Abstract: Multi-layer substrates comprising top and bottom surface layers comprised of synthetic nonwoven fibers, and a melted thermoplastic material layer between the top and bottom layers, where the thermoplastic material comprises polyethylene or has a tan delta value of 0.2 to 0.4 within the temperature range of 100° F. to 350° F. The multi-layer substrate can include a cleaning composition loaded onto the multi-layer substrate, where a fluid pathway through the melted thermoplastic material allows the cleaning composition to travel from the top surface layer to the bottom surface layer. The multi-layer substrate may be void of chemical adhesives, where adhesion between the top surface layer and the thermoplastic layer, and between the bottom surface layer and the thermoplastic layer is instead provided by the thermoplastic material itself, which bonds to groups of fibers in the top and bottom surface layers that are in contact with the thermoplastic material as it melts.

Abstract: An absorbent article is provided. The absorbent article includes a liquid pervious film topsheet having a body facing surface and a garment facing surface; a backsheet having a body facing surface and a garment facing surface; an absorbent core having a body facing surface and a garment facing surface, the absorbent core being provided between the topsheet and the backsheet; and a bonding layer having a body facing surface and a garment facing surface. The bonding layer having a basis weight of less than 100 gsm and positioned between the absorbent core and the topsheet, the bonding layer being bonded to the topsheet forming a bond pattern. The bond pattern covering at least about 10% to about 20% of the absorbent article.

Abstract: Multi-layer substrates comprising a top surface layer of pulp fibers, a bottom surface layer of pulp fibers, and a melted thermoplastic material layer between the pulp fiber layers, where the thermoplastic material comprises polyethylene or has a tan delta value of 0.2 to 0.4 within the temperature range of 100° F. to 350° F. The multi-layer substrate can include a cleaning composition loaded onto the multi-layer substrate, where a fluid pathway through the melted thermoplastic material allows the cleaning composition to travel from the top surface layer to the bottom surface layer. The multi-layer substrate may be void of chemical adhesives, where adhesion between the top surface layer and the thermoplastic layer, and between the bottom surface layer and the thermoplastic layer is instead provided by the thermoplastic material itself, which bonds to groups of fibers in the pulp fibers top and bottom surface layers that are in contact with the thermoplastic material as it melts.

Abstract: [Technical problem] A disposable diaper having excellent performances in both the absorbable capacity and the absorption rate, is provided.

Abstract: Disposable absorbent articles having color effects and materials thereof are disclosed. Disposable absorbent articles include a topsheet; a backsheet; an absorbent core between the topsheet and the backsheet; and a layer between the absorbent core and the topsheet. The topsheet has a generally planar first surface having a plurality of out-of-plane features and a first color. The layer has a second color. And, the plurality of out-of-plane features have a feature color different than the first color and the second color.

Abstract: An activated composite web includes a nonwoven layer, and a formed film layer attached to the nonwoven layer. The formed film layer includes a plurality of first apertured protuberances having a mesh count of at least 35, and a plurality of second apertured protuberances. Each of the second apertured protuberances has a cross-sectional area larger than each of the first apertured protuberances. A plurality of first lanes are aligned in a first direction and have a first width extending in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The first apertured protuberances are located in the first lanes. A plurality of second lanes are aligned in the first direction and have a second width, less than the first width, extending in the second direction. The first lanes and the second lanes alternate with each other in the second direction. The second apertured protuberances are located in the second lanes.

Abstract: A laminated product comprising an extruded film of microperforated plastic material with a vacuum perforation process having protuberances extending in a same direction from a same face of said film, with first holes having an average diameter between 100 microns and 300 microns, produced at the vertices of said protuberances, and a layer of nonwoven fabric mechanically joined by lamination to said film on the opposite face to that on which said protuberances extend, said laminated product being perforated with second through holes having an average diameter between 300 microns and 700 microns.

Abstract: A fluid distribution material for use in an absorbent article includes a formed film layer having first and second sides and a basis weight of between about 10 gsm and about 25 gsm, and a nonwoven layer having a basis weight of between about 10 gsm and about 15 gsm and laminated to the formed film layer. The formed film layer includes a plurality of apertured protuberances arranged in a pattern having 10 to 40 protuberances per linear inch. Each of the protuberances includes a continuous sidewall extending from the first side, and the second side has a plurality of apertures aligned with the plurality of protuberances, and land areas in between the apertures. The nonwoven layer includes a plurality of fibers attached to the formed film layer at the land areas. The material has a rewet value of less than 0.075 grams in accordance with the Rewet Test Method.

Abstract: Undergarments with sanitary absorbent device holders include an undergarment body and a sanitary absorbent device holder carried by the undergarment body. The sanitary absorbent device holder is adapted to hold a sanitary absorbent device such as a tampon or sanitary napkin in a discreet or concealed manner as the undergarment is worn by a user. A sanitary absorbent device holder undergarment accessory can include a sanitary absorbent device holder carrier having a sanitary device holder attached thereto. The sanitary absorbent device holder undergarment accessory can be separatably attached to woman's underwear by any of a variety of configurations, including folding over a waistband and attaching a pair of holder panel leg band edges of the carrier together, attaching each holder panel leg band edge to a like edge of the underwear via an attachment interface, or any other reasonably known attachment configuration.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes: an absorbent article body part having a first leak preventer and an absorber; a second leak preventer arranged above the absorber having an enclosed space formed in bag form on a lower side by sealing a periphery part save a front end part to the absorbent article body part; a skin contact sheet arranged between front and rear parts of the absorbent article body part, contacts a wearer's skin and is spaced apart from the absorber at parts other than front and rear end parts; and a urine/feces separation member, wherein a front or middle part couples to a corresponding crotch part of the skin contact sheet, a rear part extends, on a lower side of the second leak preventer, up to at least the front end part of the second leak preventer, and right and left side parts couple to the absorbent article body part.

Abstract: An absorbent article has a liquid-permeable top sheet of a white non-woven fabric, a liquid-impermeable back sheet opposing the top sheet, and an absorbent between the top sheet and the back sheet. A colored element is provided on the side of the top sheet that does not contact the skin, is visible through the top sheet, and is colored to a color other than white. The top sheet has protrusions and indentations in the thickness direction. The basic weight of the protrusions is greater than the basic weight of the indentations. The color difference between the Lab value of the color of the colored element visible through the protrusions of the top sheet and the Lab value of the color of the colored element visible through the indentations of the top sheet is 2.8 or more.

Abstract: A washable diaper having an outer article and an inner liner system detachably coupled to the outer article is disclosed. The inner liner system may include front and back ends and a liner member about a washable article with an absorbent pad positioned therein. The outer article may include front and back ends with opposing side edges extending therebetween. The outer article may include an inner surface with substantially liquid impervious compartments at the front and back ends. The outer article and the inner article may include fastening mechanisms configured to removably couple the inner liner system to the outer article such that at least the front and back ends of the washable article of the inner liner system are substantially secured within the front and back liquid impervious pockets, respectively, when the outer article and inner liner system are assembled.

Abstract: A super-absorbent dressing assembly for use with a reduced-pressure wound treatment system includes a breathable, fluid restricted dry layer for placement against a wound, a super-absorbent layer, and a non-breathable layer, and a drape extending over the non-breathable layer. A reduced-pressure interface is available to fluidly couple the super-absorbent layer to a reduced-pressure subsystem. The super-absorbent dressing assembly preferably supplies a compressive force when placed under reduced pressure. A reduced-pressure treatment system uses a super-absorbent bolster to treat wounds, e.g., linear wounds.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for modifying the physical characteristics of a web which involves passing the web between at least one pair of interengaged rolls to incrementally stretch the web, and then withdrawing the incrementally stretched web from between the rolls under tension. A web modified according to the disclosed method has desirable breathability and liquid impermeability, as well as extensibility and a soft, cloth-like textured surface. One embodiment of the present invention provides a breathable web comprising a microporous film exhibiting an MVTR of at least about 2000 g/m2/24 hr, a dynamic impact value of less than about 10 g/m2, a bubble pressure at least about 45 psi, and an air flow of at least about 2 liters/m2/s.

Abstract: A garment containing a scrotal catch, wherein the scrotal catch is attached to at least a portion of the garment, and wherein the scrotal catch is configured to separate the interior surface of the garment into an anterior compartment which supports, protects, and/or covers at least a portion of a male's scrotum, and a posterior compartment, wherein the scrotal catch reduces and/or prevents fecal matter from entering the anterior compartment is provided.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a backsheet, an absorbent core, a topsheet, and a genital coversheet. The topsheet has an opening positioned to allow exuded fecal material to pass therethrough when the article is worn by a wearer. The genital coversheet is positioned across a portion of the aperture and covers the wearer's genitals. A void space is formed between the genital coversheet and the absorbent core and a void space is formed between the topsheet and the absorbent core.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article including a liquid absorbent layer for absorption and retention of liquid and a liquid passage layer located on a liquid-receiving side of the liquid absorbent layer. The liquid passage layer includes a first passage layer and a second passage layer disposed between the first passage layer and the liquid absorbent layer. The first passage layer and the second passage layer are resin films formed with a plurality of liquid passage apertures. The individual liquid passage apertures are defined by a peripheral wall projecting toward the liquid absorbent layer to provide the first passage layer and the second passage layer with thicknesses greater than a thickness of the resin film itself. Under a load in a thickness direction, the second passage layer has a greater compressibility than the first passage layer.

Abstract: A disposable diaper is provided, including an absorber, a top sheet arranged to cover the top surface of the absorber, a back sheet arranged to cover the bottom surface of the absorber, and a skin-contact sheet arranged over the top sheet. The top sheet is at least partially composed of a liquid-permeable material, the back sheet is composed of a liquid-impermeable material, and the skin-contact sheet is at least partially composed of a breathable waterproof sheet and is provided with a feces-passing opening capable of allowing feces to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A disposable diaper has a chassis and a body fluid absorbent structure. The body fluid absorbent structure comprises a panel of body fluid absorbent material and a liquid-pervious sheet covering a surface of the panel facing the wearer's skin. The diaper is provided with a plurality of crossover members extending across the body fluid absorbent structure and facing the liquid-pervious sheet. The crossover member has its transversely opposite end portions bonded to the diaper in the vicinity of the side edge portions of the body fluid absorbent structure and its intermediate portion defined between the side end portions not bonded to the liquid-pervious sheet.

Abstract: A swimwear garment having a material which is permeable to liquid but substantially impermeable to bowel movement material. In one embodiment, the garment can comprise a stand-alone disposable pant liner in the form of a swimpant with waist elastics and leg elastics. In other embodiments, a mesh liner can be a layer within a disposable swimpant. The mesh liner can be attached to the disposable swimpant around the perimeter of the composite structure, or in swimpants containing containment flaps, to the containment flaps. The mesh liner can, optionally, further include elastic strands attached under the mesh liner to provide further lift and hold the mesh liner close to the body of the wearer.

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 a replaceable absorbent core component disposed in capillary liquid communication with the non-removable absorbent core component and having longitudinally disposed regions of liquid permeability and liquid impermeability on the same surface. The replaceable absorbent core component may be removed and a like component may be substituted 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 backsheet, 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 backsheet and a topsheet may be separated.

Abstract: An adjustable, form fitted, reusable diaper which includes a moisture impervious outer cover in a substantially hourglass shape when open, fastens to the wearer around the waist. A reusable detachable moisture pervious topsheet in a substantially hourglass shape attaches to the moisture imperious outer cover. An absorbent layer is placed between the outer cover and the topsheet. The moisture pervious topsheet wicks moisture away from the wearer and into the absorbent layer located between the outer cover and the topsheet. When soiled, the absorbent layer and the topsheet are removed and replaced with additional absorbent layers and topsheets.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a first liquid permeable surface layer, a essentially liquid impermeable backing layer and, located between said liquid permeable surface layer and said liquid impermeable backing layer, an absorbent body having at least one layer. The absorbent article has cavities which are essentially cone-shaped and extend at least through part of the absorbent body, said cavities having a tip part and a base, the tip part being located towards or in the liquid permeable surface layer and the base being located away from the liquid permeable surface layer. A method of production of an absorbent article with cone-shaped cavities is also provided.

Abstract: The invention encompasses an absorbent article having a shape so as to guard against leakage, especially when the wearer is in a prone or supine position. In one embodiment, the absorbent article comprises a body, including an exudate impermeable backsheet, and exudate permeable topsheet that is attached to the bottom sheet, and an absorbent core that is positioned between the backsheet and topsheet. Further, a front end comprises a first upraised peak, while a back end comprises a second upraised peak, with a central portion extending between the first and second upraised peaks.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprising a central absorbent member and a lateral wicking barrier for inhibition of wicking from the central regions of the article to an outlying outer absorbent member. The wicking barrier has a vertical component for prevention of radial wicking in the plane of the article and thus promotes center filling of the article with fluid and reduces the likelihood of leaks from the sides of the article. The wicking barrier can also have a horizontal component to prevent leakage, redirect fluid flow, and improve fit and performance of the article. In one embodiment, the central absorbent member is a concentric absorbent structure having alternating rings of barrier material and absorbent material, including a spiral wound composite formed from a layer of barrier material wound with a layer of absorbent material and then sliced.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for modifying the physical characteristics of a web which involves passing the web between at least one pair of interengaged rolls to incrementally stretch the web, and then withdrawing the incrementally stretched web from between the rolls under tension. A web modified according to the disclosed method has desirable breathability and liquid impermeability, as well as extensibility and a soft, cloth-like textured surface. One embodiment of the present invention provides a breathable web comprising a microporous film exhibiting an MVTR of at least about 2000 g/m2/24 hr, a dynamic impact value of less than about 10 g/m2, a bubble pressure at least about 45 psi, and an air flow of at least about 2 liters/m2/s.

Abstract: An apertured vacuum formed film for use as a topsheet in an absorbent article has raised lands in a stroking direction to impart a silky tactile impression. The stroking direction lands are raised between 15 ? and 145 ? relative to the transverse lands. The stroking direction lands may also include a microtexture to enhance the silky tactile impression. Also, the apertures may form boat shape cells to enhance the silky tactile impression.

Abstract: A disposable undergarment includes liquid-impervious skin-contactable sheets actually having a pair of belt-like strips spaced apart from and opposed to each other in a transverse direction of an undergarment and extending in a longitudinal direction of the undergarment along transversely opposite side edge portions of the undergarment. The skin-contactable sheets are attached to a skin-contactable surface of the undergarment so as to cover a panel. The skin-contactable sheets have fixed surface areas secured to longitudinally opposite end portions of the undergarment and free surface areas adapted to be spaced upward from the panel so that the skin-contactable surface may be partially surfaced between these skin-contactable sheets.

Abstract: A disposable undergarment that includes an absorbent panel and a stretchable skin-facing sheet positioned on a skin-facing side of the panel. The skin-facing sheet has fixed regions lying on longitudinally opposite end regions of the undergarment, a middle region normally biased to be spaced apart upward from the panel, transversely opposite side edge regions transversely inward to define leg-holes and an opening formed in the middle region in a manner that a basis weight of the skin-facing sheet is higher in the transversely opposite side edge regions than in the remaining region and a tensile stress of the skin-facing sheet is higher in the transversely opposite side edge regions than in the remaining region.

Abstract: A disposable undergarment that includes an elastically stretchable base sheet having transversely opposite side edge portions intended to define leg-holes. Along the side edge portions, the base sheet is folded back onto itself and joined together so that a basis weight of the base sheet is higher in the transversely opposite side edges than in the remaining area of the base sheet and a tensile stress of the base sheet is higher in the transversely opposite side edges than the remaining area of the base sheet.

Abstract: A generally thin, flexible sanitary napkin capable of absorbing medium to high menstrual flows, and having a stiffened center is provided. In one embodiment, the sanitary napkin has a longitudinal central region disposed along the length of at least a portion of the longitudinal centerline, and longitudinal side regions are disposed outboard of the longitudinal central region. The longitudinal central region of the sanitary napkin has a flexure-resistance that is greater than that of the longitudinal side regions. The embodiment of the sanitary napkin described above easily forms around the curvature of the wearer's labia majora by cupping and surrounding the exterior of the labia majora. The longitudinal central region of the sanitary napkin forms the bottom of a cup-like trough under the wearer's labia majora, and the longitudinal side regions are sufficently flexible that they are able to form the sides of the trough structure.

Abstract: A wearable article useful for facilitating toilet training is provided. The wearable article includes a wetness sensation member held in close contact with a wearer's skin during use that enhances the wearer's awareness that urination has occurred. The wetness sensation member includes a permeable layer and an impermeable layer. During insults of urine, the permeable layer allows urine to penetrate in the z-direction and provides a medium for the flow of urine in the x-y plane via wicking. The impermeable layer supports the flow of liquid between the permeable and impermeable layers and retains the liquid thereby increasing the wetted area contacting the wearer's skin.

Abstract: The invention relates to an absorbent article for taking up body fluids, with a longitudinal direction, a transverse direction, a crotch portion (8) and two end portions (6, 7), and having side edges (9, 10) extending in the longitudinal direction and end edges (11, 12) extending in the transverse direction, and comprising a liquid-permeable cover sheet (2) and a liquid-tight cover sheet (3), and an absorbent body (4) arranged between the cover sheets (2, 3), and further comprising barriers which are arranged along the side edges (9, 10) of the article and which are raised up from the liquid-permeable cover sheet (2). The liquid-permeable cover sheet (2) has a central zone (30) which is arranged essentially in the crotch portion (8) of the article, and two end zones (31, 32) which are arranged at the end portions (6, 7) of the article, the liquid-permeable cover sheet (2) being more hydrophilic in the central zone (30) than in the end zones (31, 32).

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

Abstract: An absorbent article that provides leakage protection and/or skin protection, as well as methods for using and preparing same and novel compositions and composites for use in same, is disclosed. The absorbent article comprises a selectively-permeable topsheet; a substantially impermeable backsheet; an absorbent core positioned between said selectively-permeable topsheet and said substantially impermeable backsheet. The selectively-permeable topsheet has a treated hydrophilic zone and an untreated hydrophobic zone.

Abstract: A disposable undergarment 1A includes an absorbent panel and a stretchable skin-facing sheet 7 positioned on a skin-facing side 2 of the panel 6. The skin-facing sheet 7 has fixed regions 7a lying on longitudinally opposite end regions 1a of the undergarment 1A, a middle region 7b normally biased to be spaced apart upward from the panel 6, transversely opposite side edge regions 7c transversely inward to define leg-holes and an opening 8 formed in the middle region 7b in a manner that a basis weight of the skin-facing sheet 7 is higher in the transversely opposite side edge regions 7c than in the remaining region and a tensile stress of the skin-facing sheet 7 is higher in the transversely opposite side edge regions 7c than in the remaining region.

Abstract: Disposable training pants includes a liquid-permeable topsheet layer, a liquid-impermeable backsheet layer and a liquid-absorbent core disposed therebetween. The topsheet layer is formed in a transverse middle thereof overlying at least a crotch region of the pants with a liquid-impermeable zone having a hydrophobicity higher than the laterally adjacent zones.

Abstract: A method of controlling fluid leakage from an incision following tumescent liposuction and other surgical procedures where large amounts of fluid are introduced into the body includes placing a highly absorbent pad composed of a softened polyvinyl acetate sponge over the incision and holding the pad in place using a flexible backing with adhesive on one side. The softened polyvinyl acetate sponge material can be placed over the incision in either an unexpanded dry state or an expanded dry state. In one embodiment, a liquid impermeable layer is formed on one side of the pad and positioned on the adhesive side of the backing to prevent the absorbed fluids from infiltrating the backing.

Abstract: Provided is an absorbent article including an absorbent layer and a top sheet having a number of perforations and disposed on a body facing surface of the absorbent layer. The top sheet is made of a multi-layered resin film having at least two resin layers composing of an outer resin layer exposed outside the body facing surface and at least one inner resin layer disposed nearer to the absorbent layer than the outer resin layer thereto. At least, the outer resin layer contains a particulate material having a mean particle size of from 2 &mgr;m to 20 &mgr;m, and the inner resin layer has the resin density smaller than that of the outer resin layer.

Abstract: Training pants having a front region, a rear region and a crotch region therebetween includes a liquid-permeable topsheet, a liquid-impermeable backsheet and an absorbent core disposed therebetween, and the topsheet has a liquid-permeability lower in a transversely middle zone of the crotch region than in transversely opposite side zones, and thereby the pants can give a wearer a feeling of wetness even if the pants have slipped down.