Abstract: Provided is a top sheet for absorbent articles including a number of perforations for covering a liquid-receiving surface of an absorbent article. The top sheet is formed of a thermoplastic resin containing a particulate material. The top sheet is provided with fine convex portions of the particulate material on the surface thereof and a plurality of protrusions extending from the surface thereof, and the height of each protrusion from the surface is larger than that of each fine convex portion therefrom.

Abstract: A novel synthetic fiber is disclosed including a first component of an aliphatic polyester polymer, a second component of a multicarboxylic acid, an admixture of the first component aliphatic polyester polymer and the second component multicarboxylic acid to form an unreacted specified thermoplastic composition, and melt blending the unreacted specified thermoplastic composition in an extruder or a mixer. The second component multicarboxylic acid lubricates the extruder and provides a nucleating agent for crystallizing the specified thermoplastic composition to form a mean crystal size less than about 120 Angstroms. Fiber composed of the specified thermoplastic composition has a mean crystal size less than about 120 Angstroms. The fiber has a glass transition temperature (Tg) less than about 55° C.

Abstract: A composite material adapted for barrier garment applications is made by laminating a film with an amorphous polymer layer to a prebonded nonwoven web under conditions producing laminate bonds corresponding to the prebond locations, and unbonded areas between the bonds while maintaining constant film thickness. The composite has enhanced resistance to viral penetration for use as a surgical gown material, for example, and also desirably has a MVTR of at least about 300 g/m2/24 hours and a hydrohead of at least about 50 mbar. In use as a component of a protective apparel such as a surgical gown or drape, the composite provides comfort and protection with reduced risk of film damage.

Abstract: Articles of manufacture which comprise biodegradable fibers and fabrics made therefrom. The fibers are made from starch-based biodegradable thermoplastic polymers, which preferably include a an additional biodegradable thermoplastic polymer blended with thermoplastic starch for improved chemical and physical properties. Threads or fibers for the manufacture of these articles are drawn in a process that improves their mechanical properties, particularly their strength. These threads or fibers can be used in the manufacture of articles that have open, semi-densely packed or densely packed structures.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable back sheet, and an absorbent member interposed between the topsheet and the back sheet. While worn, the absorbent article forms a front waist body portion located at the front waist of a wearer and a rear waist body portion located at the rear waist of a wearer. The rear waist body portion has at each side thereof a fastening member for fastening the absorbent article, wherein the back sheet is made up of laminated sheeting composed of a finely porous resin film and nonwoven fabric. The fastening member is formed of a male sheet member of a mechanical fastener and designed to be brought into direct contact with the surface of the nonwoven fabric constituting the back sheet. The above-mentioned absorbent article has a good fit on a wearer, exhibits excellent leakproofness and breathability while worn, and has an excellent texture.

Abstract: A disposable article including a biodegradable nonwoven material having improved fluid management properties. The nonwoven material may be produced using thermoplastic compositions which comprise an unreacted mixture of a poly(lactic acid) polymer; a polybutylene succinate polymer or a polybutylene succinate adipate polymer, or a mixture of such polymers; and a wetting agent. The thermoplastic composition exhibits substantial biodegradable properties yet is easily processed. The biodegradable nonwoven materials may be used in a disposable absorbent product intended for the absorption of fluids such as body fluids.

Abstract: A personal care article includes a resiliently stretchable outer cover. In a first embodiment, a first zone of the outer cover is embossed forming a pattern of embossments providing a first set of desired properties pertaining to stretch of a portion of the outer cover. A second zone of the outer cover is not modified to provide the first set of properties and thus has different stretch properties than the first zone. In a second embodiment, a first panel is secured to a resiliently extensible second panel. A first zone of the second panel can have a pattern of embossments securing the second panel to the first panel. The embossments cause the first zone to have different stretch properties than a second zone of the second panel that is not embossed thereby to impart the set of stretch properties. In a third embodiment the second panel is pre-stretched to a predetermined degree of elongation before securement to the first panel.

Abstract: A superabsorbent fiber or a nonwoven material including a thermoplastic polymeric fiber to which solid particles of superabsorbent material have been thermobonded by heating the polymeric fiber to a temperature at which adhesion is obtained between the fiber and the particles and a method of making the same. Also, an absorbent article is produced including such a superabsorbent fiber or nonwoven material.

Abstract: An absorbent structure in an absorbent product such as a diaper, an incontinence protector, a sanitary napkin, a panty liner or dressing, where the absorbent structure is formed of a piece of foamed material, which as an integrated unit has a liquid permeable surface and a corresponding surface which is liquid-proof and an absorbent layer between them. The liquid-proof surface can preferably be the skin of closed cells, which during manufacturing is formed on the piece of foamed material.

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent device insertable into the interlabial space of a female wearer. The absorbent device comprises a main absorbent portion comprising an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion has a top surface facing toward the vestibule floor of the wearer during insertion into the interlabial space. The upper portion leads the lower portion during insertion of the absorbent device; i.e., the lower portion is spatially opposed to the upper portion, and upon insertion of the absorbent device into a wearer's interlabial space, the lower portion faces away from the vestibule floor of the wearer. Additionally, a fluid acquisition/transfer complex is positioned about and extends at least from the upper portion of the main absorbent portion. The fluid acquisition/transfer complex is configured to be in intimate contact with the folds and creases of the interlabial space of the female wearer.

Abstract: The invention provides a water-degradable polyolefin-containing film having greater than about 55 weight percent of a polyolefin and less than about 45 weight percent of poly(ethylene oxide) of weight average molecular weight of less than about 100,000. Preferably, the polyolefin is low density polyethylene. The polyolefin-containing film, when immersed in water for about 30 seconds, loses at least 10% in two or more of the tensile properties: percent strain-to-break, peak stress, energy-to-break and modulus when compared to the dry or pre-immersion values.Also provided are flushable personal care articles such as infant diapers, feminine hygiene napkins, and adult incontinence garments having a backing or barrier layer comprising a water degradable polyolefin-containing film of the invention.

Abstract: An absorbent article including a flexible, fibrous support structure or framework in a fixed shape or configuration having particles of a superabsorbent material adhered thereto with temperature softened outer support surfaces, or with an adhesive to maintain sufficient spacing between adjacent superabsorbent particles such that liquid can more freely enter the absorbent article for contact with the superabsorbent particles.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for forming a synthetic fiber including providing a first component of an aliphatic polyester polymer a second component of a multicarboxylic acid, mixing the first component aliphatic polyester polymer and the second component multicarboxylic acid to form an unreacted specified thermoplastic composition, and melt blending the unreacted specified thermoplastic composition in an extruder or a mixer. The second component multicarboxylic acid lubricates the extruder and provides a nucleating agent for crystallizing the specified thermoplastic composition to form a mean crystal size less than about 120 Angstroms. Fiber composed of the specified thermoplastic composition has a mean crystal size less than about 120 Angstroms. The fiber has a glass transition temperature (Tg) less than about 55.degree. C.

Abstract: A urine-receiving pad for men including a bag of a laminated sheet which includes an inner sheet, an outer sheet and an absorbent core therebetween, and a pair of elastic members provided along the opening. By holding and pushing both ends of the elastic members with fingers, the elastic members are buckling-deformed to open the opening. When a penis is inserted into the opening and then the fingers are released, the penis is suitably pressed by elastic restoration forces of the elastic members, to prevent easy coming out of the penis therefrom. Since the pressing force resulting from the buckling-deformation of the elastic members is so small, too much pressure onto the penis is prevented. Further, the urine-receiving pad can be attached with only one hand.

Abstract: This invention relates to a non-contact coating method for producing a continuous coating and articles constructed therefrom. This invention further relates to a method for producing a textile material with a moisture-impermeable barrier layer and to a method for producing a moisture-absorbing article of hygiene which has such a barrier layer. This invention particularly relates to a textile material and hygienic disposable articles comprising a body fluid impermeable barrier layer which can be produced from a non-contact coating method. Preferably, the thermoplastic composition used for producing the barrier layer exhibits certain rheological characteristics and comprises at least one homogeneous linear or substantially linear interpolymer of ethylene with at least one C.sub.3 -C.sub.20 alpha-olefin, further characterized by each said interpolymer having a polydispersity less than about 2.5.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes at least one containment flap which is configured to maintain a perpendicular, spaced relation away from the absorbent article in use to reduce the flow of body exudates from the article. The article further includes a dewatering layer located on an outer surface of the containment flap for absorbing at least a portion of any exudates which pass over said containment flap in use. The dewatering layer defines an absorbency of at least about 3 grams of saline solution per gram of material. The dewatering layer may further define a total absorbency of at least about 0.5 grams of saline solution and an incline absorbency of at least 1 milliliter.

Abstract: An apertured web for a topsheet of disposable garments includes a plurality of flat portions extending in parallel one to another in one direction and a plurality of aperture rows defined between respective pairs of the adjacent flat portions. Each pair of the adjacent flat portions with the aperture row therebetween are interconnected by a plurality of bridge-like portions extending from these adjacent flat portions across the aperture defined by them. Each of the flat portions is partially deformed upward to a level above the upper surface of the flat portion along peripheral edges of the respective apertures so as to form a plurality of substantially saw-tooth-shaped rising portions which make the upper surface of the web relatively rough.

Abstract: The present invention pertains, in a preferred embodiment, to a stretchable, extensible, fluid-pervious composite web comprising an apertured, three-dimensional, macroscopically-expanded formed film layer and a fibrous layer, preferably a nonwoven, bonded to one side of the formed film layer. The composite web is microcreped in at least one direction, such that the composite web exhibits extensibility, and preferably also retractability, in that direction. The composite web exhibits fine scale nesting of the formed film layer and the nonwoven layer in the microfolds, providing intimate contact between the layers for enhanced fluid transport properties while the three-dimensionality of the formed film provides a stand-off between the layers.

Abstract: A breathable diaper, feminine hygiene, or like disposable sanitary product construction having a cloth-like outer surface and including a plurality of materials from the skin-facing side outwardly, a topsheet, a core, an optional barrier, and a backsheet. The topsheet is formed of liquid- and vapor-permeable hydrophilic material, and the core is formed of highly absorbent material disposed outwardly of the topsheet for absorbing liquid received through the topsheet. The core has an inner surface in liquid communication the said topsheet and an outer surface. The optional barrier is formed of a multilayer non-woven material which is hydrophobic and vapor-permeable for limiting the outward escape of liquid therethrough while enabling the outward escape of heat and water vapor therethrough. The barrier has a base disposed adjacent the core outer surface.

Abstract: A liquid acquisition layer is inserted between a porous cover sheet and an absorbent core of an absorbent article such as a disposable diaper. The liquid acquisition layer is made from polymer fibers bonded by an adhesive, with the adhesive rendered insoluble by curing. The cured adhesive has a glass transition temperature in excess of 30.degree. C. and preferably above 37.degree. C., which is normal body temperature. This allows the acquisition to remain resilient and retain void volume when heated by the body or body liquids.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a diaper, sanitary napkin, adult incontinent device, and the like having fused layers is provided. The absorbent articles preferably comprises a liquid pervious thermoplastic apertured film topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, an absorbent core, and a fibrous acquisition web. The absorbent core is positioned between the topsheet and backsheet which are joined at least about a portion of the periphery of the absorbent article and the topsheet is fused to the acquisition web is a folded sheet which has a double z-folded cross-sectional configuration, which at discrete points of attachment. The acquisition web is positioned between the topsheet and the absorbent core.

Abstract: An absorbent article such as a diaper has an outer layer of a porous fabric and an inner absorbent core. A separator layer of thermally bonded nonwoven fabric is positioned between the outer layer and the core to minimize rewet by liquids. The fibers of the nonwoven fabric of the separator layer have a diameter greater than 28 microns, and at least 5 crimps per extended inch, and the fabric has a porosity of about 90-95%, to provide superior rewet properties.

Abstract: This invention relates to water responsive thermoplastic compositions and articles constructed thereof. This invention particularly relates to thermoplastic copolyester compositions useful for the manufacture of disposable articles such as disposable diapers and feminine napkins. More particularly, this invention relates to thermoplastic copolyester compositions that are useful as a raw material in the manufacture of nonwovens, barrier films or coatings and as well as for various improved hot melt adhesives compositions useful for incorporating hydrophilic features into disposable articles.

Abstract: One or more particulate active agents are fused to the surface of a substrate web by mixing the particulate agents with a particulate binder having a particle size not exceeding an average diameter of approximately 40 microns and coating the composite mixture onto the surface of the substrate. Thereafter, the coated substrate is heated to a temperature equal to or greater than the Vicat softening temperature of the binder and compressed within the nip of a pair of pressure rolls to achieve fusion. If desired, a top layer may be placed upon the coated composite prior to the compression step. Also disclosed are various products manufactured by the process.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent, extruded, open cell thermoplastic foam. The foam has an open cell content of about 50 percent or more and an average cell size of up to about 1.5 millimeters. The foam is capable of absorbing a liquid at about 50 percent or more of its theoretical volume capacity when absorbing a liquid. The foam preferably has an average equivalent pore size of about 5 micrometers or more. The foam preferably has a structure substantially of cell walls and cell struts. Further disclosed is a method for absorbing a liquid employing the foam by elongation of the extrudate of the extrusion die. Further disclosed is a method of enhancing absorbency of an open cell foam by applying a surfactant to an exposed surface of the foam such that it remains at the surface and does not infiltrate a substantial distance into the foam. Further disclosed is a meat tray and a diaper containing the foam.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent garment comprising a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and backsheet is disclosed. The absorbent core is formed from at least one and preferably more than one laminate comprising three layers, including an upper layer, a lower layer and a central fibrous layer containing from about 50-95% by weight superabsorbent polymer. The upper and lower layers comprise tissue, airlaid fluff pulp or synthetic non-woven fibrous layers. The upper and lower layers together assist to maintain the integrity of the core during manufacture and in use, contain the superabsorbent polymer within the insult area of the garment and act to diffuse multiple insults so that gel blocking is minimized. The absorbent garment thus formed is very thin, lightweight and economical.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rapid and low cost procedure for joining webs and films containing dissimilar polymers. It is especially applicable but not limited to the construction and assembly of disposable products such as infant and adult incontinent products, feminine hygiene products, and other low-cost, high volume disposable products. The process involves producing a high rate of heat flux through the dissimilar materials where the material with the higher plastic point is at the influx point and the lower plastic point material is adjacent and further from the heat source. In addition to this constraint and as a necessary component the application of the high rate of heat flux must be accompanied by a pressure of appropriate to the difference in plastic points and to the relative thickness of the dissimilar materials to be joined.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a film comprising a biodegradable copolymer, wherein the copolymer comprises at least two randomly repeating monomer units (RRMU) wherein the first RRMU monomer unit has the structure ##STR1## and the second RRMU has the structure ##STR2## wherein at least 50% of the RRMUs have the structure of the first RRMU. The present invention further relates to an absorbent article comprising a liquid pervious topsheet, a biodegradable liquid impervious backsheet comprising the above film, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet.

Abstract: Disclosed is a disposable protective garment adapted to stretchably conform to the body of a wearer, the garment being composed of at least one piece of a reversibly-necked material which is adapted to have recoverable stretch in at least one direction. The reversibly-necked material is necked by drawing and treated to impart memory of its necked configuration so it has recoverable stretch while also being breathable, liquid resistant and conformable. The disposable protective garment may contain a body portion, sleeve portions and/or leg portions. The stretch direction of reversibly-necked material may be parallel to the direction of motion of the body portion, sleeve portions and/or leg portions.

Abstract: A body fluids absorbent article has a liquid-permeable topsheet formed by a nonwoven fabric of thermoplastic synthetic fibers. The topsheet is formed with a plurality of openings each having a diameter of 0.5.about.3 mm. These openings queue up so as to form plural columns of openings extending in parallel one to another. One half or more of a total number of the openings are reinforced by strands of thermoplastic synthetic resin each having a diameter of 0.1.about.0.5 mm and extending circumferentially of the respective openings.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermoplastic composition that comprises a unreacted mixture of polyethylene oxide polymer and a multicarboxylic acid. One embodiment of such a thermoplastic composition is a mixture of polyethylene oxide polymer and adipic acid. The thermoplastic composition is capable of being extruded into fibers that may be formed into nonwoven structures that may be used in a disposable absorbent product intended for the absorption of fluids such as body fluids.

Abstract: A spunbonded elastic nonwoven fabric comprises a web of bonded thermoplastic filaments of a thermoplastic elastomer. The spunbonded fabrics of the invention are prepared in a slot draw spunbonding process operated at a rate of less than about 2000 meters per minute. The elastic fabric is used in absorbent products, such as disposable diapers, adult incontinence pads, sanitary napkins and the like, and as coverstock for absorbent personal care products.

Abstract: A composite material adapted for mechanical fastener use as a loop fastener component with a complementary hook component is made by laminating a film with an amorphous polymer layer to a prebonded nonwoven web under conditions producing laminate bonds corresponding to the prebond locations, and loose filaments or fibers between the bonds. The composite also desirably has a MVTR of at least about 100 g/m.sup.2 /24 hours and a hydrohead of at least about 50 mbar. In use as a component of a disposable personal care product such as a disposable diaper, the loop fastener component may be substantially the entire backing, providing comfort, protection and highly variable fit.

Abstract: A composite nonwoven for controlled acquisition and distribution of liquid, comprising at least a first support layer and a first bulky layer, the bulky layer functioning to acquire and distribute liquid and the support layer being suitable for use either as a coverstock or as a transfer layer between the bulky layer and a liquid retention layer, the support layer and the bulky layer being bonded together, by non-chemical bonding, by a network of individual bonding points to form a liquid control system that facilitates liquid distribution within the individual layers and liquid transfer between the layers, the composite nonwoven showing a combination of a low strike-through time and a low rewet; and a high-speed in-line process for producing the composite nonwoven, the process comprising forming a first support layer, e.g.

Abstract: The invention provides synthetic polymeric fibers which have utility as temporary acquisition/distribution absorbent structures and permanent storage/distribution absorbent structures in a wide range of absorbent products such as diapers, feminine napkins, and adult incontinent pads. These fibers are short, highly distorted, and bulky characterized by lengths between 2 and 37 mm, short-range distortion factors between 5 and 70, long-range distortion factors between 0.05 and 0.9, and single fiber bulk factors between 0.5 and 10.0. They may or may not have capillary channels on the surface. The advantages of these materials are their increased absorbency, reduced wet collapse at low densities, reduced rewet, reduced loss of liquid under pressure, and their ability to be desorbed by distribution materials such as capillary channeled fibers or by conventional storage materials such as fluff pulp or superabsorbent polymer fiber or powder.

Abstract: A flexible absorbent article such as a nappy or a sanitary pad having an absorbent core and a three-dimensional shape. The absorbent article includes a thermoformed layer formed integrally therewith which substantially maintains said three-dimensional shape. The invention also relates to a method for manufacture of the same. The cost of production of three-dimensional absorbent products can thereby be significantly reduced and more complicated shapes can be obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thin, elastomeric films made from low crystallinity propylene copolymers having a crystallinity of less than about 30%. The elastomeric films of the present invention have improved strength in the cross machine direction. The films may be incorporated into laminate materials used in the outer coverings of diapers, training pants, incontinence products and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles such as diapers, adult incontinence garments, and feminine hygiene products. The present invention further relates to such absorbent articles having outer coverings designed to provide breathability and promote more healthy internal environmental conditions for the wearer. More specifically, the present invention provides an absorbent article comprising (a) a topsheet; (b) a backsheet; and (c) an absorbent core located between the topsheet and the backsheet; wherein the backsheet comprises a non-porous, substantially fluid impermeable, moisture vapor permeable composite sheet material. Preferably, the composite sheet material is oriented such that the film layer of the composite sheet material faces toward said absorbent core. Where the film layer of the composite sheet comprises a substantially hydrophilic elastomer film layer, the substantially hydrophilic elastomer film is preferably located in contact with the fibrous substrate.

Abstract: A breathable diaper, feminine hygiene, or like disposable sanitary product construction includes a plurality of materials including, from the skin-facing side outwardly, a topsheet of liquid- and vapor-permeable hydrophilic material. A core of highly absorbent material is disposed outwardly of the topsheet for absorbing fluid received through the topsheet, the core having an inner surface in fluid communication with the topsheet. A backsheet is disposed at least partially as an outer surface of the construction and is formed of a pouch defined by two layers of a non-woven hydrophobic and vapor-permeable material, with absorbent or superabsorbent particles therebetween, so that the backsheet limits the outward escape of liquid therethrough while enabling the outward escape of heat and water vapor therethrough. Each backsheet layer is an at least two-layer spunbound-meltblown SM or an at least three-layer spunbond-meltblown-spunbond SMS.

Abstract: An article is described for absorbing body fluid from a wearer. This comprises a fluid storage region (7) having a first major face on one side thereof and a second major face on the opposite side thereof, and first (6) and second (8) fluid receiving regions adjacent the first and second major faces respectively. Each fluid receiving region (6, 8) receives fluid and releases it to the adjacent major face of fluid storage region. The fluid receiving regions (6, 8) are each formed of a dry laid web of staple fibers, the web having a bulkiness, as measured under a pressure of 2 kPa, of at least 20 cc/g.

Abstract: A coated non-woven material, method of making such material, and disposable absorbent hygiene article are disclosed. The coated non-woven material comprises a base layer made of a non-woven web of fibrous material and at least one layer of a thermoplastic film. The peel strength of the material is equal to or below 98.times.10.sup.-3 kN/m, as measured according to the NFT 76-112 standard, wherein the peeling angle is specified at 180.degree. and the pull speed is specified at 200 mm/mn. In one embodiment, the coated non-woven material is incorporated into a disposable diaper as a liquid-impervious backsheet.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a thermoplastic film having a first surface and a second surface. The second surface is spaced apart from the first surface. A plurality of perforations extend through the film from the first surface to the second surface. The perforations form capillaries that extend from the second surface. The capillaries are disposed at an angle from about 5.degree. to about 60.degree. with respect to a plane that is perpendicular to the first surface.

Abstract: Absorbent products and components for use in absorbent products are disclosed. These absorbent products comprise pressure-sensitive adhesive microfibers and thermoplastic polymer microfibers, that when incorporated into absorbent products provide good liquid transport properties, resiliency, and attachment systems; and further mask odors associated with bodily fluids.

Abstract: Biodegradable blends including a first, polylactic acid-based polymer or copolymer, and a second polymer or copolymer including one or more polyesters, e.g., an aliphatic polyester or a polyester of one aliphatic C.sub.2 to C.sub.20 diacid or of a combination of two more different aliphatic C.sub.2 to C.sub.20 diacids, wherein the first and second polymers are present in a ratio of 9:1 to 1:9, are described.

Abstract: An absorbent member in an absorbent article comprises a absorbent polymer and cellulose fibers. The absorbent polymer has a centrifugal retentive capacity for physiological saline of 30 g/g or more and a permeation rate of physiological saline of 10 ml/minute or more. The cellulose fibers are crosslinked cellulose fibers obtainable by an intramolecular and/or intermolecular crosslinking of the cellulose fibers. Particularly, an absorbent member in a sanitary napkin has a centrifugal retentive capacity of pseudo-blood of 30 g or more and a permeation rate of pseudo-blood of 50 ml/minute or more. Also, a topsheet in the absorbent article comprises a liquid-permeable sheet, which comprises at least a layer in contact with a user's skin and a layer not in contact with the user's skin, the layers being overlaid and combined with each other into a unitary body. The layer in contact with the user's skin comprises a porous film of a thermoplastic resin or a nonwoven fabric of synthetic fibers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a superabsorbent foam is provided. The method includes forming a reaction mixture comprising at least one compound capable of forming a superabsorbent foam, stirring the reaction mixture, applying mechanical waves to the reaction mixture and repeating the stirring and applying a selected number of times thereby forming the superabsorbent foam.

Abstract: An absorbent article is provided for use in the perineal area of the body having an absorbent core having an upper body facing surface, a lower garment facing surface, first and second longitudinal sides, and first and second transverse ends. A body fluid impervious sealing wrapper, having upper and lower portions each having longitudinally and transversely extending edges along which said portions are joined, is formed around the absorbent core so as to enclose at least the entirety of the garment facing surface, the longitudinal sides and the transverse ends, thereby forming a seal. A centrally disposed opening is formed in the upper portion of the sealing wrapper thereby forming a window on the body facing surface of the absorbent core that exposes it to fluid flow. A fluid pervious layer covers at least the portion of the body facing surface on which the window is formed. The upper portion of the sealing wrapper and the pervious layer are joined so as to form a laminated layer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a breathable film and a breathable, cloth-like film/nonwoven composite made from the breathable film which is stretch-thinned and bonded to a fibrous polyolefin nonwoven web. Certain thermoplastic films such as, for example, linear low density polyethylene films are difficult to thermally bond to, for example, polypropylene nonwoven webs due to the incompatibility of the two polymers. The present invention incorporates a bonding agent into one or both of the two layers thereby making it easier to thermally bond the two layers together. Processes for forming the various composite are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent structure containing hydrogel-forming polymeric material, wettable staple fiber, and wettable binder fiber. The absorbent structure exhibits improved z-direction permeability of a liquid as compared to an otherwise essentially identical absorbent structure which does not comprise a wettable binder fiber. Also disclosed is an disposable absorbent product containing such an absorbent structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article having a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet joined to the topsheet, and an absorbent core positioned therebetween, in which the absorbent core is enveloped by a primary core integrity layer comprising a continuous mesh of strands of thermoplastic material which is joined to the topsheet and/or the backsheet. The primary core integrity layer is particularly useful for improving the wet integrity of absorbent cores comprising an upper acquisition/distribution layer and a lower storage layer.