Abstract: A sanitary napkin in which diffusing liquid hardly reaches a rear end edge is adapted to make a liquid absorbent layer less deformable in a rear region so that it can easily be kept in close contact with the wearer's buttocks. The sanitary napkin has an elongated main absorbent region surrounded by compressed grooves that are formed in a skin-side surface. Since a rear end of the main absorbent region is far away from a rear end edge of the napkin to provide a relatively large rear region, worries about rearward leakage may be relieved. Furthermore, since auxiliary longitudinal grooves are provided in the rear region, a liquid absorbent layer may hardly be twisted.

Abstract: An absorbent sheet made from an air-laid fiber web includes a functional emboss pattern of a continuous (wave-like) shape extending in the machine direction of the sheet. The emboss pattern defines a plurality of compressed regions operative to preferentially convey sorbed liquid away from the point of insult to prevent product failure. The sheet is particularly useful as absorbent core material within a multi-layer absorbent pad. In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of making absorbent sheet utilizing an emboss roll provided with radially projecting circumferential sinuate bosses.

Abstract: A disk consists of one or more plies or layers (1, 2, 3) which lie one on the other and which are connected to one another in their edge region (10) and consequently have a compression region (20) on their circumference (4). Such a disk is provided for the application and/or absorption of liquid or semisolid substances. In this case, the compression region (20) is provided at a radial distance (B) from the circumference (4) of the disk. Consequently, the material fibers directed outward from the compression region (20) are so long that they are not rigid, but, instead, are slightly flexible.

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent article (14) used by being fitted to the female pubic region, which comprises: an absorbent sheet body made of a water permeable sheet (11), a water impermeable sheet (12), and an absorbent body (13) being formed into one body; and a body fluid inflow hole (14b) in a cylindrical shape with the garment side being the bottom, having an opening in a size capable of being fitted to cover a pair of labia majoras from outside.

Abstract: An absorbent article is provided having an absorbent core with an absorbent pledget adhered to the body-facing side of the core between the core and the body-facing surface of the article. The pledget has a greater structural stiffness and a reduced surface area relative to the core. The absorbent article has a fluid permeable coverstock including a bi-component fiber. An hourglass-shaped absorbent pledget is disposed between the core and the coverstock. The pledget includes airlaid material adhered to the body-facing side of the absorbent core. The pledget further includes a three-dimensional apertured film mounted to the airlaid material, which engages the coverstock. The absorbent core is configured to fold about the hourglass shape of the pledget and resist undesired deformity of the absorbent article. The coverstock includes adhesive-coated elastic members disposed adjacent the longitudinal sides. The longitudinal sides are folded about a backsheet to enclose the core and pledget.

Abstract: A body fluid absorbent wearing article includes a liquid-absorbent panel. The panel is composed of a first fibrous assembly panel lying on the side of a topsheet and a second fibrous assembly panel underlying the first sub-panel. The first sub-panel has a flat portion, a plurality of protuberant portions and a plurality of wall portions. The first sub-panel has a fiber density that increases toward the second sub-panel which has a fiber density higher than that of the first panel.

Abstract: A disposable diaper includes a top sheet, a back sheet, and a liquid absorbent core disposed therebetween. The diaper has openings, which pass through the top sheet and the core, and are formed in at least the crotch region of the diaper. The back sheet has a free portion which is disposed beneath the core and extendible downwards in its thickness direction. The back sheet further has a fixed edge portion which is outside an outer periphery of the free portion and fixed to the top sheet. A plurality of longitudinally extending contractible elastic members are disposed at least in the free portion and the fixed edge portion. A plurality of transversely extending gathers are formed under the contraction of the elastic members.

Abstract: An inter-labium product capable of disintegration in water, fitted to the inter-labium part; and a surface-side sheet for inter-labium product that simultaneously realizes comfortability at wearing of the inter-labium product and capability of water disintegration such that the inter-labium product is disintegrated when thrown in flush water of water closet after use. The surface-side sheet for use in an inter-labium product fitted to the inter-labium part is comprised of hydrophilic fibers composed of single fibers and fibril fibers having fuzzes branched from the surface thereof, wherein at least some of the branched fuzzes link the single fibers and the fibril fibers to each other. Thus, not only can the wet tensile strength be increased but also inter-fibrous bonds are slowly decomposed in the presence of a large amount of water to thereby enable disposal of the inter-labium product in a flush toilet.

Abstract: An article (20) comprises a deformation-control member which can include an extending medial section (38), and a selected stiffened region (34). The stiffened region (34) can include a first array (40) of individual, stiffening elements (35), and at least a second array (50) of individual, stiffening elements (37). In particular features, each of the first and second arrays (40, 50) of stiffening elements can have a convergently arranged nose-end (70, 78), and a relatively divergently arranged tail-end (74, 80). In another feature, the first and second arrays (40, 50) of stiffening elements (35, 37) can be configured to substantially avoid intersecting in the medial section (38) of the deformation-control member. In a further feature, the second array (50) of stiffening elements (37) can have a counter-positioned configuration relative to the first array (40) of stiffening elements (35).

Abstract: An primary liquid retention layer 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.

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

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article including: a liquid-permeable topsheet on a skin surface; and a backsheet on a garment surface. First flexible hinges and second flexible hinges are formed to extend longitudinally of the absorbent article. The first flexible hinges are disposed symmetrically about a longitudinal centerline of the absorbent article to define a central absorbent portion having an absorbent layer therebetween. The second flexible hinges are disposed symmetrically about the longitudinal centerline and spaced outwardly apart from the first flexible hinges to define support portions between adjacent first and second flexible hinges and side portions outside the second flexible hinges. The first flexible hinges facilitate bending of the support portions from the central absorbent portion, and the second flexible hinges facilitate bending of the side portions from the support portions.

Abstract: Disclosed is an elongated absorbent article including: rear inner compressed grooves disposed in a rear half of the absorbent article and extending symmetrically about a longitudinal centerline of the absorbent article, defining therebetween a rear central region; and a rear connecting compressed groove connecting rear ends of the rear inner compressed grooves, defining a rear end of the rear central region. A liquid absorbent layer is recessed in the rear central region from the side of the garment surface toward the skin surface to have a backside compressed portion extending along the longitudinal centerline. The backside compressed portion has a rear end positioned forward of the rear connecting compressed groove.

Abstract: Disclosed is an elongated absorbent article, in which liquid passage holes and embossments are dispersed in a central region including a front portion and a rear portion. Aperture density obtained by dividing (total of areas occupied by the liquid passage holes in the front portion) by (area of the front portion) is higher than aperture density obtained by dividing (total of areas occupied by the liquid passage holes in the rear portion) by (area of the rear portion), while embossment density obtained by dividing (total of areas occupied by the embossments in the rear portion) by (area of the rear portion) is higher than embossment density obtained by dividing (total of areas occupied by the embossments in the front portion) by (area of the front portion).

Abstract: Fibrous material layer intended to be incorporated in an absorbent article. The layer (5) comprises at least two webs of tow fibers arranged on top of each other, which are bonded to each other into a laminate by means of a bonding pattern, and where one is corrugated and the other web is substantially smooth, wherein the corrugated web exhibits a more open structure in comparison to the smooth web. A method of manufacturing the layer (5) in question, in which method at least two separate webs (15a, b) of opened and into a layer spread-out tow are fed into a bonding station (20), which webs exhibit different web tensions and/or web speeds, and that the webs (15a, b) with maintained relative difference in web tension and/or web speed are bonded together in said bonding pattern (10) into a laminate.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin having a first transverse end and an opposite second transverse end defining therebetween a length and a plurality of varying widths along its length, the widths being perpendicular to the length, including; (i) a first width located substantially between ? and ½ of the length as measured from the first transverse, (ii) a second width located substantially from ? to ½ of the length as measured from the second transverse end, (iii) the first width being the maximum width of the absorbent portion, the second width being less than or equal to the first width; and (iv) a central region intermediate the first width and the second width, the central region having a maximum width that is less than or equal to the first width.

Abstract: A body fluids absorbent article including an absorbent structure that includes a liquid-pervious topsheet, a liquid-impervious backsheet and a liquid-absorbent core disposed therebetween. The topsheet is divided into a first absorbent surface zone and a second absorbent surface zone. The first absorbent surface zone has no gathers and is formed with a plurality of liquid-passages extending therethrough. The second absorbent surface zone is formed with a plurality of gathers extending longitudinally of the absorbent structure. Compressed grooves extend along boundary lines of the first and second absorbent surface zones in transversely opposite side regions of the body facing surface.

Abstract: A topsheet 10 for an absorbent article comprising a first fiber layer 1 disposed on the side of a wearer and a second fiber layer 2 disposed on the side of an absorbent member, the first fiber layer 1 and the second fiber layer 2 being partially bonded together at joints 3 in a prescribed pattern, the first fiber layer 1 having protrusions 4 on the wearer's side in portions other than the joints 3, and the second fiber layer 2 being a fiber aggregate containing heat shrinkable fiber and having heat shrunken parts 5 that have shrunken and densified parts 6 that have been inhibited from heat shrinkage.

Abstract: A fibrous material and a method of producing it, the material is mainly intended to be incorporated in an absorbent article and comprises a layer of continuous fibers, so-called tow, which have been bonded together in points, lines or spots in a bonding pattern, but otherwise are substantially unbonded to each other. The tow layer is bonded with at least two bonding patterns: a first relatively strong and diffuse bonding pattern, and a second more distinct second bonding pattern. Bonding of at least the first bonding pattern takes place by thermobonding, wherein a pattern roll is used which provide the desired bonding patterns. In the first welding step the pattern roll is driven at a higher speed than the feeding speed of the tow layer, so as to create a relatively diffuse and strong bonding pattern.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article including a backsheet, an absorbent storage layer, a liquid guide layer, and a top layer. The absorbent storage layer, the liquid guide layer and the top layer satisfy the following relationships: the liquid guide layer>the absorbent storage layer>the top layer with respect to a water absorbency due to capillary phenomenon; the liquid guide layer>the absorbent storage layer>the top layer with respect to a retention ratio of a liquid dropped onto the top layer in an amount less than a maximum water absorption amount of the liquid guide layer; and the absorbent storage layer>the liquid guide layer>the top layer with respect to a retention ratio of a liquid dropped onto the top layer in an amount more than the maximum water absorption amount of the liquid guide layer.

Abstract: An absorbent article including: a) a body facing surface and b) a garment facing surface wherein at least one embossment is provided on a surface of a material of the absorbent article and the embossment comprises a raised portion having an upper surface that is formed within a depressed area between at least two sidewalls, wherein the surface of the material opposite the embossing pattern is substantially flat.

Abstract: A fluid-management article, such as a sanitary napkin, comprises a body-faceable, liquid-pervious cover having a top surface, a garment-faceable, liquid-impervious barrier, and an absorbent system intermediate the cover and the barrier. The fluid-management article comprises a plurality of fluid-guiding channels that surround a plurality of isolated protrusions. The channels and the protrusions are formed through the top surface of the cover of the fluid management article. The protrusions have an apex that extends a height greater than about 0.5 millimeters (mm) above at least a portion of the plurality of channels. The protrusions have a number density greater than about 0.15 protrusions/cm2.

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

Abstract: A sanitary napkin in which diffusing liquid hardly reaches a rear end edge is adapted to make a liquid absorbent layer less deformable in a rear region so that it can easily be kept in close contact with the wearer's buttocks. The sanitary napkin has an elongated main absorbent region surrounded by compressed grooves that are formed in a skin-side surface. Since a rear end of the main absorbent region is far away from a rear end edge of the napkin to provide a relatively large rear region, worries about rearward leakage may be relieved. Furthermore, since auxiliary longitudinal grooves are provided in the rear region, a liquid absorbent layer may hardly be twisted.

Abstract: A disk consists of one or more plies or layers (1, 2, 3) which lie one on the other and which are connected to one another in their edge region (10) and consequently have a compression region (20) on their circumference (4). Such a disk is provided for the application and/or absorption of liquid or semisolid substances. In this case, the compression region (20) is provided at a radial distance (B) from the circumference (4) of the disk. Consequently, the material fibers directed outward from the compression region (20) are so long that they are not rigid, but, instead, are slightly flexible.

Abstract: There is provided a new nonwoven material for personal care products made of fibers, binder in an amount between 1 and 6 weight percent and superabsorbent in an amount between 1 and 80 weight percent, where the superabsorbent is contained in micro-pockets in the nonwoven. These micro-pockets may be made by creping a nonwoven fabric, orienting fibers in the Z-direction, and by passing a relatively lofty nonwoven fabric between unheated thermal pattern bond and anvil rolls. These materials exhibit good permeability to liquid in the pre- and post-wetted conditions, thus avoiding gel blocking and other negative effects of superabsorbent swelling within a fabric. Such a fibrous material is useful in personal care products, like diapers, training pants, incontinence garments and feminine hygiene products.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article includes a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core disposed therebetween. One or more of the backsheet, topsheet, and absorbent core is constructed of an absorbent composite that includes an absorbent layer of hydratable fine fibers in the form of microfibril obtained from cellulose or a derivative thereof and super absorbent polymer (SAP) particles bonded together by the hydratable fibers, and a nonwoven substrate supporting the absorbent layer such as SMS. The absorbent layer is coated over the surface of the nonwoven substrate. The core may include one uniform layer of the absorbent composite or a composite having one layer of the nonwoven substrate and a plurality of segmented absorbent layers applied thereon. In the latter design, the absorbent layers are spaced apart from one another to expose surface sections of the substrate. These non-coated surface sections provide wicking zones which allow room for the absorbent layers to expand and prevent gel blocking.

Abstract: An absorbent feminine care article (20) having a longitudinal direction (22), a lateral direction (24), first and second longitudinally opposed end portions (72, 72a), and an intermediate portion (76) located between the end portions. The article (20) comprises an absorbent body structure (30) sandwiched between a cover (26) and a baffle (28). In a particular aspect, the absorbent structure (30) can include one or more distinctively configured embossment regions (34), and the embossment regions can be distributed along the intermediate portion (76) of the article.

Abstract: A disposable body fluid absorbent wearing article includes a liquid-pervious topsheet including plastic film layer sections, liquid-pervious openings and a first fibrous layer bonded to the lower surface of the film layer sections. A second fibrous layer forming a liquid-absorbent core is contiguous to the lower surface of a first fibrous layer and a third fibrous layer is contiguous to the lower surface of the second fibrous layer. The wearing article is constructed so that its Klemm's water absorbency may progressively increase in the order of the first fibrous layer, the second fibrous layer and the third fibrous layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to disposable absorbent article with a backsheet and a first topsheet, which is a unitary sheet or web, which in use is capable of being at least partially in contact with the wearer's skin, said first topsheet being a fibrous three-dimensional web, having bonded regions where the fibres are bonded to another, and unbonded regions, where the fibres are unbonded to one another, whereby the fibres extend from at least one unbonded region into at least two bonded regions, typically in the form of loops, and whereby the bonded regions form the support structure for the unbonded regions and whereby the surface area of the unbonded regions is at least 2 mm2 and whereby the topsheet has a thickness (caliper) of between 0.1 and 5 mm.

Abstract: A disposable diaper comprising a liquid permeable topsheet 2, a liquid impermeable backsheet 3, and a liquid retentive absorbent member 4 and having a substantially oblong shape, the absorbent member 4 in the crotch portion having a middle absorbent portion 42 which occupies the middle {fraction (3/7)} of the width of the absorbent member 4 and side absorbent portions 43 which each occupy the outermost {fraction (1/7)} of the width of the absorbent member 4, wherein each side absorbent portion 43 has a larger unit absorption capacity than the middle absorbent portion 42, hydrophobic sheets 3 and 21 are disposed on the lateral outer edge of each side absorbent portion 43 to cover from the upper to lower surfaces of the edge, and an elastic member 71 is disposed in the part having each side absorbent portion 43 in the longitudinal direction of the side absorbent portion 43.

Abstract: Pattern embossed low gauge films are disclosed having multiple microporous film layers with distinct coloration, such as a dark colored layer and a light colored layer, wherein the color of the underlying film causes a visible color contrast only at the embossed regions and yet does not discolor the outer most layer. Also disclosed are film laminates and personal care articles incorporating such multilayer films.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin for placement in a crotch portion of an undergarment of a wearer having a longitudinal axis and being further characterized by having a preferential bending zone extending obliquely in relation to the longitudinal axis, each preferential bending zone being located solely in an end region and does not extend into a central region of the napkin. The preferential bending zone may be created by mechanically embossing the surface of the sanitary napkin to locally density the absorbing materials of the article. The preferential bending zone causes the end regions of the sanitary napkin to resist lateral compression forces exerted by the thighs of the wearer and thereby prevents bunching of the article on the undergarment. The central region 70 of the sanitary napkin conforms to the wearer's body providing greater comfort for the wearer of the napkin.

Abstract: Absorbent articles comprising molded airlaid webs and other molded fibrous webs are disclosed. The molded webs can offer improved body fit, comfort, and/or improved fluid handling. Molded airlaid webs, for example, can be formed having a central longitudinal hump and flexure zones longitudinally removed from the central hump to provide good contact with the body and improved fit when the article is squeezed from the sides. Molding can be achieved when a binder material is activated by an energy source and the web is held against a molding substrate. Energy sources can include microwaves, heated air, heated metal surfaces, ultraviolet radiation, ultrasonic energy, and the like.

Abstract: An absorbent article for absorbing body fluids is provided having an absorbent core positioned between a fluid-permeable cover and a fluid-impermeable baffle. The absorbent core includes a central, longitudinal flexure axis which substantially extends the length of the absorbent core. The central, longitudinal axis generally divides the absorbent core into first and second longitudinal members having an outer boundary and wherein the first member has a second flexure axis and the second member has a third flexure axis. Flanking the outer boundary of the first and second members are a third and a fourth longitudinal absorbent member, respectively. The third and fourth absorbent members are positioned so that, when said absorbent article is subjected to lateral compressive forces, the first and second members preferentially bend convexly upward, and said absorbent core generally acquires a “W” shaped configuration.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article adapted to be worn about a lower torso of a human body and having a chassis, a non-removable absorbent core component disposed in a crotch region of the chassis, and one or more replaceable absorbent core component or components disposed in capillary liquid communication with the non-removable absorbent core component. The replaceable absorbent core component may be removed and a like component may be substituted in place of the removed component without the removal of the absorbent article from the wearer. The replaceable absorbent core component may be disposed inside an openable chassis pocket, with access for its removal and replacement provided by an aperture in a garment-facing layer, an openable end of an external pocket, or an openable end of an internal pocket formed at an area of a waist end edge where the garment-facing layer and a wearer-facing layer may be separated.

Abstract: An absorbent elastic nonwoven composite material having stretch properties in a machine direction includes an elastic filament matrix and, contained with the matrix, absorbent fibers and a superabsorbent material. A plurality of bond lines oriented in a direction transverse to the machine direction provides reinforcement of the elastic filament matrix so that, when the composite material is stretched, there is less tearing and separation of the elastic filaments. The reinforcement by the bonding lines reduces the separation and shake-out of the absorbent and superabsorbent materials from the matrix during stretching and recovery of the composite material, and improves the recovery. The absorbent elastic nonwoven composite material is useful in a wide variety of personal care absorbent articles and medical absorbent articles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sanitary napkin having a longitudinal rear portion. The sanitary napkin includes: a main absorbent region having a main absorbent core between a back sheet and a surface sheet; side regions on both sides of the main absorbent region; and boundary regions having leakage-preventing side walls and positioned between the main absorbent region and the side regions. In the rear portion, the main absorbent region has a stiff portion, and the side regions are protruded laterally to form rear flaps each having an auxiliary absorbent core between the back sheet and another sheet. In the rear portion, a portion of the main absorbent region having the stiff portion therein, the boundary region and the rear flap have different longitudinal stiffnesses according to the following relationship: the portion having the stiff portion therein>the boundary region>the rear flap.

Abstract: The present invention is a liquid transport member with significantly improved liquid handling capability, which has at least one bulk or inner region with a high average permeability, completely circumscribed by a wall region. The wall region further comprises at least one port region with a lower permeability than the inner region, and with a ratio of its permeability to its thickness of at least 10−7 m.

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: Absorbent article such as a diaper, pant diaper, incontinence guard, sanitary napkin, wound dressing or the like comprising a layer of continuous fibers (9), so called tow, which is bonded in points, spots or lines in a bonding pattern (10), but where the fibers otherwise are substantially unbonded to each other. The layer can either be used as a liquid acquisition layer (5) in the article under the topsheet (2), as a topsheet (12) or as a combined topsheet and liquid acquisition layer (22).

Abstract: An absorbent article is provided which includes a fluid permeable top sheet and a first absorbent core being separate and in fluid communication with a second absorbent core. The second absorbent core is separate and in fluid communication with a third absorbent core. The first, second and third absorbent cores are supported between the fluid permeable top sheet and a fluid impermeable back sheet. The second absorbent core defines at least two separate absorbent core sections in fluid communication. The separate absorbent core sections define a body facing surface that engages the fluid permeable top sheet. In an alternate embodiment, the absorbent article defines a longitudinal length and includes a fluid permeable top sheet and a first absorbent core disposed adjacent a side of a central second absorbent core and pivotable, along the longitudinal length, relative to the second absorbent core.

Abstract: The present invention relates to menstrual absorbent articles, such as female sanitary napkins which are designed to be worn in and attached to a thong slips or G-string undergarment. In general absorbent articles for wearing with and attached to an undergarment should be designed to follow the shape of the undergarment where they are attached. For a thong slip this results in a sanitary napkin or panty liner having a wider front end and a narrower rear end. This design can also he described as triangular shape or trapezoidal shape. According to the present invention such thong shaped menstrual absorbent articles are provided in a construction in which the kind and amount of material, in particular for the absorbent core, and construction of the article, is selected such that the flexure resistance of the article remains below a critical value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorbent core for use in an absorbent article and methods to make the absorbent core and absorbent articles. The absorbent core has a discrete wicking layer made with compressible fibers such as eucalyptus or chemically treated fibers. The absorbent core and articles made with it have improved vertical wicking capacity and superior rewet characteristics.

Abstract: A compression recovery sheet which comprises a fiber aggregate containing 10 to 90% by weight of an elastomeric component and has a basis weight of 15 to 100 g/m2, a no-load thickness of 1 to 10 mm, and a compressive recovery of 60% or more and an absorbent article containing the same are disclosed.

Abstract: Disposable surgical drapes and gowns exhibiting desirable softness, foldability, absorbency and breathability characteristics incorporate cluster bonded nonwoven laminates. Film layers and nonwoven web layers are secured together by spaced apart unbounded adhesive clusters. Each adhesive cluster includes a perimeterless grouping of discrete spaced apart adhesive droplets. A method and modified apparatus for making the cluster bonded laminates is also described.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent garment comprising a topsheet, a back-sheet and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and backsheet is disclosed. The absorbent core is formed from a folded laminated comprising three layers, including an upper layer, a lower layer and a central fibrous layer including from about 50 to about 95 percent by weight superabsorbent polymer and about 5 to about 50 percent by weight stabilization additives. The upper and lower layers comprise tissue, airlaid fluff pulp synthetic non-woven fibrous layers. The central fibrous layers is adhesively bonded to both the upper and lower layers, all layers together assisting to maintain the dry and wet integrity of the absorbent core. Folding of the thin absorbent laminate provides an absorbent core that can handle large doses of urine.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article including a liquid-permeable top material layer, a liquid-impermeable back material layer, and an absorbent body that is narrower than the top material layer and the back material layer and disposed between the top material layer and the back material layer such that longitudinally extending side edges of the absorbent body are individually inwardly spaced apart from corresponding side edges of the top material layer and the back material layer. Along the individual side edges of the absorbent body, the top material layer is embossed to have compressed portions that are formed in a substantially continuous, longitudinally extending pattern.

Abstract: The present invention provides new patterned porous substrates and a new method for forming the new patterned porous substrates containing one or more selected patterns which is applicable to all porous structures regardless of their polymeric content, their method of manufacture or their UV absorbing characteristics.

Abstract: Disclosed in an absorbent article including a main body and leakage preventing walls. The leakage preventing walls extend longitudinally and lie opposite one another transversely. Each wall is formed of a nonwoven fabric having corrugations, the crests and valleys of which alternate with each other in the longitudinal direction. The nonwoven fabric is provided with an elastic member extending in the longitudinal direction for exhibiting longitudinal shrinking force. The elastic member is adhered to the valleys of the corrugations of the nonwoven fabric with an adhesive. The adhesive is applied to the surface of the elastic member in a band or linear shape continuous in the axial direction of the elastic member and appears regularly or at random at an interval on an arbitrary line which is set on the surface of the elastic member to extend parallel to the axial direction.