Crystal A Leach

US Patent:

60228180, Feb 8, 2000

Filed:

Apr 2, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/627837

Inventors:

Debra Nell Welchel - Woodstock GA
Eric Scott Kepner - Woodstock GA
Crystal Sutphin Leach - Roswell GA

Assignee:

Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. - Neenah WI

International Classification:

A61F 1346
B32B 508
B32B 526
B32B 530

US Classification:

442384

Abstract:

Disclosed herein is an entangled nonwoven composite made from absorbent fibers such as wood pulp fibers and matrix fibers such as polyolefin staple fibers. The absorbent fibers are entangled with the matrix fibers in such a manner so that the composite has an absorbent-rich side and a matrix-rich side. Intermediate the two exterior sides there is an entangled interior portion made from a mixture of the absorbent and matrix fibers. The composite is particularly well-suited for use in multifunctional handling of fluids such as, for example, body fluids which are absorbed by personal care absorbent articles. The matrix fiber portion of the composite acts as a fluid intake region while the absorbent fiber portion acts as a fluid retention region and the portion of the composite intermediate the two exterior surfaces acts as a fluid transfer region.

US Patent:

60606363, May 9, 2000

Filed:

Aug 1, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/905264

Inventors:

Ali Yahiaoui - Roswell GA
Jack Nelson Lindon - Alpharetta GA
Arthur Edward Garavaglia - Alpharetta GA
Crystal Sutphin Leach - Atlanta GA
Connie Lynn Hetzler - Alpharetta GA
Garry Roland Woltman - Neenah WI
David Charles Potts - Dunwoody GA

Assignee:

Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. - Neenah WI

International Classification:

A61F 1315

US Classification:

604367

Abstract:

Disclosed is an improved structure that includes a nonwoven web including a viscoelastant treatment. The treated web, when contacted by a viscoelastic fluid such as menses alters the viscoelastic properties of the fluid and enhances its wicking and distribution throughout the absorbent structure. A desirable viscoelastant is a alkyl polyglycoside, particularly those having 8 to 10 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain. When applied so as to provide an amount of about 0. 1% to about 5. 0% solids add-on based on the weight of the dry nonwoven web, rapid fluid wicking and distribution may be obtained. Other viscoelastants are disclosed. Advantageously the treatment may be applied as a high solids composition using conventional application means such as spray coaters and the like or as an internal additive. The absorbent structure finds particular utility as a distribution layer component of a sanitary napkin for absorbing menses as well as other blood handling products such as surgical drapes, for example.