Abstract: A functionalized microporous, mesoporous, or nanoporous membrane, material, textile, composite, laminate, or the like, and/or a method of making or using such functionalized membranes. The functionalized porous membrane may be a functionalized microporous, mesoporous, or nanoporous membrane that has a functional molecule attached, such as a functional polymer, to the surface and/or internal fibrillar structure of the membrane.

Abstract: A cover nonwoven fabric covers a back surface of an inner member from between a front side outer member and the inner member to between a back side outer member and the inner member. The cover nonwoven fabric extends from a back surface side of a base portion of one side gather to a back surface side of a base portion of the other side gather. The cover nonwoven fabric has holes penetrating the front and back surfaces at intervals from between the front side outer and inner members to between the back side outer and inner members. The side edges of the cover nonwoven fabric are located at the positions same as the side edges of the narrowest part of the absorber in the width direction or on the center side in the width direction with respect to the side edges of the narrowest part.

Abstract: A sound absorption structure includes resonators that constitute separate bodies from each other and that produce Helmholtz resonance and a pliable coupling member that couples the plurality of resonators. Each of the resonators has a tubular shape or a pipe shape, includes an opening portion provided on a first end face, and includes a bottom portion provided on a second end face that is an opposite end face to the first end face. Each of the resonators is pliable.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a porous sheet capable of satisfy both the properties of fitting, preventing tightening, and providing comfort immediately after wearing or at a standstill/at rest and the properties of tightening, fixation stability, and providing comfort during exercise such as sports at the same time, as well as a porous composite comprising the porous sheet, or particularly, a porous sheet and a porous composite for clothing, health products, medical supplies, and sporting goods. The present invention relates to a porous sheet made of a thermoplastic elastomer composition (A), having a plurality of slits and/or pores, and having a porosity of 5 to 50%, an anisotropy of 10% or more, and a stretching stress relaxation rate of 40% or less after being stretched by 500% and held for 60 seconds.

Abstract: A topsheet (2) includes a laminate of a first nonwoven fabric (20) and a second nonwoven fabric (21), the two nonwoven fabrics (20, 21) are fused together at peripheral edges of openings (22) to form a plurality of fusion bond portions (23), and the first nonwoven fabric (20) in a region other than the fusion bond portions (23) protrudes in a direction away from the second nonwoven fabric (21) to form a plurality of projections (24) protruding toward the skin of a wearer. Each fusion bond portion (23) has a protrusion (26) protruding toward a sublayer (3), and a plurality of the protrusions (26) are dispersed on a surface (2b) of the topsheet (2) facing the sublayer (3). When the topsheet (2) is pressed toward the sublayer (3), the sublayer (3) is partially pressed by the protrusions (26).

Abstract: A cover nonwoven fabric covers a back surface of an inner member from between a front side outer member and the inner member to between a back side outer member and the inner member. In this cover nonwoven fabric, a large number of holes are provided at intervals. The holes penetrate the front surface and back surface from between the front side outer member and the inner member to between the back side outer member and the inner member. The front side outer member and the back side outer member have, at least at portions overlapping with the cover nonwoven fabric and not having any elastic member, a total luminous transmittance of 50% or more.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for fabricating absorbent article having multiple layers, and deformed zones of targeted performance, and colored regions, the method comprising the steps of forming discrete features on at least one layer, printing colored regions on at least one layer, integrating multiple layers to form an absorbent assembly, and cutting the absorbent assembly into individual absorbent articles, wherein the steps are carried out continuously.

Abstract: Three-dimensional laminates and methods for making the same are provided. The three-dimensional laminates may be apertured and may have welds between various substrates. The three-dimensional laminates may be used in absorbent articles, such as diapers and pants, for example, as topsheets, as topsheets and acquisition layers, or as outer cover materials, for example. The three-dimensional laminates may be produced on an absorbent article manufacturing line.

Abstract: An absorbent article having improved handling of body exudates. The absorbent article can minimize the amount of body exudates in contact with a wearer's skin and can minimize the incidence of leakage of body exudates from the absorbent article. The benefits of the absorbent article are achieved, in part, by a body facing material having features that help minimize contact of body exudates with the wearer's skin while also being constructed so that the body facing material does not stick to the wearer's skin in use. The body facing material includes a plurality of hollow projections, a plurality of apertures and bonded areas. The bonded areas may be formed with adhesive or by mechanical bonds.

Abstract: A diaper includes a liquid permeable topsheet including a patterned apertured nonwoven material. The patterned apertured nonwoven material includes a plurality of land areas in the patterned apertured nonwoven material and a plurality of apertures defined in the patterned apertured nonwoven material. At least some land areas of the plurality of land areas surround at least some apertures of the plurality of apertures. The plurality of apertures are non-homogeneous in a repeat unit such that at least two apertures of the plurality of apertures have a different size or a different shape.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a topsheet layer, backsheet layer, and a subjacent layer between the topsheet layer and backsheet layer. A compressible fluid management layer is positioned between the topsheet layer and subjacent layer. The compressible fluid management layer has an inner edge that defines an annular opening, with the annular opening extending entirely through the compressible fluid management layer. The compressible fluid management layer includes a dimension which is smaller than a dimension of the subjacent layer. The absorbent article further includes a first embossed feature positioned at least at portions, within the annular opening, and adjacent to the compressible fluid management layer inner edge, shaped to conform to the shape of the inner edge. The first embossed feature is positioned within the topsheet layer and the subjacent layer. The article also includes a second embossed feature positioned lateral to compressible fluid management layer peripheral edges.

Abstract: An absorbent product includes a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet, and an absorbent core enclosed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent core includes an absorbent fibrous layer and a liquid inlet foam layer and the absorbent core includes a transversally central liquid inlet region extending in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent core. Within the liquid inlet region, the liquid inlet foam layer is covered by a plurality of inlet openings and has a transversal width, which is equal to, or up to 9 mm smaller than, the minimum transversal width of the absorbent fibrous layer. The liquid inlet foam layer also has side edge regions arranged in front and rear portions of the absorbent core transversally outside of the liquid inlet region, and within which the liquid inlet foam layer is free from liquid inlet openings.

Abstract: An absorbent product includes a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet, and an absorbent core enclosed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent core includes an absorbent fibrous layer, a liquid inlet foam layer, and a carrier layer, in which a transversally central region is arranged in the liquid inlet foam layer. The transversally central region extends along the entire longitudinal length of the absorbent core and includes a plurality of slits arranged in a pattern, wherein the slits are dilated slit openings in a part of the central region within an intermediate portion of the absorbent core, and the slits are non-dilated slits in parts of said central region within one or both of front and rear portions of the absorbent core.

Abstract: Nonwoven webs/nonwoven laminates for use in absorbent articles are disclosed. The nonwoven laminate includes a first nonwoven web with continuous spunbond crimped fibers and a second web joined to the first nonwoven web. A plurality of apertures extend through at least one of the first nonwoven web or the second web. The nonwoven web includes a plurality of continuous spunbond crimped fibers wherein a plurality of apertures extend through the nonwoven web.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for fabricating absorbent article having multiple layers, and deformed zones of targeted performance, and colored regions, the method comprising the steps of forming discrete features on at least one layer, printing colored regions on at least one layer, integrating multiple layers to form an absorbent assembly, and cutting the absorbent assembly into individual absorbent articles, wherein the steps are carried out continuously.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for fabricating absorbent article having multiple layers, and deformed zones of targeted performance, and colored regions, the method comprising the steps of forming discrete features on at least one layer, printing colored regions on at least one layer, integrating multiple layers to form an absorbent assembly, and cutting the absorbent assembly into individual absorbent articles, wherein the steps are carried out continuously.

Abstract: A film particularly suited for use as a transfer layer in an absorbent article has a plurality of capillaries and a plurality of drains, said capillaries comprising side walls depending from a female side of the film and terminating in an aperture on a male side of the film; said drains comprising side walls that depending from the female side of the film and terminating in an aperture on the male side of the film, wherein the drains are disposed at an obtuse angle relative to a base plane of the film.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for fabricating absorbent article having multiple layers, and deformed zones of targeted performance, and colored regions, the method comprising the steps of forming discrete features on at least one layer, printing colored regions on at least one layer, integrating multiple layers to form an absorbent assembly, and cutting the absorbent assembly into individual absorbent articles, wherein the steps are carried out continuously.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for fabricating absorbent article having multiple layers, and deformed zones of targeted performance, and colored regions, the method comprising the steps of forming discrete features on at least one layer, printing colored regions on at least one layer, integrating multiple layers to form an absorbent assembly, and cutting the absorbent assembly into individual absorbent articles, wherein the steps are carried out continuously.

Abstract: The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, baby diapers, adult incontinence articles and sweat pads. According to the present invention the absorbent article in the region designated for liquid deposition on its wearer facing surface has a single layer topsheet onto which liquid to be absorbed is provided during use of the article. The absorbent article includes a backsheet forming the liquid barrier surface and a unitary absorbent core between the topsheet and the backsheet. Importantly the unitary core provides improved liquid handling to the absorbent article and increases the masking, i.e. ability to hide stains due to absorbed liquid, of the article. This is particularly beneficial in the context of articles for absorption of liquids with high color intensity, such as menstrual liquid or urine of older adults.

Abstract: The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, baby diapers, adult incontinence articles and sweat pads. According to the present invention the absorbent article in the region designated for liquid deposition on its wearer facing surface has a single layer topsheet onto which liquid to be absorbed is provided during use of the article. The absorbent article includes a backsheet forming the liquid barrier surface and a unitary absorbent core between the topsheet and the backsheet. Importantly the unitary core provides improved liquid handling to the absorbent article and increases the masking, i.e. ability to hide stains due to absorbed liquid, of the article. This is particularly beneficial in the context of articles for absorption of liquids with high color intensity, such as menstrual liquid or urine of older adults.

Abstract: An absorbent article in which a plurality of first compressing units are provided spaced apart on both-side edges of a region corresponding to an excretion unit in an absorber, and a plurality of second compressing units are provided spaced apart over the entire region in the absorber 10 excluding the region 11 in which the first compressing units 12 are provided. The dimensions along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article in the plan view shape of the first compressing units are configured so as to be longer than the dimensions along the width direction of the absorbent article, and the dimensions along the width direction of the absorbent article in the plan view shape of the second compressing units are configured so as to be longer than the dimensions along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article.

Abstract: Chitosan films and laminates made from the films are provided. The films and laminates can be used to make a variety of finished articles that can be used to provide protection from hazardous chemical and biological agents.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a disposable wearing article improved so that front and rear waist regions may assure desired fitness without adversely affecting an absorption capacity of a bodily fluid-absorbent core assembly. At least one of front and rear waist regions includes an inner sheet lying on a skin-facing side and having stretch properties and an outer sheet lying on a non-skin-facing side and having a low elastic contractile force. In a section of this one waist region occupied by a liquid-absorbent core assembly including a bodily fluid-absorbent core, the inner sheet is partially cut to define a perforated region. Adhesive used to bond the liquid-absorbent core assembly to the inner sheet and adhesive used to bond the inner sheet to the outer sheet are put in contact with and joined to each other through openings developed by partially cutting the inner sheet.

Abstract: A surge material for use in disposable absorbent personal care products includes a wearer-facing surface, a plurality of elongate grooves in the wearer-facing surface, and a plurality of apertures disposed in the grooves and extending through the surge material. The surge material can also have an average material plane and including a plurality of ridges extending in a z-direction from the average material plane, a plurality of grooves alternating with the plurality of ridges, wherein the grooves extend in the opposite z-direction from the average material plane, and a plurality of apertures through the surge material, wherein the apertures are disposed only in the grooves. The surge material can also include a hydrophobic treatment agent disposed on the ridges and a hydrophilic treatment agent disposed within the grooves.

Abstract: A three-dimensional film for use as a transfer layer in an absorbent article has a continuous surface and a discontinuous surface disposed generally parallel to and spaced from said continuous surface; both the continuous surface and the discontinuous surface have large scale apertures defined by sidewalls originating on the surface and extending outwardly therefrom and sized to permit acquisition of fluids by gravity, and optionally each surface also includes small scale apertures sized to acquire fluids by capillary action.

Abstract: A topsheet layer material for use on an absorbent article includes a longitudinal direction, a transverse direction and a depth direction and comprises a planar sheet. The topsheet layer material includes visually and spatially coordinated embossed channels and apertures. The embossed channels are curvilinear indentations configured along either the longitudinal, the transverse direction, or a combination of longitudinal and transverse directions. The apertures are positioned along the topsheet layer material laterally adjacent to the channels such that at least a portion of the apertures have an overall shape configuration that is substantially similar or the same as at least a portion of the shape of the embossed channel. Such coordinated aperture configuration may also be generally concentric with or generally parallel to the embossed channels.

Abstract: An absorbent article that contains a topsheet having embossed regions is provided. The embossed regions propagate in a longitudinal direction of the article in the form of a wave having one or more alternating crests (peaks) and troughs (valleys). Such a wave pattern helps slow down the flow of bodily fluid by directing it along a tortuous path defined by the densified edges rather than in a straight line. Among other things, this reduction in flow rate can help provide sufficient time for the absorbent core to absorb the fluid, which is particularly helpful when it is already partially filled with fluid. Nevertheless, bodily fluids can still sometimes pool near the crests and/or troughs and result in leakage. To help counteract this tendency, the present inventors have discovered that a plurality of apertures can be employed in the topsheet that are arranged in a column that generally extends in a longitudinal direction of the article.

Abstract: The invention relates to slit absorbent articles and the use of slits in absorbent materials to provide improved liquid intake rate, flexibility and softness compared to the unmodified material. The absorbent material, including superabsorbent materials, are particularly useful as absorbent cores in disposable absorbent articles such as diapers, incontinent products, sanitary napkins and the like.

Abstract: Described herein is a meltspun laminate comprising two or more layers of meltspun fabrics, wherein layers that are adjacent to one another are in situ entangled with one another to define an interfacial region of mixed fibers between the layers. Also described herein is a method of making a meltspun in situ laminate comprising simultaneously meltspinning two or more polymer melts adjacent to one another to form adjacent fabrics, wherein layers that are adjacent to one another are in situ entangled with one another to form an interfacial region of mixed fibers between the layers. Also described herein is a meltspinning apparatus comprising one or more dies, each die comprising two or more meltspinning zones, wherein each zone comprises a plurality of nozzles that are fluidly connected to the corresponding zone, and wherein each zone is fluidly connected to a melt extruder.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article having an absorbent member positioned between a liquid-permeable multilayer surface sheet and a backside sheet. A plastic film layer is laminated on the non-skin contact surface side of the multilayer surface sheet. The multilayer surface sheet has embossments in the form of a large number of elevated portions protruding outward, the elevated portions being formed by heating the sheet to a temperature higher than the melting point of the plastic film layer but lower than the melting point of the nonwoven fabric layer. The multilayer surface sheet is also provided with a large number of openings. The absorbent article has a highly spatial appearance, provides good cushioning effect with minimized skin contact, and retains uneven emboss, even upon absorption of a body fluid.

Abstract: An absorbent article including a fluid permeable topsheet, a fluid impermeable backsheet and an absorbent core enclosed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent core includes a first absorbent layer having an opening extending therethrough. A fluid flow control structure is arranged between the first absorbent layer and the backsheet. The fluid flow control structure is a layered structure including a non-perforated fibrous polymeric layer and a first perforated polymeric layer having a basis weight of from 50 g/m2 to 100 g/m2.

Abstract: A feminine care absorbent article has a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis, and an absorbent structure configured for disposition adjacent a female wearer's vaginal region to absorb bodily fluids discharged by the wearer. The absorbent structure has end portions and a middle portion located between the end portions. The absorbent structure has at least one line of weakness disposed in one of the end portions and configured to facilitate folding of the absorbent structure in a longitudinal direction in response to a lateral compressive force. The absorbent structure has a relief for inhibiting the longitudinal folding of the absorbent structure facilitated by the at least one line of weakness from extending beyond the middle portion of the absorbent structure.

Abstract: An absorbent article having improved handling of body exudates. The absorbent article can minimize the amount of body exudates in contact with a wearer's skin and can minimize the incidence of leakage of body exudates from the absorbent article.

Abstract: An absorbent article having improved handling of body exudates. The absorbent article can minimize the amount of body exudates in contact with a wearer's skin and can minimize the incidence of leakage of body exudates from the absorbent article.

Abstract: An absorbent article having improved handling of body exudates. The absorbent article can minimize the amount of body exudates in contact with a wearer's skin and can minimize the incidence of leakage of body exudates from the absorbent article.

Abstract: An absorbent article having improved handling of body exudates. The absorbent article can minimize the amount of body exudates in contact with a wearer's skin and can minimize the incidence of leakage of body exudates from the absorbent article.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article worn about the lower torso of a wearer includes at least one pair of side panels connecting a first waist region to a second waist region forming a waist opening and a pair of leg openings. Each side panel includes a waist region, a hip region and a leg region wherein the waist region, the hip region and the leg region differs structurally, functionally and visually to provide an improved initial fit and sustained fit while exhibiting a garment-like appearance.

Abstract: A three-dimensional film for use as a transfer layer in an absorbent article has a continuous surface and a discontinuous surface disposed generally parallel to and spaced from said continuous surface; both the continuous surface and the discontinuous surface have large scale apertures defined by sidewalls originating on the surface and extending outwardly therefrom and sized to permit acquisition of fluids by gravity, and optionally each surface also includes small scale apertures sized to acquire fluids by capillary action.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin including a body-facing cover layer and an absorbent system adjacent the cover layer for receiving liquid therefrom, the napkin having enhanced fluid handing and masking properties.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a laminated structure for use in an absorbent article such as a diaper, a sanitary napkin, a panty liner, an incontinence pad or similar and being defined by a plurality of material layers comprising at least a first layer which is liquid-permeable, a second layer constituting an absorbent core and a third layer, each of the layers being formed of a material having a certain pore radius. The method includes bonding together the material layers by means of at least two ultrasonic welding steps; and providing an ultrasonic welding pattern for each of the welding steps, each of the welding patterns being defined by a plurality of bonding sites. The method includes providing the welding steps for forming generally the entire absorbent article; and selecting the welding patterns in a manner so that at least the entire laminated structure has a multiple pore radius.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article has front and back panels, each having an elastic film layer and each having first and second zones. The first zone of each panel is extensible and retractable and the second zone of each panel is non-extensible and non-retractable. Each of the front and back panels has first and second side edges. An absorbent assembly is secured to the front and back panels. The absorbent assembly has a first end secured to the second zone of the front panel and a second end secured to the second zone of the back panel. A pair of seams join the front and back panels together at the first and second side edges to form a disposable absorbent article having a waist opening and a pair of leg openings.

Abstract: Absorbent article, wherein a liquid acquisition/distribution region comprises an evaporation barrier, such as an apertured film and thus exhibits reduced evaporation away from the article in the direction towards the wearer.

Abstract: A reusable absorbent article includes a hydrophilic top layer, a soaking layer adjacent to and beneath the top layer, a substantially liquid impermeable layer adjacent to and beneath the soaking layer, and a backing layer adjacent to and beneath the substantially liquid impermeable layer. All of the layers are secured together to form a unitary structure. The soaking layer is a non-woven fabric having a plurality of hydrophobic fibers of a generally circular cross-sectional shape and a plurality of hydrophilic fibers of a non-circular cross-sectional shape.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent article comprises a first fluid handling zone having a first Transverse Fluid Travel Distance and a second fluid handling zone having a second Transverse Fluid Travel Distance. The first Transverse Fluid Travel Distance is at least about 50% greater than said second Transverse Fluid Travel Distance, which results in an absorbent article that is better able to handle bodily fluids and reduce the risk of accidental leakage of bodily fluids onto a consumer's undergarments.

Abstract: An absorbent element for the absorption of body fluids in sanitary articles comprises a first layer of sheet material presenting an array of hollowed formations (16) with respective mouth parts, as well as masses (18) of superabsorbent material that is able to expand as a result of the absorption of body fluid, which are set in the aforesaid hollowed formations (16). A second layer of sheet material (12) is applied on the first layer of sheet material (10) so as to cover the mouth parts of the hollowed formations (16). At least one of the layers of sheet material (10, 12) is permeable to body fluids to enable the body fluids themselves to penetrate into the hollowed formations and be absorbed by the masses of superabsorbent material (18) that expand in the hollowed formations (16), creating a first level of absorption of body fluids.

Abstract: A reusable absorbent article includes a hydrophilic top layer, a soaking layer adjacent to and beneath the top layer, a substantially liquid impermeable layer adjacent to and beneath the soaking layer, and a backing layer adjacent to and beneath the substantially liquid impermeable layer. All of the layers are secured together to form a unitary structure. The soaking layer is a non-woven fabric having a plurality of hydrophobic fibers of a generally circular cross-sectional shape and a plurality of hydrophilic fibers of a non-circular cross-sectional shape.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a topsheet having a first portion and a second portion. The topsheet has a longitudinal centerline and a transverse centerline. The topsheet has an area. The second portion can differ in structure from the first portion. The second portion can have a structurally modified zone. The structurally modified zone has a periphery, a length, and a long axis. The length is the maximum straight-line dimension between two points on the periphery. The long axis extends between two points on the periphery separated by the length. The long axis of the structurally modified zone can be asymmetric to the longitudinal centerline. The structurally modified zone can make up more than about 5% of the area of the topsheet. The topsheet can have a lotion zone, the long axis of which is asymmetric to the longitudinal centerline and the transverse centerline.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid-permeable primary dressing in the form of a supple thermoplastic section of material (1.4), comprising: a first smooth surface (4); a second surface (5) facing away from the smooth surface (4); and a plurality of three-dimensional perforations, whose walls extend from the first smooth surface (4) and end in an overhang with a free edge, thus making the second surface (5) rough to the touch. At least one of the free edges has an angled section that is approximately perpendicular to a perforation axis. In a preferred embodiment, the periphery (13) of the material section is smooth on both sides, i.e. on both the first and second surfaces (4; 5), the periphery (13) of the surface (5) that was at first rough being thermally smoothed.

Abstract: Absorbent articles having a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between said topsheet and said backsheet are disclosed. The backsheet has a physical variation along at least one axis, wherein said physical variation defines a first backsheet zone and a second backsheet zone, and at least one elastomeric element having at least one primary direction of stretch, said elastomeric element at least partially overlapping and joined to first and/or second backsheet zone, wherein a relaxed pathlength of said elastomeric element in the primary direction of stretch is less than a total pathlength of said backsheet in the region of overlap. The physical variation is a measurable difference as measured by a physical property selected from the group consisting of basis weight, thickness and density.