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US 12,569,378 B2Granted
Responsive absorbent articles
AssigneeKimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
InventorStephen M. Lindsay
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Described herein are responsive absorbent articles. The responsive absorbent articles are capable of producing unique topographies and features upon wetting that add or enhance functionality as compared to conventional absorbent articles. Compositions and methods described herein are useful in a variety of absorbent products.
Claims20
An absorbent article comprising:
- an absorbent core comprising a superabsorbent material;
- and
- a stability layer;
- wherein the absorbent core is heterogeneously attached to the stability layer;
- wherein upon wetting, the absorbent core swells in a lateral direction by at least about 20% such that the wetted absorbent core presents a responsive topography feature in a location where the absorbent core is not heterogeneously attached to the stability layer, wherein the swelling is such that the absorbent core is not in contact with the stability layer at locations where the absorbent core is not attached to the stability layer;
- and
- wherein the lateral direction is a cross machine direction.
4 more elements
A method of producing an absorbent article comprising:
- an absorbent core comprising a superabsorbent material;
- and
- a stability layer;
- wherein the absorbent core is heterogeneously attached to the stability layer;
- wherein upon wetting, the absorbent core swells in a lateral direction by at least about 20% such that the wetted absorbent core presents a responsive topography feature in a location where the absorbent core is not heterogeneously attached to the stability layer, wherein the swelling is such that the absorbent core is not in contact with the stability layer at locations where the absorbent core is not attached to the stability layer;
- and
- wherein the lateral direction is a cross machine direction,
- the method comprising:
- heterogeneously coupling the absorbent core to the stability layer.
6 more elements
A method of using an absorbent article comprising:
- an absorbent core comprising a superabsorbent material;
- and
- a stability layer;
- wherein the absorbent core is heterogeneously attached to the stability layer;
- wherein upon wetting, the absorbent core swells by at least about 20% in a lateral direction such that the wetted absorbent core presents a responsive topography feature in a location where the absorbent core is not heterogeneously attached to the stability layer, wherein the swelling is such that the absorbent core is not in contact with the stability layer at locations where the absorbent core is not attached to the stability layer;
- and
- wherein the lateral direction is a cross machine direction,
- the method comprising using the absorbent article in a consumer product.
5 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.