Abstract: This invention is a disposable diaper (1) having an absorbent (3), a pair of ears (6) projecting in opposite directions from the opposite side edges of one longitudinal end portion of the absorbent part (3), respectively, and one fastening means (7) attached to the oblique side edges of the ears (6), respectively. The oblique side edges of the ears (6) are inclined to extend at a predetermined angle to the longitudinal center axis of the absorbent (3), the fastening means (7) are attached to the oblique side edges, respectively, each oblique side edge having first oblique side edge section and second oblique side edge section, each ear (6) has a stress relaxing structure, in which a tensile stress smaller than that induced in the peripheral portion of the ear (6) is induced, in a portion thereof other than the peripheral portion, and each fastening means is attached to the ear (6) in a pulling section of the oblique side edge in order to distribute tensile forces.

Abstract: Absorbent articles such as disposable training pants, pull-up diapers, incontinence briefs, diaper holders, feminine hygiene garments, and the like, having extensible side panel features that improve the dynamic fit of the diaper around the legs and waist of the wearer. Such absorbent articles include a containment assembly having a liquid pervious topsheet; a liquid impervious backsheet; an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; and extensible side panels, each including a waist panel and a thigh panel disposed along each longitudinal edge of the containment assembly in the first waist region. The waist panel and the thigh panel are operatively associated so that the waist panel has a primary direction of extensibility in one direction and the thigh panel has a primary direction of extensibility in a different direction.

Abstract: A diaper construction is provided with an external porous reinforcement strip at the front part of the outside of the diaper, which strip provides reinforcement against an adhesive fastening tab and provides an oil-contamination tolerant adhesion surface.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a main body portion and a pair of flaps joined to the main body portion. The main body portion comprises an absorbent assembly and a pair of retaining members joined to the absorbent assembly to form recessed areas wherein the flaps may be tucked. Each retaining member comprises a unitary release material joined thereto such that the unitary release material superposes and is releasably secured to the flap adhesive when the flap is folded and tucked into the recessed area.

Abstract: The present invention provides a body-adhesive tape having adhesive properties preventing the tape from peeling off due to sweat when it is applied in an overlapped manner, and which also has good moisture permeability. In the body-adhesive tape, a base cloth is formed from a stretchable warp thread and a standard weft thread. On one side of the base cloth a plurality of pressure-sensitive adhesive layers are formed separated by appropriate gaps. The pressure-sensitive adhesive layers are formed so that they meander left and right along the length of the tape. At the gaps, the base cloth is exposed so there is permeability. Since the gap meanders, it is longer than the tape, and thus there is more exposure of the weave and more permeability. The pressure-sensitive adhesive layers meander so that the tape can be attached anywhere on the body and can respond to tension due to body movement from any direction.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a main body portion, a pair of flaps joined to the main body portion, and an adhesive patch joined to each flap. Each adhesive patch comprises a first half and a second half releasably secured to the first half. The first half has adhesive zones and release zones, and the second half has adhesive zones and release zones which are removably securable to the release zones and adhesive zones of the first half.

Abstract: A diaper is provided with an adhesive fastening tab of the Y-configuration type which includes a welded joinder at the branching point between the fastening tape and release tape portions of the tab, the welded joinder being free of the diaper. The welded joinder comprises a direct weld between the substrates of the fastening tape and release tape portions of the tab, or welds between each of those two substrates and an intermediate junction substrate.

Abstract: A disposable undergarment having a tape fastener for releasably joining front and rear regions of the undergarment to each other is disclosed. The tape fastener includes a relatively soft base panel member extending laterally outward from a transverse side edge of the undergarment, relatively rigid fastening panel members provided at longitudinally spaced apart locations of the base panel member and an adhesive region provided between the fastening panel members.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, that is for attaching to and wearing in an undergarment is provided. The sanitary napkin of the present invention has a fastener that aids the sanitary napkin in assuming a body-conforming configuration during wear. The fastener comprises at least two zones of fastener material located only in the end regions of the sanitary napkin. In one embodiment, the zones of fastener material are arranged in an overall configuration that resembles a modified letter "X" without any fastener material in the portion of the configuration that would form the center of the letter X, and the ends of the "X" located in the corner regions of the sanitary napkin.

Abstract: A fastener tab for disposable diapers has improved tactile softness provided by surface morphologies of preselected projection and/or relief dimensions.

Abstract: A distinctive absorbent article comprises a substantially liquid-impermeable outer cover member having a length and a width. The outer cover provides a rear waistband portion and a front waistband portion, and has a layer of polymer film material on an outer surface of the front waistband portion of the outer cover. A liquid permeable topsheet layer is provided for contacting a wearer's skin, and an absorbent body is interposed between the outer cover and the topsheet layer. The absorbent body has a length and width which are smaller than the outer cover length and width, thereby providing end margins and side margins of the outer cover. An adhesive fastening mechanism adheres to the film layer to secure the front and rear waistband portions of the outer cover about the wearer. An elastic member is connected to provide elasticized gathers along a cross-direction of the rear waistband portion of the outer cover.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorbent article in the form of a pants-type diaper or sanitary panty, which includes an elongated absorbent body (1) enclosed between two casing sheets (2, 3) which include side parts (7-10) which at opposing front and rear end parts of the absorbent body extend laterally beyond the body on both sides thereof. According to the invention, opposing front and rear side parts (7, 9 and 8, 10 respectively) are joined together by a fastener element (11) which is attached to one of the mutually opposing side parts by a first, strong join (12) and releasably and refastenably joined to the other side part by means of a second join (13) which is weaker than the first join.

Abstract: The female protection system of the present invention includes a menstrual short having an outer protective layer and an inner gusset layer. A catamenial pad assembly is connectable to the menstrual short and includes front and rear ends. The catamenial pad assembly includes an absorbent member for absorbing menses and a cinch for biasing the absorbent member into the gluteal groove and against the perineum of the female when worn. A first fastener is provided on the front end of the catamenial pad assembly for attaching the catamenial pad assembly to a first mating surface that is provided at a front attachment location on at least one of the inner gusset layer and the outer protective layer. A second fastener is provided on the rear end of the catamenial pad assembly for attaching the catamenial pad assembly to a second mating surface that is provided at a rear attachment location on at least one of the inner gusset layer and the outer protective layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins worn by women. More particularly, the present invention relates to absorbent articles, such as thin sanitary napkins, that are stretchable, especially in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A backsheet of a disposable diaper comprises a plastic film covering an entire outer side of the diaper and a pair of nonwoven fabrics laminated to an outer surface of the plastic film over front and rear waist region but longitudinally spaced apart from each other over a crotch region.

Abstract: An extensible fastening tape includes a base part, adapted to be attached to a disposable absorbent article, and an extensible part attached to the base part, the extensible part being extendable under load of containing the disposable absorbent article.

Abstract: A disposable diaper having a front section, rear section, crotch portion, and a waist band. A soft padding is provided on the waist band. Padding is also provided on the edge portions surrounding the leg holes.

Abstract: A mechanical fastening system for an absorbent article including a landing member comprising a loop-type material wherein the loop-type material underlies the backsheet. The absorbent article includes at least one cut-out section in the backsheet through which the loop-type material is exposed. The landing member may be a part of the fastening system for attaching the article on a wearer or may be a part of a disposal system for maintaining the diaper in a rolled-up disposal configuration.

Abstract: An absorbent article is comprised of two hook-type fastening members and a loop member for mechanically engaging with the hook-type members. The easily manufactured landing member, a section of the backsheet, is of low bulk and can be elastically contracted and extended.

Abstract: An individually wrapped sanitary napkin comprising a sanitary napkin folded with a back surface thereof lying outside and with one of longitudinally opposite ends underlying the other end thereof and a wrapping sheet folded so as to wrap the napkin with one of longitudinally opposite ends underlying the other end thereof. A portion of the wrapping sheet is integrally fastened at a predetermined region to an outer surface of a releasable sheet protectively covering an adhesive zone on the back surface of the napkin. The longitudinal one end of the wrapping sheet is releasably fastened to an outer surface of the portion of the wrapping sheet which has been integrally fastened to the releasable sheet. Such a feature allows the longitudinal one end of the wrapping sheet to stand repeated manipulations of stripping away from and fastening to the outer surface of the integrally fastened portion.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an absorbent article. The absorbent article includes a topsheet, a backsheet joined to the topsheet and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. A coversheet is joined to the topsheet. The coversheet includes a line of weakness defining a flap to be at least partially separated from the remainder of the coversheet.

Abstract: Spaced seams in a disposable garment web containing a plastic component and moving rapidly along a direction of manufacture is formed by bringing an ultrasonic welder into pressurized contact with the machine web for a predetermined period of time, heating the web along the seam for a first segment of the predetermined period of time and then maintaining pressurization with the ultrasonic welder during a second segment of the predetermined time period without heat sufficient to permit the plastic material to resolidify.

Abstract: Attachment strips that can be withdrawn from an enclosure, each comprising a flexible backing layer, a field of hooks along and projecting from one of its surfaces; and a first layer of pressure sensitive adhesive along one of its surfaces. The strips can be releasably adhered to each other by their layers of adhesive to form a stack in which first and second ends of successive strips are adjacent.

Abstract: A fastening tape for a sanitary article, for fastening the article on the body of a person is attached to the article at one of its end portions (18) and provided with any fastener (22) on one surface of the other end portion (20). A stretchable elastic portion (30) consists of a sandwich structure of a tape section (32) of a stretchable elastic material secured to one surface of the fastening tape (10) at least at both ends (32a, 32b) thereof, to bridge a section of the fastening tape (10).

Abstract: An absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin, having flaps and a recessed area wherein the flaps may be tucked.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorbent article and preferably a diaper or incontinent device having perfume-filled release agents, preferably being perfume-filled microcapsules, disposed on the diaper fastening system. The encapsulated agents and/or odor masking agents are released subsequent to the removal of the article from about the wearer, i.e., as the fastening system is disconnected, the microcapsules burst, thereby releasing the agents to the air containing the malodor constituents.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a main body portion, a pair of flaps joined to the main body portion, and an adhesive patch joined to each flap. Each adhesive patch comprises a first half and a second half releasably secured to the first half. The first half comprises an adhesive and the second half comprises an adhesive which is releasably securable to the adhesive of the first half.

Abstract: An absorbent article (1) having a moisture permeable sheet coated with an adhesive agent is characterized in that: the sheet comprises a porous sheet obtainable by preparing, a melt blended solution comprising, a crystalline polyolefin and a compound with which the polyolefin is miscible and in which the polyolefin will dissolve at or above the melting point of the polyolefin but which will phase separate below the melting point of the polyolefin, molding the solution into a sheet, and stretching the sheet at least in one direction to form micropores; and the sheet has a moisture permeability of 0.5 to 4 g/100 cm.sup.2.h, a tensile load at 3% elongation in the transverse direction of 100 to 300 g/cm, a bulk softness of 55 g or less, a break strength of 250 g/cm or more, and a reduction in reflectance on the area coated with the adhesive agent of 20% or less.

Abstract: A disposable undergarment such as a diaper is provided at side edges of side sheets thereof with fastening regions and laterally projecting tabs facilitating the fastening regions to be operated. Simultaneously with obtaining the side sheets having a series of alternating concave and convex edge portions by longitudinally cutting a continuous web along a concave-convex cutting line, second concave and convex edge portions which are alternately repeated and smaller than the first-mentioned concave and convex edge portions are provided utilizing the same cutting line. Of these second concave and convex edge portions, the latter define the tabs.

Abstract: A disposable diaper (1) includes a liquid permeable topsheet (2); a liquid impermeable back sheet (3); an absorbent member (4) interposed between the topsheet and bottom sheet; a fastening tape (10) for securing the diaper (1); and a release tape (30) to which an adhesive surface of the fastening tape is to be adhered. A tensile load of the back sheet (3) at 3% elongation in the transverse direction of the diaper falls within the range of 100 to 300 g/cm. A bulk softness of the back sheet (3) is 55 g or less. A peel strength required to peel the fastening tape (10) from the back sheet at 180.degree. is 400 g/cm or less. The time required until the fastening tape (10) and the back sheet (3) are peeled from each other under a load of 500 g is 10 minutes or longer. An outer surface of the back sheet (3) is not provided with a target tape.

Abstract: A flushable and dispersible absorbent article is described. The absorbent article comprises a liquid pervious topsheet which preferably comprises a wet laid, apertured fibrous web having a temporary wet strength resin incorporated therein, the topsheet also having a body surface provided with a plurality of fibrils, the fibrils comprising a water resistant resinous material, a backsheet impervious to bodily fluids which preferably comprises a wet laid fibrous assembly having a temporary wet strength resin incorporated therein, the body surface of the backsheet being coated with a water resistant resinous material, an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, and means for removably attaching the sanitary napkin to a wearer's undergarment. The topsheet and the backsheet are joined, at least about their periphery, using a water soluble adhesive. Alternative embodiments of the present invention can also comprise laterally extending flaps.

Abstract: An adhesive strip is described which comprises(A) a polymer backing sheet material;(B) a controlled adhesion coating on one surface of said sheet material, said coating comprising a radiation-cured mixture comprising(B-1) a major amount of at least one acrylate oligomer selected from amine acrylate oligomers, epoxy acrylate oligomers, urethane acrylate oligomers and acrylic acrylate oligomers, and(B-2) a minor amount of at least one monomer selected from monofunctional acrylate monomers and polyfunctional acrylate monomers, and(C) an adhesive on the other surface of said sheet material. Articles such as disposable diapers also are described which utilize the strip as a target strip or landing zone for pressure-sensitive adhesive fastening tabs when the diaper is fastened around the body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tube and cable restraint comprising: a strip of flexible material having a generally elongated rectangular loop-section adapted to form a loop about the tube with an attachment means near the first end of the loop-section adapted to secure (e.g., adhere) the strip to a surgical drape and a refastenable loop forming means adapted to secure (e.g., adhere) the second end of the loop-section to the first end thereby forming a loop around the tube or cable. In another embodiment, the restraint is adapted to secure a tubular drape around a projecting object such as a microscope eyepiece.

Abstract: A refastenable diaper is provided with a securing zone on the diaper outer cover of a peak strength of less than 2750 grams/inch. A refastenable adhesive taping system for the diaper includes an adhesive fastening tape comprising a flexible backing and a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive permanently combined to said flexible backing and adapted to be applied to and released from the securing zone to fasten and open the diaper. The adhesive exhibits a 180.degree. peel adhesion of the tape to the securing zone that is less than the peak strength of the securing zone. The adhesive is selected to be within a specified rheological window, that is, have a maximum tan delta, or (tan delta).sub.max, of from 1.5 to 2.5 at 20.degree. C., reached at a frequency, or (w).sub.max, of greater than 500 rad/sec.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent garment for use as a baby diaper and the like includes a pair of differentially stretchable ear members wherein each differentially stretchable ear member comprises a stretchable inner ear portion and a stretchable outer ear portion. A first fastening mechanism on each ear is releasably fastenable to the front of the article, and second fastenable members on the outermost portions of each stretchable ear are fastenable together at the front of the diaper when worn.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing side panels for use with disposable articles including the following steps: providing a web of material in a machine direction, the web having activation zones and designated final cut regions; activating the activation zones; making a series of intermediate cuts in the web, each of the intermediate cuts extending across at least a portion of one of the activation zones; making a folded web by folding the web along an axis that is generally parallel to said machine direction; and cutting the folded web in the designated final cut regions to provide individual extensible side panels.

Abstract: Absorbent products and components for use in absorbent products are disclosed. These absorbent products comprise pressure-sensitive adhesive microfibers and thermoplastic polymer microfibers, that when incorporated into absorbent products provide good liquid transport properties, resiliency, and attachment systems; and further mask odors associated with bodily fluids.

Abstract: Attachment strips that can be withdrawn from an enclosure, each comprising a flexible backing layer, a field of hooks along and projecting from one of its surfaces; and a first layer of pressure sensitive adhesive along one of its surfaces. The strips can be releasably adhered to each other by their layers of adhesive to form a stack in which first and second ends of successive strips are adjacent.

Abstract: A device for use in association with a diaper is provided. The diaper has a central extent positionable between legs of a child. A horizontal forward edge and a horizontal rearward upper edge are positionable in front of and behind the child. Upper front sides and upper rear sides are joined on each side of the child. An adhesive tab is secured to each upper front side of the diaper. A pair of diaper extenders are provided. One diaper extender is positioned over one upper rear side of the diaper. Each of the extenders includes a generally inextensible planar sheet which has parallel upper and lower edges with a longitudinal axis centrally therebetween and parallel front and rear edges therebetween. A planar adhesive strip has long upper and lower horizontal parallel edges with a longitudinal axis centrally therebetween. The adhesive strip has adhesive on one surface thereof.

Abstract: An absorbent, disposable diaper for a baby which may not be inadvertently removed by the baby. The invention is thus directed to a diaper having an additional flap connected along one preferably lower margin thereof to a front panel or second waistband portion of the diaper for covering or concealing the distal ends of each of a pair of tabs which extend from the corners of a back panel or first waistband portion of the diaper for adhesive attachment onto the outer surface of the second waistband portion.

Abstract: A flangeless seam especially useful in disposable articles, such as training pants, incontinence articles and the like. The flangeless seam preferably comprises a first member and a second member; at least a portion of the second member overlaps at least a portion of the first member. The flangeless seam preferably further comprises a barrier member disposed between at least a portion of the overlapping portions of the first member and the second member forming a laminate having a seam area. A joining means is preferably disposed in at least a portion of the seam area joining at least a portion of the first member to at least a portion of the second member, the barrier member preventing at least a portion of the first member from becoming joined with at least a portion of the second member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins worn by women. More particularly, the present invention relates to absorbent articles, such as thin sanitary napkins, that are extensible, especially in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: Absorbent article such as disposable diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders and the like, that have a unique elastic waist feature that improves the dynamic fit of the elasticized waistband as well as the containment characteristics of the absorbent article. The elastic waist feature preferably comprises an interconnecting panel zone, a first flexural hinge zone joining the interconnecting panel zone with the containment assembly, an elasticized waistband, and a second flexural hinge zone joining the elasticized waistband with the interconnecting panel zone. The elasticized waistband comprises a shaping panel zone; a waistline panel zone; and a predisposed, resilient, waistband flexural hinge zone joining the shaping panel zone and the waistline panel zone.

Abstract: An absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin, having flaps and a recessed area wherein the flaps may be tucked. The recessed area is formed by joining the inward longitudinal edge of the retaining members to the absorbent assembly at a point inboard of the longitudinal edge of the main body portion.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive adhesive closure system for a disposable diaper, or the like, in which a pressure-sensitive adhesive fastening tab releasably attaches to a non-blocking thin diaper backsheet which has been treated to raise the surface energy and pattern printed, preferably in a polar solvent, in a discrete area with a release material. The release material prevents the backsheet from blocking in roll form and allows the pressure-sensitive adhesive fastening tab to be removed from the backsheet without destruction of the backsheet.

Abstract: A pants type disposable diaper having elastic ribbons around a waist-portion and a pair of leg-portions of said diaper, respectively, is provided on a transversely central zone of a crotch section on a front or rear side of said diaper, respectively, with a vertically extending fastening tape having an adhesive section provisionally bonded to the outer surface of a backsheet of said diaper and an upper end or a lower end permanently bonded to the outer surface of said backsheet.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article comprising: a topsheet; a backsheet joined with said topsheet; an absorbent core disposed between said topsheet and said backsheet; and a two-piece tape tab comprising: a backing substrate having a first surface, a second surface, a first edge and a second edge; a pressure-sensitive adhesive disposed on said first surface of said backing substrate; a construction adhesive disposed on said first surface of said backing substrate spaced inwardly from said second edge of said backing substrate a distance greater than or equal to about 0.5 mm, said construction adhesive joining said backing substrate with said backsheet; a release substrate having a release surface, an adhesive surface, a first end and a second end; and a permanent adhesive disposed between said adhesive surface of said release substrate and said topsheet, said permanent adhesive joining said release substrate to said topsheet.

Abstract: Composite films and film laminates comprising at least one elastomeric core and a surrounding nonelastomeric matrix preferably prepared by coextrusion. The film when stretched and allowed to recover will create an elastomeric composite.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sanitary napkin which includes a side barrier incorporating an elastic member disposed on each side of the sanitary napkin, and a separate wing portion disposed outwardly of each side barrier, so that the wing portions can be folded onto the outer side of the crotch portion of an undergarment.

Abstract: An absorbent article such as a disposable diaper, incontinence brief, diaper holder, training pant or the like, having a fastening system that provides the user with different options as to how the absorbent article will be constructed and fitted to the wearer. The fastening system allows the wearer to choose between conventional, belted, and pull-up diaper configurations. Further, the fastening system is designed to ensure easy changing and removal of the absorbent article as well as easy inspection for soiling. Such absorbent articles comprise a containment assembly generally comprising a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, first and second belt flaps extending laterally outwardly from opposite sides of the containment assembly, and a refastenable fastening system comprising a first fastening assembly and a second fastening assembly.