US 5,906,879 A · Ultra resilient three-dimensional nonwoven fiber material and process for producing the same

Ultra resilient three-dimensional nonwoven fiber material and process for producing the same

AssigneeKimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.

InventorsAndrew Edsel Huntoon, Mary Garvie Weber, Gordon Allen Shaw, Marshall Kenneth Bryant, Mark George Everson, Gerald Lewis Clark, Wanda Walton Jackson, Susan Marie Vanage, Mark Charles Jacobs, Pamela Jean Mayberry, James Arthur Davis, Douglas Bryan Cole, Stanley Michael Gryskiewicz, Ann Louise McCormack, Richard Daniel Pike, Leslie Warren Collier, IV, Frank Andrew Rosch, III, Scott Richard Lange

Life of this patent

Estimating the term…

Abstract

A 3-dimension thermoformed bicomponent fiber nonwoven material comprising a lofty bicomponent material layer forming a plurality of peaks separated from one another by channels and having a basis weight in the range of about 0.5 to 7.0 ounces per square yard. The bicomponent material layer comprises a structural component and a heat activatable adhesive component suitable for thermoforming. Also disclosed are various configurations of this material suitable for use in absorbent personal care articles such as sanitary napkins, disposable diapers, incontinent-care pads and the like.

Claims40

Dependent claims

A 3-dimensional thermoformed bicomponent fiber nonwoven material comprising:

a lofty bicomponent material layer forming a plurality of peaks, said peaks separated from one another by channels, and having a basis weight in a range of about 0.5 to 7.0 osy, and said bicomponent layer comprising a structural component and a heat-activatable adhesive component suitable for thermoforming.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application

08/847,649Filed 30 Apr 1997

Granted

25 May 1999

Term ends

Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification20 codes

A61F 13/15731
Mechanical treatment, e.g. notching, twisting, compressing, shaping: treating webs, e.g. for giving them a fibrelike appearance, e.g. by embossing
A61F 13/51121
Topsheet, i.e. the permeable cover or layer facing the skin: characterised by the material
D04H 1/407
From fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties: containing absorbing substances, e.g. activated carbon
D04H 1/541
By welding together the fibres, e.g. by partially melting or dissolving: composite fibres, e.g. sheath-core, sea-island or side-by-side; Mixed fibres