Kimberly-clark Corporation

Kimberly-clark Worldwide, Inc.

Thomas J Kopacz

Teresa Marie Zander

Alan Edward Wright

William A Georger

Gregory A Zelazoski

Mark F Jones

Timothy James Blenke

Yvette Lynn Hammonds

Paulette Mary Rosch

Mark George Everson

Annamaria Cesco-Cancian

Charles J Jacoby

Embodiments of the invention provide method for producing an internally-tufted laminate adapted to provide improved softness and cloth-like feel. In one embodiment, a process for producing a polymeric layer comprises forcing polymeric fibers through a forming surface to produce the polymeric layer, the polymeric layer having a plurality of projections, each projection surrounded by a valley.

Methods for producing internally-tufted laminates

The present invention provides an internally-tufted laminate adapted to provide improved softness and cloth-like feel.

Internally tufted laminates

Wipe

Top surface of a paper product

Top surface of a wipe

A wet wipe having an improved dispensability and a method of producing the same are described. The wet wipe defines a pair of opposite end edges. At least a portion of one of the end edges is configured in a non-linear pattern which is adapted to facilitate a dispensing of the wet wipe. The end edge of the wet wipe which is configured in the non-linear pattern is further configured to provide a peel force of no more than 50 grams and a peel force ratio of at least 1.1. The wet wipe is also configured to provide an average dispensing force of no more than 10 grams and a dispensing force ratio of at least 1.1.

Wet wipes having improved dispensability

Disclosed is an abrasion resistant fibrous nonwoven structure composed of (1) a matrix of meltblown fibers having a first exterior surface, a second exterior surface, and an interior portion; and (2) at least one other fibrous material integrated into the meltblown fiber matrix so that the concentration of meltblown fibers adjacent each exterior surface of the nonwoven structure is at least about 60 percent, by weight, and the concentration of meltblown fibers in the interior portion is less than about 40 percent, by weight. This fibrous nonwoven structure provides useful strength and low-lint characteristics as well as an abrasion resistance that is at least about 25 percent greater than that of homogenous mixture of the same components. The fibrous nonwoven structure of the present invention may be used as a moist wipe.

Abrasion resistant fibrous nonwoven composite structure

Embossed wipe

Embossed wipe or similar article

A refastenable tape member (20) for disposable garments comprising a stationary release element (50) secured to the garment, a secondary tape element (30) including an adhesive layer (33) with a portion (34) adhered to the garment and another portion (35) free thereof, and a primary tape element (40) having a lower surface (44) with a major portion (A) releasably joined to the secondary tape element and a minor portion (B) adhesively bonded to the secondary tape element. The primary tape element (40) has an adhesive layer (43) which is releasably joined to the stationary release element (50) when in a storage position. To effect the first closure of the garment, the primary tape element (40) is separated from the release element (50); the adhesive bond between the secondary and primary tape elements (30, 40) along minor portion (B) assures dependable separation of the primary tape element (40) from the release element (50) for this purpose. The secondary tape element (30) is used for second and subsequent closures of the garment.

Refastenable tape system for disposable diapers and similar garments

A tape delivery system useful for applying a plastic tape to a sheet of scrim reinforced tube stock is disclosed. Tape forming techniques are employed to shape a length of plastic tape and to apply that tape to a bottom margin region of the tube stock material to form a scrim reinforced open-mouth container bag.

Tape delivery system

An in-line vertical-to-horizontal conveying system useful for transferring flexible sheet material from a vertical location to a horizontal position is disclosed. A triangular shaped material transition board means is utilized to effect the transfers. Further, hold-down bars and endless belts are used to maintain continuous flow of the sheets over a surface of the transition board means.

Growing community of inventors

Omro, WI, United States of America

Thomas J Kopacz