Abstract: An anti-rash, tearable baby diaper of improved construction is disclosed which includes a layer of absorbent material covered by a layer of an impervious or breathable material which is prepared to allow tearing of the outer layer along lines or curves. The outer layer is substantially unattached to the inner layer or is rupturably unattachable to the outer layer. Upon tearing of the outer layer of material, relatively large yawning gaps or openings are created to allow exposure of the inner absorbent material. The torn areas allow trapped, hot air to escape and the absorbent material to dry, cool, and maintain a reduced temperature in order to prevent "baby diaper rash.

Abstract: A composition comprising polypropylene and a small amount of polyethylene can be shaped into an obliquely oriented film, and if obliquely oriented films shaped from this composition are laminated so that the molecular orientation directions cross one another, an obliquely oriented cross film having excellent heat resistance and mechanical strength is obtained. This cross film is suitably used as a base of a fastening tape for a paper diaper.

Abstract: In an absorbent article including a liquid permeable outer material, a liquid impermeable antileakage material, a liquid retentive absorbent element interposed therebetween, and a fixing device mounted on a back side of a generally vertically elongated absorbent article body and adapted to fix the body to a crotch portion of shorts, the fixing device has a pair of fixing elements, each of the fixing elements extending outwardly in a width direction from each lateral edge of the absorbent article body, the fixing element being provided on at least a back side thereof with an adhesive portion, the pair of fixing elements being able to be adhered to and separated from a back side of the absorbent article body through the adhesive portions.

Abstract: A disposable diaper has a tab construction having one end secured thereto and the other free end having a coated segment and a finger gripping segment with the finger segment defined from the coated segment by perforations which permit the removal of the finger gripping section from the tab after the adhesive section is adhered to the diaper.

Abstract: A composite adhesive fastening tape and tape system for interconnecting printed surfaces, which includes a transparent main film portion with an embossed surface defined logo or symbol or the like and coated on one surface with an adhesive, in the tape system is included a target film portion, which target film portion is optionally decorated by colored numbers, letters, patterns, shapes or figures.

Abstract: A polyethylene-containing foam-backed absorbent article having an adhesive patch comprised of 25 to 50 parts of an A-B block copolymer and 25-50 parts of solid tackifying resin and liquid resin and/or plasticizing oil. The adhesive not exhibiting any adhesive transfer when removed from a cotton fabric after one hour at 100.degree. F. and 0.25 P.S.I.

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: Pressure-sensitive adhesive compositions and an improved refastenable tape closure system comprising a release tape and a fastening tape wherein the fastening tape has a balance of properties such that the tape exhibits a maximum in the peel force between peel rates of 10 cm./minute and 400 cm./minute when peeled from a polyolefin substrate as found in disposable diaper back sheets are disclosed. The adhesive of the fastening tape comprises a specific range of compositions including an elastomeric component based on an A-B-A block copolymer wherein the A blocks are derived from styrene or alphamethylstyrene and the B block are derived from isoprene, butadiene, or hydrogenated versions of these or an (AB) block copolymer of the same type of composition in another geometry such as a tapered block copolymer or a radial block copolymer, a solid tackifier resin, a liquid tackifier resin, and an end block reinforcing resin.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article, such as a diaper, having an improved tape fastener system is disclosed. The improved tape fastener system comprises a mechanical fastening means, initial adhesive securement means, and a reserve/protected adhesive securement means. The mechanical fastening means provide for effective side closure of the absorbent article, whereas the initial adhesive securement means provides a convenient initial disposal mechanism by which the absorbent article may be folded or rolled up into a configuration for disposal, secured in the disposal configuration, and thrown away. If the initial disposal adhesive becomes contaminated or insufficient for securing the absorbent article in its disposal configuration, the reserve/protected adhesive is available for use, with only minimal additional effort.

Abstract: There is provided an adhesive closure tab with release surfaces adjacent adhesive surfaces by coating a continuous region of a tape backing with a soluble low adhesion backsize composition, drying, then solvent zone coating an adhesive on at least one strip of said tape backing previously coated with the low adhesion backsize thereby slightly dissolving said backsize so as to promote adherence of said adhesive to said backsize.

Abstract: A disposable article, such as a disposable diaper, is provided. The article has a fastening means comprising a film substrate having a target strip and a fastening tape. The target strip comprises a backing film having a first pressure-sensitive adhesive on one face thereof adhered to the film substrate and on the other face thereof a hydrophobic polyvinyl carbamate release coating. The fastening tape has a second pressure-sensitive adhesive on one face thereof for adhesion to the target strip. The target strip release coating has been subjected to ionizing plasma treatment such that the fastening tape has an increase in adhesion to the target strip of at least about 50% over an untreated target strip and which increased adhesion does not decrease more than 60% after storage at about 50.degree. C. for 15 days.

Abstract: An article having a pliable portion which is to be elastically secured about the periphery of a member having a substantially predetermined cross-section by means of an elasticized fastening system. The pliable portion of the article has a first end portion and a second end portion located at opposite ends of the encircling portion of the article. The first end portion includes an elasticized fastening system having at least one segment which is capable of being elastically shirred along at least a portion of its length. The shirrable portion of the segment comprises an elastomeric member which, prior to the securement of the first and second end portions of the article to one another, is maintained in a prestretched and tensioned condition in the desired direction of shirring. The opposed ends of the shirrable segment in the article are interconnected to one another through the prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member.

Abstract: Thermoplastic elastomers provide autoadhesive properties at room temperature having improved anti-blocking properties. The elastomers are substantially non-adhesive. The elastomers include physical cross-links which enable the elastomers to be formed as laminates with other polymeric materials by processing techniques involving application of heat.

Abstract: Novel thermoplastic sheet materials for permitting positionable and repeated repositionable use of tape fasteners therewith without experiencing substnatial loss of tape adhesion therebetween are disclosed. A novel thermoplastic sheet material generally comprises an ethylene polymer and an anti-popoff polymer in an effective amount for increasing and substantially maintaining the tape adhesion. The increase in and substantial maintenance of the tape adhesion is accomplished without adversely affecting the properties or cost of the thermoplastic sheet material. A preferred formulation for producing the novel thermoplastic sheet material comprises polyethylene as the ethylene polymer and a polypropylene or alpha-methyl styrene as the anti-popoff polymer. The novel thermoplastic sheet materials are especially suitable for use as films which can be used as backsheets in absorbent articles, such as, disposable diapers, bandages, surgical dressings or drapes and catamenial pads.

Abstract: A release surface for use in diaper tape assemblies comprises a cured release coating of a reactive silicone system comprising at least 15% by weight of a reactive polydialkyl siloxane, at least 40% by weight of a defined reactive silicone high adhesion agent and a silicone crosslinking agent. Cure occurs in the presence of Group VIII metal catalyst, and cured release coating has a coefficient of friction of less than about 0.7 lb/2 inch and a release greater than 50 g/in.

Abstract: Novel adhesive system for releasably fastening or securing superposed portions of a disposable diaper or other articles, comprising a sheet material carrying different adhesive layers on its respective surfaces, the adhesive layer on one side being characterized as having a high peel strength adapted for permanently securing the sheet material to a first portion of the diaper or other article of apparel, the adhesive layer on the other side comprising a pressure-sensitive adhesive having appreciably less peel strength and being adapted for releasably engaging an opposed portion of said article in order to secure the article on the person.

Abstract: There is provided an improved two-point diaper closure system comprised of inner mechanical and outer adhesive fastening means. The outer adhesive fastening means is used in conjuction with a release treated foraminous tab located on the diaper top sheet.

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

Abstract: An article having a refastenable tape system comprising a flexible substrate having a tear strength, and an adhesive tape member having a peel adhesion value which is greater than the tear strength of the substrate when the tape member is adhered to a first major surface of the substrate. A reinforcement layer composed of a hot melt adhesive is bonded to a second major surface of the substrate located opposite to the first major surface. The reinforcement layer exhibits an elongation-at-break of at least about 100%. The substrate and the reinforcement layer thereby provide a composite tear strength greater than the peel adhesion value of the tape member, and provide a composite elongation-at-break of at least about 100%.

Abstract: A web or film useful for fastener tapes for diapers consists of more than one layer and is characterized in that the outer layers, or at least one layer, are/is inelastic and the inner layer, or other layer, is elastic, and the film becomes substantially completely elastic, at least at one of its lengthwise portions, by manual stretching to cause yielding of the inelastic layer or layers.

Abstract: Pressure-sensitive adhesive compositions and an improved refastenable tape closure system comprising a release tape and a fastening tape wherein the fastening tape has a balance of properties such that the tape exhibits a maximum in the peel force between peel rates of 10 cm./minute and 400 cm./minute when peeled from a polyolefin substrate as found in disposable diaper back sheets are disclosed. The adhesive of the fastening tape comprises a specific range of compositions including an elastomeric component based on an A-B-A block copolymer wherein the A blocks are derived from styrene or alphamethylstyrene and the B blocks are derived from isoprene, butadiene, or hydrogenated versions of these or an (AB) block copolymer of the same type of composition in another geometry such as a tapered block copolymer or a radial block copolymer, a solid tackifier resin, a liquid tackifier resin, and an end block reinforcing resin.

Abstract: In the continuous manufacture of disposable diapers wherein target strips applied to the diaper are cut from a pressure-sensitive adhesive tape that has a low-adhesion backsize coating, better adhesion of adhesive closure tabs to the target strips is obtained after physically abrading the low-adhesion backsize coating. A preferred abrading medium is a low density open nonwoven fibrous abrasive web.

Abstract: A disposable diaper can be fastened securely around a person and be refastenable when it has an adhesive patch on the faces of corners at the back of the diaper, each of which patches contacts an adhesive patch on the front of the diaper, which patches form bonds to each other that have strong resistance to shear forces, can easily be peeled apart after 2 hours at room temperature and do not adhere either to ordinary packaging materials or to nonadhesive surfaces of the diaper. All of the adhesive patches can be cut from a single adhesive tape that has a flexible backing, one face of which bears a layer of the peelable adhesive while the other layer bears a layer of an adhesive that forms a strong, permanent bond to the diaper.

Abstract: A diaper, adhesive fastening tab which exhibits good peel, quick-stick, shear strength and aging when used with a diaper outer film, either with or without a low adhesion backside. The adhesive used with the fastening tab is based on a composition comprising a slightly aromatic containing aliphatic oil, a styrene/isoprene block copolymer and a solid C.sub.5 tackifying resin.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article with a combination mechanical and adhesive tape fastener system. The tape fastener system preferably comprises a tape tab comprising a first fastening element joined to and disposed on a first area of the tape tab and adhesive associated with and disposed on at least a second area of the tape tab. The adhesive not only secures the tape tab to the body portion of the absorbent article to provide a side closure but also secures the absorbent article in its disposal configuration so as to prevent the contents of the soiled absorbent article from spilling or leaking out of the absorbent article. Preferably, a portion of the adhesive is disposed subjacent the first fastening element to join the first fastening element to the tape tab.

Abstract: A disposable protective device is securable about individuals incontinent due to ill health, mental condition, or age. The device includes an impermeable sheet underlying a cushioned liquid absorbent layer coextensive with the sheet, wherein the laminated body includes a central body portion and longitudinally aligned first and second legs, wherein the first leg includes a plurality of adhesive members to secure the first and second legs about a body portion of an individual in a surrounding manner. The laminated body may include liquid soluble deodorant tablets as an embodiment of the invention, and may further include a cushioned buttocks pad formed with an undulating upper surface for accommodating a buttocks of an individual to enhance comfort of the device.

Abstract: A disposable dog diaper for removable emplacement and securement circumferentially about a dog's rear torso and his inguinal region. A lower body sheet and upper body wrapper, together with contact adhesive portions, allow such wrap-around emplacement and securement without slipping, gathering or "bunching up", and, together with removable engagement via the adhesive portions, maximum comfort is afforded the dog. Highly absorbent material fixedly carried by the body sheet absorbs and retains body fluids, such as urine, discharged by the dog.

Abstract: A disposable diaper having a fluid permeable inner layer, a fluid impermeable outer layer and an absorbent batt sandwiched between the layers, the diaper having a crotch portion extending between front and rear portions. The rear portion of the diaper is provided with a first securing system affixed to the outer surface of its outer layer so that the rear portion may be secured to the front portion as the diaper is wrapped around a baby. The front portion of the diaper is provided with a second securing system to allow the opposing edges of the front portion to be secured adjacent one another at a location behind the baby's back.

Abstract: A disposable diaper can be almost completely degradable when each of its diaper closure tapes has as its backing a polyolefin film containing a chemical prodegradant such as a metal salt together with an unsaturated elastomer such as a block copolymer of styrene and isoprene of butadiene. Preferably, the polyolefin of each of those backings is a copolymer of polypropylene and polyethylene or a blend of crystalline isotatic polypropylene and a compatible ethylene-based polymer.

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: A disposable cover or liner for use with all standard cuffs of blood pressure measuring devices (sphygmomanometers). The use of the cover prevents cross contamination between users and hematomas from continuous use of monitoring equipment, protects damaged skin from bacteria on the cuff and prolongs the useful life of the cuff.The disposable cover/liner is comprised of at least three layers, a first layer of a non-woven web which allows moisture to pass through to a second or middle layer of absorbent material to collect and hold moisture; and the third or outer layer of thin vapor-poof plastic. The cover/liner also has a low-tack adhesive applied to the outer layer in order that the cover/liner can be secured to the inside of the cuff with a peel-off protector.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article with a mechanical fastening system having disposal members 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 mechanically engageable with the first fastening element, and a disposal member for allowing the absorbent article to be secured in a configuration that provides convenient disposal of the absorbent article. The disposal member 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 mechanically engage the second fastening element of the disposal member so as to secure the absorbent article in its disposal configuration.

Abstract: An article can be releasably attached to a fabric or other foraminous substrate by means of a pressure-sensitive adhesive tape fastener, the backing of which has an array of bluntly pointed stems protruding beyond the pressure-sensitive adhesive. The back face of the fastener can have an adhesive layer by which it can be adhered to a sanitary napkin, and the napkin can be releasably attached to an undergarment by allowing the stems to penetrate into openings in the fabric of the undergarment until the pressure-sensitive adhesive becomes releasably bonded to the fabric. The fastener can be more supple and less obtrusive than are "Velcro" fasteners and can be produced at significantly lower cost.

Abstract: A disposable diaper includes a sealable disposal envelope integrally attached along a belt area seam of the diaper. A sealing tape-belt member adhered to the envelope provides an airtight seal of this envelope when the used diaper is folded and then inturned around the seam and placed within the envelope. The seam is adherently formed, by among other possibilities, by a heat seal or adhesive such as a double stick adhesive tape. The sealing tape is also provided with an adhesive on both faces. One face of the sealing adhesive is attached to the inside of the envelope while the other face performs a dual function. Initially, this other face secures the opening of the un-used disposal bag in a closed manner but subsequently serves to sealingly close this bag opening following infolding of the used diaper into the attached disposal bag. During use of the diaper, the sealing tape operates as a belt, permitting form-fitting of the diaper about the body.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a sanitary napkin having flaps and a stress relief means for relieving the stresses that develop in the flaps when the flaps are folded down along the edges of the wearer's panties in the crotch, is provided. The flaps are associated with an absorbent means along a line of juncture. The stress relief means can be provided along the line of juncture or in the flaps. Two preferred stress relief means are a notch and a slit.

Abstract: The invention is an attachment means for an incontinent garment or diaper. It is particularly useful with a garment which has a relatively long, as measured in a longitudinal direction, waist or abdominal encircling portion. Prior known garments of this type normally require two adhesive attachment tabs. One of these is used to tighten the leg encircling portion of the garment and the other the waist encircling portion. The present invention accomplishes this with a single adhesive tab. The attachment system has an elastic anchor strip adjacent the longitudinal margins of the rear waist encircling portion of the garment. This is attached at each end with an unattached free zone in the center. A single attachment tab has one end located on the anchor strip and is generally normal thereto. When the garment is put in place on a wearer, the anchor strip serves as a yoke to simultaneously place tension around the waist area and leg areas of the garment.

Abstract: A sheet-form material suitable as wound dressing and having enhanced moisture control properties is disclosed. This sheet-form material includes a porous sheet of absorbent, elastomeric segmented polyurethane having an open pore structure and an apertured adhesive facing on one side of the porous sheet. A liquid impermeable but water vapor permeable backing may be provided on the opposite side of the porous sheet, if desired. Also disclosed is a method for forming an apertured adhesive facing for the sheet-form material.

Abstract: Normally tacky, pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes which are soft, pliable, conformable, and heat sealable are provided. The tapes have a backing of a substantially untensilized, tough, ductile film, the film being a blend of crystalline isotactic polypropylene and a compatible ethylene-based polymer, and a normally tacky, pressure-sensitive adhesive on one side of the film. The films have a longitudinal secant modulus of less than 3700 kg/cm.sup.2, a transverse secant modulus of less than 3700 kg/cm.sup.2, a longitudinal elastic modulus of less than 5200 kg/cm.sup.2, a transverse elastic modulus of less than 5200 kg/cm.sup.2, a longitudinal stiffness of less than 1.7, and a transverse stiffness of less than 3.0.

Abstract: An improved sanitary napkin is provided which protects the user's undergarment from wetting. The napkin is provided with two flaps each affixed to the garment facing side of the napkin and each extending in a direction tranverse to the longitudinal edge of the napkin and adapted to encircle the crotch portion of the undergarment. The flaps are affixed to the garment facing side of the napkin at an affixation point inward from the longitudinal edge of the napkin so that when encircling the crotch portion, the edges of the crotch portion of the undergarment are gathered under the napkin and the napkin acts as a shield to prevent wetting.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin includes an elongated forward portion, an elongated rearward portion, and an enlarged intermediate portion therebetween. The forward portion is longer than the rearward portion, and will extend forwardly beyond the vaginal area of the user. The enlarged intermediate portion will be located between the vaginal area and the anal area so as to absorb any discharge flowing along the body when in a reclined position. Adhesive strips on the sanitary napkin will allow the napkin to be removably fastened to the user's undergarments.

Abstract: A wetness indicating hot-melt adhesive which changes color in response to the presence of moisture is disclosed, which contains 20 to 70 wt. % of polymer, about 28 to 10 wt. % of which is water sensitive polymer; 25 to 60% of organic acid which is selected from a high acid fatty acid, or rosin acid, or a combination thereof; 0 to 40% of water soluble wax; 0 to 60 wt. % of glycerlo monostearate; 0 to 55 wt. % of hydrogenated castor oil; 0 to 15 wt. % of polyalkylene wax; 0 to 60 wt. % of compatible plasticizer; and a wetness indicating agent which changes the color of the composition in response to moisture therein. The time of response of the color change can be controlled from about one second to a somewhat larger value as desired.

Abstract: The present invention is a diaper or incontinent garment of the usual construction having generally trapezoidal wing-like waist encircling portions at each end with a constricted crotch zone located between them. The waist encircling portions of at least one end, preferably at the rear, have discrete areas containing ventilating apertures. These areas are located between the absorbent pad and the lateral and transverse margins of the diaper. The use of this construction gives ventilation in the pad-free areas to reduce the incidence of diaper rash.

Abstract: A device for collecting and absorbing urine, comprising a laminate composed of several layers, in which an outer plastic casing in combination with a material permeable to urine form a space enclosing an absorption body. The absorption body includes at least one super-absorbent laminate which may be a tissue integrated with a super-absorbent polymer and which upon absorption forms a gel. The space surrounding the absorption body is designed to permit expansion when the absorption body assumes the gel phase.

Abstract: An under garment is provided with size adjustment means for the waist-band in the form of a frangible tab that holds a pleat closed, but permits expansion of the pleat when broken. A tampon is also provided which has gore formed within the rear end portion so as to provide a more intimate fit over the buttocks of a wearer.

Abstract: A refastenable disposable diaper having a backsheet of low density polyethylene and polypropylene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable absorbent article (1) such as a diaper or an incontinence protector intended during use to seal like a pant around the user's abdomen and comprising an absorption body (4) applied between a liquid impermeable outer layer (2) facing away from the user and a liquid permeable inner layer (3) facing the user, these two layers being interconnected at least along the long sides of the article. The inventive article is primarily distinguished in that a strip (13,14) of a liquid impermeable material, extending in the transverse direction of the article, is disposed at least at one end portion of the article, this strip having a portion (16,17) positioned between the absorption body (4) and the liquid permeable inner layer (3) and a portion (18,19) folded over the end edge (10,15) of the absorption body while being secured to the liquid impermeable outer layer (2), the article thereby obtaining a liquid-tight reinforced edge portion (22,23).

Abstract: What is disclosed are novel hot melt adhesives having pressure sensitive properties that are comprised of a combination of two acrylic-based copolymers containing the novel monomer 1(2)-methyl-3-oxa-4-oxo-5-aza-nonyl methacrylate, one of the copolymers being a low glass transition temperature (Tg) compolymer and the other a high Tg copolymer and which hot melt adhesives, by means of reversible hydrogen bond formation and dissociation, possess the reversible properties of providing a strong cohesive strength at ambient temperature but also having a melt viscosity at elevated coating temperatures such that it can be used in hot melt coating equipment; a process for making said hot melt adhesives; and a process for making adhesive tapes and bandages using said adhesives.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article with a mechanical fastening system having adhesive tape disposal means so as to provide convenient disposal of the absorbent article. The mechanical fastening system preferably comprises a first tape tab having a first fastening element, a landing member comprising a second fastening element engageable with the first fastening element, and disposal means comprising one or a number of separate adhesive tape tabs positioned on the body portion of the absorbent article. The adhesive tape tabs secure the absorbent article in a disposal configuration so as to prevent the contents of the soiled absorbent article from spilling or leaking out during disposal.

Abstract: The present invention describes a fluid absorbing pad for use with a typical ostomy appliance, specially suited for absorbing various body fluids external to the ostomy bag. This device absorbs perspiration, as well as acidic waste fluids as they may leak through an imperfect joint between a typical ostomy bag and adhesive wafer near the end of the useful service life of the ostomy appliance. The present invention increases the comfort of the ostomy patient in the wearing of the typical ostomy appliance, especially when used in combination with an ostomy belt. The present invention also extends the useful life of each ostomy appliance.

Abstract: The back ears of a contoured disposable diaper are shirred to become stretchable and elastically retractable. Because of this, the diaper can be pulled snugly around the buttocks and the waist merely by applying ordinary fingertip pressure to the fastening tabs. The shirring can be provided by incorporating into the back ears of a flat diaper-forming blank a piece of heat-elasticizable material and then heating each diaper that is cut from the blank to shrink the piece. A preferred heat-elasticizable material comprises a substantially flat inelastic web to which is heat bonded a plurality of parallel elastomeric strands extended to at least about three times their relaxed length.