Patterned embossed nonwoven fabric, cloth-like liquid barrier material and method for making same
AssigneeKimberly-Clark Corporation
InventorsRichard S. Yeo, Duane G. Uitenbroek, Jennifer R. Powers
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A patterned nonwoven fabric comprising polymeric strands which include a primary polymeric component and are bonded together without the use of compression, but instead with a heat activated adhesive polymeric component which adheres the respective primary components together. The fabric has an embossed pattern of densified areas separated by high loft areas. Preferably, the strands are continuous, crimped, multicomponent filaments. Also preferably, the nonwoven fabric is laminated to a liquid barrier film to form an outercover material for products such as personal care absorbent articles, and the like. Methods for making these materials are also encompassed.
Claims14
Process for making nonwoven fabric comprising the steps of:
- a. melt-spinning continuous spunbond polymeric filaments;
- b. drawing the continuous filaments;
- c. quenching the filaments;
- d. thereafter, collecting the drawn filaments on a moving forming surface to form a nonwoven fabric web of continuous filaments;
- e. bonding together the filaments of the web with a heat-activated polymeric adhesive to integrate the web without the application of pressure;
- and
- f. embossing the web wtih a pattern of densified areas separated by high-loft areas which are uncompressed other than by said embossing step with the result that the densified areas have a luster which contrast with the flat appearance of the high-loft areas so that the embossed pattern of the fabric is clearly visible.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.