Dual-zoned absorbent webs

Patent 6395957 Issued on May 28, 2002. Estimated Expiration Date:

July 14, 2019. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

2391621

2576914

3020178

3165485

3224926

3287149

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Inventors

Assignee

Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.

Application

No. 353278 filed on 07/14/1999

US Classes:

604/381, Layer coated or treated to decrease absorbency442/79, Coating or impregnation specified as water repellent442/86, Coating or impregnation is specified as water proof604/385.01Having specific design, shape, or structural feature

Examiners

Primary: Ruhl, Dennis

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Croft; Gregory E.

Foreign Patent References

0 353 972 EP 02/12/1990
0 677 612 EP 10/12/1995
3-185197 JP 08/12/1991
WO 95/13773 WO 05/12/1995
WO 95/13774 WO 05/12/1995
WO97/18784 WO 05/12/1997
WO 97/18784 WO. 05/12/1997
WO 97/48854 WO. 12/12/1997

International Class

A61F 013/15

Abstract

A dual-zoned, three-dimensional, resilient absorbent web is disclosed which is suitable as body-side liner for absorbent articles such as feminine pads, diapers and the like. When used as a liner in absorbent articles, the dual-zoned web combines the advantages of apertured films and soft, nonwoven cover layers in one structure while still being inherently hydrophilic. The liner comprises a web of wet-resilient, hydrophilic basesheet having a three-dimensional topography comprising elevated regions onto which hydrophobic matter is deposited or printed and a plurality of spaced apart depressed regions. In a preferred embodiment, the hydrophobic matter applied to the elevated regions of the basesheet comprises hydrophobic fibers in a contiguous nonwoven web which has been apertured or provided with slits or other openings, such that the apertures or openings overlay a portion of the depressed regions. The elevated hydrophobic regions enhance dry feel and promote fluid flow toward the lower hydrophilic regions, which comprise the exposed depressed regions of the basesheet. The basesheet is preferably in liquid communication with underlying absorbent material, most preferably a stabilized airlaid cellulosic material or compressed stabilized fluff such that the absorbent material can wick fluid out of the basesheet by capillary action. When soft, hydrophobic fibers are deposited on the elevated regions, the liner also has a soft, cloth-like feel in addition to a dry feel in use.

Other References

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