Abstract: A catamenial tampon including a tampon body formed of a sponge adapted to be smoothly drawn out from the vaginal cavity. A catamenial tampon includes a tampon body and a withdrawal string. The tampon body is composed of an absorbent material formed of a liquid-absorptive sponge and a wrapping material formed of a liquid-permeable sheet material and adapted to wrap the absorbent material. The withdrawal string is attached to the wrapping material so as to extend in a direction in which the tampon body is drawn out.

Abstract: A contoured absorbent pad for a diaper comprising a liquid permeable inner layer, impermeable outer layer, and a moulded absorbent core. The inner and outer layers are adhered together with the moulded absorbent core located between the inner and outer layers. The absorbent core includes fibers and superabsorbent materials and is moulded in a shape that is contoured to complement the human anatomy in the area of the upper buttocks and lower back.

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: Disposable absorbent article comprising an interior design signal indicating absorbency and an absorbent core including first and second absorbent layers, the first absorbent layer including a first substrate and the second absorbent layer including a second substrate, the first and second absorbent layers further including absorbent particulate polymer material deposited on the first and second substrates and thermoplastic material covering the absorbent particulate polymer material on the respective first and second substrates, the first and second absorbent layers combined together such that at least a portion of the thermoplastic material of the first absorbent layer contacts at least a portion of the thermoplastic material of the second absorbent layer, the absorbent particulate polymer material is disposed between the first and second substrates in an absorbent particulate polymer material area, and the absorbent particulate polymer material is substantially continuously distributed across the absorbent

Abstract: Aspects of the methods and apparatuses herein involve applying fluids onto an advancing substrate. The apparatuses and methods herein may provide for the application of viscous fluids, such as adhesives, in pre-determined patterns to an advancing substrate. The fluid application apparatus may include a slot die applicator and a substrate carrier. The slot die applicator may include a slot opening, a first lip, and a second lip, the slot opening located between the first lip and the second lip. And the substrate carrier may be adapted to advance the substrate past the slot die applicator as the slot die applicator discharges adhesive onto the substrate. In operation, when a first surface of the substrate is disposed on the substrate carrier, the substrate carrier advances a second surface of the substrate past the slot opening of the slot die applicator.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to hygiene articles that comprise a coefficient of friction of greater than 0.95 as tested by ASTM D 1894. In some embodiments, the article comprises an absorbent core material disposed on a backing layer that is effective to provide a coefficient of friction of greater than 0.95 as tested by ASTM D 1894.

Abstract: A nonwoven composite that exhibits latent elastic properties is provided. The composite is formed from a multi-layered, elastic film laminated to a nonwoven web facing. Latent elasticity is imparted to the composite through the use of at least one base layer that contains a thermoplastic elastomer and at least one skin layer that contains a propylene/?-olefin copolymer. During formation, the film is stretched in one or more directions to orient the elastomer chains. Without intending to be limited by theory, the present inventors believe that the oriented state of the chains may be held in place by the relatively stiff semi-crystalline domains of the propylene/?-olefin copolymer. The stretched elastic film may subsequently be relaxed and bonded to a nonwoven web facing to form the composite. The composite may be later activated (e.g., heated at or above the softening point of the copolymer) to soften the crystalline domains and allow the chains to return to their unoriented state.

Abstract: An absorbent article, preferably a disposable absorbent article such as a diaper, is disclosed having an absorbent core which imparts increased wearing comfort to the article and makes it thin and dry. The absorbent core useful for an absorbent article comprises a substrate layer, a discontinuous layer of absorbent material, and a layer of thermoplastic material. A second surface of the discontinuous layer of absorbent material is in at least partial contact with a first surface of the substrate layer. Portions of a second surface of the layer of thermoplastic material are in direct contact with the first surface of the substrate layer and portions of said second surface of the layer of thermoplastic material are in direct contact with a first surface of the discontinuous layer of absorbent material. A process for providing a storage layer for an absorbent core useful in an absorbent article is further disclosed.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article has an absorbent core having a surface area and a stretchable multilayer chassis having a surface area. The multilayer chassis is stretchable in at least the cross-machine direction. The stretchable multilayer chassis has at least a stretchable bodyside liner and stretchable outer cover such that the absorbent core is affixed to at least one layer of the stretchable multilayer chassis. The percentage ratio of the surface area of the absorbent core to the surface area of the stretchable multilayer chassis is less than about 50%.

Abstract: Absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders, training pants and the like, having elastomeric ear panels and a fastening system that provides the user with different options as to how the absorbent article may be fitted to and removed from the wearer. The absorbent articles allow the wearer to choose between conventional and pull-on diaper configurations, or combinations thereof, and properly and comfortably fit a large range of wearer sizes. Further, the absorbent articles can be pulled on and/or off as a pant. This feature is provided by the ear panels which maintain sufficient tension to hold the diaper on the wearer throughout the period of use without harming the wearer's skin, while providing enough stretch to allow the diaper to be pulled up or down over the wearer's hips. The fastening system is refastenable for convenience yet strong enough to maintain the diaper in a fastened configuration without becoming detached if the diaper is pulled on or off the wearer.

Abstract: Absorbent core for disposable absorbent articles, for example for the absorption of menses or blood.

Abstract: An absorbent article, preferably a disposable absorbent article such as a diaper, is disclosed having an absorbent core which imparts increased wearing comfort to the article and makes it thin and dry. The absorbent core useful for an absorbent article comprises a substrate layer, a discontinuous layer of absorbent material, and a layer of thermoplastic material. A second surface of the discontinuous layer of absorbent material is in at least partial contact with a first surface of the substrate layer. Portions of a second surface of the layer of thermoplastic material are in direct contact with the first surface of the substrate layer and portions of said second surface of the layer of thermoplastic material are in direct contact with a first surface of the discontinuous layer of absorbent material. A process for providing a storage layer for an absorbent core useful in an absorbent article is further disclosed.

Abstract: An in situ compositionally modulated meltspun fabric and method for making the same. The meltspun fabric has at least one layer comprising a plurality of discrete regions of fiber. At least two discrete regions of fiber are inelastic or extensible and at least one discrete region of fiber is elastic or extensible. The layer is compositionally modulated in the cross direction.

Abstract: A package comprising an interior space and an exterior surface may have a plurality of disposable absorbent articles disposed within the interior space of the package. Each of the disposable absorbent articles may have a topsheet; a backsheet; a substantially cellulose free absorbent core located between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent products may exhibit an In-Bag Stack Height of less about 80 mm as measured according to an In-Bag Stack Height Test.

Abstract: Films made from a thermoplastic cellulose and microbially-derived, renewable and biodegradable aliphatic polyester such as polyhydroxyalkanoates are disclosed. The films, made from two relatively brittle materials exhibit more ductility and strength than the materials from which the film is made. The film may be incorporated into absorbent personal care product including but not limited to training pants, diaper, bandages, and bed pads.

Abstract: A stretchable laminate for an absorbent article comprises a nonwoven substrate comprising a layer of spunbond fibers. A plurality of the spunbond fibers are formed from a composition comprising a thermoplastic polymer and an inorganic filler. The inorganic filler is present in the nonwoven substrate at a level of between about 1% and about 20% by weight of the nonwoven substrate. The stretchable laminate comprises an elastomeric material joined to a side of the nonwoven substrate.

Abstract: A stretchable laminate is provided. The stretchable laminate comprises a nonwoven substrate comprising a layer of spunbond fibers. A plurality of the spunbond fibers are multi-component fibers. Each of the multi-component fibers comprises a core formed from a composition comprising a thermoplastic polymer and an inorganic filler present in the nonwoven substrate at a level of between 1% and 15% by weight of the nonwoven substrate and a sheath comprising a thermoplastic polymer. The stretchable laminate comprises an elastomeric material. The nonwoven substrate is joined to a side of the elastomeric material.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for modifying the physical characteristics of a web which involves passing the web between at least one pair of interengaged rolls to incrementally stretch the web, and then withdrawing the incrementally stretched web from between the rolls under tension. A web modified according to the disclosed method has desirable breathability and liquid impermeability, as well as extensibility and a soft, cloth-like textured surface.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article that includes an elastic film material. The elastic film resists the growth of a tear and include an SEEPS block copolymer having a Tm of between about 10° C. and about 20° C. The film has a time-to-fail of greater than 1 hour.

Abstract: A disposable diaper is disclosed. The diaper includes a colored topsheet. The topsheet has a basis weight of from 12 to 18 gsm and comprises a plurality of bonded points. Each of the bonded points has a surface area of from 2 mm2 to 5 mm2 and the cumulated surface area of the plurality of bonded points is from 10 to 25% of the total surface area of the topsheet.

Abstract: A disposable pull-on diaper having a central inelastic region in at least one of a front waist region and a rear waist region, and a method for manufacturing the same. Front and rear waist regions of a disposable pull-on diaper are respectively of an elastically non-stretchable exterior sheet and elastically stretchable interior sheets. In lateral elastic regions of this waist region, the interior sheets are attached under tension to an interior surface of the exterior sheet and, in a central inelastic region, the interior sheets are spaced apart from each other in a transverse direction and regions of the interior sheets are in an elastically contracted and relaxed state in vicinities of the lateral elastic regions.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to obtain spunbonded nonwoven fabrics including thin hollow fibers which have excellent lightweight properties and uniformity as well as exhibit high strength and flexibility. An aspect of the invention is directed to a spunbonded nonwoven fabric including hollow fibers of a propylene polymer, the hollow fibers satisfying the following requirements (a) to (c): (a) the C-axis orientation is at least 0.85, (b) the average fiber diameter is 5 to 20 ?m, and (c) the hollowness is 5 to 30%.

Abstract: Films made from a thermoplastic cellulose and microbially-derived, renewable and biodegradable aliphatic polyester such as polyhydroxyalkanoates are disclosed. The films, made from two relatively brittle materials exhibit more ductility and strength than the materials from which the film is made. The film may be incorporated into absorbent personal care product including but not limited to training pants, diaper, bandages, and bed pads.

Abstract: A disposable wearing includes a crotch chassis having a liquid-impervious sheet. The crotch chassis has a main region and opposite lateral portions lying outboard of the main region in the transverse direction and provided with leg elastic elements extending in the longitudinal direction. The opposite lateral portions respectively have fold lines extending in the longitudinal direction, outer side zones lying outboard of the respective fold lines in the transverse direction and inner side zones lying inboard of the respective fold lines in the transverse direction. The outer side zones of the respective lateral portions are folded inward and fixed to the associated inner side zones via associated bond zones extending in the longitudinal direction to form a pair of elastic lateral portions having folded back regions, respectively.

Abstract: Absorbent core for disposable absorbent articles, particularly for the absorption of menses or blood.

Abstract: A substantially cellulose free absorbent core comprising absorbent polymer material having a saline flow conductivity greater than about 100×10?7 cm3•sec/g and a centrifuge retention capacity of greater than about 20 g/g. A disposable absorbent article is also disclosed.

Abstract: An absorbent article for collecting bodily fluid having a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent structure. The article may include a central fluid acquisition zone, a first lateral zone situated on one side of the central zone and a second lateral zone situated on the opposite side of the central zone, wherein the first and second lateral zones are formed by a nonwoven material.

Abstract: A convertible reusable diaper is provided, comprised of an outer cover portion, a liner portion, and a detachable absorption portion. The outer cover portion may generally include barrier panels attached at both the front and rear regions of the outer cover portion to form interior pockets. A plurality of fastenable tabs attached to hole-openings at the barrier panels affixes the liner portion or the detachable absorption portion in place. The hole-openings allow the passage of the fastenable tabs through the barrier panels. Both the liner portion and the detachable absorption portion include fastener members inter-engaged with the corresponding fastener members located at the fastenable tabs to allow the liner portion or the detachable absorption portion to be removably affixed to the outer cover portion. Numerous options for affixing the insert portion and the detachable absorption portion allow conversion to different diaper designs.

Abstract: A disposable diaper is disclosed. The diaper includes a colored topsheet. The topsheet has a basis weight of from 12 to 18 gsm and comprises a plurality of bonded points. Each of the bonded points has a surface area of from 2 mm2 to 5 mm2 and the cumulated surface area of the plurality of bonded points is from 10 to 25% of the total surface area of the topsheet.

Abstract: A method of making a resilient tampon includes the steps of providing binder fibers having an average fiber length of at least 35 mm; combining the binder fibers to form a loose fleece; activating the binder fibers; and compressing a portion of the loose fleece into a pledget after activating the binder fibers. A resilient tampon includes 70 wt % to 95 wt % absorbent fibers and 5 wt % to 30 wt % bicomponent binder fibers. The binder fibers have an average fiber length greater than 35 mm.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article includes an absorbent mat provided between a liquid-permeable top sheet and a liquid-impermeable back sheet. Herein, the absorbent mat includes a sheet-like water-absorbent layer that contains a water-absorbent resin powder but that does not contain pulp fibers, and a fiber assembly layer that contains both the water-absorbent resin powder and the pulp fibers, the sheet-like water-absorbent layer and the fiber assembly layer arranged sequentially in this order from a top sheet side. The fiber assembly layer includes a fiber presence region in which both the pulp fibers and the water-absorbent resin powder are present, and a fiber absence region in which both the pulp fibers and the water-absorbent resin powder are absent, the fiber presence region and the fiber absence region formed to be adjacent with each other.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a liquid-pervious sheet, an outer covering sheet, and an absorbent structure sandwiched between the liquid-pervious sheet and the outer covering sheet. The absorbent structure includes a liquid-absorbent mixture composed of super-absorbent polymer particles and fluff pulp and nonwoven fabric sheet formed from long fibers of thermoplastic resin. The nonwoven fabric sheet is put in contact, along at least one surface thereof, with the liquid-absorbent mixture and has cross points at which the long fiber sealed together, and a nap height defined by a difference between a thickness measured before a napping test and a thickness measured after the napping test is at least 0.5 mm.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to hygiene articles comprising nanofibers. The hygiene articles include diapers, training pants, adult incontinence pads, catamenials products such as feminine care pads and pantiliners, tampons, personal cleansing articles, personal care articles, and personal care wipes including baby wipes, facial wipes, body wipes, and feminine wipes. The nanofiber webs can be used as a barrier, wipe, absorbent material, and other uses. Particularly, the nanofiber web is used in a diaper as a barrier-on-core, outercover, and/or leg cuff. It may also be used as a wipe for reducing the gradient of liquid, controlled delivery of materials, and other uses. The nanofibers, having a diameter of less than 1 micron, must comprise a significant number of the fibers in one layer of the web contained by the hygiene article. The nanofibers are produced from a melt film fibrillation process.

Abstract: Breathable and biodegradable polymeric film materials of the invention are highly suitable for use in personal care absorbent articles and other articles. The film includes a biodegradable polymer resin, a thermoplastic starch, a filler and optionally, a protein. The breathable film has a renewable natural polymer component.

Abstract: Absorbent core for disposable absorbent articles, particularly for the absorption of menses or blood.

Abstract: A disposable hygiene article for collecting bodily fluid having a body-facing surface, a garment facing-surface and an absorbent structure. The article may include a central fluid acquisition zone which may be substantially white, a first visually discernible lateral zone situated on one side of the central zone and a second visually discernible lateral zone situated on the opposite side of the central zone, wherein the first and second lateral zones are formed by a nonwoven material including a colored pigment.

Abstract: An absorbent article, the absorbent article being a personal hygiene article, comprising a liquid permeable top sheet, a liquid impermeable back sheet, and an absorbent core enclosed between the top sheet and the back sheet, and a fluid flow control member arranged between the top sheet and the backsheet, said fluid flow control member being of a nonwoven material comprising a three dimensional network of fibres, said fibres having a thickness of 200-700 ?m, said nonwoven material having a strain of max 50% at 5 kPa.

Abstract: Absorbent core for disposable absorbent articles comprising absorbent gelling material and expandable microspheres.

Abstract: A liquid management layer constructed from large diameter uncrimped fibers in the form of a spunbond nonwoven web is described. Embodiments of the liquid management layer can include a plurality of thermoplastic fibers in the form of a spunbond nonwoven web where the plurality of thermoplastic fibers are randomly oriented and uncrimped, where the liquid management layer has a maximum void volume of 25 cc/g and a web density of at least 0.05 g/cc, where the liquid management layer has a maximum thickness of 1.5 mm, a basis weight of at least 30 g/m2 and a rewet value of less than 0.4 g according to test method WSP 70.8, and where the liquid management layer has an average fiber diameter of at least 40 microns based on the number of thermoplastic fibers in the liquid management layer and where less than 10% by count of the plurality of thermoplastic fibers in the liquid management layer have an absolute fiber diameter less than 30 microns.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fluid-absorbent articles, comprising a fluid-absorbent core comprising at least 60% by weight of fluid-absorbent polymer particles and not more than 40% by weight of cellulose based fibers and an acquisition-distribution layer comprising at least 90% by weight of synthetic non-cellulose based fibers and not more than 10% by weight of cellulose based fibers. The thickness deviation of the bi-folded fluid-absorbent article in longitudinal direction is less than 10%. More particularly, the present invention relates to folding and packaging of disposable fluid-absorbent articles such as diapers, training pants.

Abstract: An article, including disposable articles and durable articles, includes one or more shaped thermoplastic members, which can be at least partially impregnated into one or more fibrous substrates forming a composite material of the article having regions of breathability, elasticity, and/or stiffening to provide desired functions of the article. The shaped thermoplastic members have a profiled thickness and/or basis weight providing variation in material properties. A percent variation of the profiled thickness of the thermoplastic member can vary from about 5% to about 95%. A process for manufacturing the composite material of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: An absorbent article such as disposable diaper, training pant, and adult incontinence undergarment comprising an absorbent structure comprising superabsorbent polymer particles, the article being able to absorb and contain body exudates and having improved absorption properties and therefore being able to reduce leakage, especially at the first gush, i.e. when the article starts to be wetted.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to hygiene articles comprising nanofibers. The nanofibers are made from a melt film fibrillation process with a polymer composition having a melt flow rate of less than about 400 decigram per minute. The nanofibers, having a diameter of less than 1 micron, must comprise a significant number of the fibers in one layer of the web contained by the hygiene article. The hygiene articles include diapers, training pants, adult incontinence pads, catamenials products such as feminine care pads and pantiliners, tampons, personal cleansing articles, personal care articles, and personal care wipes including baby wipes, facial wipes, and feminine wipes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multiple layer polymeric film comprising at least three layers wherein at least two layers comprise at least one polyolefin and a third layer comprises from about 5% to about 45% of a thermoplastic starch, from about 55% to about 95% of at least one polyolefin, and from about 0.5% to about 10% of a compatibilizer, wherein said compatibilizer is selected from the group consisting of a graft copolymer, a block copolymer, and a random copolymer of non-polar monomers and polar monomers. Also presented is a packaging material or a consumer product comprising a portion made of the multiple layer polymeric film that may be used to create an absorbent article such as diapers, pantiliners, feminine pads, adult incontinence products, wipes, tissues, and the like.

Abstract: To provide a surgical pad which does not cause waste threads and fluff on the pad surface to remain in an operation site during an operation, is not hardened in absorbing body fluids such as lymph, blood and cerebrospinal fluid, and which is detectable by X-ray contrast after the operation, the surgical pad, which absorbs body fluids such as lymph, blood and cerebrospinal fluid during surgery, is provided with a pad portion formed by layering a plurality of pieces of cloth having absorption, and a radiopaque substance containing sheet disposed between layered pieces of cloth or on the surface of the pad portion. Herein, by coating the surface of the pad portion with resin, waste threads and fluff of the pad surface are prevented from peeling off.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to hygiene articles comprising nanofibers. The nanofibers are made from a melt film fibrillation process with a polymer composition having a melt flow rate of less than about 400 decigram per minute. The nanofibers, having a diameter of less than 1 micron, must comprise a significant number of the fibers in one layer of the web contained by the hygiene article. The hygiene articles include diapers, training pants, adult incontinence pads, catamenials products such as feminine care pads and pantiliners, tampons, personal cleansing articles, personal care articles, and personal care wipes including baby wipes, facial wipes, and feminine wipes.

Abstract: An acquisition member for use in disposable absorbent articles. The acquisition member including a multitude of fibers and a latex binder and having a void volume of at least 7 cubic centimeter per gram in the temperature range from 20° C. to 40° C. The latex binder may be a dispersion of a polymer in an essentially aqueous medium. The polymer is capable of forming a film having a tan ? value at 40° C. that is not greater than its tan ? value at 20° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles, typically for feminine protection, including a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent element positioned between the tospheet and the backsheet, said absorbent element includes a fluid storage layer which a liquid absorbent thermoplastic composition. The absorbent thermoplastic composition is a polymeric base material having particles of water-insoluble water-swellable absorbent material dispersed therein. The liquid absorbent thermoplastic composition is configured in a plurality of unattached spaced apart zones.

Abstract: Dimensionally stable nonwoven fibrous webs include a multiplicity of continuous fibers formed from one or more thermoplastic polyesters and polypropylene in an amount greater than 0% and no more than 10% by weight of the web. The webs have at least one dimension which decreases by no greater than 10% in the plane of the web when heated to a temperature above a glass transition temperature of the fibers. A spunbond process may be used to produce substantially continuous fibers that exhibit molecular orientation. A meltblown process may be used to produce discontinuous fibers that do not exhibit molecular orientation. Antishrinkage and antistatic additives are also added to the fibrous webs. The webs may be used as articles for filtration, sound absorption, thermal insulation, surface cleaning, cellular growth support, drug delivery, personal hygiene, medical apparel, or wound dressing.

Abstract: Absorbent core for disposable absorbent articles, particularly for the absorption of menses or blood.