Abstract: A sanitary absorbent napkin has a laminate structure coprising a first liquid-permeable sheet of material, a second liquid-permeable sheet of material disposed adjacent the first sheet, and an absorbent member for absorbing liquid and disposed adjacent to the second sheet. The second sheet is arranged to receive the liquid deposited on the first sheet and to transfer liquid to the absorbent member. The napkin has a thickness of less than or equal to about 5 mm, when dry, and a penetration time of less than 15 seconds.

Abstract: An absorbent structure which includes a fluid storage layer comprising matrix fibers (e.g., cellulose fluff fibers) and superabsorbent polymers positioned above a distribution strip. The strip comprises cellulosic fibers (e.g., cotton linters, mercerized cellulose, fluff pulp, or chemically treated cellulose) having a basis weight of between 45 g/m2 and 140 g/m2, preferably between 75 g/m2 and 110 g/m2, and a density of between 0.20 g/cc and 0.60 g/cc, preferably between 0.25 g/cc and 0.55 g/cc. The absorbent structure may also comprise a fluid pervious top sheet and a fluid impervious back sheet. The structure may be used in diapers, feminine hygiene pads or adult incontinence pads.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles for retaining body fluids such as urine, menses, or fecal material. In particular, the absorbent article of the present invention comprises a liquid handling member that collapses at a pressure between 2756 Pascal (0.4 psi) and 3447 (0.5 psi) in order to reduce the likelihood of causing skin marking.

Abstract: A thin, flexible, high capacity absorbent pad and a method of making such absorbent pads. The absorbent pad contains high levels of superabsorbent material homogeneously mixed with cellulose pulp fluff. The absorbent pad is subjected to high density compaction to achieve the thinness and high absorbent capacity of the invention. The absorbent pad can be used in absorbent articles, such as diapers, training pants, feminine hygiene products, incontinence products, and swim wear.

Abstract: An article for disposal of body wastes includes a liquid-pervious inner sheet, a liquid-impervious outer sheet and a liquid-absorbent core disposed therebetween; tapered front and rear end sections and a pair of intermediate sections extending therebetween; and a bottom, a peripheral wall consisting of a front peripheral wall portion with its pointed front end, a rear peripheral wall portion with a pointed rear end and a pair of intermediate peripheral wall portions spaced from each other so that a distance therebetween gradually decreases toward the front and rear peripheral wall portions, respectively.

Abstract: An absorbent product comprising a liquid-permeable casing layer (402), a liquid-barrier layer (413) and an absorption element (416) which is enclosed between the liquid-permeable casing layer (402) and the liquid-barrier layer (413), and a liquid-transfer layer (403) which is disposed between the liquid-permeable casing layer (402) and the absorption element (406). The envelope layer (402) is bonded in a pattern of distinct thermally produced bonds (405) to the liquid-transfer layer (403). The liquid-transfer layer (403) comprises 40-65% by weight network-creating function fibres which are substantially intact following the bonding-together of the envelope layer (402) and the liquid-transfer layer (403) and which have a fibre coarseness ranging from 6 denier to 12 denier and 35-60% by weight fibres comprising a weldable, thermoplastic component and having a fibre coarseness of at least 3 denier.

Abstract: A sanitary absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin, or incontinence pad having a cover layer that is fluid permeable, an absorbent system and a liquid-impervious barrier layer under the absorbent system to prevent collected liquid to escape therefrom. The fluid-permeable cover layer is attached to the liquid-impervious barrier layer to form a flange seal enclosing the absorbent system. The flange seal includes two zones, namely a first zone and a second zone separated by a common boundary, each zone manifesting different mechanical properties. The first zone that resides closer to the outer edge of the flange seal is more resistant to shear stresses than the second zone residing near the inner edge of the flange seal. This arrangement reduces the likelihood of the flange seal being torn during use of the sanitary absorbent article.

Abstract: The garment of the present invention has a waist band with a crotch component that can be permanently attached to the back of the waist band and releasably attached to the front of the waist band. The crotch fits between the user's legs during use and the waist band wraps around the user's waist. The garment may have a one-, two-, or three-piece construction. The garment also has an absorbent core disposed generally in the crotch region. At least part of the interior surfaces of the garment are liquid-pervious to allow fluids to be absorbed into the absorbent core. The exterior surfaces of the garment are generally liquid-impervious, to prevent the fluid in the absorbent core from being released from the garment. The garment of the present invention may be donned quickly, easily, and with a minimum amount of exposure to unsanitary conditions or embarrassment. The garment of the present invention may also be donned by persons with limited use of their hands.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel process of making N-isopropyl acrylamide (NiPAm) polymers based upon the reaction of poly(acrylic acid) and N-isopropylamine. The disclosed method of the present invention uses polyacrylic acid as a starting material to synthesize NiPAm polymers. In one embodiment, the present invention discloses a condensation reaction of an intermediate salt to form homopolymers, copolymers and terpolymers of N-isopropyl acrylamide (NiPAm) with acrylic acid and/or alkyl acrylates in a molten state, which is adaptable to a continuous reactive extrusion process. Binder compositions, water-dispersible products and thermoformable articles containing the NiPAm polymers are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles in particular sanitary napkins with inproved comfort, particularly by the use of breathable backsheets whilst maintaining protection level performance. This has been achieved by the selection of individuall components of the absorbent article meeting specified requirements which are joined such that the absorbent article meets specific criteria in terms of comfrt and protection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to disposable personal care products, such as diapers, feminine care products and adult incontinence products. More specifically, the invention relates to such products having improved absorbent core integrity and core absorbency. These products eliminate the need for costly adhesives The present invention also comprises a method for making the products of the invention. The method includes forming a plurality of localized compressions by ultrasonically compressing the natural fiber core between, although not necessarily adjacent to, at least one upper and at least one underlying fusible material. The periphery of the article is then bonded by conventional means, such as adhesives, crimping or fusing. This process reduces costs associated with the manufacturing of such articles by eliminating or reducing the amount of adhesives in the final product, and by eliminating costly and intermittent bonding procedures.

Abstract: A method for forming an absorbent structure is provided wherein a fluid conveyance barrier member of preselected permeability is adjacently disposed between first and second absorbent members with the barrier member and the first and second absorbent members orientated such as to have a specifically desired ratio of horizontal width to vertical height.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article, such as a diaper. The disposable absorbent article has a first topsheet with apertures large enough for low-viscosity fecal material to pass through to a fecal material storage element. The fecal material storage element immobilizes the fecal material in position for dewatering, so that the liquid components of the fecal material are absorbed by the core and the solid components of the fecal material are separated from the liquid components. This arrangement provides for easier cleaning of the wearer when the soiled disposable absorbent article is removed.

Abstract: A method of making a slitted or particulate absorbent material for an absorbent article such as sanitary napkins, diapers, incontinence devices, and the like is disclosed. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method as described above which can be carried out in situ on another component of the absorbent article in a manufacturing process without cutting the other component. In one embodiment, the absorbent material is placed between two carrier webs, and a force is applied to the composite of the absorbent material and the carrier webs. The force breaks the absorbent material, but only deforms the carrier webs to provide a self-contained web of particulate material between two carrier webs. Absorbent structures formed by this method are also disclosed. In one embodiment, the absorbent structure comprises a composite web of discrete elements of absorbent material.

Abstract: A disposable body fluids absorbent article includes a topsheet having a plurality of apertures extending therethrough and an absorbent core covered with the topsheet, the topsheet and core are colored so as to ensure a color difference (&Dgr;E) in NBS unit between the topsheet and portions of the core which are seen through the apertures.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for making pant-like disposable absorbent garments with single-piece elastic side panels, and garments so made, are provided. The single-piece side panels eliminate the additional cost associated with multi-part side panels, and improve aesthetic appearance of the garments by eliminating side seams. The process and apparatus accomplish the steps of providing a garment chassis having unfinished lateral edges, folding the chassis so that a front portion overlaps a back portion, and folding and bonding the single-piece side panels so that opposing of the side panels are joined to the lateral edges on the garment chassis.

Abstract: A pull-on disposable diaper has front and rear waist regions placed upon each other along their respective side edges and bonded together at outer bonding zone intermittently arranged along these side edges. A plurality of sheet materials forming the respective side edges of the front and rear waist regions are bonded together along an inner bonding zones vertically extending inside each of the outer bonding zone. The inner bonding zone prevents transversely opposite side edges of the diaper from being torn in a circumferential direction thereof, when the transversely opposite side edges of the diaper are torn off vertically of the diaper.

Abstract: Described are absorbent members useful in the containment of body liquids such as urine. These absorbent members comprise at least one osmotic absorbent (preferably a hydrogel-forming absorbent polymer) and a high surface area material, and have a high capillary suction capacity. For purposes of the present disclosure, capillary suction capacity is measured in terms of the member's ability to uptake liquid at high capillary heights, which are generally encountered when the member is positioned in an absorbent article. In particular, capillary suction capacity is measured in terms of a member's capillary sorption absorbent capacity, which is measured in accordance with the Capillary Sorption method described in the Test Methods section.

Abstract: An absorbent composition comprising an uncrosslinked, high molecular weight polymer, wherein the uncrosslinked, high molecular weight polymer is treated by a means to effectively insolubilize the uncrosslinked, relatively high molecular weight polymer such that the absorbent composition exhibits desirable absorbent properties. In particular, the absorbent composition has the ability to absorb a large quantity of liquid. The absorbent composition is useful in disposable absorbent products, such as those disposable absorbent products that are used to absorb bodily liquids. Suitable polymers include polyethylene oxide, poly(acrylic acid), poly(vinyl alcohol), and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) wherein the polymer has a weight average molecular weight that is greater than about 1,000,000.

Abstract: There is disclosed an absorbent article including: a liquid permeable surface sheet; a backing sheet; and an absorbent layer located between the surface sheet and the backing sheet. The backing sheet includes a liquid impermeable base sheet and a layer of continuous filaments individually extending along a longitudinal direction of the absorbent article and stacked on an outer surface of the base sheet. The base sheet and the continuous filament layer are partially fixed.

Abstract: A breathable disposable absorbent article such as, for example, a diaper, is provided which comprises a top sheet, a backsheet and an absorbent layer therebetween. The top sheet and the backsheet are sealed together to form a unitary structure and include a medial cutout portion on each side which define openings for the leg of the wearer. One or more so-called landing zones are provided on the backsheet, adapted to releasably adhere to fastening tabs located at each side of the article. A liquid impervious sheet or film is laminated to the top surface of the backsheet in order to prevent leakage of fluids and exudates.

Abstract: A pull-on disposable diaper that is provided in parallel to transversely opposite side edges thereof in its rear waist region with fastening tape strips. The tape strips are configured in its rolled up state for disposable after the diaper has been used. Each of the tape strips includes longitudinally opposite end regions firmly bonded to respective peripheral edges of the diaper's waist-opening and leg-openings. An intermediate region of each of the fastening tape strips includes an adhesive region on its inner surface which is adapted to be separably bonded to the outer surface of the diaper when rolled up for disposal.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent garment includes a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The topsheet, backsheet and absorbent core are assembled together to form a layered assembly including a front region, a back region, and a crotch region disposed between the front region and the back region. The layered assembly has a longitudinal plane that extends substantially centrally through the front, back and crotch regions. Each of the front and back regions further includes a pair of ear portions extending in substantially opposite lateral directions with respect to the longitudinal plane. Further, each of the ear portions includes a layered section of a material layer and a stretchable member extendible between a contracted configuration and an extended configuration.

Abstract: An absorbent article such as sanitary napkin having an absorbent laminate is provided on a skin-noncontactable side of the laminate with deformation inducing means. The deformation inducing means include a hydrophobic panel member and an elastically stretchable member adapted to pull the panel member toward its middle under contractile force of the elastically stretchable member and thereby to convexly deform the panel member toward a skin-contactable side of the laminate. Convex deformation of the panel member by the deformation inducing means allows the laminate to be convexly deformed.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article such as a training pant includes wetness indicating graphics that provide an interactive training aid. The interactive graphics can include a permanent character graphic and one or more active object graphics, which “appear” or “disappear” from view in response to exposure to urine or the environment. Various mechanisms are employed to conceptually and/or visually separate the permanent character graphic from the interactive wetness indicating graphic, such that the character graphic remains independent in the child's mind from the process of toilet training.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a liquid permeable topsheet 2, a liquid impermeable backsheet 3, and a liquid retentive absorbent member 4 interposed between the topsheet 2 and the backsheet 3, the topsheet 2 and the backsheet 3 being joined by sealing to form sealed parts S, in which the backsheet has a tear strength of 120 to 500 cN.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a vapor permeable backsheet, a liquid permeable topsheet positioned in facing relation with the backsheet; and an absorbent body located between the backsheet and the topsheet. The absorbent body may include multiple zones of high air permeability. The absorbent article may also include a ventilation layer between the absorbent body and the backsheet and a surge management layer between the absorbent body and the topsheet. The article exhibits improved air exchange within the article during use. As a result, the article maintains the temperature and exhibits substantially reduced levels of hydration of the wearer's skin when in use which renders the skin less susceptible to the viability of microorganisms. The absorbent article may further include lotion formulations and/or treatment compositions thereon for maintaining or improving skin health.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article such as a training pant includes wetness indicating graphics that provide an interactive training aid. The interactive graphics can include a permanent character graphic and one or more active object graphics, which “appear” or “disappear” from view in response to exposure to urine or the environment. The interactive graphics can also include a story line in which the permanent character graphic is illustrated performing an activity involving the active object graphic. The wetness indicating feature and the graphic story line allow the caregiver to interact with the child in an educational and motivational manner to enhance the toilet training process.

Abstract: An absorbent article (1) comprising a liquid permeable top layer (10), a liquid impermeable back layer (20), and a liquid retentive absorbent member (30) interposed between the top layer (10) and the back layer (20), wherein the absorbent member (30) includes an absorbent sheet (31) having a thickness of 0.3 mm to 5 mm, the absorbent sheet being arranged such that a barrier cuff having a prescribed width is formed at the central portion of the top layer in the widthwise direction thereof, wherein said absorbent member is provided with liquid shrinkable members, which can elastically shrink upon the absorption of the liquid at the surface of said absorbent member facing said top layer and/or inside said absorbent member and in the vicinity of said surface, such that said absorbent member elastically shrinks over a prescribed length.

Abstract: An absorbent article is provided with an absorbent composite including a plurality of discrete superabsorbent-containing entities arranged on a substrate. The superabsorbent-containing entities are imbricated, meaning that the leading edge of each entity overlaps the trailing edge of each successive entity. When the absorbent article becomes wet and the superabsorbent expands, the adjacent entities slide over each other and the degree of overlap is increased. Accordingly, the expansion of the superabsorbent article causes the “Z” directional thickness of the absorbent composite to increase, and the effect of the expansion on the longitudinal and lateral (“X” and “Y”) dimensions is minimized.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a vapor permeable backsheet, a liquid permeable topsheet positioned in facing relation with the backsheet; and an absorbent body located between the backsheet and the topsheet which defines multiple zones of high air permeability. The absorbent article may also include a ventilation layer between the absorbent body and the backsheet and a surge management layer between the absorbent body and the topsheet. The article exhibits improved air exchange within the article during use. As a result, the article exhibits substantially reduced levels of hydration of the wearer's skin when in use which renders the skin less susceptible to the viability of microorganisms.

Abstract: A liquid-pervious cover layer for an absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, a panty-liner, a diaper, or the like, which comprises a liquid-pervious carrier layer against which individual hydrophobic fibers, detached from each other and each exhibiting two fiber ends, are attached with one fiber end against the carrier layer, with an attachment angle &agr; between the carrier layer and each individual fiber. The cover layer exhibits fiber-free regions for facilitating liquid transfer through the cover layer. The invention further includes an absorbent article provided with the cover layer, and a method of manufacturing the cover layer.

Abstract: An absorbent article (10) has a longitudinal direction (26), a lateral direction (24), a first waistband portion (12), a second waistband portion (14) and an intermediate portion (16) interconnecting the first and second waistband portions. The article (10) includes a backsheet layer (30); a liquid permeable top sheet layer (28); and an absorbent structure (32) sandwiched between the backsheet and topsheet layers. The absorbent structure includes a retention portion (48) having a first retention section (47) and a longitudinally opposed second retention section (49). A liquid distribution, waist belt component (52) has a belt first end region (54), a belt second end region (56) and a belt medial region (58) interconnecting the belt first and second end regions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a disposable absorbent article having a length and a width. The disposable absorbent article defines a first and second waist portion and a first and second longitudinal marginal portion. The disposable article includes the components of a backsheet layer, a topsheet layer, and an absorbent structure located between the topsheet layer and the backsheet layer. The article includes at least one elasticized area formed from an elastomeric, hot melt, pressure-sensitive adhesive, a first component and a second component, said first and second components being adhered to one another by said elastomeric, hot melt, pressure-sensitive adhesive.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a vapor permeable backsheet, a liquid permeable topsheet positioned in facing relation with the backsheet; and an absorbent body located between the backsheet and the topsheet. The absorbent body may include multiple zones of high air permeability or may include materials which provide improved air exchange after being wetted. The absorbent article may also include a ventilation layer between the absorbent body and the backsheet and a surge management layer between the absorbent body and the topsheet. The article exhibits improved air exchange within the article during use. As a result, the article exhibits substantially reduced levels of hydration of the wearer's skin when in use which renders the skin less susceptible to the viability of microorganisms.

Abstract: An absorbent article is provided for use in the perineal area of the body. Compliant sealing gaskets are pre-formed to extend outward from the central portion of the article. The gaskets may be formed by looping a strip of material so as to form a compliant cuff which bears against the user's body in a comfortable manner. An elastic member placed in tension so as to impart an arcuate shape to the article may be placed inside a cavity formed by the cuff. The gaskets may be applied to an article having wings attached to the central portion so as to form pockets for retaining the elasticized portions of the panty crotch. The proximal ends of the gaskets are disposed outward of the pockets and the distance between the pockets is less than the width of the panty crotch so that the body facing said of the article is placed in tension.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable absorbent article (1) comprising a liquid pervious top sheet (2), an absorbent core (4), and a back sheet (3). Said back sheet comprises a fluid permeable polymeric film having uni-directional fluid transfer towards the core, and said core comprising a fluid storage layer, wherein said absorbent article exhibits a fluid contact angle gradient across said storage layer and said back sheet.

Abstract: An absorbent article (10) has a longitudinal direction (26), a lateral, transverse direction (24), an article front portion (14), an article back portion (12), and an intermediate portion (16) interconnecting the front and back portions. The article includes an elastomerically stretchable backsheet member (30), a liquid-permeable topsheet layer (28), and an elastomerically stretchable retention portion (48) sandwiched between the backsheet member (30) and the topsheet layer (28). The topsheet layer can be elastomerically stretchable, and the absorbent article (10) can also provide a selected combination of physical properties, such as a composite-article elongation-at-peak-load value which is at least about 50 percent.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent garment has barrier elements on its inner liner to form barriers to flow of urine across the liner surface. In one embodiment, the barrier elements are loops formed by rows of slits through the liner material, such that the slits form rows of strips. Central portions of the strips are forced out of the plane of the liner to form wide based loops or humps on the inner surface of the garment when the garment is in place about the body of a wearer. These elevated loops form rows of raised obstructions that act as urine flow interference barriers. In other embodiments, the loops are preformed on the surface of the liner layer, or are formed from interdigitating strips. The loops are preferably provided in a target area of the garment where urine impinges the liner surface. Garments intended to be worn by males may have the loops distributed primarily throughout a front crotch region, to interfere with the substantially tangential movement of urine across the liner layer.

Abstract: There is provided a personal care product having an osmolality changing agent incorporated into it which achieves the objects of this invention. The agent can reduce skin hydration significantly by increasing the osmolality of a solution outside of, but in contact with, the skin, in order to cause water to move across the skin cellular boundary to dilute the solution. Such a material is preferably compatible with modern fiber forming processes like spunbonding and meltblowing. The reduction of skin hydration may reduce redness and irritation due to contact with fluids.

Abstract: The invention relates to liquid-absorbent articles, including diapers, training pants, incontinence guards, and sanitary napkins. Characteristic for the invention is that at least one of the end portions of the absorbent body has a longitudinally tapering shape with a rounded outer edge and that an elastic means is pretensionally applied in a cover enclosing the absorbent body and extends across the article and in a curved path outside the rounded end portion of the absorbent body and equidistantly from the rounded edge. Due to its striving to contract, the elastic means in the curved path section exerts tensile forces across the elastic in a direction towards the center of curvature of the curved path section. When the article is in use, the elastic means, due to the tensile force, lifts the cover around the rounded edge of the absorbent body for formation of a leakage barrier which projects vertically above the absorbent body.

Abstract: An improved sanitary napkin is disclosed. The sanitary napkin has a laterally extensible flap which extends outwardly from one of the longitudinal edges of the sanitary napkin or a laterally extensible backsheet. The backsheet or flap may be laterally extended from the neutral, retracted position and will return to the retracted position upon release of the disturbing force. This arrangement provides the advantage that any adhesive strips or patches associated with the flaps or backsheet more easily move with the undergarment of the wearer and are less likely to be stressed or become detached from the undergarment of the wearer due to the forces encountered during typical wearer movements.

Abstract: A body waste disposable article adapted to receive feces and/or urine discharged thereon, the article having a body fluids absorbent means above which an opening is formed by a surrounding wall partially covering the body fluids absorbent means and surrounding the opening. The article is longitudinally composed of a front end, a rear end and an intermediate region extending between these two ends. The article is configured so as to have the largest width in its intermediate region.