Abstract: An absorbent article is disclosed which exhibits enhanced wicking capacity. The absorbent article includes a liquid-permeable cover, a liquid-impermeable baffle and an absorbent enclosed therebetween. The absorbent is constructed of first, second and third members. Each member has a wicking capacity for body fluids discharged by a human body. The first member has a high wicking capacity, the second member has a lower wicking capacity than the first member, and the third member has a greater wicking capacity than the second member. The different wicking capacities of the three members promotes a systematic distribution of body fluid away from the body-side cover down into the absorbent article. The second member also has an equal or greater width than either the first or third members so as to provide a visual cue of when the absorbent article is in need of changing.

Abstract: The present invention is a closure enforcing apparatus for diapering garments. The diapering garment has a main piece with a contoured edge. There is at least one primary fastener fully attached to the main piece near the contoured edge, and at least one complementary fastener fully attached to the main piece also near the contoured edge but at a remote location, such that the primary fastener can be mated onto the complementary fastener to close the diapering garment. In addition, there is at least one secondary fastener being the same type as the primary fastener, and having a free floating end laterally extending out from the contoured edge of the main piece and an opposite end attached to the main piece near the primary fastener. The size of the complementary fastener is substantially smaller than that of the primary fastener, and the thickness of the secondary fastener is substantially thinner than that of the contoured edge of the main piece.

Abstract: A method for forming a plurality of adhesive fastener assemblies includes the step of providing a substantially continuous web of substrate material along a selected, longitudinal machine-direction (132). The substrate web has a laterally extending cross direction (134) which is substantially perpendicular to the machine direction, and has laterally opposed, longitudinally extending side edge regions (142 and 144) thereof. A selected fastening means, such as a layer of primary adhesive (54), is positioned and applied onto a major facing surface (186) of the substrate web (140). A first longitudinally extending web of stiffening material (154) is attached to the major surface of the substrate web (140) at a location which is proximate a first side edge region (142) of the substrate web. A second longitudinally extending web of stiffening material (156) is attached to the major surface of the substrate web (140) at a location which is proximate the second side edge region (144) of the substrate web (140).

Abstract: Disposable absorbent articles such as baby diapers or adult incontinent briefs provided with a refastenable adhesive fastening system. The adhesive fastening system preferably comprises a pair of tape tabs each having an adhesive surface which during use is adhered to a landing member having an adherence surface which may comprise only the backsheet that has no reinforcement for strength against tearing or may comprise a reinforced backsheet. The invention improves bond security while at the same time making the fastening system more easy to remove without tearing by careful optimization of the properties of the adhesive, the tape tab, and the landing member. In particular, it has been found that the adhesive fastening system should have a Standard Shear Hang Time of greater than about 1000 minutes per square inch.

Abstract: A disposable diaper having a waist pocket cuff is disclosed. The pocket cuff has an open edge having an apex and extending between ends joined to the distal edges of inflected barrier cuffs. The distal edges of the barrier cuffs extend longitudinally rearward and laterally outward from the pocket cuff open edge ends. The distal edges of the barrier cuffs can be operatively associated with tape tab fasteners to transmit tape tab loads to the pocket cuff open edge.

Abstract: A protective covering for select areas of the surface anatomy of the body having incisions, wounds, injuries or other delicate features requiring protection from moisture or trauma for limited periods of time during external application of water or aqueous solutions including a waterproof flexible membrane, a window to aid in positioning over the select areas and means for affixing the membrane without adhering to the incisions, wounds, injuries or delicate features requiring protection.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, having flaps and zones of differential extensibility for relieving the stresses that develop in the flaps when the flaps are folded down along the edges of crotch of the wearer's undergarments is provided.

Abstract: A closure system for anchoring the absorbent article on the wearer. The closure system provides a primary line of tension around the wearer that fits predominantly within the low motion zone to enhance the dynamic fit and to anchor the absorbent core in place so that it will not slip/slide during use. The primary line of tension established by the closure system is disposed at an angle on the wearer. In preferred embodiments, the closure system is provided with tape tabs of a specified design, to allow the wearer to easily form the "angled" primary line of tension about the wearer. The closure system is also provided with a landing member designed to enhance the opportunity for the user to establish this primary line of tension equally each time the closure system is used.

Abstract: An article, such as a disposable diaper, which includes a refastenable mechanical fastener system for closing and opening the waistband. The fastener comprises a hook and loop system, such as a Velcro.RTM. fastener system, developed for superior performance in fastening the waistband. The hook material of the fastener is molded of a copolymer of polypropylene which has flexural modulus of 70,00-120,00 psi; shore hardness D-40 to D-80 and the hooks are tapered base to tip, alternating hook design, of 0.04-0.05 inch caliper. The hook density in the material is about 740 hooks per inch on 40 rows to the inch on base film of 0.008-0.010 inch thickness. The loop material is a raised loop fabric of polyester fiber, two bar warp knit construction, with napped surface. The fabric is polyethylene terephthalate of basis weight in the range 1.0-3.0 ounce per square yard. The hook material is preferably mounted on the ears of the garment at the rear waistband which attaches to loop material.

Abstract: A laminated loop fastening material for a refastenable mechanical fastening system, the loop fastening material being capable of engaging a complementary hook fastening material.

Abstract: An adhesive of certain elastomeric block copolymers and tackifying materials can be hot-melt coated onto a flexible backing to provide an adhesive tape, two pieces of which can bond to each other to have excellent resistance to shear forces but can be easily peeled apart, even after prolonged periods of time. The adhesive can be low-tack or tack-free. When the novel adhesive is tacky, it can bind sheets into a note pad from which individual sheets can be removed, temporarily adhered to paper and other substrates, and later cleanly removed, even after prolonged contact.

Abstract: An attachment system for securing a garment to a wearer includes attachment pads on front and back waist sections of the garment. A pair of straps extend between the front and back waist sections. In one embodiment, the straps releasably engage adapter elements, which in turn releasably engage some attachment pads. In another embodiment, the straps releasably engage some attachment pads directly and releasably engage buckle-type fasteners, which in turn releasably engage other attachment pads.

Abstract: In the double-side pressure-sensitive tapes (A and B) of the first embodiment of the present invention, a first pressure-sensitive adhesive layer (2) comprising a blend of 100 parts by weight of an acrylic or rubber-based pressure-sensitive adhesive composition with from 0.01 to 30 parts by weight of a silicone polymer is formed on one side of a substrate and an acrylic or rubber-based pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is formed as a second pressure-sensitive adhesive layer (3) on the other side. By this, a double-side pressure-sensitive tape in which the pressure-sensitive adhesives, even when being bonded to each other, can thereafter be easily separated is obtained.

Abstract: A disposable diaper which can be put on by means of pressure-adhesive tape. For loosening and refastening the fastening tape tabs, the diaper is provided in the region for fastening the tape tabs with a non-elastic plastic strip, suitably of polyester.

Abstract: In an underpants type disposable diaper comprising a liquid permeable top sheet, a liquid impermeable back sheet, an absorbent member disposed therebetween, an elastic expansible member for forming a gather each to a pair of leg portions and front and rear waist body portions formed around the absorbent member, the front and rear waist body portions being connected and fixed together at both sides to form a waist opening portion and a pair of leg opening portions, respectively, at least a part of each area formed between the waist opening portions and the pair of leg opening portions at both side portions of the waist portion is provided with a vertical split portion, respectively and connection means are provided to each of the side portions.

Abstract: Absorbent articles such as diapers, incontinent briefs, training pants, diaper holders and liners, feminine hygiene garments, and the like, designed to provide sustained dynamic fit about the wearer during use as well as to improve the containment of body exudates and wearer comfort/mobility. Such an absorbent article has an absorbent core preferably designed to fit within the low motion zone of the wearer so that dynamic forces imparted by movements of the wearer on the absorbent core are minimized. The absorbent article is also provided with a closure system for anchoring the absorbent article on the wearer to sustain the dynamic fit of the absorbent article throughout wearing. The closure system is designed so that a primary line of tension, fitting at an angle to the body, is formed to secure the absorbent article on a wearer.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive adhesive closure for a disposable diaper can exhibit high peel resistance both at low and high speeds while its peelability at high speeds is not excessively shocky when it employs a pressure-sensitive adhesive of a certain rheology and it has, covering the fastening area, a polyolefin layer having microtopographical features as in FIGS. 1-6 of the drawing. As seen in FIGS. 1-6, suitable microtopographical features are provided by a large number of closely spaced asperities at least two micrometers in height that have a jagged appearance at 500.times.. A pressure-sensitive adhesive of suitable rheology can be provided by a blend of an AB block copolymer, such as a copolymer of styrene and either isoprene or butadiene, and tackifying resin, preferably a mixture of liquid and solid tackifying resins.

Abstract: A hot melt coatable pressure-sensitive adhesive is provided showing high levels of adhesion to low surface energy films and nonwovens. The adhesive elastomeric phase comprises from 78 to 98 parts by weight of a diblock A-B type block copolymer with an elastomeric block of 1,3-polybutadiene with 2 to 22 parts by weight of multiblock A-B type block copolymer. The tackifying material comprises 140 parts or less of a solid tackifying resin and a liquid tackifier to provide an adhesive having a composite midblock glass transition temperature of less than -10.degree. C.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a main body portion and a pair of flaps joined to the main body portion. The flaps are folded over the garment side of the main body portion such that the flap adhesives and the central pad adhesives can be covered by a single release liner. The flaps may or may not be used while the absorbent article is being used, i.e., the absorbent article may be used by wrapping the flaps around the edges of the crotch region and securing the flap adhesives to the underside of a user's panty; alternatively, the flaps may be left in their folded configuration on the garment side of the main body portion and the flap adhesives may be secured, along with the central pad adhesive, to the inner crotch region of the panty.

Abstract: An absorbent or other article including a tensioning system for joining portions of the article together. The system includes a plurality of hook members attached on one portion of the article, and a plurality of loop members attached to a loop panel wherein the loop panel may be intermittently attached to the article.

Abstract: A fastening tab for a disposable diaper having a free end having a distal half with a maximum width X-V and a proximal half minimum width y, where x is the width of the manufacturer's end. The tape provides a maximum peel front at the distal end of the attached fastening tab providing a more secure closure and is capable of being cut from a stock roll in a repeating pattern without any waste.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medical or sanitary adhesive tape comprising a support composed of a laminate structure of a first layer containing a thermoplastic elastomer and a second layer comprising a plastic film or nonwoven fabric, and an adhesive layer formed at least one surface of said support. The adhesive tape possesses advantages that is endowed with properties of both softness and elasticity, gentle to the skin and excellent in handling and processing characteristics.

Abstract: A tape closure system exhibiting high shear and high non-shocky peel to a low adhesion backsize coated substrate is disclosed. The adhesive used on the fastening tape used in the closure system comprises a high diblock (.gtoreq.25 percent) styrene-isoprene-styrene elastomer component with a composite midblock glass transition temperature of 244 to 264 Kelvin with 30 to 60 percent elastomer.

Abstract: A disposable diaper has a pressure sensitive adhesive surface formed on the outer surface thereof adapted to engage the inside surface of an infant's outer body garment to thereby secure the garment to the diaper such that it overlies and protects the infant's midsection.

Abstract: An article of manufacture is disclosed for absorbing liquids, particularly body fluids such as menses. The disclosed article is disposable and has a wrapper associated therewith. An elastic material is secured to the backsheet and is maintained in a substantially tensioned state until separation of the wrapper from the backsheet. Upon separation of the wrapper from the backsheet the tension in the elastic member is released causing the disposable absorbent article to form an upwardly cupped configuration to conform more closely to the wearer's body.

Abstract: A men's undergarment is disclosed. The undergarment includes a brief having front and rear sections, a crotch section interconnecting the front and rear sections and a pair of leg openings on respective sides of the crotch section. The front section and the crotch section include a relatively non-elastic region formed therein. An absorbent liner is provided for temporarily engaging inside surfaces of the front section and the crotch section. A pocket element is formed on the inside surface of the front section for releasably holding the liner generally in place when the front section is raised and lowered.

Abstract: A distinctive article has first and second waistband sections, and an intermediate section which interconnects the waistband sections. The article comprises a backsheet layer, a liquid permeable topsheet layer superposed in facing relation with the backsheet layer, and an absorbent body interposed between the backsheet and topsheet layers. At least one adhesive tape member connects to the first waistband section. The tape member has a factory-bond section for connecting the tape member to the first waistband section, and a user-bond section for securing the article on a wearer. The user-bond section connects to a finger tab which includes a non-securing grasping section thereof. In particular embodiments, the grasping section can comprise a layer of absorbent material.

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

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article with a mechanical fastening system having an additional fastening element so as to provide convenient disposal of the absorbent article. The mechanical fastening system preferably comprises a tape tab having a first fastening element, a landing member comprising a second fastening element engageable with the first fastening element, and an additional fastening element for allowing the absorbent article to be secured in a configuration that provides convenient disposal of the absorbent article. The additional fastening element preferably comprises a second fastening element affixed to the backing surface of at least one of the tape tabs so that the first fastening element of the opposite tape tab will engage the second fastening element comprising the additional fastening element so as to secure the absorbent article in its disposal configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for an improved absorbent pad and thermal pack for absorbing a liquid discharged from a patient. The absorbent pad and thermal pad comprises an outer sheet made of a liquid impermeable material and an inner sheet of a liquid permeable material. An absorbent sheet is disposed between the inner sheet and the outer sheet. A flexible liquid impermeable container having a chemical mixture which undergoes an thermal reaction upon activation thereof is interposed between the outer and inner sheets to enable the thermal source to be applied to the patient and to enable any liquid from the patient to permeate through the inner sheet to be absorbed by the absorbent sheet. The inner sheet of a liquid permeable material provides a moderate insulation barrier whereas the absorbent pad provides a substantial insulation barrier for directing the thermal source to the patient.

Abstract: An article having a target part for adhering, wherein the part adheres with an adhering face of a tab in a repeatedly releasable manner in which the target part is made of a hot melt resin composition. Thus, the total cost for making the target part is reduced.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin having flaps extending laterally from each of the longitudinal sides of its central absorbent is provided with body fluid sealing means disposed between the absorbent element and at least one of the flaps for restricting the transmission of body fluid from the absorbent element into the flap. The napkin construction creates a plurality of absorption compartments that can minimize staining of undergarments by body fluid.

Abstract: A method of using a pressure sensitive adhesive to form a moisture resistant, water-dispersible tape is provided. The adhesive and tape are resistant to autoclavation conditions and/or moisture and body fluids during usage, and are water-dispersible when immersed in aqueous solutions. The tape may be used with cloth body coverings, such as garments such as hospital gowns, drapes, dressings, diapers and other body coverings which require cloth to cloth or cloth to skin adhesion in the presence of moisture and bodily fluids yet be dispersible from such body coverings during laundering or other aqueous alkali immersion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medical or sanitary adhesive tape with a support composed of a laminate structure having a first layer containing a thermoplastic elastomer and a second layer with a plastic film or nonwoven fabric, and an adhesive layer formed at least one surface of the support. The adhesive tape possesses both softness and elasticity, is gentle to the skin and exhibits excellent handling and processing characteristics.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive tape, a pressure-sensitive tape-fixing structure comprising a member made of a material having a rough surface, having fixed thereto the pressure-sensitive tape, and a roll of the pressure-sensitive tape are disclosed, the pressure-sensitive tape comprising a pressure-sensitive tape comprising a tape substrate, a first pressure-sensitive adhesive area provided on one side of the tape substrate in a tape substrate part which is close to one end of the tape substrate, and a second pressure-sensitive adhesive area provided on one side of the tape substrate in a tape substrate part which is close to the other end of the tape substrate, wherein either or both of said first pressure-sensitive adhesive area and said second pressure-sensitive adhesive area have a strongly adhesive area at an end part thereof to which an external peeling force is to be applied first, and said strongly adhesive area has a peel strength higher than that of the other part of the pressure-sensitive adhesive area.

Abstract: A disposable diaper which can be put on by means of pressure-adhesive tape. For loosening and refastening the fastening tape tabs, the diaper is provided in the region for fastening the tape tabs with a non-elastic plastic strip, suitably of polyester.

Abstract: Absorbent article such as disposable diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders and the like, that have improved dynamic fit as well as containment characteristics. 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. The waistband flexural hinge zone is predisposed to allow the panel zones to flexurally bend about a defined axis or zone and is resilient to provide a restoring force/moment that returns the panel zones to their preceeding in-use configuration, especially when the elasticized waistband has been pretensioned by a closure system.

Abstract: A canine diaper is set forth and is comprised of three sheets of material. The outer sheet is a thin flexible waterproof sheet, the next sheet is an absorbent pad of multi-plyed construction, and the inner sheet is porous, and the diaper is shaped with a central tail hole in a strip which extends from the tail above and below the body terminating in four tabs which reach adjacent the ribs for fastening by adhesive strips.

Abstract: An elastic strand construction comprising a plurality of spaced ribs separated by thin zones is provided. The elastic strand construction is preferred for applications in disposable garments or the like. A method of manufacturing the preferred elastic strand comprises extrusion of polymeric material through a profiled die or the like. In the alternative, a method of formation comprising extrusion between a profiled roller arrangement is described. A preferred disposable garment construction utilizing elastic strands according to the present invention is described.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a clasp and a method of fastening the absorbent article to an adjacent garment is disclosed. The absorbent article includes a first member and clasp means for holding the first member secure to an adjacent garment, such as to the crotch portion of an undergarment. The clasp means includes two relatively stiff portions joined together by a hinge which permits bending of one portion relative to the other portion. At least one of the portions has an arcuate shape along the length thereof and extends outward from the first member. The arcuate portion is designed to pivot on the hinge and forcefully press the undergarment towards the first member when the absorbent article is worn.

Abstract: Disposable absorbent articles such as a diaper or a sanitary napkin having a fastening system comprising a pressure-sensitive adhesive fastener having a textured fastening surface. The pressure-sensitive adhesive fastener comprises a backing web having bulbous surface aberrations projecting from a surface of the web and a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive coated over and bonded to at least a portion of the surface of the bulbous surface aberrations of the backing web. When the fastening system of the present invention is affixed to a diaper, the overlapping portions of the diaper are maintained in contact with each other while the fastening system prevents separation of the overlapping waist portions because it is able to resist the wearer-generated peel forces encountered during wear and the shear stress encountered when the diaper is worn.

Abstract: An absorbent article including a liquid permeable outer material, a liquid impermeable antileakage material, and a liquid retentive absorbent element interposed therebetween, and formed in a generally vertically elongated shape, the improvement including a pair of fixing elements extending outwardly in a width direction from both longitudinal edges of the absorbent article, each of the fixing element being provided on at least a back side thereof with a first adhesive portion having no separate paper, the pair of fixing elements being able to be adhered to and separated from a back side of the absorbent article through the first adhesive portions.

Abstract: A detachable waistband for a garment consisting of a first band which matingly engages a second band. Each band is formed of two parallel elongate strips of conjoined material. Each band has an exterior surface, a first end, a second end, and an interior surface accessible through a flap-like opening positioned intermediate the first end and the second end and extending for substantially the length of the first band. An exterior tape fastener is affixed to the exterior of each hand adjacent both the first end and the second end. At least one interior tape fastener is affixed to the interior of each band. The exterior tape fasteners of the second band matingly engage the exterior tape fasteners of the first band thereby securing the first band and second band around a person's waist. The interior of the first band and the interior of the second band receive a portion of a garment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for an improved absorbent pad and thermal pack for absorbing a liquid discharged from a patient. The absorbent pad and thermal pad comprises an outer sheet made of a liquid impermeable material and an inner sheet of a liquid permeable material. An absorbent sheet is disposed between the inner sheet and the outer sheet. A flexible liquid impermeable container having a chemical mixture which undergoes a thermal reaction upon activation thereof is interposed between the outer and inner sheets to enable the thermal source to be applied to the patient and to enable any liquid from the patient to permeate through the inner sheet to be absorbed by the absorbent sheet. The inner sheet of a liquid permeable material provides a moderate insulation barrier whereas the absorbent pad provides a substantial insulation barrier for directing the thermal source to the patient.

Abstract: An article, such as a disposable diaper, which includes a refastenable mechanical fastener system for closing and opening the waistband. The fastener comprises a hook and loop system, such as a Velcro.RTM. fastener system, developed for superior performance in fastening the waistband. The hook material of the fastener is molded of a copolymer of polypropylene which has flexural modulus of 70,00-120,00 psi; shore hardness D-40 to D-80 and the hooks are tapered base to tip, alternating hook design, of 0.04-0.05 inch caliper. The hook density in the material is about 740 hooks per inch on 40 rows to the inch on base film of 0.008-0.010 inch thickness. The loop material is a raised loop fabric of polyester fiber, two bar warp knit construction, with napped surface. The fabric is polyethylene terephthalate of basis weight in the range 1.0-3.0 ounce per square yard. The hook material is preferably mounted on the ears of the garment at the rear waistband which attaches to loop material.

Abstract: A refastenable adhesive closure is provided. The closure has a pressure-sensitive adhesive-bearing fastening tab and a target portion, or target strip, having a working face for contact with the adhesive-bearing fastening tab. The working face of the target strip is formed with peaks and valleys, the height of the peaks above the valleys being substantially uniform and from about 40 to 300 .mu.m, the spacing between adjacent peaks being from about 50 to 500 .mu.m, the back face of the target portion being substantially flat, and the thickness of the adhesive layer of the tab being no more than about 90% of the height of the peaks above the valleys. The closure is resistant to contamination by dust and other fine particulate matter and is especially useful for refastenable disposable diaper closures and refastenable envelope closures.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a clasp and a method of fastening the absorbent article to an adjacent garment is disclosed. The absorbent article includes a first member and clasp means for holding the first member secure to an adjacent garment, such as to the crotch portion of an undergarment. The clasp means includes two relatively stiff portions joined together by a hinge which permits bending of one portion relative to the other portion. At least one of the portions has an arcuate shape along the length thereof and extends outward from the first member. The arcuate portion is designed to pivot on the hinge and forcefully press the undergarment towards the first member when the absorbent article is worn.

Abstract: An article includes a distinctive refastenable adhesive taping system. The article comprises an outer cover which has waistband sections positioned at opposite ends thereof and has an intermediate section which interconnects the waistband sections. The outer cover includes a securing zone which is located at a first of the waistband sections and which provides a landing surface appointed for receiving adhesion of one or more adhesive tabs thereon. The securing zone has a selected peak tensile strength and a selected rigidity value. An adhesive tab is located at at least one lateral side edge of a second of the waistband sections for securing the waistband sections around a wearer. The tab includes a backing layer and an adhesive layer, and, when adhered to the landing surface, has a 180.degree. peel adhesion value which is less than the peak strength of the securing zone.

Abstract: Novel thermoplastic sheet materials, absorbant articles formed therewith and method of producing such sheet materials are disclosed. The novel thermoplastic sheet materials are soft and pliable having a high modulus, high impact resistance and tear strengths and enhanced tape adhesion. The novel thermoplastic sheet materials are formed directly during a coextrusion process which may thereafter include an embossing step. The novel, coextruded thermoplastic sheet materials comprise a plurality of coextruded layers having high modulus outer layers for permitting pressure-sensitive adhesive tape-tab fasteners to be positioned and repositioned thereon without losing substantial tape adhesion therebetween or tearing the sheet materials following their original attachments.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a method for attaching discrete portions of stretched elastic strands to predetermined isolated portions of disposable absorbent articles having obstructing elements positioned thereon in the areas where the elastic strands are to be unattached to the disposable absorbent article, is provided. In a preferred embodiment, discrete portions of stretched, continuous elastic strands are attached to predetermined isolated portions of a continuous diaper web having obstructing elements positioned thereon in the areas where the continuous elastic strands are to be unattached to the continuous diaper web. A disposable absorbent article made in accordance to the above described method is also provided.