the first side of the first layer, which second layer is a continuous film of a poly(vinyl alcohol), in which:the film is not microporous in that it is substantially free of voids which connect the two surfaces of the film; andthe film has an average thickness of from about 3 to about 250 microns; andC.

Abstract: A stable, nonreactive, thermoplastic polymer blend comprising form about 10 to about 95 percent by weight of a superabsorbent, thermoplastic polymeric composition and from about 90 to about 5 percent by weight of at least one thermoplastic polymer.

Abstract: A breathable barrier which includes:A. a first layer which is a porous sheet having a first side and a second side; andB. a second layer joined to the first side of the first layer, which second layer is a continuous film of a polymeric latex material, in which:the film is not microporous in that it is substantially free of voids which connect the two surfaces of the film; andthe film has an average thickness of from about 10 to about 250 microns;wherein the first layer side of the second layer is intimately comingled with at least some of the fibers at the surface of the first side of the first layer, none of the pores at the surface of the first side of the first layer are so large as to significantly adversely affect the barrier properties of the breathable barrier as a consequence of the comingling, and the breathable barrier has a water vapor transmission rate at 37.degree. C. and about 50 percent relative humidity of from about 100 to about 2,200 g/m.sup.2 /24 hours and is impermeable to 0.

Abstract: Microfiber microwebs are provided. The microfiber microwebs have relatively dense nuclei with individual fibers and/or fiber bundles protruding therefrom. The microfiber microwebs can be incorporated into nonwoven webs of blown microfibers, air-laid staple fibers, or wood pulp fibers as well as into shaped articles having porous covering materials. The microfiber microwebs are useful in sorbent, filtration, and thermal insulation materials. The microfiber microwebs are prepared by divellicating a microfiber web to form discrete particles of microfiber microwebs.

Abstract: A stable, nonreactive, thermoplastic polymer blend comprising from about 10 to about 95 percent by weight of a superabsorbent, thermoplastic polymeric composition and from about 90 to about 5 percent by weight of at least one thermoplastic polymer.

Abstract: A water permeable, contoured, polymeric film which is apertured and which contains a pattern of raised areas. The film is formed from elastomeric polymer, preferably a blend of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer with incompatible polymer. The numbers of apertures and raised areas contained in the film are such that the ratio of apertures to raised areas is greater than unity. The apertures are preferably distributed in a random manner throughout the raised areas. Processes for forming the film by first aperturing the film and then impressing raised areas into the apertured film are also described. The film may be employed to form the body contacting surface in absorbent devices. The use of the film helps to reduce the phenomenon of wet-back.

Abstract: A light-occlusive self adherent eyepatch is disclosed comprising an absorbent pad having a nonadherent lower surface, a thin microporous polymeric film overlying the upper surface of the pad, pressure sensitive adhesive means extending around the periphery of the pad to adhere the patch to the eye socket, and a removable liner protecting the lower surface of the pad and the adhesive prior to use. The polymeric film blocks at least 95 percent of the light of a preselected wavelength impinging on the film, and the overall eyepatch is conformable and moisture vapor permeable.

Abstract: This invention involves a device forming a sanitary napkin.The device includes a preformed, usually biconcave fluid-absorbent pad component (2) defining a biconcave central area (8) of reduced width, entirely arranged inside a covering (10) which is permeable to said fluids, and a layer (16) made of a component impermeable to fluids which is inserted between the pad component (2) and said covering (10), characterized in that said covering (10) is designed with a width (L) larger than width (l) of said pad component (2) at the level of said biconcave reduced-width area (8), thus defining side wings or flaps (20, 22) that are sealed together.This device improves lateral tightness while providing excellent comfort.

Abstract: Non-woven material useful for example for disposable wipers and the like which comprises a layer of meltblown polymeric microfibers inter-mixed with fibres of absorbent material and/or absorbent or super-absorbent particles, the absorbent fibres and/or particles being inter-connected by and held captive within the polymeric microfibres matrix of fibres by mechanical entanglement and interconnection of the microfibres/absorbent fibres, (when present), and at least one layer of meltblown polymeric microfibres, the layers being bonded together ultrasonically or by the application of heat or heat and pressure to cause the microfibres in one layer to bond to the microfibres in an adjacent layer so as to produce fuse bonds extending through the material.Such material can readily absorb fluids including oil, and can subsequently be squeezed out readily. The material also has an integral strength and a substantially lint free wiping surface.

Abstract: A laminate which is elastic in at least one direction, includes an elastic sheet having at least one nonelastic nonwoven web joined thereto at least at two areas. The nonelastic web is gathered between the two areas. The elastic sheet is formed from a polyetherester and the nonelastic nonwoven web includes spunlaced hydraulically entangled polyester fibers. The nonelastic nonwoven web may also include rayon or wood pulp fibers.

Abstract: A coverstock for disposable sanitary absorbent products is described. It comprises a non-woven web having a body-contacting surface and a material-contacting surface. The web is partially impregnated in selected areas with a fluid-repellent material such as a hot-melt adhesive. The penetration of the repellent material extends from the material-contacting surface, a distance toward the body-contacting surface at least 5% and not more than 95% of the thickness of the web so that the body-contacting surface is free of fluid-repellent material, and so that the material-contacting surface can be secured to the material by application of heat and without any additional adhesive material. A disposable absorbent pad made with the coverstock material, and the process for making the coverstock material and the pad are also disclosed.

Abstract: A superabsorbent, thermoplastic polymeric composition comprising:(A) from about 86 to about 98 percent by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, of a poly(oxyethylene) diol soft segment having a weight average molecular weight in the range of from about 5,000 to about 50,000; and(B) from about 2 to about 14 percent by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, of a hard segment which has a melting point above ambient temperature and below the temperature at which decomposition of either the composition or the soft segment takes place, is essentially insoluble in water, and phase separates from the soft segment, said hard segment being selected from the group consisting of polyurethanes, polyamides, polyesters, polyureas, and combinations thereof;wherein the soft and hard segments are covalently bound together by means of urethane, amide, ester, or secondary urea linkages or combinations thereof.

Abstract: An absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin or a diaper comprises an absorption body (9) accommodated in a casing (11). The casing is composed of a carded fiber fabric made in one piece and containing at least 5% of melt fibers, preferably polypropylene, sub-divided into parallel streaks (1, 3, 4, 5, 6) having different melt-bonded patterns. There are thus provided streaks of varying structures which are adapted to their individual positioning in relation to the absorption body (9). The casing (11) seals around the absorption body (9) with at least two layers (6, 2) on the side of the absorption body facing the user, the outermost layer (2) having a substantially tighter bonding pattern than the inner, loosely bonded and voluminous layer(s).

Abstract: The present invention provides a distinctive absorbent garment which comprises a backsheet having waistband portions at each longitudinal end thereof, and intermediate portion interconnecting the waistband portions, and marginal portions along each lateral side edge of the backsheet. A liquid permeable liner sheet is located in facing relation with the backsheet, and an absorbent body is located between the backsheet and liner sheet. The absorbent body delimits waistband sections at each longitudinal end thereof, delimits an intermediate section interconnecting the waistband sections, and delimits a marginal contour at each lateral side edge of the absorbent body. Each marginal side contour has at least one collapsible notch section formed therein. A fastening mechanism is connected to the garment for securing the garment on a wearer.

Abstract: A breathable barrier which includes:A. a first layer which is a porous sheet having a first side and a second side; andB.

Abstract: Sorbent sheet products are prepared comprising a coherent fibrous web that includes entangled blown fibers and liquid transport fibers intermingled with the blown fibers and an array of solid high sorbency liquid-sorbent polymeric particles uniformly dispersed and physically held within the web. The particles swell upon sorption of liquid, and the transport fibers cause increased and more rapid sorption of liquid by conducting the liquid from external portions of the web to internal portions of the web.

Abstract: Nonwoven webs are disclosed which comprise monofilaments or fibers of a thermoplastic material. Basically, the improvement comprises the use of monofilaments or fibers which have a bilobal shaped cross-section. Nonwoven webs made according to this invention are particularly suited to be used for liners for disposable diapers as well as wraps for catamenial devices. Methods are also disclosed for producing such nonwoven webs.

Abstract: A coated fabric comprises a base ply of a fiber material such as a non-woven fiber material, for example, a polypropylene non-woven material, having a thermoplastic film, for example, an ethylene methyl acrylate film, bonded thereto. The base ply has densified and undensified portions thereof, the densified portions defining densified areas on a coating surface of the base ply, and the thermoplastic film is heat-bonded to the coating surface at least at the densified portions thereof. A method of making the coated fabric comprises contacting the thermoplastic film in heat-softened condition with the coating surface of the base ply, and allowing the film to cool.

Abstract: Disclosed is a nonwoven, textile sponge for use in medical and hygienic applications consisting of at least one outer, thermally consolidated, moisture-repellent fiber layer containing at least 80% synthetic heterofil filaments and at least one layer of absorbent fibers. The sponge is perforated, but does not have any substantial fiber entanglement, and contains no binding agent of any kind. Also disclosed is a method for the manufacture of the sponge, in which the fiber nonwovens are laid one on the other, hydraulically perforated without fiber entanglement, and then thermally consolidated through heterofil filaments.

Abstract: The invention provides an elastic laminated disposable diaper which has a liquid-impermeable backing which is produced from an initially molten extruded elastic film, an absorbent core and a liquid-permeable facing. The facing is at least about 25 percent extensible and is coextensive with the backing. The absorbent unit being laminated between the facing and the backing.

Abstract: A composite substrate for use as a coversheet on disposable articles such as disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, disposable bed pads, nursing pads, finger dressings, and incontinent diapers, or the like. The cover sheet comprises an inner layer of polyethylene thermoplastic film secured to and between the inner surfaces of a top layer and a bottom layer of nonwoven polypropylene fibrous webs, by means of a pair of, one of which being a heated embossed roll applied to at least one of the outer surfaces of the fibrous web. The heat from the heated roll causes the film to melt in discrete areas forming apertures therein without substantially affecting the fibrous webs. As the film melts, it contacts fibers in the substantially unaffected adjacent fibrous web layers, causing the film and webs to be secured to each other at least at the peripheral edges of the discrete apertured areas, leaving a matrix of fibers covering the apertured areas.

Abstract: The present invention is an elastic leg diaper and a method and equipment for its manufacture. A preferred form of the diaper uses for the entire moisture impermeable backing sheet an elastomeric material of the type that is heat unstable and relatively inelastic in its unshrunk form and stable and relatively elastic in its heat shrunk form. Numerous materials of this type are available. Included among them are block copolymers which include a rubbery material as one component, polyurethanes, and irradiated polyethylene. Diapers made using one of these materials as a backing sheet can be conventionally assembled. After assembly, the marginal areas, which may be either or both of the transverse and longitudinal margins, may be heated to a sufficient temperature for shrinkage to occur in the backing sheet. This shrinkage will only occur when the backing sheet is unrestrained.

Abstract: An open-cell, foamed gypsum absorbent for fluids is prepared by foaming a slurry containing plaster, carbonaceous material, and a weak acid. Some of the preferred carbonaceous material include activated carbon, dried blood, comminuted vegetable matter containing chlorophyll, hemoglobin containing heme, and organometallic chelates. Aluminum sulfate is the preferred weak acid.Some of the gases absorbed are carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, ammonia, formaldehyde, nitrogen oxides, and tobacco smoke.Some of the liquids absorbed are water, salt water, urine, blood, sperm, catemenial exudate, and perspiration.This invention has applications in cigarette filters, gas masks, diapers, wound dressings, hospital or surgical sheeting, and undergarments for incontinent adults.

Abstract: Leakage resistant waste barriers for use on absorbent articles are prepared by coating a portion of a nonwoven sheet with a water insoluble or water impermeable hot melt adhesive composition.

Abstract: A breathable clothlike barrier which includes a defensive composite having at least two layers:A. a first layer which is a clothlike porous substrate having a first side and a second side, in which:the first layer has a nominal basis weight of at least about 10 g/m.sup.2 ;the fibers comprising the first layer have an average fiber diameter in the range of from about 0.01 to about 10 microns; andeach of substantially all of the pores at the surface of the first side of the first layer has a cross-sectional area of from about 6.times.10.sup.-16 m.sup.2 to about 2.times.10.sup.-9 m.sup.2 ; andB. a second layer joined to the first side of the first layer, which second layer is a continuous film of a poly(vinyl alcohol), in which:the film is not microporous in that it is substantially free of voids which connect the two surfaces of the film; andthe film has an average thickness of (a) from about 3 to about 25 microns when the basis weight of the first layer is at least about 20 g/m.sup.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprising an elongated absorbant pad having a body facing surface and a garment facing surface, a portion of the garment facing surface being coated with a hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive composition comprising a styrene-butadiene-styrene block or multi-block copolymer containing 35 to 55 parts styrene per 100 parts copolymer, a tackifying resin, a naphthenic or paraffinic oil, and an antioxidant.

Abstract: Leakage resistant waste barriers for use on absorbent articles are prepared by coating a portion of a nonwoven sheet with a water insoluble or water impermeable hot melt adhesive composition.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin is provided which obviates the problem of stain propagating across the body facing side of the napkin while still facilitates manufacturing processes. Specifically, the napkin comprises a pad having a wrapper which overlies the garment facing side of the pad, the longitudinal sides of the pad, and peripheral portions of the body facing surface of the pad. The wrapper comprises a body fluid impervious sheet laminated to a fibrous sheet with the fibrous sheet being wider than the impervious sheet. The fibrous sheet has a width sufficient to overlie the garment facing surface, the longitudinal sides and the longitudinal peripheral portions of the body facing side of said pad, but is insufficient in width to overlie the central major portion of the body facing surface of the pad.

Abstract: A sanitary towel for absorbing body fluids composed of an absorptive hydrophilic fiber filling having a cover, the cover being composed of a liquid-impermeable composite material and having a defined liquid-permeable zone. The core of the filling material contains an insert having high absorptive polymers therein and being covered with a liquid-permeable woven carrier material, fleece or tissue. Such towels are easy to manufacture, highly absorptive and possess good tactile properties.

Abstract: A polymeric fibrous sheet is provided in the form of a composite of an open matrix of coarse fibers extending throughout the sheet and integrated with cocrystallized, fine fibers spanning the open spaces within the matrix. This non-woven sheet is formed by applying a thin film of polymer solution to the top surface of a substrate undergoing agitation. The substrate can be continuous, such as a belt, agitated by applying oscillatory motion from an acoustic or pneumatic driver to the shafts carrying the cylindrical rollers for the belt. The agitation is at a level sufficient to develop a reciprocating flow field with a velocity gradient sufficient to uncoil and orient the polymer chains in solution and induce the growth of fibers. As the agitated solution cools, a sheet is formed as linear polymer chains crystallize. Residual solvent is removed and the sheet is then dried in the dryer.

Abstract: The invention generally provides for formation of meltblown material containing wood fiber on to a continuous foraminous belt. During formation a polymer and wood fiber first layer is applied to a moving belt from at least one bank of meltblown forming apparatus. This first layer does not contain superabsorbent. The belt carrying the first layer passes beneath at least one further source of meltblown fiber into which superabsorbent is added along with the wood fibers. This provides at least one additional layer integrally connected to the first-formed layer and having superabsorbent properties. The first layer acts to aid in trapping of any superabsorbent which is not immediately entangled in the meltblown and wood fibers and prevents it passing through the forming belt.

Abstract: The invention is generally accomplished by providing a pad that has an impermeable backing member, an overlaying permeable member and an absorbent coform layer therebetween. The pad is provided with a quilted pattern by permanent adhering compression of the pad in narrow areas, forming a lined pattern. The pad further may be heated to shrink the coform and provide a pleasing puckered surface.

Abstract: Leakage resistant waste barriers for use on absorbent articles are prepared by coating a portion of a nonwoven sheet with a water insoluble or water impermeable hot melt adhesive composition.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin is provided which comprises a cover with clean and dry properties in combination with the fluid transport properties of an impressed channel. The napkin comprises an absorbent core having impressed into its body facing side at least one elongated channel. A hydrophobic, body fluid pervious, cover overlies said body facing side and said channel and said cover extends into the channel and is adhered to the channel bottom.

Abstract: A combination sanitary napkin and interlabial pad is provided by forming an absorbent layer which tapers at one end and folding the layer over on itself to form a double layer with the top layer designed, due to its reduced width, to engage the labia of the user. The upper layer is moveable with respect to the bottom absorbent layer.

Abstract: A fibrous web, such as a nonwoven liquid-pervious fibrous web, has reinforced marginal portions and an unreinforced medial portion, the fibers of the reinforced marginal portions being at least partially thermally fused or embedded within a cured bonding medium. A process for forming reinforced marginal portions on a fibrous web includes the steps of passing said fibrous web through a pair of nip rollers having heated marginal surface portions and at least partially thermally fusing fibers of the marginal portions, but not the medial portion, of the fibrous web. Alternatively, the method comprises applying a curable medium to the marginal portions of the fibrous web, but not to the medial portion, and curing the curable medium to embed the fibers of the marginal portions within the cured medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pad that has as the outer impervious layer a polymer sheet integrally bonded to a fabric material such that the fabric material is on the exterior of the polymer sheet. The fabric is exposed on the body side of the pad when the edges of the pad are wrapped with the impervious liner to form baffles. The absorbent material forming the inner portion of the pad is integrally connected to a pervious body-side liner material. The connection of pervious liner to absorbent is such that when the pad is manipulated the pervious liner material stays in contact with the absorbent material and aids in transfer of liquid through the pervious liner into the absorbent. The fabric forming part of the impervious layer is preferably hydrophobic.

Abstract: A laminated structure adapted to be gathered for improved fit about a portion of the human body, said laminated structure comprising an elastic member disposed between first and second substrates of flexible gatherable material, said elastic member including a plurality of interconnected elastic elements defining apertures therebetween, and the first and second substrates of said laminated structure being secured together through at least some of said apertures.

Abstract: A disposable waste-containment garment such as a disposable diaper, an external incontinent protection garment for adults (e.g. adult incontinent briefs), an external catamenial, or a disposable liner for either a disposable diaper or an incontinent brief. The garment, which may be elasticized by, for example, having elasticized leg cuffs and waistbands, comprises an absorbent core comprising substantially unbonded fibers disposed between a liquid permeable lamina and a liquid impermeable backsheet, and the liquid permeable lamina and the absorbent core are bonded together in face to face relation with an open pattern of adhesive: preferably a fine scale reticulated network of filaments of pressure sensitive hot melt adhesive having a weight of from about one-half (1/2) milligram to about three (3) milligrams per square inch (from about 0.8 to about 4.7 grams per square meter) but, more preferably, from about one-and-three-tenths (1.3) milligrams to about two-and-three-tenths (2.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent product is provided in the form of a layered structure. A first fibrous layer of resilient fibers contains superabsorbent and is superposed on a layer of hydrophilic material. The layers are unpressed and slit followed by extrusion to open the slits to provide apertures. The structure is used as the absorbent core in diapers, sanitary napkins, wound dressings and the like.

Abstract: Styrene-butadiene block copolymers are used as hot melt bonding agents in the formation of disposable laminates by using multi-line adhesive application.

Abstract: A sanitary appliance is provided which has fused barrier lines in the cover only.The web is useful as a wrap for absorbent appliances or for toweling in which the fused barrier in each instance minimizes surface runoff and excessive wicking.The invention also includes a process for making a sanitary appliance with the web of the subject invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sanitary napkin having high liquid absortivity and excellent touch to the skin. The napkin is comprised of an internal absorbent medium and a covering fabric. The covering fabric has an integrated two layer structure wherein each layer is made from different compositions of heat fusible and hydrophobic fibers.

Abstract: An absorptive structure or device such as a disposable diaper or the like, for absorbing and containing fluid bodily discharges, comprising a liquid permeable top sheet, a liquid permeable carrier sheet adjacent thereto, an absorbent element adjacent the permeable carrier sheet and a liquid impermeable back sheet adjacent the absorbent element. The edges of the sheets are sealed together without glue or other adhesive composition so that the absorptive element is imprisoned between the sheets. Additional carrier sheets may be included in the structure as desired.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin with an absorbent batt which has been folded upon itself along each longitudinal edge and then folded inwardly to provide a three layer absorbent batt. The sanitary napkin has a fluid permeable wrap which overlies each outer and inner fold and terminates at the outer edges of the third layer. A fluid impermeable baffle is positioned between the multiple layers of absorbent and the wrap except on the top, i.e., body facing surface of the absorbent batt.

Abstract: Methods, the products produced thereby, and apparatus for forming conformable garments having selected discrete elasticized areas. More specifically, methods and apparatus for stretching one or more ribbons of thermoplastic elastomeric material, immobilizing the stretched material in its extended state, subjecting spaced discrete areas of the stretched elastic material to heat so as to "kill" the elastic properties thereof in the heated regions while leaving the elastic properties of the intermediate unheated regions thereof unaltered thereby forming alternate elasticized and non-elasticized zones of the material. The elastic ribbon may be bonded either prior to or after being selectively "heat-killed" to a continuous web suitable for use in forming a plurality of interconnected, but severable, like conformable garments having selected discrete elasticized areas on a high speed production basis. In the preferred form of the invention, the conformable garment thus formed comprises a disposable diaper product.

Abstract: A surgical sponge principally for blunt dissection formed of an elongated strip of absorbent material such as woven cotton or the like rolled to form a cylindrical structure. At least the outer layer of the roll is adhesively secured to the roll to prevent unwinding and a radiation opaque material is contained within the sponge and is preferably intermixed with the adhesive.