Abstract: Disclosed are multicomponent fibers derived from a blend of a sulfopolyester with a water non-dispersible polymer wherein the as-spun denier is less than about 6 and wherein the water dispersible sulfopolyester exhibits a melt viscosity of less than 12,000 poise measured at 240° C. at a strain rate of 1 rad/sec, and wherein the sulfopolyester comprising less than about 25 mole % of residues of at least one sulfomonomer, based on the total moles of diacid or diol residues. The multicomponent fiber is capable of being drawn at a relatively high fiber speed, particularly at least about 2000 m/min, and may be used to produce microdenier fibers. Fibrous articles may be produced from the multicomponent fibers and microdenier fibers. Also disclosed is a process for multicomponent fibers, nonwoven fabrics, and microdenier webs.

Abstract: A process is described for producing thin crimped tows from LOY, POY, or FOY filaments in a total linear density from 2 ktex to 9 ktex by filament yarns being withdrawn from creeled bobbins, folded and provided with a processing finish, then drawn or tension-uniformized and thereafter heated and stufferbox crimped. The process can be carried out in-line with numerous further processing operations. The tows are particularly useful for producing textile hygiene articles such as diapers, sanitary napkins, inserts and incontinence guards and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides a substrate treated with an linked enzyme. It has been discovered that a substrate treated with a linked enzyme can be effective in improving the ability of the substrate to absorb viscoelastic materials, such as menses, by cleaving a protein structure present in some viscoelastic materials. In addition, the linked enzyme is less likely to migrate from the treated material onto the user, as compare to an enzyme being placed directly on the substrate, thereby reducing the risk of sensitization to the user of the absorbent product. Also provided by the present invention are absorbent articles which contain at least one surface or layer containing the linked enzyme.

Abstract: A nonwoven material that provides a signal viewable from the top surface of the nonwoven material which is indicative of a functional benefit of the nonwoven material. The signal is delivered by use of a plurality of visually distinct fibers that are visually distinct from an adjacent background color of the top surface.

Abstract: An absorbent article that provides a signal viewable from the top surface of the absorbent article which is indicative of a functional benefit of the article. The signal is delivered by use of a plurality of visually distinct fibers that are visually distinct from an adjacent background color of the top surface.

Abstract: Differentially densified fibrous structures, methods for making same, and processes for treating fibers used in the fibrous structures are provided. More particularly, fibrous structures comprising two or more regions, at least one of which exhibits a density that is at least 1.6 times greater than another region within the fibrous structure, methods for making such fibrous structures and non-naturally occurring fibers useful in such fibrous structures are provided.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article having a durable hydrophilic substantially liquid pervious core wrap surrounding a storage layer. The core wrap has a hydrophilicity boosting composition coated on a core wrap substrate. The hydrophilicity boosting composition includes a hydrophilicity boosting amount nanoparticles having a particle size of from about 1 nanometer to about 750 nanometers.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a planar pad manufactured from three bonded layers each having different properties and materials. This includes a contact layer having a first and corresponding second portion. The second portion overlaps the first portion sufficient to create a first overlay. Such contact layer may be made of fibers which include silver nano-particulates. The contact layer may also include a coating made of TEFLON or similar material. The second layer is an absorbency layer positioned immediately below the contact layer. The absorbency layer being made of natural woven bamboo fiber. In addition, the absorbency layer may be two-part construction having a first absorbent portion and a corresponding second absorbent portion which abuts the first absorbent portion, wherein both absorbent portions have fused sides to reduce fraying. The third layer is a waterproof barrier layer which is posited directly below the absorbency layer, preferably constructed of TYVEK.

Abstract: An improved absorbency material for absorbency applications comprised of a cellulosic fibrous material wherein said cellulosic fibrous material such as pulp is a cold alkali solution treated material at a treatment temperature of less than about 50° C.; a process for improving absorbency and other characteristics of said pulp.

Abstract: Personal care articles are provided having odor control patches thereon. The patches include a cavity that house one or more fragrant materials or odor absorbing materials. A portion of the patch is detachable in order to expose and release the odor control materials contained therein. The patches can be removably-attached to the personal care article thereby allowing the patch to be affixed to the personal care articles at the time of manufacture or by the consumer just prior to use. The personal care articles are provided with an air-permeable pocket to house the patch and cover odor absorbing materials when the cavity is exposed.

Abstract: A laminate made of fibrous layers for use in absorbent articles, such as sanitary towels, nappies or the like. The laminate includes an outer layer (5) made of non-woven fabric, which is in contact with the wearer during use of the article, and an inner layer (6), which two layers are interconnected in a first bonding pattern consisting of separate bonding points (7).

Abstract: The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles including one or more discrete components. Representative discrete components include the nonwoven layer of the outer cover, the barrier film layer of the outer cover, the absorbent core, the bodyside liner, fasteners, ears and attachment panels. The discrete components include a continuous detector material. A representative continuous detector material may be an optical brightener. The discrete components also include a masking block. The masking block may decrease or eliminate the detectable presence of an optical brightener.

Abstract: In a method of a caregiver interactively toilet training a wearer of a disposable absorbent article, in response to liquid insult of the article a tactile signal is perceptible from within the article, a corresponding similar tactile signal is perceptible from an exterior of the article, and an active graphic is visually perceptible at the exterior of the article which relates to both the tactile signal and the corresponding tactile signal to thereby communicate the insult event to the caregiver and provide an interactive toilet training opportunity. An absorbent article of the present invention generally has a tactile signal tactilely perceptible from the inner surface of the article and a corresponding tactile signal tactilely perceptible from the exterior of the article. An active graphic is located adjacent the outer cover and is externally visually perceptible and relates to both tactile signals to provide an interactive toilet training opportunity.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent sanitary article for absorbing body fluids which comprises a matrix containing metallic silver, wherein the silver is present bound to a fiber 24 exclusively on the surface thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to absorptive, crosslinked polymers which are based on partly neutralized, monoethylenically unsaturated monomer carrying acid groups wherein the absorptive crosslinked polymer may be coated with a thermoplastic polymer, and have improved properties, in particular in respect of their capacity for transportation of liquids in the swollen state, and which has a high gel bed permeability and compatibility to affix to a thermoplastic material.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides embodiments of processes and apparatuses for printing series of different graphics on substrates used in the manufacture of absorbent articles. Such printed substrates can be used, for example, in the manufacture of printed diaper components, such as backsheets, topsheets, landing zones, fasteners, ears, absorbent cores, and acquisition layers. Embodiments of the apparatuses and methods disclosed herein utilize flexographic printing to provide for a sequential manufacture of a series of n absorbent articles having different graphics printed thereon, wherein n can be a number of 2 or greater. In addition, an absorbent product may be produced by placing one or more, or a portion, of the series of n absorbent articles in a package.

Abstract: To apply a clear pattern to an absorbent article such as sanitary napkin without worsening the soft and comfortable touch to skin and allowing the colorant from coming into direct contact with the skin of a wearer. An absorbent article comprising a liquid-permeable sheet, a liquid-impermeable sheet, an absorber sandwiched between the liquid-permeable sheet and the liquid-impermeable sheet, and side sheets joined to at least a part of the right and left both sides of the liquid-permeable sheet and to at least a part of the liquid-impermeable sheet, wherein a plurality of recess parts are provided in the side sheet, at least the portion provided with the recess part has a colored layer between the side sheet and the liquid-permeable sheet, and the recess part appears in a color different from the portion other than the recess part.

Abstract: An absorbent pad that can be removably connected to a transporter on which an injured person is carried is provided. Structures for removably attaching the absorbent pad to the transporter are described. Also provided are a transporter having a removable absorbent pad and a method for placing a removable absorbent pad on a transporter.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide an absorbent wearing article having a feeling to wear well improved. An absorbent wearing article 1 comprises an absorbent structure 8 and a cover sheet 7 defining an outermost layer wherein the cover sheet 7 is formed from a fibrous nonwoven fabric containing moisture-absorbent fibers and hydrophobic fibers.

Abstract: A breathable backsheet (1) includes a water vapor permeable first layer (2) and a water vapor permeable second layer (3) for an absorbent article (4), where the backsheet (1) is water vapor permeable in a Z-direction. The backsheet (1) includes a condensation zone (7) between the two layers (2, 3). The first layer (2) is adapted to allow a first amount m1 of mass flow water vapor to pass the first layer (2) in the Z-direction, wherein the second layer (3) is adapted to allow a second amount m2 of mass flow water vapor to pass the second layer (3) in the Z-direction. The condensation zone (7) is adapted to temporary condense and shore an amount t•.mc of water vapor such that no formation of condensed of water vapor will occur on the outside (6, 11) of the backsheet (1).

Abstract: A wound therapy device which may have a first configuration to passively absorb exudates from a wound and a second configuration to absorb exudates from the wound while the device is subjected to a negative pressure. An absorptive pad may be configured to passively absorb the removed exudates.

Abstract: A reusable absorbent article includes a hydrophilic top layer, a soaking layer adjacent to and beneath the top layer, a substantially liquid impermeable layer adjacent to and beneath the soaking layer, and a backing layer adjacent to and beneath the substantially liquid impermeable layer. All of the layers are secured together to form a unitary structure. The soaking layer is a non-woven fabric having a plurality of hydrophobic fibers of a generally circular cross-sectional shape and a plurality of hydrophilic fibers of a non-circular cross-sectional shape.

Abstract: Provided are an absorbent and an absorptive article containing the absorbent which has excellent water absorbability and leakage prevention ability, and has an intent to achieve reductions in the weight and thickness of an absorptive article. The absorbent comprises a polysaccharide that causes a gelation reaction in the presence of a polyvalent metal ion and a source of the polyvalent ion, in which the polyvalent ion is supplied simultaneously with or after dissolution and swelling of the polysaccharide. The absorptive article containing the absorbent can achieve excellent water absorbability and leakage prevention ability and thus reductions in the weight and thickness as the absorptive article.

Abstract: A multi-component fibre includes at least two elongated fibre bodies. A first fibre body consists of a first material including a phase change material and a second fibre body consists of a second material and encloses the first fibre body. The phase change material is non-encapsulated or in raw form and the first material includes a viscosity modifier selected from polyolefines having a density in the range of 890-970 kg/m3 as measured at room temperature according to ISO 1183-2 and a melt flow rate in the range 0.1-60 g/10 minutes as measured at 190° C. with a 21.6 kg weight according to ISO 1133. Further, a textile, a fabric and an absorbent article include the multi-component fibre.

Abstract: An absorbent article having an absorbent structure sized and configured for insertion at least partially within the vestibule of a female wearer. The absorbent structure has a saturation capacity as determined by a Saturation Capacity and Retention Capacity Test of at least about 15 grams/gram, a retention capacity as determined by the Saturation Capacity and Retention Capacity Test of at least about 3 grams/gram, and an intake time for a first insult of the absorbent structure as determined by an Intake and Rewet Test of no more than about 30 seconds.

Abstract: A method for drying a material such as a polymer hydrogel which passes through a cohesive phase as it dries is disclosed. The method comprises agitating a composition while removing liquid until the solids content of the composition reaches a level at which the composition enters a cohesive phase, halting agitation, removing liquid from the composition in the absence of agitation, and resuming agitation. Practice of the present invention can eliminate the problems associated with adhesion of a material to itself and to process equipment during the cohesive phase.

Abstract: A Feminine Hygiene Pad Comprising having a wide forward portion which is at least one and half times the length of a narrow rear, tail-like portion.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a diaper, panty diaper, sanitary napkin or incontinence device includes a liquid-permeable topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core enclosed between the liquid-permeable topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent core includes acidic fluff pulp having a pH of 5.5 or less and an organic zinc salt, in particular zinc ricinoleate. The combination of organic zinc salt and acidic fluff pulp exerts a synergetic effect in the suppression of ammonia.

Abstract: A method for making hydrophilic synthetic nonwoven webs. At least a region of 1 cm by 1 cm comprised by the web may comprise cross-linked hydrophilic polymers. The web may have a retention capacity of less than 100 g of aqueous liquid per m2 of the nonwoven fibrous web. An absorbent article comprising a hydrophilic synthetic nonwoven web.

Abstract: The diaper insert is formed from multiple uneven panels attached together in the middle providing comfort without requiring folding while using less drying time and energy. The diaper pouch is formed from rectangular panels and has a fold lock. Since pieces are rectangular, it can be be both adapted to a continuous feed process utilizing equipment available from other industries to increase productivity, and be arranged to minimize waste in the manufacturing process. The cover panel and fold lock are composed of woven fabric laminated with polyurethane. Since polyurethane does not absorb water, this helps shorten drying time. The pocket panel is made from woven fabric that can last for many wash and dry cycles. Personal fitting and adjusting for different size diaper inserts can be managed by making two of the sides adjustable length by utilizing either stretchable or non-stretch cords with stoppers.

Abstract: A process for producing and a powdery water-absorbing polymers comprising: about 0.01 to 20 wt. % of a fine particle with a particle size of less than about 200 ?m; about 0.001 to 10 wt. % of a thermoplastic adhesive; and about 60 to 99.998 wt. % of a water-absorbing polymer particle with a particle size of about 200 ?m and above, wherein the powdery water-absorbing polymers have: a flow value (FFC) within the range from about 1 to 13, and/or a dust portion of at most about 6 are disclosed. Also disclosed are a transport process, a composite, chemical products, and a use of a thermoplastic adhesive.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a stretchable substrate and an absorbent composite comprising a layer of adhesive composition in contact with the stretchable substrate. A layer of particulate superabsorbent material is applied to and held by the adhesive composition. The absorbent composite is secured to the substrate by the adhesive composition. The stretchable substrate has a recovery in at least one of the lateral direction and the longitudinal directions of the article as determined by an Elongation and Recovery Test, and the absorbent article has a recovery in the at least one of the lateral direction and the longitudinal direction as determined by the Elongation and Recovery Test that is at least about 60 percent of the recovery of the substrate in the at least one of the lateral direction and the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A stretchable absorbent article has a longitudinal axis, a lateral axis, a front waist region, a back waist region, a crotch region extending longitudinally between and interconnecting said front and back waist regions, a length, and a width. The absorbent article has a liquid impermeable outer cover stretchable in at least one direction and a liner in opposed relationship with the outer cover and stretchable in at least one direction. At least one of the liner and the outer cover has a width substantially equal to the width of the absorbent article along the length thereof. An absorbent structure is disposed between the liner and the outer cover and extends from the crotch region to at least one of the front waist region and the back waist region of the article. The outer cover is elastic and is configured to improve the fit of the absorbent article.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a water-absorbing resin compound, wherein the water-absorbing resin compound can retain antibacterial properties of an antibacterial metal to suppress the emission of unpleasant odors even when an organic material exists in a system in the case of using an eluting-type antibacterial agent. Thus, the present invention relates to a water-absorbing resin compound, which comprises a water-absorbing resin, an antibacterial agent having a porous material incorporating an antibacterial metal, and a metal chelating agent.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent garment includes a body chassis having a terminal front waist edge, a terminal back waist edge longitudinally spaced from the terminal front waist edge, a first length defined between the terminal front waist edge and the terminal back waist edge, and a laterally extending centerline defined half way between the terminal front and back waist edges. An absorbent insert is fixedly secured to the body chassis. The absorbent insert has a retention region including an absorbent material. The retention region has first and second longitudinally spaced boundaries and a second length defined between the first and second boundaries. The second length is less than or equal to 50% of the first length, and at least 70% of the second length is positioned between the centerline and the terminal front waist edge. There is no absorbent material disposed outside of the retention region defined between the first and second boundaries.

Abstract: According to an absorptive article (disposable diaper) 10 of the present invention, an absorber (absorptive structure) 12 is provided with a first region 55 disposed on an internal surface sheet 41 side and having a higher content ratio of the superabsorptive polymer than a content ratio of the hydrophilic fiber, a second region 56 disposed on an external surface sheet 42 side and having a lower content ratio of the superabsorptive polymer than the content ratio of the superabsorptive polymer in the first region and a higher content ratio of the hydrophilic fiber than the content ratio of the hydrophilic fiber in the first region, and a space that penetrates from the external surface sheet 42 side of the second region 56 to the first region 55, and that can be entered by the superabsorptive polymer that is swollen by absorbing a body fluid in the first region 55.

Abstract: A strapless G-string or thong type undergarment is disclosed. The undergarment is adhered to the wearer by means of adhesive, thereby eliminating the need for a waistband. The undergarment provides freedom of movement and confidence in the wearer while being invisible under closely fitting or low-cut clothing.

Abstract: Provided is an absorbent article including a main body having a liquid-pervious top sheet, a back sheet and an absorbent core sandwiched between the top sheet an the back sheet; a layer containing a skin-protective ingredient; and a support layer for covering the ingredient-containing layer. The ingredient-containing layer and the support layer are provided on the surface of the main body to be in contact with the skin of a wearer. The solubility in water of the support layer is promoted at 25° C. or higher, and/or the moisture absorbability or the solubility in water of the support layer is promoted at a relative humidity of at least 30%.

Abstract: A body conformance system (22) includes at least one liquid-permeable, flexible containment layer (24), and an operative quantity of substantially free-flowing particulate material (28) constrained by the flexible containment layer (24). In a particular aspect, the substantially free-flowing particulate material (28) can exhibit a selected avalanche-time between avalanches. In another aspect, the particulate material can exhibit a selected, minimum retention capacity. In a further aspect, the system can exhibit a distinctive gap-protrusion area (104). In yet another aspect, the containment layer (24) can include a material that has a relatively high permeability to liquid, but a relatively high resistance to a passage of the particulate material.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions, methods and devices relating to a silaceous oxide that generates a reduced heat of hydration upon contact with blood. By reducing the heat of hydration, the compositions provide a hemostatic agent that attenuates a tissue burning side effect of conventional hemostatic agents without adversely affecting the wound healing properties of the composition.

Abstract: A process for treating fibers to render the fibers more hydrophilic. The process includes contacting the fibers with a solution of hydrophilic monomers and radical polymerization initiators and exposing the fibers to UV radiation.

Abstract: The pre-consolidated spunbonded web (A) comprises continuous microfilaments having a diameter (D1) less or equal to 15 ?m, and bonding dots having a density higher than or equal to 90 dots/cm2, and more preferably higher than or equal to 100 dots/cm2. This pre-consolidated spunbonded web (A) is used preferably for making composite nonwoven, more especially hydroentangled composite nonwoven (AJBfC) comprising said pre-consolidated spunbonded web (A), and an absorbent pulp layer (P), and a carded or spunbonded cover layer (C).

Abstract: A plasticizing formulation for producing plasticized fluff pulp. The plasticizing formulation, which preferably is an aqueous solution, includes a primary plasticizing agent, and optionally a secondary plasticizing agent. Preferably, the primary plasticizing agent is 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, and the secondary plasticizing agent is triacetin. When the plasticizing formulation is applied to a cellulosic fluff pulp, a plasticized fluff pulp is produced. The resultant plasticized fluff pulp may have one or more of the following: reduced Kamas energy, Mullen strength, and fiber knot and nit contents, when compared to the base cellulosic fluff pulp fiber that is not plasticized.

Abstract: A continuous sheet having a combination of acidic and basic water-absorbing resin particles that are essentially not neutralized and can be continuously manufactured on conventional papermaking apparatus, using a wet, dry, or wet-dry process to manufacture a water-absorbent sheet-like substrate containing 50%-100% by weight of the combination of acidic and basic water-absorbent particles is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention can provide a distinctive article which includes a plurality of fibers (62), wherein the fibers include a selected polymer, fiber material. In a particular aspect, the fiber material can exhibit a “low” crystallization rate. In other aspects, the fiber material has been subjected to a low fiber-draw percentage, and the polymer in the fibers can have a high crystalline content of at least 30%. In still other aspects, the fibers can be configured to provide a fibrous web (60), and the fibrous web (60) can have a distinctive tensile strength quotient, with respect to tensile strengths along its machine-direction (22) and cross-direction (24).

Abstract: An absorbent article, preferably a disposable absorbent article such as a diaper, is disclosed that provides an improved immobilization of absorbent polymer material when the article is fully or partially urine loaded. This absorbent core is useful for providing an absorbent article of increased wearing comfort. Specifically disclosed is an absorbent core useful for an absorbent article comprising a substrate layer and absorbent material, the absorbent material comprising an absorbent polymer material, the absorbent material optionally comprising absorbent fibrous material, the absorbent fibrous material not representing more than 20% of the weight of absorbent polymer material, wherein the absorbent material is immobilized when wet such that the absorbent core achieves a wet immobilization of more than 50%, preferably of more than 60%, 70%, 80% or 90% according to the Wet Immobilization Test described herein.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for maintaining and/or improving skin health in the area of a wearer covered by an absorbent article. The absorbent article includes a vapor permeable backsheet, a liquid pervious topsheet positioned in facing relation with the backsheet, an absorbent core located between the backsheet and the topsheet. The absorbent article also includes skin care compositions thereon for maintaining and/or improving skin health.

Abstract: The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles including one or more discrete components. Representative discrete components include the nonwoven layer of the outer cover, the absorbent core, the bodyside liner, fasteners, ears and attachment panels. The discrete components include a material having a Surface Topographic Variance value of 30 micrometers or greater. The material includes a printed block having a Printed Block Sensor Value that is about three times greater than a Sensor Value for the area of the material outside of the printed block.

Abstract: An absorbent article that has a thin, conformable absorbent core where the core has at least two layers, each including a different superabsorbent material, and each being typically substantially free of cellulosic fibers, is described. The absorbent article has a Circular Bend Flexibility of less than about 15 N. The core includes a storage layer and an acquisition/storage layer each a specific basis capacity of and absorption efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable absorbent article, such as a diaper, training pants, adult incontinence article, having a specific topsheet with an opening to receive bowel movement waste (BM) and which is such that it masks the waste present underneath said topsheet. The topsheet is air permeable and it has a uniform pore size distribution with small pores only and it has a low surface energy and therefore an alcohol repellency of at least 7, typically at least 9 or even preferably 10.