Abstract: A delivery device for a sanitary article includes an encapsulating material with a first layer and a second layer, enclosing an additive in a space formed by these layers of encapsulating material. The delivery device also includes a third layer, positioned above the second layer of encapsulating material. The third layer extends beyond and thereby covers substantially all of the edges of the second layer of encapsulating material. The third layer may also extend into and throughout the space formed between the first and second layers of encapsulating material that enclose the additive. The third layer thereby protects the user of a product comprising the delivery device from contact with the edges of the second layer of encapsulating material and also provides a means for attaching the delivery device to an article to keep it in place during transport storage and use. The invention also relates to sanitary articles, such as hygiene tissues and absorbent articles, containing the delivery device.

Abstract: A wound packing unit and a method of using such in the treatment of a wound is described, the wound packing unit comprising a resilient, fluid absorbent material contained within a porous bag member, the porous bag member being made of a material which is non-adherent to the wound.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a wound care article for extraction and control of wound fluids, comprising at least one first fluid-absorbing structure (1; 10; 36), which is surrounded by a liquid-permeable, first enclosure (2), and a liquid-permeable, second enclosure (3) comprising two enclosing surfaces (13.1, 13.2). The wound care article is thus characterized in that the first enclosure (2) is covered or supported on at least one of its flat sides (4.1, 4.2) by at least one fluid-absorbing material layer (6.1, 6.2; 6.3), which is arranged (FIG. 1a) between the first enclosure (2) and one of the enclosing surfaces (13.1, 13.2) of the second enclosure (3).

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a fit system having fasteners and friction elements. The fasteners are located in the front waist area and the back waist area and are adapted to fasten the article about the waist of a wearer to define a waist opening, a pair of leg openings, and a pair of overlap regions. The friction elements are located in the overlap regions and are adapted to provide friction between the front waist area and the back waist area in the overlap regions. The friction elements have an upper portion oriented towards the waist opening and a lower portion oriented towards the leg opening. The upper portion and the lower portion have different concentrations of surface treatment, thicknesses, and/or surface areas.

Abstract: A sweat-absorbent sheet includes a first surface layer, a second surface layer lying on the opposite side of the first surface layer and an intermediate layer sandwiched between these two layers. Each of the first and second surface layers comprises a mixture layer of first and second hydrophobic fibers made of thermoplastic synthetic resin as main constituent and first and second hydrophilic fibers. The intermediate layer comprises third hydrophilic fibers extending into at least one of the first and second hydrophobic fibers. The first and second hydrophobic fibers are bonded to the crimped to hydrophobic composite fibers mixed in the respective layers. The first, second and third hydrophilic fibers are impregnated with antibacterial or bactericidal medicinal ingredient and such medicinal ingredient is left behind on these hydrophilic fibers after these hydrophilic fibers have been dried.

Abstract: An absorbent structure expands to a greater extent along one surface than along an opposite surface when in the presence of a liquid. The absorbent structure may include a single layer, or two or more layers intimately bonded to one another. When in the presence of a liquid, the more expandable surface causes an increase in concavity in the X-Y plane of the structure, with the concavity being in the direction of the less expandable surface. One or both surfaces can be treated to adjust the respective level of expandability. By inducing a formed shape upon hydration swelling, a trough shape can be generated to facilitate absorbent properties, containment, and fit. The invention includes absorbent articles having such an absorbent structure incorporated therein.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article including a wetness sensation member and visible highlighting indicating the presence of the wetness sensation member to facilitate an opportunity for the toilet training of the wearer. The wetness sensation member includes a permeable layer and a flow control layer. Urine deposited on the wetness sensation member can penetrate through the permeable body-facing layer in a z direction away from the wearer to the flow control layer. The flow control layer retards the passage of the urine through the wetness sensation member in the z direction while supporting the movement of the urine in an x-y plane to increase the wetted area contacting the wearer's skin and thereby enhance the wearer's awareness that urination has occurred. The visible highlighting is visible when viewing a body-facing surface of the article and may be associatively correlated with an externally visible marking and/or with the concept of toilet training.

Abstract: A composite wound dressing comprising an absorbent portion coupled to the vapor permeable backing with a first adhesive and a wound contact portion having a first portion coupled to the absorbent portion with a second adhesive, and the wound contact portion having a second portion coupled to the vapor permeable backing with the first adhesive is disclosed. Further a skin securement portion coupled to the backing portion with the first adhesive, the skin securement portion including a semi-self adherent adhesive, and a void having a first size, wherein at least a portion of absorbent is accessible through the void. The wound contact portion has a size greater than the first size of the void.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article including a wetness sensation member and visible highlighting indicating the presence of the wetness sensation member to facilitate an opportunity for the toilet training of the wearer. The wetness sensation member includes a permeable layer and a flow control layer. Urine deposited on the wetness sensation member can penetrate through the permeable body-facing layer in a z direction away from the wearer to the flow control layer. The flow control layer retards the passage of the urine through the wetness sensation member in the z direction while supporting the movement of the urine in an x-y plane to increase the wetted area contacting the wearer's skin and thereby enhance the wearer's awareness that urination has occurred. The visible highlighting is visible when viewing a body-facing surface of the article and may be associatively correlated with an externally visible marking and/or with the concept of toilet training.

Abstract: An insert for use together with an absorbent article such as a nappy, an incontinence product, a sanitary towel, a panty liner or the like. The insert has an first side, a second side and an essentially non-urine-absorbing spacer element adapted to keep a portion of the absorbent article at a distance from the skin of a wearer during use. The insert also includes an essentially non-urine-absorbing liquid-permeable retaining layer located against the spacer element, the retaining layer being capable of retaining feces.

Abstract: A wound dressing includes an absorbent core defining opposed proximal and distal surfaces including a central portion and a border portion, and a liquid impervious, vapor permeable backing layer connected to the distal surface of the absorbent core. The backing layer defines a border portion extending beyond the periphery of the absorbent core. A skin adherent, perforated facing layer is secured to the proximal surface of the absorbent core. An adhesive layer is applied to at least a proximal segment of the border portion of the backing layer and has greater skin adherence properties than the facing layer.

Abstract: An absorbent article has a longitudinal direction, a transverse direction, a first major surface which forms a body-facing surface of the absorbent article, and a second major surface disposed distally from the first major surface which forms a garment-facing surface of the absorbent article. The article includes an absorbent core positioned between the first major surface and the second major surface. The article also includes at least one barrier structure having an inward-facing side and an outward-facing side, and at least one liquid shrinkable string. The at least one barrier structure is disposed on the first major surface, and the inward-facing side of the at least one barrier structure is attached to the absorbent article. In addition, a first portion of the at least one liquid shrinkable string is attached to the at least one barrier structure.

Abstract: A wound dressing including a composite body of predetermined length adapted for insertion into a wound cavity. The composite body includes a hydrophilic foam matrix. A first layer of polymer-based mesh is disposed at a first position within the foam matrix and at least a second layer of polymer-based mesh is disposed at a second position within the foam matrix in spaced apart opposing relation to the first layer of polymer-based mesh. The first layer of polymer-based mesh and the second layer of polymer-based mesh are in sandwiching relation to a foam core. The wound dressing provides among other advantages strength and substantially enhanced wicking action.

Abstract: A pet waste absorption sheet includes: a liquid-impermeable backsheet; a liquid-permeable topsheet; and an absorbent core disposed between the backsheet and the topsheet. The topsheet has a chemical solution containing at least one component selected from the group consisting of perfume, deodorant, and sterilant.

Abstract: A composite article comprises a fluid transport layer, a fluid retentive layer, and, optionally, a moisture vapor permeable film. The first surface of the fluid transport layer provides a fluid contacting surface. The fluid retentive layer is positioned so that the first surface layer of the fluid retentive layer is adjacent to the second surface of the fluid transport layer. The moisture vapor permeable film is positioned so that it is adjacent to the second surface of the fluid retentive layer. The composite article is suitable for use as a wound dressing.

Abstract: A method and device for shunting fluid from high pressure volumes to low pressure volumes to treat various medical problems caused by an imbalance or malfunction of the regulation of flow between these volumes. Typical problems where the method and device are employed include the treatment of incontinence, treatment of hydrocephalus, treatment of elevated intra-cranial pressure, treatment of elevated intra-ocular pressure and the like. The controlled release of fluid from the high pressure volume is accomplished by inserting a sponge using an insertion device such as an endoscope. The sponge retains and releases fluid in response to a pressure differential between the high and lower pressure volumes. The sponge material may be natural or synthetic and sponges with different porosity and fluid retention are provided to achieve desired flow characteristics.

Abstract: A wound dressing comprising a backing layer and an absorbent layer, wherein the absorbent layer comprises a wound facing surface and a non-wound facing surface, said absorbent layer comprises discrete foam pads covering at least 50% of the wound facing surface of the absorbent layer and wherein the non-wound facing surface of the foam pads are attached to the backing layer. The structure of the dressing renders it possible for the foam to expand during wetting without changing the external dimensions of the absorbent layer substantially.

Abstract: Containment flaps comprising an elastic member and a resilient member are disclosed. When employed in a disposable absorbent article, the resilient member is adapted to be disposed between the elastic member and the body surface of the wearer of the disposable absorbent article. The resilient member serves to help make the containment flaps more comfortable for the wearer, and can help the flap better conform to contours associated with the body surfaces with which the containment flap comes into contact.

Abstract: [Problem] Such an absorbent article is provided that has a highly spatial appearance, has high cushioning effect, has a minimized contact area with the skin, and is improved in retention of uneven emboss, so as to maintain continuously the uneven shape not only in a dry state but also upon absorption of a body fluid. [Means for Solution] In an absorbent article 1 containing an absorbent member 4 intervening between a liquid-permeable surface sheet 3 and a backside sheet 2, the surface sheet 3 is a multilayer sheet containing at least a nonwoven fabric layer 3A constituting a skin contact surface layer and a plastic film layer 3B that is laminated on the skin noncontact surface side remote from the nonwoven fabric layer 3A, the plastic film layer 3B contains a material having a melting point that is lower than that of the nonwoven fabric layer, and the surface sheet 3 has been embossed to an uneven shape containing a large number of elevated portions 7, 7 . . .

Abstract: A liquid absorbent open-cell polymeric foam material having properties which makes it suitable for use as an absorbent structure in absorbent articles such as diapers, pant diapers, sanitary napkins, incontinence guards, wound dressings, bed protections etc., at which the foam material has an absorption rate at wetting of at least 0.4 ml/s for a round sample having the diameter 50 mm, a liquid distribution capacity at an inclination of 30° of at least 15 g/g and a liquid storage capacity of at least 9% measured through CRC (centrifuge retention capacity), at which the test liquid in all cases is synthetic urine. There is further referred to an absorbent structure containing the foam material.

Abstract: The invention concerns an absorbent article comprising at least one liquid-permeable layer material (105) and an absorbent structure (106), the absorbent structure (106) having the ability to expand on wetting, which entails that the absorbent structure (106) displays a first volume in dry condition and a second volume in completely expanded wet condition, the second volume being greater than the first volume. The liquid-permeable layer material (105) encloses the absorbent structure (106) so that the absorbent structure (106) is prevented from reaching complete expansion during wetting.

Abstract: An absorbent core comprising fluff pulp fiber treated with polysiloxane, wherein the absorbent core has a density of about 0.15 g/cm3 or greater and a Young's modulus of about 75 psi or less. The polysiloxane may comprise an amino-functional moiety, The absorbent core may comprise superabsorbent, and may be employed in a disposable absorbent product.

Abstract: A method for producing an absorbent structure and the resulting absorbent structure. The method includes the steps of introducing a thermoplastic polymer into an extrusion apparatus, melting the thermoplastic polymer material having a moisture content of at least 0.5 percent by weight into the extrusion apparatus, and extruding the mixture such that the fluid in the superabsorbent polymer material evaporates as pressure is released and induces foaming of the thermoplastic polymer that bonds the particulate polymer material together to create a matrix.

Abstract: An absorbent article having an upper, liquid-permeable cover layer (2), a lower, liquid-impermeable backsheet (4), an absorbent body (6) arranged between the cover layer (2) and the backsheet (4), and an air-exchange system arranged between the cover layer (2) and the backsheet (4) having at least one air-exchange (5; 43) and at least one air-exchange duct (10) having a longitudinal extension and a cross-sectional area, the air-exchange duct (10) constituting a communicating duct with regard to air communication between the air-exchange (5; 43) and the surroundings of the absorbent article. The air-exchange (5; 43) comprises a material which is compressible and resilient in all directions, essentially non-absorbent and air-permeable, and the air-exchange duct (10) has a compressible and resilient, essentially non-absorbent material, the air-exchange duct displaying air-permeability.

Abstract: A superabsorbent foam comprising from 0.01% by weight to 10% by weight of fibers composed of woodpulp or waste paper, based on the dry weight of the foam.

Abstract: A microcavity-containing, resilient foam comprising a thermoplastic polymer; composite structures comprising such a microcavity-containing foam and a multiplicity of particles contained in such microcavities, preferably aqueous fluid absorbent particles; methods for preparation of such foam and structures; and disposable consumer articles incorporating such foams and composites. The aqueous fluid absorbent characteristics of the foam and composite structures render them useful in the fabrication of disposable consumer articles, in particular hygiene articles designed to rapidly absorb “insults” of bodily fluid thereby conducting such fluids away from contact with the skin of the wearer of the hygiene article. The useful articles include infant and children diapers, adult incontinence pants, feminine hygiene pads, pet urine-absorbent pads and mats, household cleaning pads, surgical drapery, and the like.

Abstract: A disposable, leakproof, containment garment for a wearer is formed from a liquid-impermeable containment shell in a substantially humanoid shape with elastic marginal seal areas, such as torso and appendage margins. The elastic margins are designed to conformably surround the torso and appendages of the wearer and form tensioned and liquid-tight seals against the skin of the wearer when donned. By forming liquid tight seals against the body of the wearer, the garment is favorably constructed to utilize the full capability of any absorbent structures placed within the shell.

Abstract: An apertured material comprising a web and a plurality of apertures in the web, each aperture having at least two vertices with a convex flap of the web spanning a pair of the vertices.

Abstract: A three-dimensional film for use as an acquisition distribution layer in an absorbent article comprising a first surface with drains extending downward from the first surface, the drains being capable of transmitting fluid by gravity; and protrusions extending upward from the first surface to an upper surface with at least one capillary extending downward from the upper surface, the capillaries being capable of transmitting fluid in contact with the upper surface by capillary action. The drains rapidly transmit fluid through the film, particularly fluid that is dynamically-deposited. The capillaries transmit statically-retained fluid that is in contact with the upper surface of the protrusions.

Abstract: Moisture responsive members are disposed outboard of the absorbent core within disposable absorbent articles. The moisture responsive members expand in response to moisture from the wearer of the absorbent article thereby creating a seal between the moisture responsive member and the wearer of the absorbent article. The moisture responsive members can be disposed along the longitudinal sides of the disposable absorbent article or along the waist edges, both front and rear, of the disposable absorbent article.

Abstract: The invention relates to an absorbent article, such as a diaper, an incontinence guard, a sanitary napkin or the like, including a liquid-permeable upper surface and an absorbent structure exhibiting a planar extension. The absorbent structure includes an acquisition layer and at least one storage layer. The acquisition layer has a plurality of fragments of a liquid-absorbing, open-celled, polyacrylate-based foam material, and each fragment exhibits a planar extension having a transversal direction, a longitudinal direction, and a thickness direction extending perpendicularly to the planar extension. The width in the transversal direction of each fragment in a dry condition does not exceed 10 millimeters, and the total area of the fragments in the planar extension is lower than the area of the absorbent structure in the planar extension.

Abstract: A process for the reduction of the residual monomer content and enhancement of the wet strength of articles formed from water absorbent crosslinked polymer foams containing units derived from monoethylenically unsaturated acids, which comprises treating the formed articles with at least 0.5% by weight of a polymer containing primary and/or secondary amino groups and having a molar mass of at least 300, the formed foam articles thus obtainable and use of the wet strength enhanced formed foam articles in hygiene articles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining the swellability and the swelling kinetics of superabsorbent material (9) such as polymer gels, for example, which comprises introducing a defined volume of the dry superabsorbent material (9) into a measuring vessel (7), using a movable element (4) within said measuring vessel (7) to apply a restraining force (12) to said superabsorbent material (9) and capturing the expansion of said superabsorbent material (9) contactlessly within a chamber (14) in a continuous manner by capturing the change in height of a piston (4) which bounds said chamber (14), travels in a measuring vessel (7) and is marked with a height scale (6).

Abstract: A method for making absorbent pads for various absorbent articles is provided. A strip of the absorbent web material is conveyed along a machine direction, the absorbent web material having a generally first constant cross-direction width and generally first uniform basis weight. Longitudinally defined portions of the web material are stretched in the cross direction so as to define longitudinal sections having a wider cross-direction width and decreased basis weight alternately spaced between longitudinally extending sections of the web material having a lesser cross-direction width and greater basis weight. The web is released eventually cut in a cross direction into individual absorbent pads such that each pad has a crotch section corresponding to the longitudinal section having the lesser cross-direction width and greater basis weight and at least one of a front section and back section corresponding to the wider cross-direction width and decreased basis weight.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides means for extending a chafing barrier through a leg opening down the upper inner thigh of the wearer of an absorbent device. The chafing barrier comprises a layer of soft padded material, such as foam plastic, wadding, elastic gel, or a similar material. In one embodiment of the present invention, the chafing barrier is attached to a disposable pad. In another embodiment of the present invention, the chafing barrier is attached to the inside of an undergarment that surrounds or is integrated with an absorbent device. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the chafing barrier further comprises a top surface of absorbent material having a dermatological agent disposed thereon. Optionally, the dermatological agent comprises a moisturizing lotion, a drying agent, an antibiotic, a fungicide, or a topical steroid to aid in healing and/or soothing chafed skin.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article having a liquid acquisition layer between a topsheet and a liquid absorbent layer. The liquid acquisition layer is an absorbent sheet that is three-dimensionally deformed to include: longitudinal ribs projecting toward the topsheet and extending parallel with each other in a longitudinal direction of the article; and transverse ribs projecting toward the topsheet and extending in a transverse direction of the article. The transverse ribs are arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction and connect adjacent longitudinal ribs, thereby providing a plurality of recesses surrounded by the longitudinal ribs and the transverse ribs. At least the longitudinal ribs are in contact with an overlying component, whereas bottoms of the recesses are in contact with the liquid absorbent layer.

Abstract: The present invention comprises compositions and methods of making high internal phase emulsion foam (HIPE) and inverse high internal phase emulsion foam (I-HIPE) using super critical fluids. Such foams may be used in a wide variety of articles such as absorbent articles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cooling article comprising a polymer absorbent enclosed within a bag delimited by a collapsible envelope having non-watertight walls, wherein said polymer absorbent is under the form of particles each of which comprises a core of less cross-linked polymer sequences more active in retaining absorbed water and a shell of more cross-linked polymer sequences apt to retard diffusion of water from a particle to another during desorption of absorbed water.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article suitable for absorbing and retaining aqueous body fluids includes a backsheet that is substantially liquid impervious except at a discontinuity therein and an absorbent core between the backsheet and a topsheet. The absorbent core includes a non-removable component and a removable and replaceable component in fluid communication with the non-removable component. Access for the removal and replacement of the removable component is provided by the discontinuity in the backsheet. The replaceable absorbent core component may be removed and a like component may be substituted in place of the removed component without removal of the absorbent article from the wearer.

Abstract: The Invention relates to absorbent articles, such as diapers, incontinence products, training pants, sanitary napkins, and the like, providing superior strikethrough and rewet characteristics, and methods of preparing the absorbent articles. The absorbent articles comprise at least a topsheet, backsheet, absorbent core, and fluid handling layer, and the article has a third insult Strikethrough of less than about 45 seconds, and a third insult Rewet of less than about 35 grams.

Abstract: A protective garment and method for preventing spinal injury in a child learning to walk in which an underpants garment is put on the child when walking, the garment cushioned in the lower seat area so as to substantially attenuate shock to the spine when the child suddenly sits down.

Abstract: Hydrophilic open-celled resilient foams containing melamine-formaldehyde resins, characterized by a droplet absorption rate of less than 5 seconds and an EU standard EN ISO 14184-1 formaldehyde emission of less than 100 mg of formaldehyde/kg of foam, and obtainable by (a) heating an aqueous solution or dispersion each containing at least a melamine-formaldehyde precondensate, an emulsifier, a blowing agent and a curing agent to form a foam and crosslink the precondensate, (b) then conditioning the foam at from 120 to 300° C. for from 1 to 180 minutes to remove volatiles, and (c) treating the foam during the conditioning or thereafter with at least one hydrophilicizer and/or with ozone, a corona discharge or a plasma, are useful in hygiene articles to acquire, distribute and immobilize body fluids.

Abstract: An absorbent article having front and rear regions corresponding to the front and rear of a wearer, respectively, and a crotch region between the front and rear regions. The article generally has a backsheet, a topsheet overlaying the backsheet, and a foam layer disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. An absorbent core also is located between the topsheet and the backsheet. The foam layer preferably extends from the front region, through the crotch, and into the back region. The foam layer is attached to the article, while in a laterally extended position, in at least one of the front and rear regions thereby elasticizing at least one region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles for retaining body fluids such as urine, menses, or fecal material. In particular, the absorbent article of the present invention comprises a liquid handling member that collapses at a pressure between 2756 Pascal (0.4 psi) and 3447 (0.5 psi) in order to reduce the likelihood of causing skin marking.

Abstract: A method of producing a porous, liquid absorbent, open-cell polymeric foam material having properties which makes it suitable for use as an absorbent structure in absorbent articles such as diapers, pant diapers, sanitary napkins, incontinence guards, wound dressings, bed protections etc, comprising dissolving a polymer in a solvent, adding a surfactant and causing foaming, after which the polymer is crosslinked in the foamed mixture by means of a crosslinking agent. The temperature of the foam thus formed is lowered to a temperature below the freezing point of the solvent and the crosslinking reaction is continued during the freezing step, and after the main part of the solvent is removed from the formed foam material.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprising a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid pervious backsheet joined to at least a portion of the topsheet, an absorbent core disposed between at least a portion of the topsheet and the backsheet, and a waste management element disposed in at least a portion of the crotch region. The waste management element preferably includes an acceptance element having an effective open area of at least about 30 percent and a storage element having a compressive resistance of at least about 70 percent.

Abstract: A disposable, leakproof, containment garment for a wearer is formed from a liquid-impermeable containment shell in a substantially humanoid shape with elastic marginal seal areas, such as torso and appendage margins. The elastic margins are designed to conformably surround the torso and appendages of the wearer and form tensioned and liquid-tight seals against the skin of the wearer when donned. By forming liquid tight seals against the body of the wearer, the garment is favorably constructed to utilize the full capability of any absorbent structures placed within the shell.

Abstract: A disposable pull-on garment has an elasticized waist-opening and a pair of elasticized leg-openings. At least one of the inner or outer surfaces of a peripheral edge of the waist opening includes a slippage resistant sheet. The sheet has a high friction coefficient so that the peripheral edge of the waist opening is easily and reliably gripped when the garment is pulled on by a wearer.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and compositions for inverse high internal phase emulsion foam (HIPE) technology comprising an oil-in water system prepared by dispersing an oil phase in a water phase. The oil phase forms dispersed droplets surrounded by the continuous monomer containing water phase. When the two phases are emulsified, they polymerize. The water phase contains an in-situ SAP monomer solution and a reducing initiator. The oil phase contains an oxidizing initiator dispersed in an oil. The polymers of the present invention may further comprise fibers dispersed in the foam structure.

Abstract: Provided is a water-decomposable absorbent article including a water-decomposable back layer, a water-decomposable and liquid-pervious surface layer, and a water-decomposable absorbent layer sandwiched between the back layer and the surface layer. The absorbent layer is formed of at least one composite sheet of a water-soluble or water-swellable polymer layer and a water-decomposable fibrous layer, of which the uppermost layer adjacent to the surface layer is the water-decomposable fibrous layer.