Kimberly-clark Worldwide, Inc.

Jason K Wehner

Michael Tod Morman

Michael John Faulks

David Michael Schertz

James Russell Fitts, Jr

Charles John Morell

Howard Martin Welch

Jay Sheldon Shultz

John Edward Kerins

Donald V Willitts

Thomas Kremer

Leslie D Dobbins

Jessica M Rawls

A method to reduce the noise produced by movement of a substrate is disclosed. One embodiment of the method includes applying a noise-reducing coating material at an add-on rate of at least about three grams per square meter to a target region of a first surface of a substrate so as to substantially completely coat the target area, wherein the noise-reducing coating material comprises a polymeric material. Also disclosed is a reduced-noise composite material that can be employed in a disposable personal care device. The reduced-noise composite material can include a substrate layer which defines a first surface having a surface area and a target area, and a noise-reducing layer which substantially completely coats the target region. The noise-reducing layer has a basis weight of at least about three grams per square meter. Also disclosed is a reduced-noise disposable personal care device, which may in particular embodiments be a disposable absorbent article. One embodiment of the disposable absorbent article includes a body-side liner and a garment-side outer cover. The outer cover includes a liquid-impermeable substrate layer comprised of a thermoplastic, polymeric material and which defines a first surface having a surface area and a target area. The outer cover further includes a noise-reducing layer which substantially completely coats the target region, and which has a basis weight of at least about three grams per square meter. The disposable absorbent article further includes an absorbent assembly disposed between the body-side liner and the garment-side outer cover.

Reduced-noise composite materials and disposable personal care devices employing same

New methods for and patterns of applying meltsprayed materials in single-layer web and laminate constructions so as to control various characteristics in the webs and laminates is provided. The patterns of adhesive produce scrim or cell-like patterns that allow for control of desirable characteristics. For example, the loft of a laminate may be enhanced, as well as strength properties.

Laminate and web characteristic control by varying bonding patterns

An absorbent swimwear garment having a fluid draining mechanism included in the layers of the garment. The swimwear garment includes a body side liner, an outer cover, and an absorbent assembly between the body side liner and the outer cover. Between the absorbent assembly and the outer cover is a layer of water-dispersible material, such as a film or a nonwoven web, coated on a surface facing the absorbent assembly with a barrier coating. During initial product use, the absorbent swimwear garment is able to contain urine and bowel movements, similar to ordinary diapers and training pants. When the swimwear garment is submersed in swim water, such as pool or lake water, the water-dispersible material becomes soluble and allows swim water, but not bowel movements, to drain out through the outer cover of the garment.

Swimwear with fluid draining mechanism

Disclosed is the use of an adhesive to prepare a disposable absorbent product intended for the absorption of liquids such as body liquids. It is generally desired that the adhesive exhibits a storage modulus greater than about 1.times.10.sup.8 dynes per square centimeter across the temperature range of about 0.degree. F. to about 130.degree. F. The use of such an adhesive results in a reduced visibility of the adhesive through the outer sheets, such as breathable films, of a disposable absorbent product to a wearer or user, thereby improving the aesthetics of the disposable absorbent product.

Adhesive for use in disaposable absorbent products

Growing community of inventors

Oak Lawn, IL, United States of America

Jason K Wehner