An absorbent article and method of making the absorbent article are disclosed. The absorbent article having a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core structure having one or more layers wherein at least one layer is a heterogeneous mass layer, wherein the topsheet and the heterogeneous mass are integrated such that they reside in the same X-Y plane.

An incontinence underwear including a crotch area hosting a stitching, a first layer, a second layer, a third layer, a fourth layer, a fifth layer, a sixth layer, and a seventh layer, wherein the first layer is innermost, wherein the seventh layer is outermost, wherein the second layer extends between the first layer and the third layer, wherein the fourth layer extends between the third layer and the fifth layer, wherein the sixth layer extends between the fifth layer and the seventh layer, wherein the stitching extends through the first layer, the second layer, the sixth layer, and the seventh layer, wherein the stitching avoids extending through the third layer, the fourth layer, and the fifth layer, wherein the second layer is bonded or adhered to the third layer.

The present invention includes disposable absorbent articles, such as disposable undergarment, diapers, other garments, and wound care dressings, having an elastomeric material disposed between two substrate layers and an absorbent core system that disposed on top of or between the two substrate layers. This invention may also include a disposable article having an elastomeric material disposed between two substrate layers without an absorbent core. The inclusion of an stretch adhesive in the construction of the article in various portions of the article (e.g., fastening tabs, front and/or rear sections, entire article, etc.) results in improved securement of the article to a wearer for reducing the risk of leakage and further improving comfort for the wearer. Furthermore, the inclusion of a stretch adhesive can provide a smooth contoured fit to a wearer, thereby improving appearance and self-confidence for the wearer.

A method for manufacturing an absorbent article, said method comprising guiding a first sheet material along a rotating member, wherein a surface of said rotating member is provided with a pattern with at least one suction zone and at least one non-suction zone; applying an absorbent material on said first sheet material on the rotating member; locally removing the absorbent material applied on at least one attachment portion of the first sheet material located above the at least one non-suction zone, such that at least one remaining portion of the first sheet material located above the at least one suction zone is covered with absorbent material and substantially no absorbent material is present on the at least one attachment portion; applying a second sheet material on top of the absorbent material on the first sheet material.

An absorbent article is disclosed. The article includes a topsheet formed of a section of formed nonwoven web material having an ordered arrangement of zones, each zone comprising one or more attenuated regions adjacent to one or more built-up regions, wherein the attenuated regions have a first average basis weight and the built-up regions have a second average basis weight, wherein the first average basis weight is less than the second average basis weight, the difference in basis weights corresponding to disposition of the filaments according to the ordered arrangement. The attenuated region(s) may include a plurality of discrete low bulk portions arranged in a pattern disposed along a longitudinal axis of the article, which facilitate z-direction movement of fluid through the topsheet and inhibit spreading of a fluid stain along the topsheet in the x and y directions.

Nonwoven fabrics having a plurality of fibers that are bonded to each other to form a coherent web, wherein the fibers comprise a blend of a polylactic acid (PLA) and at least one secondary alkane sulfonate are provided. The nonwoven fabrics exhibit increased tensile strengths, elongation and toughness.

An anvil roll is configured to operatively engage with a tooling agent. The anvil includes an outer surface, an opposing surface opposite the outer surface and an inner surface. One or more spring elements are disposed between the opposing surface and the inner surface. The springs provide a compliance to the anvil.

An absorbent has longitudinal and lateral centerlines, first, second, and target regions, the target region being disposed between the first second regions. Each of the first, second target regions extend laterally across the disposable absorbent article. The disposable absorbent article also has a topsheet; a backsheet; an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and backsheet; a fluid management layer disposed between the topsheet and absorbent core; and a target zone disposed in the target region. The target zone has a first plurality of conforming features in at least the absorbent core or a combination of the absorbent core and at least one of the topsheet or fluid management layer. The absorbent article also has a long fiber network.

An absorbent article is provided. The absorbent article includes a nonwoven, liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed at least partially intermediate the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent article includes an apertured substrate having a layer of fibers and has a plurality of apertures defined in the layer of fibers. At least some of the apertures have a side wall having a portion disposed an angle in the range of about 55 degrees to about 90 degrees, according to the 2D X-Ray CT Scan Test herein.

An apparatus for manufacturing an absorbent body according to the present invention includes a conveying unit (2) that conveys an aggregate (101) of absorbent fibers and a water-absorbent resin (102), a mixing unit (3) that accepts the aggregate of the absorbent fibers and the water-absorbent resin that were conveyed by the conveying unit and mixes the absorbent fibers and the water-absorbent resin, a chamber portion (4) that has an internal space (40) through which the absorbent fibers and the water-absorbent resin that were mixed in the mixing unit fall, a stacking portion (5) that is disposed below the chamber portion and has a recessed portion (531) in which the absorbent fibers and the water-absorbent resin that fall through the chamber portion are stacked, and a suction unit (6) that causes a negative pressure in the chamber portion.