Kimberly-clark Worldwide, Inc.

Hakle-kimberly Deutschland Gmbh

Kimberly-clark Corporation

Franz Aschenbrenner

Maria Raidel

DooHong Kim

Priscilla Eng Choo Goh

Meijia Ng

SangWook Lee

YeinSze Ong

Yein Sze Ong

Jan Ullmann

EunJung B Kang

Gary Mastalish

Cao Hue Chi Pham

Anastasia Barlas

Lynn Ann Weggel

Tom William VanDenBogart

Dusan Pavlik

Irina Tsareva

Jun Zhang

Ali Yahiaoui

JunMo Gil

Shruti Aryal

Jan Ullman

Kenneth G Heckner

Kwee Ling Cheng

Adrienne Rae Loyd

Candace Dyan Krautkramer

Luca Casini

Ligia A Rivera

Margaret Gwyn Latimer

Kelly Davis Arehart

Carmen Lira

Katie Ann Boland

Sohyun Sara Park

SeongDae Roh

Lin Miao

Timothy James Van Himbergen

Xueen George Hao

Emmanuelle Cecile Damay

Arndt Scheidgen

Hans Bouten

Chunlei Pu

JaeEun Park

Lynn Marie Matheus

Elisabeth Baumgarten

Francesca Corbellini

Clarice Marie Theisen

Caishan Tan

Alexander Schmidt-Först

Melanie Hufnagel

Holger Gerlach

Horacio Jorge Molas

Jina Gwag

Maria De Las Mercedes Bazterrica

Cai Shan Tan

Renee S Kole

Annaïg Gaël Della Monta

Doo Hong Kim

Cheng Kwee Ling

Eng Choo Priscilla Goh

Katie McMillen

Priscilla Goh Eng Goh

Alexander Schmidt-Forst

KyuLe Lee

Junghyun Park

An absorbent article has a longitudinal direction, a transverse direction, and a depth direction and includes absorbent article opposing first and second longitudinal ends, and absorbent article opposing lateral side edges extending between the absorbent article opposing first and second longitudinal ends. The absorbent article comprises a liquid permeable first topsheet layer having first topsheet layer opposing lateral side edges, and first topsheet layer opposing longitudinal ends as well as a liquid permeable second topsheet layer subjacent to the liquid permeable first topsheet layer. The liquid permeable second topsheet layer has second topsheet layer opposing lateral side edges, and second topsheet layer opposing longitudinal ends, and is attached at or along two opposing attachment zones to the liquid permeable first topsheet layer along or adjacent the first topsheet layer opposing lateral side edges.

Absorbent article with partially separable, skin-contacting topsheet layer

An absorbent article which can be more readily adaptable to meet the needs of the individual wearer of the absorbent article. The absorbent article can have a topsheet layer, a backsheet layer, and an absorbent core between the topsheet layer and the backsheet layer. The backsheet layer can have a garment attachment mechanism located on a garment facing surface of the backsheet layer. The absorbent article can further have a protection layer situated over and engaged with the garment attachment mechanism. The protection layer can be capable of being at least partially dis-engaged from the garment attachment mechanism. The protection layer of the absorbent article can be utilized by the wearer to provide additional area of coverage as deemed suitable by the wearer of the absorbent article.

Absorbent article with multi-use protection layer

An absorbent article () capable of inhibiting leakage of a fluid insult generally extends in a plane defined by a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction. The absorbent article () contains fluid-shrinkable members (), a topsheet (), and a base pad () that includes a baffle () and an absorbent core () positioned between the topsheet () and the baffle (). The topsheet () extends in the longitudinal direction to define a distal end () and an opposing proximal end (). At least a portion of the proximal end () remains generally unbonded to the baffle (). The fluid-shrinkable members () extend in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article () so that at least a portion of the fluid-shrinkable members () are located adjacent to the proximal end () of the topsheet (). Thus, when the fluid-shrinkable members () contract upon contacting a fluid insult, the proximal end () of the topsheet () can raise outwardly from the plane of the absorbent article (). The raised area creates a barrier to the leakage of fluids from the center of the absorbent article () towards its end. Contraction of the fluid-shrinkable members can also cause an outer region of the topsheet () to raise outwardly from the plane of the absorbent article () to create a barrier to the leakage of fluid from the center of the absorbent article () towards the side edge. Because such barriers are generally created only after contact with a fluid insult, their effectiveness is not diminished through use of the article prior to the insult.

Absorbent article having enhanced leakage protection

The present invention discloses and claims an absorbent article which utilizes an absorbent portion that includes superabsorbent yarn as part of the absorbent portion, such that liquid is wicked to the perimeter or select regions of the absorbent portion, or the perimeter of the absorbent article itself, taking full advantage of either the depth, width, length or combination of dimensions of the absorbent portion, or absorbent article. The superabsorbent yarn can be one or more of several types, including encapsulated yarn, multilayered encapsulated yarn, coated yarn and sliver-formed yarn as long as such yarn includes at least two components, those being a superabsorbent polymer and a second material which promotes distribution of liquid along the yarn length. In alternatives of the invention, such absorbent article utilizing the superabsorbent yarn provides passive visual signals to consumers, of article saturation levels prior to leakage.

Absorbent article including superabsorbent yarn

An absorbent article has non-uniform dimensioned side barrier features and includes a lower structure. The article also includes an upper structure in fluid communication with the lower structure. The upper structure is adjacent and bonded to the lower structure. Embossment channels or embossment features and said side barrier feature lateral-most edges define side barrier features having either non-uniform lateral width dimensions or a combination of non-uniform lateral width and non-uniform height dimensions along the longitudinal direction of said article.

Absorbent article with non-uniform dimensioned side barriers

In a tampon applicator, an elongated barrel has an interior chamber for housing a tampon therein, a grip region generally adjacent an outer end of the barrel, a tip region generally adjacent an inner end of the barrel, and a central region extending longitudinally between the grip region and the tip region. A plunger extends into the barrel at the outer end thereof and is moveable relative to the barrel to expel the tampon from the barrel at its inner end. The outer surface of the barrel at the grip region has a different coefficient of friction than at the central region of the barrel. In other embodiments the coefficient of friction of the barrel outer surface at the central region is different from the coefficient of friction at the tip region.

Tampon applicator

Disclosed herein is a personal care absorbent article such as a feminine hygiene absorbent personal care article for receiving a body exudate such as menses. The article includes a topsheet layer, a backsheet layer, at least one absorbent core layer positioned between the topsheet layer and the backsheet layer, optionally a pair of wings, and a decolorization means associated with the article for altering the visual appearance and/or physical characteristics of the a body exudate. The use of the decolorization means provides several benefits to the end user including the creation of a visually smaller stain on the top surface of the topsheet layer and a possible reduction in staining of the wearer's apparel should the body exudate leak from or off of the article being worn.

Absorbent articles with improved stain decolorization

A feminine hygiene absorbent personal care article includes a topsheet layer, a backsheet layer, at least one absorbent core layer positioned between the topsheet layer and the backsheet layer and decolorizing agents positioned on at least one decolorizing agent-containing layer, adjacent the article side edges, with the decolorizing agent-containing layer extending laterally beyond the lateral side edges of the absorbent core layer and being noncontinuous over at least a portion of the article in the article transverse direction.

Absorbent articles with decolorizing agents

The use of a decolorizing composition for removing colored substances from aqueous fluids (e.g., colored pigments, blood-containing fluids, etc.) is provided. The decolorizing composition contains one or more inorganic salts. In one embodiment, for example, the composition contains a mixture of sodium sulfate (NaSO) and monopotassium phosphate (KHPO). The decolorizing composition may be placed in fluid communication with an absorbent core, a liquid-permeable layer, or combinations thereof, in an absorbent article to help decolorize blood-containing fluids (e.g., menses) exuded from the body.

Removal of colored substances from aqueous liquids

An absorbent article that is capable of inhibiting leakage of a fluid insult is provided. The absorbent article contains a fluid-shrinkable member, topsheet, and a base pad that includes a baffle and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the baffle. The fluid-shrinkable member extends in a longitudinal direction of the article so that at least a portion of the member is located adjacent to an end of the topsheet. At least a portion of the end of the topsheet remains generally unbonded to the baffle. Thus, when the fluid-shrinkable member contracts upon contacting a fluid insult, the end of the topsheet can rise outwardly from the plane of the absorbent article. The raised area creates a barrier to the leakage of fluids from the center of the article towards its end. In certain embodiments, contraction of the fluid-shrinkable member can also cause an outer region of the topsheet to rise outwardly from the plane of the absorbent article to create a barrier to the leakage of fluids from the center of the article towards the side edge. Notably, because such barriers are generally created only after contact with a fluid insult, their effectiveness is not diminished through use of the article prior to the insult.

A dual mode absorbent tampon comprising a mass of absorbent material compressed into a generally cylindrical shape, in a first mode of the tampon. The mass of absorbent material comprising a homogeneous mixture of a plurality of fibers which comprise at least a first type of fiber and a second type of fiber, where the first type of fiber is bondable to fibers of the plurality of fibers. At least a portion of the first type of fibers are bonded in a pre-determined pattern to adjacent fibers of the plurality of fibers wherein absorption by the tampon causes at least a portion of the mass of absorbent material to expand into a non-cylindrical shape which is dependent upon the pre-determined pattern, in a second mode of the tampon.

Dual mode absorbent tampon

An absorbent article has a longitudinal direction, a transverse direction, a first major surface which forms a body-facing surface of the absorbent article, and a second major surface disposed distally from the first major surface which forms a garment-facing surface of the absorbent article. The article includes an absorbent core positioned between the first major surface and the second major surface. The article also includes at least one barrier structure having an inward-facing side and an outward-facing side, and at least one liquid shrinkable string. The at least one barrier structure is disposed on the first major surface, and the inward-facing side of the at least one barrier structure is attached to the absorbent article. In addition, a first portion of the at least one liquid shrinkable string is attached to the at least one barrier structure.

Article with fluid-activated barriers

An absorbent article that contains a topsheet having embossed regions is provided. The embossed regions propagate in a longitudinal direction of the article in the form of a wave having one or more alternating crests (peaks) and troughs (valleys). Such a wave pattern helps slow down the flow of bodily fluid by directing it along a tortuous path defined by the densified edges rather than in a straight line. Among other things, this reduction in flow rate can help provide sufficient time for the absorbent core to absorb the fluid, which is particularly helpful when it is already partially filled with fluid. Nevertheless, bodily fluids can still sometimes pool near the crests and/or troughs and result in leakage. To help counteract this tendency, the present inventors have discovered that a plurality of apertures can be employed in the topsheet that are arranged in a column that generally extends in a longitudinal direction of the article. At least a portion of the apertures are located proximate to contiguous crests and/or contiguous troughs of the embossed region. Without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that the registration of the apertures with contiguous crests and/or contiguous troughs of the embossed region puts them in a better position to receive bodily fluids that tend to pool around the embossed regions and thus reduce the likelihood of leakage.

Absorbent article containing apertures arranged in registration with an embossed wave pattern

In a body adhering absorbent article, an absorbent structure is configured for disposition adjacent a female wearer's vaginal region to absorb bodily fluids discharged by the wearer. A shell supports the absorbent structure at the vaginal region and has an adhesive on a body-facing surface thereof for adhering the shell directly to the wearer. A placement aid is disposed on at least one of the absorbent structure and the shell to facilitate placement on the wearer. Securement components may be provided for securing the article in a folded configuration during wear and/or to the wearer's undergarment. Detachment components may also be provided to facilitate detachment of the article from the wearer.

Body adhering absorbent article

A method of producing an absorbent body for an absorbent article having an absorbent body disposed generally centrally of the article and adapted for absorbing liquid body waste released by the wearer includes passing a first cut-out from a first web material through a nip, passing a second web material through the nip whereby the cut-out from the first web material overlays the second web material as the cut-out and the second web material pass through the nip, and performing one of the following as the cut-out from the first web material and the second material together pass through the nip: forming a fold line in the second web material at the peripheral edge of the cut-out of the first web material and forming a second cut-out from the second web material having substantially the same shape as the first cut-out from the first web material.

Absorbent body for an absorbent article and method of producing an absorbent body

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Kastl, Germany

Franz Aschenbrenner