Kimberly-clark Corporation

Kimberly-clark Worldwide, Inc.

Belland Ag

Philip A Sasse

Richard Daniel Pike

Debra Hartley Durrance

Lawrence Howell Sawyer

Henry Louis Griesbach, Iii

Ruth Lisa Levy

Sharon W Gwaltney

Richard Macferran Shane

Glenn A Taylor

Susan Carol Paul

Ty Jackson Stokes

Samuel Edward Marmon

Henry L Griesbach

Lawrence James Romano, Iii

Billy Dean Arnold

Edward Jason White

Stephen Harding Primm

Eric Mitchell Johns

David George Crowther

The present invention is directed to a matched permeability liner/absorbent structure system, suitable for use in absorbent articles, in which the permeability of the bodyside liner is correlated with the permeability of the subjacent layer of the absorbent structure, such as a surge layer. The inventors have observed that by appropriately matching the permeability of the liner material to the permeability of the subjacent layer, liquid intake performance of the liner and subjacent layer materials can exceed liquid intake performance of the subjacent layer material alone. Thus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the permeability of the bodyside liner is set within a specified range of that of the subjacent layer such that the liner/subjacent layer liquid intake performance is improved. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the permeability of the bodyside liner is matched to or correlated with the permeability of the subjacent layer such that the liner/subjacent layer liquid intake performance is improved at least about 50 percent over the liquid intake performance of the subjacent layer alone. In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, the permeability of the liner material is matched to or correlated with the permeability of the subjacent layer such that liquid intake performance of the liner/subjacent layer combination is improved at least about 65 percent over the liquid intake performance of the subjacent layer alone. As disclosed herein, by properly selecting the permeability of the liner material, as compared with the permeability of the subjacent layer material, the liquid intake rate of the liner material not only does not limit or inhibit liquid intake into the subjacent layer and underlying components of the absorbent structure, but provides an unexpected increase in liquid intake performance over that of the subjacent layer alone. The bodyside liner and subjacent layer can suitably be formed of fibrous nonwoven webs.

Matched permeability liner/absorbent structure system for absorbent

Side-by-side conjugate filaments made from thermoplastic elastomers and spunbond-type polyolefins exhibit an extremely high propensity to self-crimp. At appropriate polymer ratios and processing conditions (with mechanical or aerodynamical drawing) the crimp develops spontaneously after relaxation of the attenuation force. The amount of crimp and the degree of elastic properties depend on the elastomer content and the processing conditions. The resulting crimp is typically in the range of 25-200 crimps per inch. This combination of exceptionally high crimp and an elastomer component imparts stretch and recovery properties. The filaments can be wrapped around a cylindrical supporting structure to create a continuous, seamless elastic band, useful for body-fit articles.

Method of making a seamless tubular band

The disclosed invention relates to split fibers and improved means and methods for obtaining them as well as their use in nonwovens and incorporation into personal care and other products. Multicomponent filaments are formed including at least two incompatible components. These filaments are drawn under hot aqueous, for example, steam, conditions causing them to split into fibers containing the incompatible components. These fibers are collected as a fine fiber nonwoven which finds utility as a component of sanitary napkins, diapers and other products.

Process for producing fine fibers and fabrics thereof

The present invention provides a splittable conjugate fiber containing at least two incompatible polymers that are arranged in distinct segments across the cross-section of the fiber, wherein the segments are continuous along the length of the fiber. The fiber can be characterized in that the segments of the fiber dissociate in less than about 30 seconds when contacted with a hot aqueous fibrillation-inducing medium. The invention also provides a fabric containing the split fibers produced from the precursor splittable conjugate fiber and laminates containing the split fiber fabric. Additionally provided is a process for producing the split fibers.

Fine denier fibers and fabrics made therefrom

There is provided a process which comprises the step of subjecting a just produced spunbond web to a high flow rate, heated stream of air across substantially the width of the web to very lightly bond the fibers of the web together. Such bonding should be the minimum necessary in order to satisfy the needs of further processing yet not detrimentally affect the web. The fibers of the web may be monocomponent or biconstituent and the web should be substantially free of adhesives and not subjected to compaction rolls.

Compaction-free method of increasing the integrity of a nonwoven web

A shaped nonwoven fabric comprises continuous spunbond filaments made by directly forming the spunbond filaments into a web in a single process. The fabric has an array of discrete surface features such as apertures or projections, or both. The spunbond filaments are bonded together with an adhesive polymeric component so that the shape of the fabric is retained. The fabric can be engineered to have particular fluid handling properties, strength properties, abrasive properties and aesthetic properties. Articles such as personal care products, garments, medical products and cleaning products are also disclosed.

Shaped nonwoven fabric

Method for making shaped nonwoven fabric

The properties of (meth)acrylic ester/(meth)acrylic acid copolymer webs, such as films and nonwovens, are improved by blending the ester/acid copolymer with a copolymer of ethylene and acrylic acid. The copolymer blend provides a polymeric material which is useful for making personal care products such as diapers and feminine pads in that it can be made water-soluble while exhibiting other properties which are necessary for adequate product performance.

Environmentally friendly polymeric web compositions

The properties of (meth)acrylic ester/(meth)acrylic acid copolymer webs, such as films and nonwovens, are improved by blending the ester/acid copolymer with a modified polyolefin, such as an ethylene/(meth)acrylic acid copolymer and/or a styrene/butadiene block copolymer, and a polyether block amide copolymer. The copolymer blend provides a polymeric material which is useful for making personal care products such as diapers and feminine pads in that it can be made water-soluble in alkaline solutions while exhibiting other properties which are necessary for adequate product performance. Such materials are also useful for packaging products, such as film for plastic bags and the like.

Polymeric web compositions having improved alkaline solubility

Polymeric web compositions having improved alkaline solubility for use

The properties of (meth)acrylic ester/(meth)acrylic acid copolymer webs, such as films and nonwovens, are improved by blending the ester/acid copolymer with polyethylene glycol. The polymer blend provides a polymeric material which is useful for making personal care products such as diapers and feminine pads in that it can be made water-soluble while exhibiting other properties which are necessary for adequate product performance.

Polymeric web compositions for use in absorbent articles

The properties of (meth)acrylic ester/(meth)acrylic acid copolymer webs, such as films and nonwovens, are improved by blending the ester/acid copolymer with polyethylene glyocl. The polymer blend provides a polymeric material which is useful for making personal care porducts such as diapers and feminine pads in that it can be made water-soluble while exhibiting other properties which are necessary for adequate product performance.

Growing community of inventors

Alpharetta, GA, United States of America

Philip A Sasse