Abstract: A tampon for feminine hygiene or medical purposes comprising a nonwoven cover having at least one, outwardly directed, smooth surface and substantially enclosing a liquid absorbing core wherein the nonwoven cover comprises at least partly thermoplastic, heat-sealable fibers and pressed to the final shape of the tampon. Before the tampon blank is covered with the nonwoven covering web, said web was subject to the use of heat and pressure during the manufacturing of the tampon as to smooth out at least the outer surface of the nonwoven covering web, whilst maintaining the structure of the nonwoven covering web and the absorbency of the tampon. Thereby, it is achieved that the tampon can also be more easily and more comfortably introduced into and withdrawn from a body cavity before and after the days of stronger menstruation or at the occurance of only less vaginal exudation as garment protection.

Abstract: A material having a multi-denier base material layer including a plurality of fine denier fibers, the fine denier fibers of less than about 10 dpf, and a plurality of large denier filaments intermixed with the fine denier fibers which form channels in a longitudinal direction of the material, the large denier filaments of greater than about 10 dpf. A method of producing a multi-denier cover material is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite material including a substrate with a first and a second layer, and a surfactant. The surfactant is applied to the first layer of the substrate. The surfactant acts to lower the surface tension of a fluid which contacts the first layer of the substrate such that the fluid is allowed or more readily enabled to pass through the first layer of the substrate, but such that the surfactant does not substantially adversely effect the absorption capacity or wicking height of the second layer of the substrate, as the second layer of the substrate substantially inactivates the surfactant upon contact or interaction therewith.

Abstract: An absorbent article including at least one of a topsheet, an absorbent core, an optional distribution layer and a backsheet, at least one of which comprises at least one layer of an extruded superabsorbent web is disclosed. The superabsorbent webs can be made by heating and mixing blends of thermoplastic resins and absorbent polymers in a continuous process, and then preferably extruding the web. The extruded superabsorbent web can be flat or formed, stretched or unstretched, and coextruded or laminated with or to other materials.

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.

Abstract: An absorbent article including a liquid-permeable top layer, an absorbent core layer, a breathable outer cover, and a creped inner nonwoven fibrous layer between the absorbent core and breathable outer cover. The creped inner nonwoven fibrous layer has a level of creping of about 5-75%, and is preferably permanently creped. The creped inner nonwoven fibrous layer serves as a dampness inhibitor which reduces or prevents perceived dampness on the external surface of the outer cover by lowering thermal conductivity between the absorbent core and the outer cover surface.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a body-facing cover layer, a garment facing barrier layer and an absorbent element between the cover layer and the barrier layer. The cover layer is a non-woven fabric formed from an interconnected network thermoplastic polymer fiber elements. At least a portion of the non-woven fabric is three-dimensional having a plurality of raised regions, semi-raised regions and compressed regions, the raised regions having a lower fiber density relative to the semi-raised regions, the semi-raised regions having a lower fiber density relative to the compressed regions.

Abstract: A unitary stratified composite composed of a first stratum and a second stratum integrally connected by a transition zone is disclosed. The first stratum serves as a liquid acquisition stratum that rapidly acquires and then transfers liquid to the second stratum. The second stratum serves to withdraw liquid from the first stratum and further serves as a temporary storage stratum. Methods for forming the unitary stratified composite are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to shape deformable materials, which are capable of (1) being deformed, (2) storing an amount of shape deformation, and (3) recovering at least a portion of the shape deformation when exposed to a humid environment. The shape deformable materials can advantageously be in the form of films, fibers, filaments, strands, nonwovens, and pre-molded elements. The shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to form products, which are both disposable and reusable. More specifically, the shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to produce products such as disposable diapers, training pants, incontinence products, and feminine care products.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a fluid-permeable cover sheet; a fluid-permeable or liquid impermeable back sheet; and a nonwoven fabric between the cover sheet and the back sheet, the nonwoven fabric including an absorbent assembly of meltblown thermoplastic fibers and a hydrophilic wetting agent, wherein the cover sheet, nonwoven fabric and back sheet are bonded together. The article is particularly suitable for use as a bandage or wound dressing.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article is disclosed, comprising a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent layer between the topsheet and the backsheet, wherein the backsheet is comprised of a microporous polymer film printed with a registered graphic and comprising by weight: from about 30% to about 60% of a polyolefin; and from about 40% to about 80% of calcium carbonate; wherein the film has a “b” value of between about 0 and about 0.5 and exhibits less than about 2% thermal shrinkage at about 50° C. and about 50% relative humidity for one week.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article including a sheet which is composed of: a resin layer having a plurality of apertures and forming a liquid-receiving face of the sheet; and a fibrous layer underlying the resin layer. The fibrous layer contains hydrophobic fibers and hydrophilic fibers shorter than the hydrophobic fibers. At least a part of the hydrophilic fibers form aggregates that disperse in the fibrous layer, and at least a part of the aggregates are bonded to the surfaces of the hydrophobic fibers.

Abstract: A personal care absorbent article made of a nonwoven material having a plurality of polymeric fibers having a fiber interior comprising at least one of a liquid fluid and a gaseous fluid. The nonwoven materials are produced by heating at least one polymer to a melting point, forming a molten polymer; extruding the molten polymer through a plurality of capillaries, injecting a liquid fluid and/or a gaseous fluid into the molten polymer prior to, during and/or after the extruding step, forming a plurality of fluid-filled polymeric fibers, wherein the liquid fluid and/or gaseous fluid is dispersed within the interior of the polymeric fibers, and depositing the fluid-filled polymeric fibers onto a web forming surface, forming a nonwoven material.

Abstract: An unitary stratified composite composed of a first stratum and a second stratum integrally connected by a transition zone is disclosed. The first stratum serves as a liquid acquisition stratum that rapidly acquires and then transfers liquid to the second stratum. The second stratum serves to withdraw liquid from the first stratum and further serves as a temporary storage stratum. Methods for forming the unitary stratified composite are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hygienic product includes from top to bottom a layer of EVA web, a layer of high molecular absorbent consisting of natural fiber and cotton, a layer of backing plastic sheet, and a layer of adhesive in the form of one or more strips or spots. The EVA web consists of 40% EVA plastics, 10% LDPE, 2% stearic acid, 9% PE and wax, and 39% or more calcium carbonate and is produced with an L-type calender having an embossed roller. The backing plastic sheet consists of materials having the same types and percentages as those of the EVA web. The materials for the backing plastic sheet are mixed and vacuum dried to a controlled temperature between 135° C. and 220° C. and then rotatably extruded. Both the EVA web and the backing plastic sheet are fully burnable, making the hygienic product environmentally friendly.

Abstract: A deformable, shrinkable fiber that is dimensionally stable at normal body temperatures of approximately 37° C. in the dry state, but is dimensionally unstable (i.e. shrinks and distorts) when wet at the same temperature. The fiber comprises a fiber forming polymer that has a dry glass transition temperature (“dry Tg”) of greater than or equal to 42° C. and a wet glass transition temperature (“wet Tg”) of less than or equal to 32° C. A method of making said fiber and absorbent article(s) made therefrom are also disclosed.

Abstract: An absorbent article that includes a nonwoven web that includes synthetic polymer fibers, a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a first region including superabsorbent polymer, the first region extending into the nonwoven web from the first surface toward the second surface, and a second region essentially free of superabsorbent polymer, the second region extending into said nonwoven web from the second surface toward the first surface.

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: An absorbent device having an absorbent structure substantially free of modified cellulosic fibers having carboxyalkyl substituted cellulosic regions and having at least one surface substantially covered by an outer layer, and an outer portion comprised of modified cellulosic fibers having modified cellulosic fibers having carboxyalkyl substituted cellulosic regions, wherein the outer portion forms a layer on the at least one surface of the absorbent portion.

Abstract: There is provided a new nonwoven surge material for personal care products made of fibers, which is a nonwoven fabric made of a homogeneous blend of large and small denier fibers. The small or first denier fiber preferably has an average denier less than 2, is at least 3 denier less than the second or larger fiber and the large or second denier fiber has an average denier between 4 and 15. The first denier fiber may have a denier less than 1 and the second denier fiber may have a denier between 6 and 15. The nonwoven fabric is a mixture of these fibers in amounts of from 25 to 75 weight percent of each type of fiber. The fabric may have a basis weight between 30 and 200 gsm. The first denier fiber may be a bicomponent fiber which may be a sheath/core polyethylene/polypropylene bicomponent fiber. The second denier fiber may be made from a polyester. It is also possible that the fibers have a hydrophilic treatment added to their surface to increase their hydrophilicity.

Abstract: A liquid-impervious backsheet for body fluids disposal article having upper and lower surfaces made of thermoplastic synthetic resin, the sheet includes a plurality of independent concave zones depressed downward from the lower surface and a smooth zone extending around these concave zones, each of the concave zones being formed in its region except its peripheral edge with at least one micropore.

Abstract: A forming element for an absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, an incontinence protector or a panty shield, which forming element is formed of a rigid material and exhibits a principally elongate form with a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, an upper side, an underside, two short sides and two long sides, a first and a second end portion and an intermediate portion situated between the end portions, and wherein the forming element exhibits one or several corrugations.

Abstract: A tampon for feminine hygiene or medical purposes comprising a nonwoven cover having at least one, outwardly directed, smooth surface and substantially enclosing a liquid absorbing core wherein the nonwoven cover comprises at least partly thermoplastic, heat-sealable fibers and pressed to the final shape of the tampon. Before the tampon blank is covered with the nonwoven covering web, said web was subject to the use of heat and pressure during the manufacturing of the tampon as to smooth out at least the outer surface of the nonwoven covering web, whilst maintaining the structure of the nonwoven covering web and the absorbency of the tampon. Thereby, it is achieved that the tampon can also be more easily and more comfortably introduced into and withdrawn from a body cavity before and after the days of stronger menstruation or at the occurance of only less vaginal exudation as garment protection.

Abstract: An absorbent article is disclosed. The absorbent article comprises a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core therebetween. The backsheet comprises a microporous film. The microporous film is provided with a mark for registration for processing registered graphics. The microporous film has a web modulus of not less than 160 gf/mm and a bending force of not more than 3.3 mgf·cm2/cm. The microporous film also comprises a material having a material modulus of not less than 310 gf/mm2 at 3% strain.

Abstract: An improved absorbent catamenial tampon having a non-aggressive fluid wicking overwrap, which aids in fluid acquisition while not aggressively adhering to tissue is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a single-use absorbent sanitary article, especially diapers, sanitary napkins, and incontinence articles. The inventive sanitary article comprises an absorbent body (30) that consists of at least two layers, one layer (32) for absorbing, distributing and temporarily storing liquid and facing the body when used, and one storage layer (34) on the side facing away from the body which has a content of at least 50% of superabsorbent polymer material. The inventive layer (32) for absorbing, distributing and temporarily storing liquid is extruded from a thermoplastic polymer to which a blowing agent is added.

Abstract: A multilayered apertured film wrapping element for an absorbent article is disclosed. At least one outer layer of the fluid-impervious plastic material has a continuous phase of a thermoplastic polymeric component and an immiscible, dispersed phase of a thermoplastic polymeric component having a lower melting point. The wrapping element is useful in applications involving heat sealing and similar thermal processes in absorbent articles, such as sanitary napkins, diapers, bandages, tampons, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thermoplastic hydrophilic polymeric compositions for making a liquid impermeable moisture vapour permeable structure, for example by forming the composition into a layer or film. The thermoplastic compositions comprise preferred thermoplastic polymers and suitable compatible plasticisers having a preferred resistance to extraction by water or aqueous fluids. The layers made from the thermoplastic hydrophilic polymeric compositions of the present invention can find a variety of applications wherein liquid imperviousness and moisture vapour permeability are desirable.

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: A disposable absorbent article is provided which includes a substantially liquid-impermeable, extensible outer cover, a liquid permeable, extensible bodyside liner, and an absorbent body located between the outer cover and the bodyside liner. The extensible outer cover and extensible bodyside liner can be configured to provide a substantially permanent deformation of at least about 10 percent when subjected to a tensile force of 100 gmf per inch (per 2.54 cm) of width according to the Material Elongation and Deformation Tensile Test set forth herein.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article including a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. The topsheet contains hydrophobic fibers and hydrophilic fibers shorter than the hydrophobic fibers. The hydrophobic fibers are thermally bonded to each other. At least a part of the hydrophilic fibers form aggregates that disperse in the sheet. At least a part of the hydrophilic fibers that form the aggregates are bonded to the surfaces of the hydrophobic fibers.

Abstract: An absorbent material is disclosed, containing at least about 30 weight percent of a superabsorbent polymer, a thermoplastic polymer binder resin, and about 0.1 to about 10 weight percent water. The absorbent material absorbs deionized water to at least about 70 percent of maximum capacity within about 20 minutes after exposure to the deionized water. The method of making the absorbent material includes combining binder resin and absorbent polymer in a twin screw extrusion mechanism, compounding and driving the composition toward exit openings, extruding the composition through the exit openings, and preferably rapidly cooling the extrudate with non-liquid quenching means. The quenched or non-quenched extrudate may be made in the form of a pellet, film, or fibrous strand.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a nonwoven fabric construct in the form of a laminate material suitable for medical applications. The laminate includes a nonwoven fabric layer, and first and second polymeric film layers, with the resultant material exhibiting superior viral protection in accordance with established testing procedures, ASTM F1671. In accordance with the present invention, the first and second polymeric film layers are co-extruded and adhered to one surface of the nonwoven fabric layer, with the second polymeric film layer being disposed between the first polymeric film layer and the nonwoven fabric layer. Notably, the first polymeric film layer comprises a blend of between about 0 to 100% low density polyethylene, and between about 0 to 100% linear low density polyethylene.

Abstract: The invention relates to an absorbent structure (30, 38, 50, 58, 62, 66) that is produced on the basis of superabsorbent polymer materials. Said superabsorbent polymer materials are interlinked by means of a thermoplastic polymer. The inventive structure is produced by extruding the superabsorbent polymer materials and the thermoplastic polymer while adding a blowing agent.

Abstract: Nonwoven fabrics and fabric laminates are formed from continuous filaments or staple fibers of a select blend of specific grades of polyethylene and polypropylene which give improved fabric performance not heretofore recognized or described, such as high abrasion resistance, good tensile properties, excellent softness and the like. Furthermore, these blends have excellent melt spinning and processing properties which permit efficiently producing nonwoven fabrics at high productivity levels. The polymers are present as a lower-melting dominant continuous phase and at least one higher-melting noncontinuous phase dispersed therein. The lower-melting continuous phase forms at least 70 percent by weight of the fiber and comprises a linear low density polyethylene polymer of a melt index of greater than 10 and a density of less than 0.945 g/cc. At least one higher-melting noncontinuous phase comprises a polypropylene polymer with melt flow rate of greater than 20 g/10 min.

Abstract: An primary liquid retention layer material suitable for use in an incontinence garment includes a plurality of pleats defined by fold lines in at least one region of the composite. The fold lines are oriented in a first direction. The primary liquid retention layer is stretchable in a second direction perpendicular to the fold lines, between a first position where the pleats are substantially folded and a second position where the pleats are substantially unfolded or extended due to liquid loading, while the primary liquid retention layer remains substantially in the plane of the garment so as to not distort the wetted appearance of the garment. The primary liquid retention layer material is useful in incontinence garments where controlled regional stretching in a selected direction is desired.

Abstract: There is provided a personal care product that has a liquid impermeable backsheet, a liquid permeable topsheet, and an absorbent composite located between the topsheet and backsheet. The absorbent composite has an upper layer made of synthetic fiber with at most 20 weight percent pulp and the upper layer has a density between about 0.03 and 0.15 g/cc and a basis weight between about 20 to 75 gsm. The composite has a lower layer having from 80 to 95 weight percent pulp, at most 20 weight percent binder, and has a density greater than the upper layer and between 0.06 and 0.20 g/cc, and a basis weight between 120 and 200 gsm.

Abstract: The plastic sheet provided is a plastic sheet provided with melt patterns in the sheet face which are formed under the elongating condition of the plastic sheet by reciprocally repeating rows of holding patterns 1, which are for holding the elongation state, are formed just like columns at predetermined intervals in the direction perpendicular to the elongation direction and has the longitudinal size practically in the elongation direction, and rows of disconnection patterns 2, which are formed just like columns at predetermined intervals in the positions between the respective neighboring patterns of the rows of the holding patterns 1 and has the longitudinal size in the direction practically perpendicular to the elongation direction to shut diffusion of the strains owing to the holding patterns 1 in the elongation direction and consequently the convex-concave wrinkles are formed in the plastic sheet face corresponding to the melt patterns.

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

Abstract: A urinary incontinence device for alleviating female urinary incontinence is disclosed. The urinary incontinence device includes a resilient member and a non-absorbent positioned adjacent to the resilient member. The non-absorbent is constructed from a fibrous material wherein the fibers do not absorb significant quantities of moisture within the fibers. The resilient member and the non-absorbent are rolled into an elongated softwind with the resilient member located adjacent to an end thereof. The softwind has a larger diameter at one end. The softwind is then radially compressed into an elongated pledget having an insertion end, a trailing end and a uniform cross-sectional area therebetween. The resilient member is capable of expanding the insertion end of the pledget to provide a supportive backdrop for a woman's urethra when inserted into a woman's vagina.

Abstract: A composite media comprising a backing sheet, a covering sheet, and a layer disposed between said backing sheet and said covering sheet, said layer having particles of active ingredient, binder particles, and stabilizing particles, wherein the active particles are coalesced by the binder particles, wherein each of the stabilizing particles bonds with both the backing sheet and the covering sheet, and wherein the stabilizing particles are larger than the binder particles.

Abstract: Polyolefin woven and nonwoven fibers, filaments and fabrics made therefrom which comprise a melt blend which comprises

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a thin incontinence pad or pantyliner, is disclosed which has a multilayered absorbent core for providing protection against involuntary urine loss. The absorbent article includes a liquid permeable bodyside liner, a liquid-impermeable baffle, and first and second absorbents positioned between the liner and the baffle. The first absorbent is a stabilized material containing a superabsorbent and has a predetermined basis weight. The second absorbent is positioned below the first absorbent and contains a different superabsorbent from the superabsorbent present in the first absorbent. The second absorbent has a basis weight that is equal or greater than the basis weight of the first absorbent.

Abstract: Absorbent article such as disposable diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders and the like, that have a unique elastic waist feature that improves the dynamic fit of the elasticized waistband as well as the containment characteristics of the absorbent article. The elastic waist feature preferably comprises an interconnecting panel zone, a first flexural hinge zone joining the interconnecting panel zone with the containment assembly, an elasticized waistband, and a second flexural hinge zone joining the elasticized waistband with the interconnecting panel zone. The elasticized waistband comprises a shaping panel zone; a waistline panel zone; and a predisposed, resilient, waistband flexural hinge zone joining the shaping panel zone and the waistline panel zone.

Abstract: An absorbent tampon has improved ease of insertion into and removal from a body cavity. This is accomplished by covering at least a portion of the outer surface of the tampon with an apertured polymeric formed film. The apertured formed film provides a smooth land area on the outermost surface of the tampon for gentle, nondrying passage along the vaginal walls. The apertures in the film allow fluid to pass through the cover and into the absorbent core, where the fluid is held to prevent leakage.

Abstract: An absorbent product comprising a liquid-permeable casing layer (402), a liquid-barrier layer (413) and an absorption element (416) which is enclosed between the liquid-permeable casing layer (402) and the liquid-barrier layer (413), and a liquid-transfer layer (403) which is disposed between the liquid-permeable casing layer (402) and the absorption element (406). The envelope layer (402) is bonded in a pattern of distinct thermally produced bonds (405) to the liquid-transfer layer (403). The liquid-transfer layer (403) comprises 40-65% by weight network-creating function fibres which are substantially intact following the bonding-together of the envelope layer (402) and the liquid-transfer layer (403) and which have a fibre coarseness ranging from 6 denier to 12 denier and 35-60% by weight fibres comprising a weldable, thermoplastic component and having a fibre coarseness of at least 3 denier.

Abstract: An apertured film cover for an absorbent article is disclosed. The cover has an additive combination comprising a hydrophilic agent and a lyophilic agent applied thereto. The additive combination provides surprisingly improved fluid transfer across the cover. It can also provide a benefit by reducing frictional forces during the manufacture of a tampon.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a pigmented cover; a pigmented apertured transfer layer; an absorbent core; and a pigmented backsheet that provides masking of synthetic menstrual fluid and discretion.

Abstract: A highly breathable, stretch-thinned film having enhanced breathability includes a matrix polymer, a particulate filler, and an incompatible polymer that is thermodynamically incompatible with the matrix polymer. The incompatible polymer can be added to the film in the form of laminate waste material.

Abstract: A soft, high density, absorbent material is provided with improved characteristics. A process is provided for making the absorbent material. A web is formed from material that includes a mixture of cellulosic fibers and synthetic polymer fibers. Then, the web is preferably compacted and embossed at an elevated temperature to further increase the web density and preferably to also create liquid-stable bonds between the synthetic polymer fibers and the cellulosic fibers in spaced-apart regions of the web.