Kimberly-clark Worldwide, Inc.

Stephen David Franger

Marcille Faye Ruman

Sarah A Kleuskens

Peiguang Zhou

David Gerard Iwanski

Gary Alan Turchan

A multiple use absorbent article includes a chassis absorbent unit having a chassis topsheet, a chassis backsheet, and a chassis absorbent core sandwiched between the chassis topsheet and the chassis backsheet. The article also includes an absorbent insert bonded to the chassis absorbent unit, a removable portion of the absorbent insert configured to be selectively removable from the chassis absorbent unit. The absorbent insert further includes a line of weakness that provides for separation of the absorbent insert into a removable portion configured to be removed from the chassis absorbent unit, and a resident portion that remains bonded to the chassis absorbent unit, wherein the absorbent insert includes a removal device configured to assist a user in separating the removable portion of the absorbent insert from the chassis absorbent unit.

Fixed and removable absorbent cores for absorbent articles

A multiple use absorbent article includes a chassis absorbent unit having a chassis topsheet, a chassis backsheet, and a chassis absorbent core sandwiched between the chassis topsheet and the chassis backsheet. The article also includes an absorbent insert bonded to the chassis absorbent unit, a removable portion of the absorbent insert configured to be selectively removable from the chassis absorbent unit, wherein the absorbent insert includes an insert topsheet, an insert backsheet, and an insert absorbent core sandwiched between the insert topsheet and the insert backsheet. The absorbent insert further includes a line of weakness that provides for separation of the absorbent insert into a removable portion configured to be removed from the chassis absorbent unit, and a resident portion that remains bonded to the chassis absorbent unit.

Manufacturing a multiple use absorbent article includes producing an absorbent article having a liquid permeable chassis topsheet, a liquid impermeable chassis backsheet, and a chassis absorbent core sandwiched between the chassis topsheet and the chassis backsheet. The method also includes producing an absorbent insert having an insert topsheet, an insert backsheet, and an insert absorbent core. The method also includes producing a separable line of weakness within or adjacent to the peripheral sealing region, and bonding the insert backsheet to the chassis topsheet, wherein the line of weakness provides for separation of the absorbent insert into a removable portion configured to be removed from the chassis absorbent unit, and a resident portion that remains bonded to the chassis absorbent unit.

A laminate of nonwoven materials having fine particulate matter attached thereto is made with a lamination process capable of supplying up to about 60 gsm of particulate matter to a substrate. The particulate matter may be applied to the substrate using a powder coating apparatus. The laminate may be used in personal absorbent articles such as diapers, feminine pads, bandages, bed pads, and the like.

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Neenah, WI, United States of America

Stephen David Franger