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: 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;

Abstract: An absorbent article having a substantially liquid impervious outer layer, a substantially liquid pervious inner layer overlaying and associated with the outer layer, an absorbent core disposed between the outer layer and inner layer, and an apertured film disposed between the inner layer and the absorbent core. The apertured film has a liquid impervious film surface with a plurality of protrusions extending therefrom towards the absorbent core. Each protrusion terminates at an aperture in the apertured film. The absorbent article has a 200 milliliter rewet under load of less than about 1.

Abstract: A disposable worn article N comprises an absorbent body M including a core C and a liquid impermeable backsheet B, and a cuff 10 including a contact portion 12 and a stand-up portion 11. In the vicinity of a central portion of the cuff 10, a free end 123 of the contact portion 12 and a connecting portion 13 between the contact portion 12 and the stand-up portion 11 are arranged in the order of the free end 123 and the connecting portion 13 in a direction that transverses a direction in which the cuff 10 extends and that extends from an inside to an outside of the absorbent body M. In the vicinity of an end portion of the cuff 10, the free end 123 and the connecting portion 13 are arranged in the order of the connecting portion 13 and the free end 123 in the direction that transverses the direction in which the cuff 10 extends and that extends from the inside to the outside of the absorbent body M.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent garment includes a backsheet, a liner sheet and an absorbent core disposed therebetween. The backsheet and liner sheets are shaped to form a pair of spaced-apart leg openings with a front waist area, a rear waist and a central crotch area. A pair of ribbons are disposed in opposing curved contours along at least the front and rear areas of the garment and optionally extend through the crotch area of the garment to form a generally oval-shaped exudate containment region about the crotch area of the garment. Each ribbon is fastened to the garment along one longitudinal ribbon edge to form free ribbon edges which rise from the garment to provide a raised barrier.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article including: a liquid-permeable topsheet; a backsheet; an absorbent storage layer between the topsheet and the backsheet; and a cushion layer between the topsheet and the absorbent storage layer. When a tensile force of 490 mN per 25 mm width is applied to the topsheet in a transverse direction crossing the cushion layer, an extension is at least 30%. When the absorbent article is pressed from above in a region having the cushion layer, an initial thickness T0 of the pressed region of the absorbent article for a pressure of 49 Pa is at least 10 mm, a compressive hardness (LC value) is 0.5 to 0.65, and a compressive recovery (RC value) is at least 35%.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent garment including a topsheet, a backsheet, a storage layer, and an acquisition layer is disclosed. The acquisition layer lies between the topsheet and the storage layer, and includes at least two yarns oriented generally parallel with the longitudinal axis of the article, with an acquisition channel between each adjacent pair of yarns. The acquisition channels provide free volume for temporary fluid storage until the fluids can be absorbed by the storage layer and allow fluids to move to the longitudinal ends of the article. The yarns store fluids until they are absorbed, and wick fluids away from the topsheet to keep the user dry. Each yam may have properties specifically tailored to provide particular benefits depending on each yarn's location in the garment. The absorbent garment using such an acquisition layer is comfortable, highly absorbent, and economical to produce.

Abstract: An absorbent garment comprises a body panel and an absorbent composite having a longitudinally extending length and a laterally extending width and comprising a backsheet, a topsheet and a retention portion disposed between the backsheet and the topsheet. The absorbent composite is connected to the body panel and comprises a side margin that is not attached to the body panel and that extends laterally outboard and terminates in a free edge. In one preferred embodiment, the free edge does not extend along the entirety of the length of the absorbent composite. Rather, the entire width of an end of the absorbent composite is secured to the body panel. Preferably, the width of the side margin along the portion of the absorbent composite overlapping the body panel is relatively constant.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article having a pair of barrier leg cuffs and a pair of side panels is provided. The barrier leg cuffs are disposed along opposing sides of an absorbent core and the side panels are disposed outboard of the barrier leg cuffs along opposing sides of the absorbent article. The barrier leg cuffs are integrally formed with the side panels from a single nonwoven ply.

Abstract: An absorbent article that provides leakage protection and/or skin protection, as well as methods for using and preparing the absorbent article and novel compositions and composites for use in the absorbent article, is disclosed. The absorbent article comprises a permeable topsheet; a substantially impermeable backsheet; an absorbent core positioned between said permeable topsheet and said substantially impermeable backsheet; and a hydrophobic composition selectively disposed on the absorbent article to contain leakage. The hydrophobic composition is disposed at one or more leak protection zones.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent thong-shaped pantiliner. The pantiliner is in the form of a generally planar pad having a longitudinal central axis and a generally wedge-shaped periphery including first and second generally concave longitudinal extending sides interconnecting a top end and a bottom end. The pad includes a fluid-pervious top sheet an absorbent core and a fluid impervious back sheet that are bonded together along a first set of non-linear, parallel lines and second set of linear parallel lines. The first set of lines have portions extending generally along each side and the top and bottom end of the pad. The first set of lines also has a fourth portion extending generally along the bottom end of the pad. The second set of lines are located adjacent the bottom end of the pad and extend parallel to the longitudinal axis. The first set of parallel lines merge with the second set of parallel lines adjacent the bottom end of the pad.

Abstract: A textured airlaid web is disclosed. The textured web is formed on a three-dimensional fabric under sufficient force to cause the web to conform to the surface of the fabric. The textured web includes, on a minute scale, peak areas and valley areas. The peak areas and valley areas can improved the liquid handling properties of the web. For instance, webs can be produced having improved absorbency characteristics and/or wicking characteristics.

Abstract: A hydrophilic dressing device for use with a gastrostomy tube. The device has an annular configuration including opposed free ends that are releasably attachable to one another to facilitate attachment of the device around the tube. The device is positioned in overlying relation to the patient“s skin to absorb leaking bodily fluids and prevent skin irritation. The core of the device is a hydrophilic material such as hydrophilic polyurethane foam. The core is covered by nylon because the open mesh structure of nylon allows the fluids to be absorbed by the core material and because nylon does not stick to the patient“s skin. The device is washable in a residential washing machine and can be re-used indefinitely.

Abstract: An absorbent product, such as a sanitary napkin, an incontinence protector or a panty liner. The product has an essentially elongated shape with a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction. The product has two long sides, two short sides, two end parts, a center part situated between the end parts and an absorption body. The product in the longitudinal direction of the product has elongated, curved compressions which have a bending radius of 300-450 mm, preferably 320-360 mm.

Abstract: A topsheet for a disposable absorbent article that includes a first plastic film layer, a second plastic film layer and a fibrous assembly layer disposed between these two layers. The first plastic film layer includes a plurality of first plane regions spaced apart from one another that extend parallel to one another in one direction and the second plastic film layer includes a plurality of second plane regions spaced apart from one another that extend parallel to one another in the one direction. Of the first and second plane regions, at least the first plane regions are formed with bridge-like regions and first rising regions.

Abstract: The invention provides a sanitary absorbent article, such as a feminine protection device, having a fibrous, liquid permeable body-facing cover layer, and an absorbent system, which exhibits particular rewet characteristics when subjected to mechanical stress. The sanitary absorbent article has a thickness of less than or equal to 5 mm, a capacity of at least 18 grams, a rewet potential of less than or equal to 0.8 grams, and a flexural resistance of less than 700 g.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sanitary napkin including: a backsheet; a liquid-permeable topsheet; and an absorbent layer which is capable of absorbing a liquid and disposed between the backsheet and the topsheet. At least a part of a region in which the absorbent layer is provided is adapted to receive a liquid. The liquid-receiving region includes a raised region in which a hydrophilic material layer is provided. The raised region is continuously elongated in a longitudinal direction of the sanitary napkin. The raised region includes a front region for coming into contact with a vaginal opening of a wearer and a rear region for coming into contact with buttocks of the wearer. When the front region and the rear region are respectively depressed with a given pressure, an amount of the depression of the rear region is larger than an amount of the depression of the front region.

Abstract: An absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin, an incontinence pad, panty liner or the like, which article is intended to be substantially accommodated within a user's panties and comprising an absorbent upper part (2) and an absorbent lower part (3), which two parts are mutually joined in such a manner that the article, at least in its mid portion (26), presents an elongate cavity between the upper part (2) and the lower part (3) which is maintained during use.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a front part (13; 13′), a rear part (14; 14′) and a crotch part (15; 15′) which lies therebetween. The article includes an absorbent body (1; 1′; 25) which is enclosed between an outer, liquid-impermeable casing sheet (7; 7′; 26) and an inner, liquid-permeable casing sheet (8; 8′; 27), this latter sheet lying proximal to a wearer's body in use. The article further includes on opposite sides of a longitudinal symmetry axis of the article flexible, longitudinally extending flaps (9, 10′ 9′, 10′; 28, 29), each of which is connected to the inner casing sheet along a longitudinal edge and which extends from the connected longitudinal edge in toward a longitudinal symmetry axis of the article. The flaps (9, 10; 9′, 10′; 28, 29) are joined together in the crotch part (15; 15′) of the article.

Abstract: A disposable superabsorbent article, and methods of use thereof, has superabsorbent cross-linked acrylate particles enveloped in a clean or sterile environment by an adhesively-sealed or heat-sealed plastic; paper; creped or microcreped paper or plastic; or woven, netted, nonwoven or fabric envelope, in shapes allowing for internal or external use, which permit the improved absorption and retention of fluids in medical, dental, veterinary, emergency care, mortuary, or surgical settings. Axial, circumferential, stellate, or other organized or random pleating or creping in either a single layer or in strata, and breakaway tabs in an alternative embodiment, are provided in the envelope to allow for controlled directional expansion of the fluid absorption. The superabsorbent article may be impregnated with therapeutically-effective amounts of antibiotic, antimicrobial, anticoagulating, or hemostatic or other agents.

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

Abstract: A topsheet for a disposable absorbent article that includes a first hydrophobic plastic film layer, a second hydrophobic plastic film layer and hydrophobic thermoplastic synthetic fibrous layer disposed between the two layers. The first hydrophobic plastic film layer includes a plurality of first plane regions spaced apart from one another that extend parallel to one another in one direction and the second hydrophobic plastic first layer includes a plurality of second plane regions spaced apart from one another that extend parallel to one another in the one direction. Of the first and second plane regions, at least the first plane regions are formed with bridge regions and first rising regions.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a flap and a spacer wherein the flap is positioned in the rear waist portion of the article and forms a pocket. The spacer is positioned proximate the pocket opening and biases the pocket into an open position. The flap may be a laterally extending liquid impermeable flap which is fixedly secured to the article along a seam. The seam, which may be substantially U-shaped, extends between first and second terminal ends. The flap has a free edge which extends between the first and second terminal ends of the seam. The seam and free edge of the flap define the boundaries of a pocket which is formed between the flap and a topsheet of the absorbent article. The pocket has an opening extending between the first and second terminal ends of the seam. The spacer affixed to the article whereby it is disposed between the flap and the topsheet proximate, and optionally extending through, the pocket opening to bias the free edge of the flap away from the topsheet.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article, e.g., a pantiliner, or other absorbent pad. The pad is an elongated generally planar member having a general hour-glass shape periphery including a pair of concave, side sections interconnecting respective ones of a pair of convex end sections. The pad basically comprises a top-sheet, a fluid absorbent core, and a cover sheet. The top sheet is formed of a fluid pervious material, e.g., a non-woven material, and is disposed over the absorbent core. The absorbent core comprises a fluid absorbing material, e.g., cellulosic fluff and super-absorbent particles, and is disposed over the cover sheet. The cover sheet is formed of a fluid impervious material, e.g., a plastic film. The top-sheet, the fluid absorbent core and the cover sheet are bonded, e.g., thermally bonded, together along plural concentric lines located adjacent the periphery of the pad. The plural concentric lines form a barrier resistant to the egress of fluid out of the periphery of the pad.

Abstract: A composite sheet adapted to be used as a stock material for disposable garments comprises a film-like upper layer and a lower layer formed by a fibrous assembly. The upper layer is formed with a first surface region having plane zones and aperture arrays and a second surface region in the form of a depression. The lower layer has its density higher in a region immediately underlying the second surface region than in a region immediately underlying the first surface region. The composite sheet including such constituent features is suitable as stock material for disposable garments which require a soft touch and a rapid permeation of body fluids discharged on the garments.

Abstract: A disposable undergarment such as a disposable diaper includes a front waist region, a rear waist region and a crotch region extending therebetween, the undergarment has afterward bonded edges extending along a longitudinal center line of the rear waist region and a concavity depressed toward a surface destined to be remote from the wearer's skin, the rear waist region is divided into a first rear waist region and a second rear waist region along a longitudinal center line extending in the longitudinal direction to bisect a transverse dimension of the undergarment, and the concavity is formed by drawing the first rear waist region and the second waist region toward each other and bonding the afterward bonded edges to each other on the longitudinal center line.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for preparing an absorbent article is disclosed. The apparatus has at least two forming surfaces which differ in terms of air permeability to allow the selective placement of fibrous material. The forming surface comprises a perforated forming screen. The forming screen has multiple zones with different amounts of open area through which air may pass. Particles carried in the air which flows through the open area are deposited on different zones of the forming screen resulting in different basis weights corresponding to the different air permeabilities. The apparatus and method thus provide an article having optimal zoned absorbency in a cost-effective manner.

Abstract: A flexible sheet for a disposable garment includes a plastic sheet and a fibrous assembly joined to a lower surface of the plastic sheet, the plastic sheet includes a plurality of flat zones, a plurality of slit zones, bridge zones across the slit zones and rising zones rising on the upper surface of the plastic sheet repeating rise and fall substantially in saw-tooth-shape, and component fibers of the fibrous assembly partially extend upward in the slit zones.

Abstract: Absorbent pad assemblies and articles are provided wherein absorbent pad materials are adjacently disposed relative to each other and have an edge surface angularly orientated relative to the longitudinal axis thereof.

Abstract: Absorbent product, such as a sanitary towel, which product has a stiffening element (6) which is intended to contribute to the three-dimensional shape of the product during its use.

Abstract: The present invention is a disposable absorbent article having a liquid pervious topsheet, a backsheet joined to the topsheet, and a fecal management member positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. The fecal management member includes a backing and a sheet of fibers. The sheet of fibers have anchor portions in the backing at spaced bonding locations and have arcuate portions of the sheet projecting from the backing between bonding locations.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin that has a three dimensionally-shaped tube of absorbent material and method of making the same is disclosed. The sanitary napkin comprises: a base pad having a body-facing side, a garment-facing side, and a longitudinal centerline. A tube of absorbent material extends outward from the body-facing side of the base pad and is aligned along the longitudinal centerline of the base pad. In one embodiment, the tube of absorbent material comprises an absorbent material and a cover at least partially wrapping the absorbent material. In this embodiment, the absorbent material is penetrated by autogenous bonds that join one portion of the cover to an opposing portion of the cover. The bonds are selectively placed to provide the tube of absorbent material with a distinct three-dimensional shape.

Abstract: Absorbent product, such as a sanitary towel, with a stiffening element (6) which is intended to contribute to the three-dimensional shape of the product during its use.

Abstract: Absorbent product, such as a sanitary towel, comprising a stiffening element (6) which is intended to contribute to the three-dimensional shape of the product during its use.

Abstract: A flexible sheet 1 includes a plastic sheet and a fibrous assembly bonded to the lower surface of the sheet. The sheet is formed with projections, ribbon-shaped regions, fine slits defined between each pair of adjacent ribbon-shaped regions, bridge-like regions connecting each pair of adjacent ribbon-shaped regions and rising regions extending upward from edges of the ribbon-shaped regions. The fibrous assembly are partially exposed within the respective fine slits.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article defined by a pair of longitudinally extending side edges and a pair of end edges extending between the side edges, has a front waist region, a back waist region, and a crotch region located between the waist regions. The disposable absorbent article also includes a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The topsheet is provided with a plurality of openings which direct bodily exudates received into or by the crotch region to a storage space disposed below the topsheet. The topsheet is spaced generally upward from the core such that the storage space is disposed between the topsheet and the core. The disposable absorbent article further includes at least one or more elongated elastic strands which are attached to the topsheet so as to space or urge the topsheet generally upwardly from the core.

Abstract: There is provided an absorbent system for personal care products which may be transversely divided into about an equally sized center zone, two intermediate zones and two end zones where the ratio of the amount of liquid stored in the center zone to the amount of liquid stored in at least one of the end zones 30 minutes each of three insults of 80 ml according to a MIST Evaluation Test after less than 5:1. Such an absorbent system may be used in personal care products like diapers, training pants, feminine hygiene products, absorbent underpants, adult incontinence products, and the like.

Abstract: A sanitary absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin, pantiliner or incontinence pad having a cover layer featuring an intermediate zone and two terminal zones. The intermediate zone has two marginal portions adjacent the longitudinal sides of the sanitary napkin. At least the marginal portions and preferably the entire intermediate zone are formed of material that has a higher degree of vertical liquid migration than lateral liquid migration. The terminal zones are made of material that has a higher degree of lateral liquid migration than vertical liquid migration.

Abstract: There is disclosed a disposable diaper having a body including a front face portion to be applied to the abdomen of a wearer; an intermediate portion to be applied to the crotch; and a back face portion to be applied to the back, in which a longitudinal direction is taken from the front face portion to the back face portion of the body, and a transverse direction is taken in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The diaper includes a top sheet to be directed toward a liquid receiving side; an outer sheet; and an absorbent core sandwiched between the top sheet and the outer sheet. The top sheet is liquid-permeable at least in a portion for covering a transverse center of the absorbent core and is jointed on two transverse sides directly or indirectly to the outer sheet.

Abstract: An absorbent insert for use with an absorbent garment has a body-facing outer surface and a garment-facing outer surface. The garment-facing outer surface is at least partially permeable to fluids. The insert also includes one or more absorbent layers and one or more delay layer(s) adapted to substantially affect the flow of fluid through the insert.

Abstract: A disposable diaper having an absorbent body that includes a topsheet, a backsheet, a core disposed therebetween. A first barrier wall annularly extends above a top surface of the topsheet. The first barrier wall lies in a rear half section of the absorbent body and is fixed to the absorbent body along a lower peripheral portion thereof so as to define a first opening in a substantially central zone of the first barrier wall. A second barrier wall annularly extends around the first barrier wall over both the front and rear half sections of the absorbent body. A lower peripheral edge portion of the second barrier wall is fixed to the peripheral portion of the absorbent body so as to define a second opening in a substantially central zone of the second barrier wall.

Abstract: The suspended urinary external drainage system includes a liquid barrier with a periphery attached to a collector, with a tubular cross section, that encircles the barrier. A plurality of capillary tubes pass through a wall of the collector. Each of the plurality of capillary tubes has a capillary inlet adjacent to the liquid barrier and a capillary discharge inside the collector. A soft lining covers the capillary tubes. Discharge tubes connected to the collector carry urine to a holding bag.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprising a liquidpermeable top layer, a liquidimpermeable back layer, and a liquidretentive absorbent member interposed between the top layer and the back layer, wherein the absorbent member is arranged such that a pair of absorbent barrier cuffs having a prescribed width are each formed at left and right opposing side portions of the top layer in the widthwise direction thereof and liquidshrinkable members, which can elastically shrink upon absorption of liquid, are disposed within said barrier cuffs and extend in the longitudinal direction of said barrier cuffs.

Abstract: A liquid reception device as a component, for example, of a personal care product such as a disposable diaper, an incontinent garment, or for other applications such as, for example, an industrial soaker pad or the like. The device includes liquid activated means to move a liquid insult from a target zone to a peripheral zone. The liquid activated transport means operated mechanically by suction created by compression or vacuum or by physical movement of a liquid container from the target zone to the peripheral zone. The disclosed device provides increased use of available liquid handling capacity.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article, e.g., pantiliner pad, for use with a thong shaped undergarment. The pad is of rectangular shape and includes a tapering, e.g., truncated triangle, absorbent core adhesively secured between a rectangular moisture pervious top sheet and a rectangular moisture impervious outer cover. Portions of the top sheet and outer cover extending beyond the margins of the core form a pair of triangular mounting flaps. The pad also includes adhesive stripes on the outer cover to secure the pad in place to the undergarment.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent thong-shaped pantiliner. The pantiliner is in the form of a generally planar pad having a longitudinal central axis and a generally wedge-shaped periphery including first and second generally concave longitudinal extending sides interconnecting a top end and a bottom end. The pad includes a fluid-pervious top sheet an absorbent core and a fluid impervious back sheet that are bonded together along a first set of non-linear, parallel lines and second set of linear parallel lines. The first set of lines have portions extending generally along each side and the top and bottom end of the pad. The first set of lines also has a fourth portion extending generally along the bottom end of the pad. The second set of lines are located adjacent the bottom end of the pad and extend parallel to the longitudinal axis. The first set of parallel lines merge with the second set of parallel lines adjacent the bottom end of the pad.

Abstract: A disposable diaper has a plate-like member which is and flexible and substantially non-stretchable and attached to an end flap in a rear waist region and extends in a transverse direction of the diaper. The plate-like member has stiffness higher than that of the end flap so that shrinkage and/or distortion of the end flap can be restrained by the plate-like member.

Abstract: Absorbent article comprising an absorbent core with a crotch region and at least one waist region, whereby said crotch region has a lower ultimate fluid storage capability than at least one waist region. The article further has an improved fluid handling performance such as an acquisition rate of at least 0.6 ml in the fourth gush.

Abstract: An absorbent article including an absorbent layer and a liquid-permeable surface sheet placed on a liquid-receiving side of the absorbent layer for introducing excreted liquid from the human body to the absorbent layer. The surface sheet is of a corrugated configuration to have valleys and peaks extending in a longitudinal direction of the article and alternately arranged in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Each peak is formed with spares parts and dense parts alternately arranged in the longitudinal direction. The surface sheet has a lower fiber density in the sparse parts than in the dense parts.

Abstract: There is disclosed an absorbent article including: a surface structure having a liquid-permeable surface sheet located on a liquid-receiving side; a back sheet; and an absorbent core sandwiched between the surface structure and the back sheet. In an area including at least a centerline extending in a longitudinal direction of the absorbent article, the surface sheet is corrugated to form recesses and ridges extending in the longitudinal direction and alternating with each other in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The ridges are given an elastically shrinking function in the longitudinal direction at least at their crests or vicinities thereof so that the surface structure is formed into a curved shape. The surface structure thus curved can fit the shape of a crotch. Therefore, the liquid is hard to flow in the transverse direction to prevent the leakage.