Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.

Tom Russell Belau

Bernhardt Edward Kressner

Robert David Forrester

Michael John Flattum

Thomas David Ehlert

Mark Michael Mleziva

Timothy James Blenke

Alan Francis Schleinz

Richard Thomas Wehrle

David A Palzewicz

Paula Cardinahl Winkel

Daniel Marvin Nussbaum

Timothy Dale Ferguson

Rebecca Jean Kuepper

John Frederick Steffen

Alan F Schleinz

Rebecca J Kuepper

Soft point bonded nonwoven webs, and methods of making the same, are described that utilize a pattern of small, discrete bond points in a sequent pattern that together form macro-elements. The macro-elements are themselves positioned and aligned within a pattern such that mechanical stretching operations on the point bonded nonwoven webs yields soft and bulky fabrics but with reduced incidence of tearing or rupturing of the individual bond points.

Method of making a nonwoven web

The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles including one or more discrete components. Representative discrete components include the nonwoven layer of the outer cover, the barrier film layer of the outer cover, the absorbent core, the bodyside liner, fasteners, ears and attachment panels. The discrete components include a continuous detector material. A representative continuous detector material may be an optical brightener. The discrete components also include a masking block. The masking block may decrease or eliminate the detectable presence of an optical brightener.

Components of articles including continuous detector materials

The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles including one or more discrete components. Representative discrete components include the nonwoven layer of the outer cover, the absorbent core, the bodyside liner, fasteners, ears and attachment panels. The discrete components include a material having a Surface Topographic Variance value of 30 micrometers or greater. The material includes a printed block having a Printed Block Sensor Value that is about three times greater than a Sensor Value for the area of the material outside of the printed block.

Components of articles including contrasting printed blocks

The present invention provides a pattern-unbonded material that has at least two distinct regions. One region has different bond pattern than another region. The different bond pattern provides different, specific functionality or characteristics to the material. In an embodiment, the one region provides an optimal mechanical fastener, hook engagement. The different characteristics include, but are not limited to, opacity, tensile strength or stiffness. The different characteristics are provided by a bond pattern specific to the particular region. The outer regions, in an embodiment, are stronger and appear more substantial by being more opaque than or color-shifted relative to an inner region. The outer regions, in an embodiment, are not directly backed or supported by the garment to which the material is attached. Accordingly, it is important for the outer regions to provide adequate strength, stiffness, color, and opacity absent the garment backing the outer regions.

Pattern unbonded nonwoven web and process for making same

Disclosed is a process for producing a loop material suitable for use on a disposable garment. The process includes the following steps. Forming a woven loop material having a lubricating material thereon. The lubricating material is present on the woven loop material in an amount effective to assist in the formation of the woven loop material. The woven loop material is rinsed with a liquid to form a rinsed loop material. The rinsing process causes the amount of lubricating material on said woven loop material to be reduced. Finally, the rinsed loop material is attached to the disposable garment. A disposable absorbent garment including the rinsed loop material is also described.

Loop material for improved attachment to disposable garments

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Neenah, WI, United States of America

Tom Russell Belau