Abstract: An absorbent product, such as a sanitary towel, has a stiffening element (6) which is intended to contribute to the three-dimensional shape of the product during its use. The stiffening element (6) is in a plane state before use of the product and extends in the longitudinal direction of the product over the crotch portion (3) and at least some way in over the front portion (1). The stiffening element (6) has a width (M) at the transition (12) between the crotch portion (3) and the front portion (1) which is adapted to the distance between the muscle tendons of the wearer on both sides of the crotch of the wearer in the groin of the latter and which is of the order of 15-45 mm. The stiffening element (6) extends some way in over the rear portion (2) and there consists of two separate portions (14, 15), one on each side of a longitudinal center line (L).

Abstract: An absorbent structure in an absorbent article such as a diaper, a pant diaper, an incontinence guard, a sanitary napkin or the like, includes a combination of a porous material such as fibers and/or foam, and at least 50% by weight of a superabsorbent material in at least one area thereof in which the superabsorbent material is distributed. The superabsorbent material is cross-linked by ionic bonds, preferably a polyvalent metal ion. The superabsorbent may further be covalently cross-linked.

Abstract: The invention relates to absorbent polymers based on optionally partially neutralised, monoethylenically unsaturated, acid group-carrying monomers. The surfaces of said polymers are re-cross-linked. The inventive polymers also have cyclodextrines and/or cyclodextrine derivatives which are covalently and/or ionically bonded and/or included therein.

Abstract: A thermally stable microporous breathable film is provided comprising at least 35% filler, by weight of the filled-film, and a thermoplastic polymer blend of a first polyethylene polymer and a second polyethylene polymer. The first polyethylene polymer comprises 30%-70% by weight of the polymer blend and can have a density between about 0.86 g/cm3 and 0.89 g/cm3 and the second polyethylene polymer can have a density between about 0.90 g/cm3 and 0.92 g/cm3. The filled-film can be uniaxially or biaxially oriented to form a microporous film and/or film laminate having good body conformance and which retains a high WVTR at 37° C. and above.

Abstract: An absorbent product (1) comprising a flexible support (2), having a first layer (4) and a second layer (3) of granulated clay material, and a porous fibrous fabric (5) apt to secure said first and second layer (3, 4) on said flexible support (2) arranged at the top thereof.

Abstract: A composite absorbent member containing layers that have a controlled pore size distribution is provided. For example, in some embodiments, the composite absorbent member has an inner layer and two outer layers, in which the inner layer has a higher weight percentage of pulp fibers than the outer layers and also contains smaller pores than the outer layers. In this embodiment, the resulting composite member can have a fast intake rate, less leakage, reduced rewetting, and reduced bunching and twisting.

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 core for use in an absorbent article such as a diaper, training pant, feminine hygiene product, or an incontinence product includes a stabilized first absorbent layer and a second absorbent layer that contains a superabsorbent and absorbent fibers treated with a non-fugitive densification agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to articles, preferably disposable absorbent articles like sanitary napkins and pantiliners, which comprise a chitosan material and an anionic absorbent gelling material. Such disposable absorbent articles deliver improved odor control performance and improved fluid handling properties/absorption performance, especially in case of electrolytes-containing fluids like menses.

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: A fibrous structure is described for use in hygienic articles such as diapers, sanitary napkins, incontinence guards, wipes and the like, having one or more polar, silicon containing compounds bound to at least one portion of the surface of the fibrous structure by interaction between the surface and the silicon containing compounds. The fibrous structure exhibits a predetermined degree of hydrophilicity and adhesion properties which are substantially unaffected by wetting of the fibrous structure. Absorbent, hygienic and textile articles comprising such a fibrous structure are also described.

Abstract: A liner system suitable for use in personal care absorbent products having a composite material including a substructure applied to a first layer. The first layer and the substructure define a plurality of voids for accommodating passage of fluids through the composite material. In one embodiment, high viscosity fluids including the particles contained therein pass through a plurality of apertures in the first layer. The voids defined by the first layer and the substructure entrap the particles to accommodate passage of fluids through the composite material.

Abstract: A personal care absorbent article, such as a sanitary pad or napkin, wound dressing, and the like having one or more layers of absorbent material treated with a red blood cell lysing agent and a gelling agent. The effect of combining a lysing agent that thins menses or other blood-containing bodily fluids with a gelling agent that thickens menses or other blood-containing bodily fluids is enhanced agglomeration and increased viscosity of the blood-containing bodily fluids that come in contact with the treated material.

Abstract: A novel article and method are disclosed for reducing malodor in disposable products for the absorption of body fluids. An effective amount of pentitol is applied to a disposable absorbent material, prior to its use. In one aspect, the invention provides a water-swellable, water-insoluble, hydrogel-forming polymeric absorbent material. In one aspect, the pentitol is compositionally part of the absorbent structure or is coated on the absorbent material present in the absorbent structure. The pentitol preferably is located in the area of insult, i.e., that area of the absorbent product to be exposed to the body fluid intended to be absorbed. The pentitol in the novel article and method of the present invention is a compound selected from the group consisting of ribitol, D-arabinitol, L-arabinitol, and xylitol or a combination of one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of ribitol, D-arabinitol, L-arabinitol, and xylitol effective in preventing malodor.

Abstract: An absorbent composite having fibrous bands is described. The composite includes one or more fibrous bands in a fibrous base. The base includes a fibrous matrix and absorbent material. The fibrous bands are substantially free of absorbent material. Absorbent articles that include the composite and methods for forming the composite are also disclosed.

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: An absorbent article having edge portions including two end edge portions and two side edge portions, and also a primary liquid reception area located in the longitudinal direction between the end edge portions and in the transverse direction between the side edge portions, an upper surface, and a lower surface, the upper surface being liquid-permeable at least within the primary liquid reception area, the article also including an absorption body with a liquid distribution layer.

Abstract: There is provided a resilient, three dimensional material having fibrous texture and appearance and capable of fluid handling. It consists of a top surface and a bottom surface wherein fiber-like elements typically extend from one surface to the other forming flat to undulating surfaces characterized by a multiplicity of interconnected fluid passageways. Deformed, discontinuous film-like or encapsulated regions connect fiber-like elements and stabilize the material. The material of this invention is unique based on the three principle characteristics which are communicated in this application: 1) ff(?)<0.87, 2) SA/VV<186 cm2/cm3, and 3) caliper<0.150 inches. This material is useful for a number of purposes, such as for use as a liner for personal care products like diapers, absorbent underpants, swim wear, feminine hygiene products, adult incontinence products and the like.

Abstract: A semi-disposable and/or non disposable diaper system for babies and adults comprises a non-disposable diaper cover, made of PVC and polypropylene completed by a double diaper system. The double diaper system comprises one non-disposable diaper made of layers of gauze one on top of the other or of layers of gauze and absorbent material of polypropylene. Another disposable diaper of the double diaper system is made of cellulose and super-absorbent polymer. Both diapers are designed in an anatomical shape and size that together with the diaper cover work as only one piece.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet is disclosed. The topsheet has a first side and a second side, the first side being a body-facing side and the second side being in fluid communication with the absorbent core. The topsheet also has a first relatively hydrophobic component and a second relatively hydrophilic component, the relatively hydrophilic component extending through the relatively hydrophobic component and being disposed on both of the sides of the topsheet. The absorbent article exhibits a rewet value of less than about 94 mg, and a fluid acquisition rate of at least about 0.10 ml/sec when tested by the Gush Acquisition and Rewet Test Method.

Abstract: An absorbent article and a method for preparing an absorbent article is disclosed. The absorbent article has a core comprised of pulp, a polymer or a combination thereof. The absorbent article conforms to a certain Distribution Index (DI) or a certain Distribution Index (DI) profile that confers one or more superior properties to the core and in turn to the absorbent article, such as superior absorbency efficiency and superior cost efficiency. The method for preparing the absorbent article uses DI values (e.g., DImax, DImin, DImale and DIfemale) or a DI profile as design parameters for providing absorbent articles having one or more superior characteristics.

Abstract: Methods of making an absorbent article and an absorbent article having a silhouette including opposed transverse edges and opposed longitudinally-extending edges that connect the transverse edges and a layered portion having at least one removable, edge-stiffening element substantially coterminal with a first terminal, edge-support point and substantially coterminal with a second terminal edge-support point, wherein the at least one removable edge-stiffening element is offset from an edge of the second longitudinally-extending edge, the first transverse edge, the second transverse edge, and combinations thereof, wherein the article has a flexural resistance less than about 50 grams.

Abstract: An absorbent body for hygiene articles, particularly sanitary napkins or panty liners, includes a liquid absorbing and distributing layer facing the body and made of a first fibrous material with a first pore size, and a liquid storage layer facing away from the body and including at least 20 to 98 wt. % cellulose fibers, with a second pore size smaller than the first pore size. The first fibrous material is made of interlinked cellulose fibers, and the layers are interconnected, without adhesives by a multitude of embossing points provided in grid-like manner which results in the formation of a funnel-shaped pore gradient in the liquid absorbing and distributing layer around the embossing points. This pore gradient assists in the introduction of liquid into the underlying storage layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tampon, in particular for feminine hygiene, with an introduction end, with a recovery end, from which a withdrawal string extends, with a first region which extends from the introduction end in the direction of the recovery end and comprises a first material, and with a second region which is located near the recovery end of the tampon and comprises a second material, the first material having a higher absorbency and a higher hydrophilicity than the second material, and, essentially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the tampon, at least over part of the extend of said tampon along its longitudinal axis, the diameter of the second region being at least as large as the mean diameter of the first region, and, during the absorption of fluid, the second region expanding at least essentially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the tampon.

Abstract: A heterogeneous absorbent core for use in absorbent articles includes a first zone optimized for absorbency of urine and a second zone optimized for absorbency of fecal fluids. The first zone is closer to the front of the core in the article, and includes a first superabsorbent material having a saline absorbency under load of at least about 20 grams/gram. The second zone is closer to the back of the core in the absorbent article, and includes a second superabsorbent material having a fecal fluid absorbency under load of at least about 15 grams/gram. A diaper, training pant, swim wear article and adult incontinence garment which incorporates the heterogeneous core are also provided.

Abstract: An absorbent core structure is disclosed for acquiring and absorbing aqueous-based liquids in hygiene products. The core structure includes a nonwoven blend of fluff pulp for wicking and absorbing an aqueous-based liquid, a superabsorbent polymer for absorbing an aqueous-based liquid and retaining the liquid against moderate pressure against the core structure, a binding element or structure (such as a synthetic bicomponent filament) for providing at least some of the bonding in the nonwoven blend, and a plurality of small denier hollow filaments for enhancing the moisture transport and storage of the liquid and improving the physical structure as compared to fluff.

Abstract: A disposable pull-on garment is disclosed. The disposable pull-on garment has a waist opening and leg openings. The pull-on garment comprises an absorbent main body, a ring-like elastic belt and an outer cover layer. The absorbent main body comprises a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet and an absorbent core disposed therebetween. The absobent main body has a longitudinal centerline, longitudinal side edges, transverse end edges, a front waist region, a back waist region and a crotch region. The front waist region and the back waist region are not joined directly. The ring-like elastic belt comprises a front belt layer and a back belt layer. The ring-like elastic belt is joined to the absorbent main body at the front waist region and the back waist region to form one waist opening and two leg openings. The ring-like elastic belt is not disposed in the crotch region of the absorbent main body.

Abstract: An absorbent article such as a diaper, an incontinence guard, a sanitary napkin or the like, includes a liquid permeable upper surface and an absorbent structure, which in the longitudinal direction exhibits a crotch portion and two end portions, wherein the absorbent structure has an acquisition layer and at least one first storage layer. The first storage layer has at least 50 percent by weight of a super absorbent material calculated on the total weight of the first storage layer. The material of the first storage layer in a dry condition has a density exceeding 0.4 g/cm3. Further, the first storage layer at least in the crotch portion of the absorbent structure has apertures or recesses.

Abstract: A disposable diaper includes a body fluid absorbing zone extending over a crotch region further into front and rear waist regions, side flaps extending in a longitudinal direction outside transversely opposite side edges of the zone, and end flaps extending in a transverse direction outside longitudinally opposite ends of the zone. The side flaps in the front waist region are formed from a composite nonwoven fabric composed of a first fibrous nonwoven fabric facing away from the wearer's skin and a second fibrous nonwoven fabric laminated on the first fibrous nonwoven fabric and facing the wearer's skin. The first fibrous nonwoven fabric has a kinetic friction coefficient higher than a kinetic friction coefficient of the second fibrous nonwoven fabric.

Abstract: A liquid-absorbing core which is for use in suction type drug volatilizers which comprises hydrophilic fibers and/or water-absorbing fibers. The hydrophilic fibers have an affinity for water, and are rayon, cotton, etc. Especially preferred is rayon because it has a high affinity for water. Examples of the water-absorbing fibers include water-absorbing synthetic fibers made of a polymer such as polyvinyl alcohol or polysodium acrylate and other synthetic fibers treated by, e.g., adding and adhering polyvinyl alcohol or polysodium acrylate thereto or coating them with the polymer. In the liquid-absorbing core, the hydrophilic fibers and/or water-absorbing fibers may be disposed so as to have a porosity of 10 to 80%.

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: 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: A thin, flexible sanitary napkin comprising an absorbent means having a compression resistance greater than about 110 kg/cm3, a flexural resistance of less than about 400 grams a test capacity of at least about 5.0 grams and a total capacity of at least about 10 grams.

Abstract: The present invention is a disposable absorbent article having a backsheet and a fecal management member joined to the backsheet. The fecal management member includes a backing and a sheet of fibers. The sheet of fibers have anchor portions in the backing at spaced bonding locations and have arcuate portions of the sheet projecting from the backing between bonding locations. The sheet of fibers includes additional fibers which are joined to at least some of the arcuate portions.

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: The present invention is directed to a nonwoven fabric for hygienic articles for absorbing liquids, such as diapers, or other sanitary articles that comprise a liquid acquisition layer positioned between the liquid permeable outer layer and the absorbent core, and more specifically, the present invention relates to a liquid acquisition layer with improved caliper recovery and re-wet properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an absorbent article, and more particularly to a fluid transfer layer including tow fibers. Such fluid transfer layers provide improved acquisition and rewet values for the absorbent article.

Abstract: An absorbent composition providing unexpectedly high fluid capacity with minimal gel-blocking, articles comprising the absorbent composition and methods of preparing the absorbent composition are disclosed. The absorbent composition optionally comprises a surface crosslinked polymer disbursed within a fibrous matrix of wettable fibers. The surface crosslinked polymer has an FVAUL value of at least about 60 cc after 10 minutes.

Abstract: An absorbent article has a liner adapted for contiguous relationship with the wearer's body, an outer cover in generally opposed relationship with the liner, and an absorbent body disposed between the liner and the outer cover. The absorbent body has an absorbent structure constructed of absorbent fibers and binder fibers activated to form inter-fiber bonds within the absorbent structure. The absorbent structure has a generally unstable configuration and is predisposed to bend toward a generally stable, bent configuration. In a process for making such an absorbent structure, the absorbent structure is airformed, bent to a bent configuration, stabilized in the bent configuration, and then compressed to planarize the absorbent structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an absorbent core for an absorbent article, and more particularly to an absorbent core having at least one outer layer containing a plurality of microwells and optionally adhesives. Such absorbent cores provide the flexibility of creating precise zoning of particular properties throughout the core, and they provide improved comfort and fit.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an absorbent composite for an absorbent article, and more particularly to an absorbent composite comprising fibrous material and superabsorbent material having a Column Absorbency Under Load (CAUL) above 10 g/g. Such an absorbent composite provides a superabsorbent material having superior AUL and permeability, thereby providing improved absorption and rewetting properties. An absorbent article that contains such a composite provides improved ability to absorb and retain fluids, thus preventing excessive rewetting and leakage and making the article more comfortable to wear.

Abstract: Non-thermoplastic starch fibers having no melting point and having apparent peak wet tensile stress greater than about 0.2 MegaPascals (MPa). The fibers can be manufactured from a composition comprising a modified starch and a cross-linking agent. The composition can have a shear viscosity from about 1 Pascal·Seconds to about 80 Pascal·Seconds and an apparent extensional viscosity in the range of from about 150 Pascal·Seconds to about 13,000 Pascal·Seconds. The composition can comprise from about 50% to about 75% by weight of a modified starch; from about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of an aldehyde cross-linking agent; and from about 25% to about 50% by weight of water. Prior to cross-linking, the modified starch can have a weight average molecular weight greater than about 100,000 g/mol.

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: This invention relates to a tampon (10). The tampon includes an elongate absorbent body (12) and at least one surface formation (34, 36, 38, 40) applied over an exterior surface of the absorbent body. The at least one surface formation is of a material different to the absorbent body and is configured to inhibit expansion of at least a portion of the absorbent body i-n use due to absorption of menses by the absorbent body, and/or to facilitate insertion and seating of the tampon in a vagina The invention extends to a tampon which includes an elongate absorbent body which is non-circular in outline in end view. The invention further extends to a tampon which has a particular correct angular orientation relative to its longitudinal axis, with which it is to be inserted into a vagina, the correct angular orientation being clearly visible to a user.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an interlabial pad, with which an absorbent body does not become lopsided while the interlabial pad is fitted on and yet with which it is unlikely for a foreign-object sensation to be felt while the interlabial pad is fitted on. The present invention provides an interlabial pad comprising: an absorbent body, absorbing liquids; and a cover body, covering the abovementioned absorbent body in an enclosing manner; and wherein the abovementioned absorbent body comprises fiber aggregates in which the fiber directions are oriented randomly, and with the fiber aggregates, the flexural rigidities as Gurley bending resistances are in the range from 25 mg to 130 mg and the ratio of flexural rigidities in two mutually orthogonal directions is in the range from 0.5 to 2.0.

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 such as a diaper, an incontinence guard, a sanitary napkin or the like, exhibits a liquid permeable surface and an opposite at least substantially liquid impermeable surface and has an absorbent structure. The absorbent structure has a super absorbent porous structure exhibiting a Gurley stiffness value being lower than 1000 mg and a density in a dry condition exceeding 0.5 g/cm3.

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 ease 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: There is provided a fibrous absorbent article for absorbing body fluids. The article includes a fibrous material suitable for absorbing the body fluids, and a molecular sieve disposed within the fibrous material to reduce odors from the body fluids. The molecular sieve is a natural zeolite of the clinoptilolite or chabasite species having an exchangeable cation.