US20040040650A1 - Cross-machine-direction nested absorbent pads with minimal waste geometries - Google Patents
Cross-machine-direction nested absorbent pads with minimal waste geometries Download PDFInfo
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- US20040040650A1 US20040040650A1 US10/233,331 US23333102A US2004040650A1 US 20040040650 A1 US20040040650 A1 US 20040040650A1 US 23333102 A US23333102 A US 23333102A US 2004040650 A1 US2004040650 A1 US 2004040650A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- pads
- absorbent
- nested
- web material
- pad
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
- A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
- A61F13/15577—Apparatus or processes for manufacturing
- A61F13/15707—Mechanical treatment, e.g. notching, twisting, compressing, shaping
- A61F13/15723—Partitioning batts; Cutting
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
- A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
- A61F13/15577—Apparatus or processes for manufacturing
- A61F13/15707—Mechanical treatment, e.g. notching, twisting, compressing, shaping
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
- B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
- B26D3/00—Cutting work characterised by the nature of the cut made; Apparatus therefor
- B26D3/10—Making cuts of other than simple rectilinear form
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
- B26F—PERFORATING; PUNCHING; CUTTING-OUT; STAMPING-OUT; SEVERING BY MEANS OTHER THAN CUTTING
- B26F1/00—Perforating; Punching; Cutting-out; Stamping-out; Apparatus therefor
- B26F1/38—Cutting-out; Stamping-out
- B26F1/44—Cutters therefor; Dies therefor
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H35/00—Delivering articles from cutting or line-perforating machines; Article or web delivery apparatus incorporating cutting or line-perforating devices, e.g. adhesive tape dispensers
- B65H35/04—Delivering articles from cutting or line-perforating machines; Article or web delivery apparatus incorporating cutting or line-perforating devices, e.g. adhesive tape dispensers from or with transverse cutters or perforators
- B65H35/08—Delivering articles from cutting or line-perforating machines; Article or web delivery apparatus incorporating cutting or line-perforating devices, e.g. adhesive tape dispensers from or with transverse cutters or perforators from or with revolving, e.g. cylinder, cutters or perforators
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H2801/00—Application field
- B65H2801/57—Diaper manufacture
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T156/00—Adhesive bonding and miscellaneous chemical manufacture
- Y10T156/10—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor
- Y10T156/1052—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor with cutting, punching, tearing or severing
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T156/00—Adhesive bonding and miscellaneous chemical manufacture
- Y10T156/10—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor
- Y10T156/1052—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor with cutting, punching, tearing or severing
- Y10T156/1056—Perforating lamina
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
- Y10T428/24—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.]
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
- Y10T428/24—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.]
- Y10T428/24777—Edge feature
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T83/00—Cutting
- Y10T83/465—Cutting motion of tool has component in direction of moving work
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T83/00—Cutting
- Y10T83/647—With means to convey work relative to tool station
- Y10T83/664—Roller
- Y10T83/6648—Continuous conveying during, cutting; e.g., straw cutting
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T83/00—Cutting
- Y10T83/707—By endless band or chain knife
- Y10T83/7158—Including plural cutting zones
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to the field of forming shaped absorbent pad structures from an absorbent web, the pads being suitable for use in disposable absorbent articles such as diapers, child's training pants, feminine care articles, incontinence articles, swim pants, and the like.
- absorbent pad structure for absorbing and wicking away bodily fluids.
- the absorbent pads are conventionally formed from an absorbent web, typically a nonwoven fibrous web material formed by known techniques.
- the absorbent web may be formed by employing conventional air forming techniques wherein fibers and typically a superabsorbent material are mixed and entrained in an air stream and then directed onto a forming surface to form the web. The absorbent web may then be directed for further processing and assembly with other components to produce a final absorbent product.
- preformed absorbent web sheets or layers are delivered into a manufacturing line from a preformed supply, such as a supply roll.
- the sheets or layers have been separated into adjacent strips having various configurations of repeat pattern “nested” shapes wherein the shape of one strip is substantially nested with the shape of at least one immediately adjacent strip.
- Absorbent web material formed on a remote base machine and supplied to the manufacturing line from a roll or other supply form generally has a significant cost disadvantage as compared to air laid webs formed on a converting machine.
- the trim waste With the air laid web, the trim waste can be immediately recycled by returning the waste to the upstream fiberizing equipment.
- the geographical separation of the base machine makes recycling of the trim waste impractical and often cost prohibitive.
- the nesting feature mentioned above has been desirable to reduce the amount of waste that is generated from the supply (roll) of absorbent web It has been recognized that particular nested strip shapes can be more readily adapted to high-speed manufacturing processes.
- the more easily processed strip-shapes have a repeat pattern that is substantially symmetrical with respect to their longitudinal dimension, the shapes being arranged longitudinally in the machine-direction of the web.
- a single cycle of the repeat pattern provides an individual web segment wherein the shape of a first lengthwise half portion of the segment substantially matches the shape of the longitudinally opposed other half portion.
- longitudinally symmetric pads have been shown, in certain application, to be less desirable from an end product fit, comfort, and performance aspects.
- absorbent pads from web segments that are longitudinally-asymmetric. With such a construction, the resulting pads may provide improved product fit, comfort, and performance.
- the dividing of an absorbent web into strips having a nested pattern shape of longitudinally asymmetric segments generates a significant amount of trim waste, particularly along the machine-direction sides of the absorbent web.
- the present invention provides a method for producing longitudinally asymmetric nested pad structures in a continuous absorbent web wherein there is virtually zero waste of the web material.
- the present invention provides an improved method for making absorbent pads having a longitudinally asymmetric shape.
- Such pads may be used in various applications of disposable consumer absorbent articles, such as diapers, child's training pants, feminine care articles, incontinence articles, swim pants, and the like.
- the pads are longitudinally asymmetric in that the back portion has a different shape or configuration as compared to the crotch or front portion of the pad.
- longitudinally asymmetric pads of this type have proven to be superior with respect to product fit, comfort, and performance as compared to longitudinally symmetric pads.
- the present method provides a technique for mass producing such pads from a continuous strip of absorbent web material in a manner so that there is virtually zero waste of the web material.
- the absorbent web material is delivered in the form of a continuous strip or series of adjacent strips, for example from a supply roll, in a machine-direction flow.
- the parallel sides of the strip of material lie in the machine-direction.
- the absorbent web material is cut in a cross-direction to form a repeating nested pattern of cross-directional and generally identically shaped pads.
- the pads are nested in that any two adjacent pads forming a nested pair are oriented in longitudinally opposite directions in the cross-direction of the absorbent web.
- the longitudinal centerline of the pads lies generally perpendicular to the machine-direction of the web material.
- the pads are defined by cross-directional cuts such that the crotch portion of one pad is oriented towards the back portions of immediately adjacent pads. Adjacent nested pads share common defining cut lines such that there is no wastage of absorbent material between the nested pads.
- Each pad is longitudinally asymmetric with respect to the crotch and back portions.
- the back portion of the pads includes ears that define the widest width of the pad, with a smaller width crotch section extending longitudinally from the ears and back portion.
- the individual absorbent pads are defined across the strip of absorbent web material such that each pad has a longitudinal length that is less than the cross-directional width of the web material.
- a nested pair of the absorbent pads has a combined nested longitudinal length that is equal to the cross-directional width of the web material.
- the absorbent pads may be generally T-shaped with a back ear portion having a width measured in the machine-direction that is about twice that of the center crotch portion.
- the pads are symmetrical about a longitudinal centerline axis therethrough. In other words, the pads can be symmetrically folded lengthwise.
- the back ear portion may have a height defined by a cross-directional cut line that is shared by the next commonly oriented pad in the repeating pattern.
- all of the pads having the crotch portions oriented in one direction would have adjacent ears defined by a common cross-directional cut line.
- the oppositely oriented or nested pads have crotch portions nested against the ears of their respective adjacent pads.
- the cut line defining the ears of adjacent commonly oriented pads corresponds to the longitudinal centerline of the pad nested therebetween.
- the crotch portion has a first longitudinally extending section having a first width, this section diverging along lines into a longitudinally extending second section having a second greater width.
- the pads are still symmetrical about their longitudinal centerline axis.
- the diverging lines between the first width section and the second width section have a center point through which the machine-direction centerline axis of the strip of web material passes. This line may be straight or sinusoidal.
- the sides of the crotch section along the first width and second greater width sections may be generally parallel.
- the absorbent pads are defined with cross-directional cuts such that each pad has a longitudinal length equal to the cross-directional width of the strip of absorbent web material.
- a single cross-directional cut line defines a common longitudinal side of adjacent nested pads. These pads may have a back ear portion with a center crotch portion extending longitudinally therefrom. An angle of divergence is defined at a cut line between the crotch portion and the ear portion that corresponds to the same angle for the immediately adjacent and oppositely oriented pad.
- This cut line may be generally straight or sinusoidal, and has a center point through which the machine-direction centerline axis of the strip of web material passes.
- FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a strip of absorbent web material being cut into a repeating pattern of nested cross-directionally disposed absorbent pads.
- FIG. 2 shows a representative top view of an alternate embodiment of an alternating pattern nested configuration according to the present method.
- FIG. 3 is a representative top view of the repeating nested pattern configuration illustrated in FIG. 1.
- FIG. 4 shows a representative top view of still another embodiment of a repeating nested configuration according to the invention.
- FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of an in-line processing method that may incorporate features of the present invention.
- the present method is particularly suited for the manufacture of pad structures from a web of absorbent material, the pads intended for use in various disposable consumer absorbent products.
- Such products include, but are not limited to, diapers, child's training pants, feminine care articles, incontinence articles, swim pants, and the like.
- the invention is not limited to any particular type or composition of absorbent web material, and may be practiced with any suitable absorbent web material known to those skilled in the art.
- the absorbent web material may include any structure and combination of components which are generally compressible, conformable, non-irritating to a wearer's skin, and capable of absorbing and retaining liquids and certain body wastes.
- the absorbent web material may include cellulosic fibers (e.g., wood pulp fibers), other natural fibers, synthetic fibers, woven or nonwoven sheets, scrim netting or other stabilizing structures, superabsorbent material, binder materials, surfactants, selected hydrophobic materials, pigments, lotions, odor control agents or the like, as well as combinations thereof.
- the absorbent web material is a matrix of cellulosic fluff and superabsorbent hydrogel-forming particles.
- the cellulosic fluff may comprise a blend of wood pulp fluff.
- One suitable type of fluff is identified with the trade designation CR 1654, available from U.S. Alliance Corp.
- the superabsorbent material is present in the absorbent web in an amount of from about 5 to about 90 weight percent based on total weight of the web.
- the web may have a density, for example, within the range of about 0.10 to about 0.35 grams per cubic centimeter.
- Superabsorbent materials are well known in the art and can be selected from natural, synthetic, and modified natural polymers and materials.
- the superabsorbent materials can be inorganic materials, such as silica gels, or organic compounds, such as crosslinked polymers.
- a suberabsorbent material is capable of absorbing at least about 15 times its weight in liquid, and desirably is capable of absorbing more than about 25 times its weight in liquid.
- Suitable superabsorbent materials are readily available from various suppliers. For example, Favor SXM 880 superabsorbent is available from Stockhausen, Inc., of Greensboro, N.C., USA; and Drytech 2035 is available from Dow Chemical Company, of Midland Mich., USA.
- the individual absorbent pads may be partially or wholly wrapped or encompassed by a suitable tissue wrap that aids in maintaining the integrity and shape of the pad.
- the absorbent materials may be formed into a web structure by employing various conventional methods and techniques.
- the absorbent web may be formed with a dry-forming technique, an airlaying technique, a wet-forming technique, a foam-forming technique, or the like, as well as combinations thereof. Methods and apparatus for carrying out such techniques are well known in the art.
- the absorbent web material may also be a coform material.
- coform material generally refers to composite materials comprising a mixture or stabilized matrix of thermoplastic fibers and a second non-thermoplastic material.
- coform materials may be made by a process in which at least one meltblown die head is arranged near a chute through which other materials are added to the web while it is forming.
- Such other materials may include, but are not limited to, fibrous organic materials such as woody or non-woody pulp such as cotton, rayon, recycled paper, pulp fluff and also superabsorbent particles, inorganic absorbent materials, treated polymeric staple fibers and the like. Any of a variety of synthetic polymers may be utilized as the melt-spun component of the coform material.
- thermoplastic polymers can be utilized.
- suitable thermoplastics include polyolefins, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene and the like; polyamides; and polyesters.
- the thermoplastic polymer is polypropylene.
- coform materials are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,100,324 to Anderson, et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,284,703 to Everhart, et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,350,624 to Georger, et al.; which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference thereto for all purposes.
- the absorbent web material can be provided with an absorbent capacity of at least about 8 g/g employing 0.9 wt % saline (8 grams of 0.9 wt % saline per gram of absorbent web).
- the absorbent capacity of the absorbent web can alternatively be at least about 9 g/g, and can optionally be at least about 10 g/g to provide improved benefits. Additionally, the absorbent capacity may be up to about 50 g/g, or more, to provide desired performance.
- the web of absorbent material can be provided with a tensile strength value of at least about 1 N/cm (Newtons per cm of “width” of the material, where the “width” direction is perpendicular to the applied force).
- the tensile strength of the absorbent web can alternatively be at least about 1.5 N/cm, and can optionally be at least about 2 N/cm to provide improved benefits.
- the web of absorbent material can be provided with a tensile strength value of up to a maximum of about 100 N/cm, or more.
- the tensile strength of the absorbent web can alternatively be up to about 10 N/cm, and can optionally be up to about 20 N/cm to provide improved benefits.
- the selected tensile strength should provide adequate processibility of the web throughout the manufacturing process, and can help to produce articles that exhibit desired combinations of softness and flexibility.
- the absorbent material web is also selected so that the individual absorbent pad structures possess a particular individual total absorbency depending on the intended article of use.
- the total absorbency can be within the range of about 300-900 grams of 0.9 wt % saline, and can typically be about 500 g of saline.
- the total absorbency can be within the range of about 1000-1600 grams of saline, and can typically be about 1300 g of saline.
- the total absorbency can be within the range of about 7-50 grams of saline, and can typically be within the range of about 30-40 g of saline.
- aspects of the present method include delivering a supply of the absorbent web material in a machine-direction flow.
- the web material is delivered in the form of a continuous ribbon or strip from a supply source, such as a roll.
- the web strip may be supplied directly from an in-line manufacturing operation.
- the “machine-direction” is the direction along which the strip travels length-wise through a particular processing stage.
- the web material strip has a “cross-direction” or “width” that is perpendicular to the machine-direction.
- the material also has a depth-wise “z” direction that is perpendicular to the cross-direction and machine-direction.
- an absorbent web material 16 is supplied in the form of a ribbon or strip 24 .
- the web material 16 may be supplied from a roll or directly from an in-line manufacturing operation.
- the strip of web material 24 is conveyed in a machine-direction 18 and has machine-direction sides 20 defined by opposite parallel sides of the strip 24 .
- the strip of web material 24 also has a cross-direction dimension 22 that may be considered as the “width” of the strip 24 .
- FIG. 1 illustrates a single strip of web material 24 , however, it should be appreciated that an absorbent web material may be supplied in the form of a plurality of adjacent strips 24 . After the absorbent pads 10 have been defined in the strips according to the present invention, the plurality of strips could be separated for subsequent delivery to an absorbent article manufacturing line.
- the strip 24 of absorbent web material is cut in the cross-direction 22 to form a repeating nested pattern of cross-directional absorbent pads 10 .
- the pads 10 are oriented so that a longitudinal centerline axis 32 thereof lies in the cross-direction 22 of the strip 24 .
- the pads are nested in that any two adjacent pads form a nested pair and are oriented in longitudinally opposite directions in the cross-direction 22 of the absorbent pad.
- absorbent pad X is nested with absorbent pad Y such that a crotch section 12 of pad Y is oriented towards a front portion 14 of pad X.
- the absorbent pads 10 may desirably have a longitudinally asymmetric shape wherein the crotch portion 12 and front portion 14 have different widths.
- the pads are, however, in particular embodiments symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis 32 defined therethrough. In other words, the pad may be folded along the axis 32 into symmetric halves. In alternate embodiments, the pads 10 may be non-symmetrical with respect to the axis 32 .
- FIG. 1 the process of cutting the strip 24 of web material with cross-direction cuts in order to define the individual absorbent pads 10 is illustrated as carried out by a conventional and schematically illustrated rotary knife or roll 26 having blades 28 defined thereon in a pattern corresponding to the nested shape of the pads 10 .
- any suitable cutter mechanism may be utilized in this regard, including future developed methods and devices.
- Conventional cutter mechanisms and devices are well known in the art, and can include rotary knives, die cutters, water-cutters, laser cutters, and the like, as well as combinations thereof.
- the method according to the present invention is not limited by any particular cutting method or apparatus.
- the adjacent nested pads 10 share common defining cut lines such that there is a minimum of wastage of absorbent material between the nested pads 10 .
- the present invention encompasses nested configurations wherein the wastage is minimal, desirably less than about 20%, and more desirably at zero wastage. The ability to mass produce longitudinally asymmetric pads without wastage of the web material is a significant feature.
- the pads have a crotch section generally designated as 12 , a “back” section 15 , and a longitudinally opposite “front” portion generally designated as 14 .
- the crotch section 12 and back section 15 may be considered as a common section, particularly if they have the same shape and dimensions as in FIGS. 2 and 3.
- the front portion 14 is configured for the waist band portion of an absorbent article and includes “ears” 30 that define the widest width dimension of the pad 10 . Accordingly, each pad 10 may have a minimum crotch width 36 and a maximum waist band or front section width 34 .
- the ratio of the front section width to the crotch width can be at least about 1.5 to 1.
- the front section to crotch width ratio may be at least about 2 to 1, and can optionally be about 3 to 1.
- the waist band to crotch width ratio can be up to about 10 to 1 to provide desired levels of fit and performance.
- the crotch width 36 can be tailored for particular desired absorbent articles.
- the crotch width 36 may be within the range of about 2 to 5 centimeters. In a particular feminine care configuration, the crotch width can be about 3.8 centimeters (about 1.5 inches).
- the crotch width can be within the range of about 4 to 12 centimeters. In a particular infant care configuration, the crotch width can be about 10 centimeters (about 4 inches).
- the crotch width can be within a range of about 7 to 20 centimeters. In a particular adult care configuration, the crotch width can be about 15 centimeters (about 6 inches).
- FIGS. 2 through 4 Particular embodiments of pad configurations within the scope of the invention are illustrated in FIGS. 2 through 4. It should be appreciated, however, that such embodiments are for illustrative purposes only, and that the invention is not limited to any particular configuration.
- the pads 10 have a generally T-shaped configuration with the front section 14 including ears 30 .
- a relatively constant width crotch section 12 extends longitudinally from the front section 14 .
- a longitudinal centerline axis 32 may be defined through the pad 10 .
- the crotch section 12 has a relatively constant width designated by the arrow 36 .
- the front portion 14 with ears 30 defines the widest width dimension 34 of the pad 10 .
- the pad has an overall length that is less than the cross-directional width of the web strip 24 .
- a nested pair of the absorbent pads for example pads X and Y in FIG.
- the front portion 14 with ears 30 may have a width 34 measured in the machine-direction that is about twice that of the width 36 of the center crotch portion 12 .
- the pads are symmetrical about the longitudinal center line axis 32 .
- the ears may have a “height” in the cross-direction defined by cross-directional cut lines I and H. These cross-directional cut lines H and I are shared by the next commonly oriented pad in the repeating pattern.
- pads X and Z in FIG. 2 are commonly oriented in the repeating pattern and share the cross-directional cut line H.
- the oppositely oriented or nested pad (pad Y in FIG.
- any individual pad 10 is defined by a series of cut lines.
- the rearward-most longitudinal point of the back section 15 is defined by diverging cut lines D and E. Lines D and E meet at the longitudinal center line axis 32 of the pad 10 at a point where a separate cut line A defines ear portions 30 of adjacent and oppositely oriented pads.
- the crotch section 12 is defined by opposite and parallel cut lines B and C. These lines may be arcuate.
- the crotch section 12 diverges into the front portion 14 by way of diverging cut lines F and G.
- An angle of divergence J is defined between the crotch portion and ears of the back portion for any given pad.
- this angle J also corresponds to an angle of divergence for an adjacent pad from a forwardmost point of the longitudinal center line axis of a respective pad to its crotch defining line C or B, as particularly seen in FIG. 2.
- the defining lines F and G between the crotch portion 12 and front portion 14 may be either straight or curved.
- FIG. 4 An alternate embodiment of a generally T-shaped nested pad configuration is illustrated in FIG. 4.
- the crotch portion 12 has a first generally constant width (width 36 a ) section defined by cut lines B′ and C′.
- the back section 15 has a relatively constant width (width 36 b ) section defined by cut lines B and C.
- Line B′ may be parallel to line B
- line C′ may be parallel to line C.
- lines B and B′ may be curved mirror images of each other.
- lines C and C′ may be curved mirror images of each other.
- the crotch width 36 a is less than that of the back section 36 b.
- Diverging lines D′ and E′ are defined between the crotch section 12 and back section 15 .
- a machine-direction longitudinal centerline 33 of the web strip 24 passes through the midpoints L and K of the defining lines D′ and E′, respectively.
- the cut lines D′ and E′ may be generally straight, as illustrated in the Figure, or may be sinusoidal wherein a zero-node of the sinusoidal line corresponds to the midpoints L and K.
- the contoured crotch section 12 and back section 15 according to this embodiment may be particularly desired for certain absorbent article applications.
- contoured profiles of the crotch section 12 may be defined so long as the contours are symmetric with respect to the longitudinal center line axis 32 of the individual pads and, for the oppositely oriented nested pads, are equally distanced from the machine-direction longitudinal center line 33 of the web strip 24 .
- each individual pad 10 has an overall longitudinal length that is equal to the cross-directional width of the web strip 24 .
- the crotch portion 12 and back portion 15 share common lines.
- the crotch portion 12 and back portion 15 of one pad is nested completely between front portions 14 of the immediately adjacent pads.
- the front portion of a respective pad has a width 34 that is greater than the width 36 of the pad's crotch portion 12 and back portion 15 .
- the width 34 may be twice that of the width 36 .
- the crotch portion 12 and back portion 15 are defined by generally parallel cut lines B and C, and the front portion 14 is defined by the generally parallel cut lines H and I.
- Lines I and C may be parallel as shown, or may be the curved mirror images of each other.
- lines H and B may be parallel as shown or may be the curved mirror images of each other.
- Diverging cut lines F and G are defined between the crotch portion 12 and front portion 14 . These cut lines F and G may be generally straight, as illustrated in the figure, or may be sinusoidal.
- the machine-direction longitudinal center line axis 33 of the web 24 passes through the midpoints L and K of the respective cut lines F and G.
- An angle of divergence J is defined between, for example, cut line B and F, and is equal to the angle of divergence between cut lines F and H.
- Each pad 10 is symmetric with respect to its longitudinal center line axis 32 .
- each individual pad 10 has an overall longitudinal length equal to the cross-directional width of the web strip 24 .
- a single continuous cross-directional cut (lines H, F, and B) is shared by immediately adjacent and oppositely oriented pads such that there is no wastage of the web material between adjacent pads.
- the strips may be conveyed directly to an in-line manufacturing process wherein the individual pads 10 are incorporated into a disposable consumer absorbent article, such as diapers, child's training pants, feminine care articles, incontinence articles, swim pants, and the like.
- a disposable consumer absorbent article such as diapers, child's training pants, feminine care articles, incontinence articles, swim pants, and the like.
- Many conventional manufacturing lines for such articles are cross-directional process lines and, thus, the cross-directional orientation of the pads 10 may be easily accommodated into such a processing line.
- the absorbent article chassis is not symmetrical, it would be necessary to rotate or flip alternate pads so that all of the pads are oriented longitudinally in the same direction. If the absorbent article chassis is symmetrical, the pads 10 can be accommodated at either orientation. Any manner of automated conventional rotating and positioning modules or units may be used in this regard. Such devices are well known to those skilled in the art.
- the web strips 24 having the individual pads 10 defined therein may be formed into a roll or stacked configuration for later incorporation into an in-line manufacturing process. If this is the case, it may be desired not to completely cut each of the individual pads from the web strip. For example, a relatively small percentage of the lines defining the pads may be left uncut so that the web strip 24 maintains its integrity. This would aid in the later feeding of the web strip and individual pads 10 into a manufacturing line. This feature may be accomplished, for example, merely by “interrupting” the blades 28 on the rotary cutter 26 illustrated in FIG. 1. Alternatively, the cut lines may comprise perforated lines wherein the pads are separated into spaced apart individual pads at some later point in the manufacturing process. If the strip 24 maintains its integrity, the strip may be stored, for example, in the form of a roll, or a stacked festooned configuration.
- FIG. 5 is in no way meant to limit the in-line manufacturing process or machinery utilized in such a process, and is provided merely as conceptually illustrating an example of the invention.
- the strip of absorbent web material 24 is illustrated as being conveyed through a rotary knife cutter 26 so as to define oppositely oriented and cross-directionally nested pads 10 , as discussed in detail above.
- the web strip 24 and other material components of an absorbent article, may be appropriately guided through the manufacturing process with one or more operative guiding mechanisms 48 .
- Various conventional web guide mechanisms 48 can be employed to keep the various webs and materials substantially aligned with respect to a machine-direction center line of the manufacturing process. For example, an absorbent web or a material supplied on a roll can tend to take on a camber if the web is level-wound or processed in any way that bends the web in the cross-machine-direction.
- Web guides can effectively counteract the effects of this camber. While any operative web guide may be employed, those that minimize the cross-directional bending of the web materials are desired. For example, the web bending can be reduced by minimizing any wrapping of the various webs around an idler roll. Suitable web guides can, for example, include a camber roller FIFE guide, which is available from the FIFE Corporation of Oklahoma City, Okla.
- the absorbent web strip 24 may be delivered to a phasing accumulator device, the operation of which is well known in the art.
- a phasing accumulator device can change the running path length of the web strip 24 to selectively advance or retard eventual positioning of the web strip 24 and pads 10 with respect to downstream processing equipment.
- the manufacturing process may also include compressing of the absorbent web material to reduce its thickness.
- the compressing may also increase the density of the base web material, and may increase the longitudinal length and/or the cross-directional width of the web.
- the compressing may be substantially uniformly or non-uniformly applied across the surface of the absorbent web material.
- the compressing may be configured to emboss a desired pattern of embossments along the machine-direction and/or cross-direction. Referring to FIG. 5, the compressing action can be provided by a counter rotating pair of nip rollers 46 .
- Alternative compressing devices or systems can include converging gap rollers, converging gap conveyor belts or the like, as well as combinations thereof.
- An optional first tissue layer 40 may be assembled to the base web strip 24 .
- a bonding device such as provided by an adhesive applicator, may be appropriately disposed to secure the first tissue layer 40 to the underside of the absorbent material strip 24 having the pads 10 defined therein.
- the web strip 24 with cross-directional nested pads 10 defined therein and first tissue layer 40 are conveyed to a module 44 that rotates the pads 10 to a common longitudinal machine-direction and also spaces the pads 10 apart on the first tissue layer 40 at a desired spacing.
- modules 44 for rotating and placing items in an in-line manufacturing process are known to those skilled in the art and used in absorbent article manufacturing lines.
- modules may also perform cutting operations prior to rotating and placing the absorbent pads 10 .
- modules 44 reference is made to U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,319,347 B 1 ; 6,139,004; 5,556,504; 5,224,405; 5,104,116; and 4,608,115, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
- At least one supplemental layer of absorbent material may be incorporated with the individual pads 10 .
- this supplemental layer can be provided by pledgets 58 .
- the pledget 58 may be substantially equal to the full length of its associated corresponding absorbent pad 10 , or may be shorter than the pad 10 .
- the width of each pledget 58 may be equal to, greater than, or less than the smallest width dimension of the corresponding absorbent pad 10 .
- the pledgets 58 may be defined from a suitable pledget web 54 delivered from an operative pledget supply 52 and suitably transported by an operative conveyor.
- a pledget cutter device 56 may be used to separate the pledget web 51 into a plurality of the individual pledgets 58 to be selectively placed onto the individual absorbent pads 10 .
- the individual pledgets 58 can be positioned at locations that are spaced apart along the machine-direction of the first tissue layer 40 and spaced pads 10 .
- a securing mechanism, such as provided by an adhesive applicator 50 may be used to operatively attach the individual pledgets 58 to the moving tissue 40 and pads 10 .
- the resulting structure may then be subjected to further conventional downstream processing operations.
- the assembled components may be processed by a system of assembly nip rollers 65 , which can enhance the desired attachments between the assembled components.
- the resulting structure can then be separated into individual absorbent assemblies 100 by employing a suitable cutter mechanism, such as is represented by the cutter device 62 .
- the assemblies 100 may be further combined with other components, as desired, for example, the absorbent assemblies 100 may be laminated to a layer of liner material 68 provided from a suitable liner supply 70 . Additionally, the absorbent assemblies 100 may be combined with a layer of outer cover material 64 provided from a suitable cover supply 66 .
- the composition of such inner and outer liner and cover materials is well known to those skilled in the art, and the invention is not limited to any particular type of material.
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Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates generally to the field of forming shaped absorbent pad structures from an absorbent web, the pads being suitable for use in disposable absorbent articles such as diapers, child's training pants, feminine care articles, incontinence articles, swim pants, and the like.
- Many types of disposable consumer products such as diapers, training pants, feminine care articles, incontinence articles, and the like, utilize an absorbent pad structure for absorbing and wicking away bodily fluids. The absorbent pads are conventionally formed from an absorbent web, typically a nonwoven fibrous web material formed by known techniques. For example, the absorbent web may be formed by employing conventional air forming techniques wherein fibers and typically a superabsorbent material are mixed and entrained in an air stream and then directed onto a forming surface to form the web. The absorbent web may then be directed for further processing and assembly with other components to produce a final absorbent product.
- With another conventional technique, preformed absorbent web sheets or layers are delivered into a manufacturing line from a preformed supply, such as a supply roll. The sheets or layers have been separated into adjacent strips having various configurations of repeat pattern “nested” shapes wherein the shape of one strip is substantially nested with the shape of at least one immediately adjacent strip.
- Absorbent web material formed on a remote base machine and supplied to the manufacturing line from a roll or other supply form generally has a significant cost disadvantage as compared to air laid webs formed on a converting machine. With the air laid web, the trim waste can be immediately recycled by returning the waste to the upstream fiberizing equipment. On the other hand, with the roll material, the geographical separation of the base machine makes recycling of the trim waste impractical and often cost prohibitive. In this regard, the nesting feature mentioned above has been desirable to reduce the amount of waste that is generated from the supply (roll) of absorbent web It has been recognized that particular nested strip shapes can be more readily adapted to high-speed manufacturing processes. The more easily processed strip-shapes have a repeat pattern that is substantially symmetrical with respect to their longitudinal dimension, the shapes being arranged longitudinally in the machine-direction of the web. With such longitudinally-symmetric nested patterns, a single cycle of the repeat pattern provides an individual web segment wherein the shape of a first lengthwise half portion of the segment substantially matches the shape of the longitudinally opposed other half portion. However, such longitudinally symmetric pads have been shown, in certain application, to be less desirable from an end product fit, comfort, and performance aspects.
- As a result, it has been desirable to construct absorbent pads from web segments that are longitudinally-asymmetric. With such a construction, the resulting pads may provide improved product fit, comfort, and performance. However, the dividing of an absorbent web into strips having a nested pattern shape of longitudinally asymmetric segments generates a significant amount of trim waste, particularly along the machine-direction sides of the absorbent web.
- Examples of suggestions in the art to reduce trim waste may be found, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,587,437; 5,695,846; 5,580,411; 4,862,574; EP 0 539 032; and EP 0 670 153.
- The present invention provides a method for producing longitudinally asymmetric nested pad structures in a continuous absorbent web wherein there is virtually zero waste of the web material.
- Objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.
- The present invention provides an improved method for making absorbent pads having a longitudinally asymmetric shape. Such pads may be used in various applications of disposable consumer absorbent articles, such as diapers, child's training pants, feminine care articles, incontinence articles, swim pants, and the like. The pads are longitudinally asymmetric in that the back portion has a different shape or configuration as compared to the crotch or front portion of the pad. As mentioned, longitudinally asymmetric pads of this type have proven to be superior with respect to product fit, comfort, and performance as compared to longitudinally symmetric pads. The present method provides a technique for mass producing such pads from a continuous strip of absorbent web material in a manner so that there is virtually zero waste of the web material.
- In accordance with one embodiment of the present method, the absorbent web material is delivered in the form of a continuous strip or series of adjacent strips, for example from a supply roll, in a machine-direction flow. In other words, the parallel sides of the strip of material lie in the machine-direction. The absorbent web material is cut in a cross-direction to form a repeating nested pattern of cross-directional and generally identically shaped pads. The pads are nested in that any two adjacent pads forming a nested pair are oriented in longitudinally opposite directions in the cross-direction of the absorbent web. In other words, the longitudinal centerline of the pads lies generally perpendicular to the machine-direction of the web material.
- The pads are defined by cross-directional cuts such that the crotch portion of one pad is oriented towards the back portions of immediately adjacent pads. Adjacent nested pads share common defining cut lines such that there is no wastage of absorbent material between the nested pads. Each pad is longitudinally asymmetric with respect to the crotch and back portions. For example, in one particular embodiment, the back portion of the pads includes ears that define the widest width of the pad, with a smaller width crotch section extending longitudinally from the ears and back portion.
- In one particular embodiment, the individual absorbent pads are defined across the strip of absorbent web material such that each pad has a longitudinal length that is less than the cross-directional width of the web material. In this embodiment, however, a nested pair of the absorbent pads has a combined nested longitudinal length that is equal to the cross-directional width of the web material. For example, according to this particular embodiment, the absorbent pads may be generally T-shaped with a back ear portion having a width measured in the machine-direction that is about twice that of the center crotch portion. The pads are symmetrical about a longitudinal centerline axis therethrough. In other words, the pads can be symmetrically folded lengthwise. In this particular embodiment, the back ear portion may have a height defined by a cross-directional cut line that is shared by the next commonly oriented pad in the repeating pattern. Thus, all of the pads having the crotch portions oriented in one direction would have adjacent ears defined by a common cross-directional cut line. The oppositely oriented or nested pads have crotch portions nested against the ears of their respective adjacent pads. With this particular arrangement, the cut line defining the ears of adjacent commonly oriented pads corresponds to the longitudinal centerline of the pad nested therebetween.
- In another embodiment of a generally T-shaped absorbent pad, the crotch portion has a first longitudinally extending section having a first width, this section diverging along lines into a longitudinally extending second section having a second greater width. With this embodiment, the pads are still symmetrical about their longitudinal centerline axis. The diverging lines between the first width section and the second width section have a center point through which the machine-direction centerline axis of the strip of web material passes. This line may be straight or sinusoidal. The sides of the crotch section along the first width and second greater width sections may be generally parallel.
- In still further embodiments, the absorbent pads are defined with cross-directional cuts such that each pad has a longitudinal length equal to the cross-directional width of the strip of absorbent web material. In this embodiment, a single cross-directional cut line defines a common longitudinal side of adjacent nested pads. These pads may have a back ear portion with a center crotch portion extending longitudinally therefrom. An angle of divergence is defined at a cut line between the crotch portion and the ear portion that corresponds to the same angle for the immediately adjacent and oppositely oriented pad. This cut line may be generally straight or sinusoidal, and has a center point through which the machine-direction centerline axis of the strip of web material passes.
- The method will be explained in greater detail below by reference to particular embodiments thereof.
- FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a strip of absorbent web material being cut into a repeating pattern of nested cross-directionally disposed absorbent pads.
- FIG. 2 shows a representative top view of an alternate embodiment of an alternating pattern nested configuration according to the present method.
- FIG. 3 is a representative top view of the repeating nested pattern configuration illustrated in FIG. 1.
- FIG. 4 shows a representative top view of still another embodiment of a repeating nested configuration according to the invention.
- FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of an in-line processing method that may incorporate features of the present invention.
- The invention will now be described in detail with reference to particular embodiments thereof. The embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the invention, and are not meant as a limitation of the invention. For example, features described or illustrated as part of one embodiment may be used with another embodiment to yield still a further embodiment. It is intended that the present invention include these and other modifications and variations as come within the scope and spirit of the invention.
- The present method is particularly suited for the manufacture of pad structures from a web of absorbent material, the pads intended for use in various disposable consumer absorbent products. Such products include, but are not limited to, diapers, child's training pants, feminine care articles, incontinence articles, swim pants, and the like. The invention is not limited to any particular type or composition of absorbent web material, and may be practiced with any suitable absorbent web material known to those skilled in the art. The absorbent web material may include any structure and combination of components which are generally compressible, conformable, non-irritating to a wearer's skin, and capable of absorbing and retaining liquids and certain body wastes.
- For example, the absorbent web material may include cellulosic fibers (e.g., wood pulp fibers), other natural fibers, synthetic fibers, woven or nonwoven sheets, scrim netting or other stabilizing structures, superabsorbent material, binder materials, surfactants, selected hydrophobic materials, pigments, lotions, odor control agents or the like, as well as combinations thereof. In a particular embodiment, the absorbent web material is a matrix of cellulosic fluff and superabsorbent hydrogel-forming particles. The cellulosic fluff may comprise a blend of wood pulp fluff. One suitable type of fluff is identified with the trade designation CR 1654, available from U.S. Alliance Corp. of Coosa Pines, Ala., and is a bleached, highly absorbent sulfact wood pulp containing primarily soft wood fibers. As a general rule, the superabsorbent material is present in the absorbent web in an amount of from about 5 to about 90 weight percent based on total weight of the web. The web may have a density, for example, within the range of about 0.10 to about 0.35 grams per cubic centimeter.
- Superabsorbent materials are well known in the art and can be selected from natural, synthetic, and modified natural polymers and materials. The superabsorbent materials can be inorganic materials, such as silica gels, or organic compounds, such as crosslinked polymers. Typically, a suberabsorbent material is capable of absorbing at least about 15 times its weight in liquid, and desirably is capable of absorbing more than about 25 times its weight in liquid. Suitable superabsorbent materials are readily available from various suppliers. For example, Favor SXM 880 superabsorbent is available from Stockhausen, Inc., of Greensboro, N.C., USA; and Drytech 2035 is available from Dow Chemical Company, of Midland Mich., USA.
- Subsequent to or after being cut from the nested pattern as described herein, the individual absorbent pads may be partially or wholly wrapped or encompassed by a suitable tissue wrap that aids in maintaining the integrity and shape of the pad.
- The absorbent materials may be formed into a web structure by employing various conventional methods and techniques. For example, the absorbent web may be formed with a dry-forming technique, an airlaying technique, a wet-forming technique, a foam-forming technique, or the like, as well as combinations thereof. Methods and apparatus for carrying out such techniques are well known in the art.
- The absorbent web material may also be a coform material. The term “coform material” generally refers to composite materials comprising a mixture or stabilized matrix of thermoplastic fibers and a second non-thermoplastic material. As an example, coform materials may be made by a process in which at least one meltblown die head is arranged near a chute through which other materials are added to the web while it is forming. Such other materials may include, but are not limited to, fibrous organic materials such as woody or non-woody pulp such as cotton, rayon, recycled paper, pulp fluff and also superabsorbent particles, inorganic absorbent materials, treated polymeric staple fibers and the like. Any of a variety of synthetic polymers may be utilized as the melt-spun component of the coform material. For instance, in some embodiments, thermoplastic polymers can be utilized. Some examples of suitable thermoplastics that can be utilized include polyolefins, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene and the like; polyamides; and polyesters. In one embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer is polypropylene. Some examples of such coform materials are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,100,324 to Anderson, et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,284,703 to Everhart, et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,350,624 to Georger, et al.; which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference thereto for all purposes.
- In a particular aspect of the invention, the absorbent web material can be provided with an absorbent capacity of at least about 8 g/g employing 0.9 wt % saline (8 grams of 0.9 wt % saline per gram of absorbent web). The absorbent capacity of the absorbent web can alternatively be at least about 9 g/g, and can optionally be at least about 10 g/g to provide improved benefits. Additionally, the absorbent capacity may be up to about 50 g/g, or more, to provide desired performance.
- In another aspect, the web of absorbent material can be provided with a tensile strength value of at least about 1 N/cm (Newtons per cm of “width” of the material, where the “width” direction is perpendicular to the applied force). The tensile strength of the absorbent web can alternatively be at least about 1.5 N/cm, and can optionally be at least about 2 N/cm to provide improved benefits. In another aspect, the web of absorbent material can be provided with a tensile strength value of up to a maximum of about 100 N/cm, or more. The tensile strength of the absorbent web can alternatively be up to about 10 N/cm, and can optionally be up to about 20 N/cm to provide improved benefits.
- The selected tensile strength should provide adequate processibility of the web throughout the manufacturing process, and can help to produce articles that exhibit desired combinations of softness and flexibility.
- The absorbent material web is also selected so that the individual absorbent pad structures possess a particular individual total absorbency depending on the intended article of use. For example, for infant care products (e.g., diapers), the total absorbency can be within the range of about 300-900 grams of 0.9 wt % saline, and can typically be about 500 g of saline. For adult care products, the total absorbency can be within the range of about 1000-1600 grams of saline, and can typically be about 1300 g of saline. For feminine care products, the total absorbency can be within the range of about 7-50 grams of saline, and can typically be within the range of about 30-40 g of saline.
- Aspects of the present method include delivering a supply of the absorbent web material in a machine-direction flow. The web material is delivered in the form of a continuous ribbon or strip from a supply source, such as a roll. Optionally, the web strip may be supplied directly from an in-line manufacturing operation. The “machine-direction” is the direction along which the strip travels length-wise through a particular processing stage. The web material strip has a “cross-direction” or “width” that is perpendicular to the machine-direction. The material also has a depth-wise “z” direction that is perpendicular to the cross-direction and machine-direction.
- Referring to FIG. 1, an
absorbent web material 16 is supplied in the form of a ribbon orstrip 24. As mentioned, theweb material 16 may be supplied from a roll or directly from an in-line manufacturing operation. The strip ofweb material 24 is conveyed in a machine-direction 18 and has machine-direction sides 20 defined by opposite parallel sides of thestrip 24. The strip ofweb material 24 also has across-direction dimension 22 that may be considered as the “width” of thestrip 24. FIG. 1 illustrates a single strip ofweb material 24, however, it should be appreciated that an absorbent web material may be supplied in the form of a plurality of adjacent strips 24. After theabsorbent pads 10 have been defined in the strips according to the present invention, the plurality of strips could be separated for subsequent delivery to an absorbent article manufacturing line. - Still referring to FIG. 1, the
strip 24 of absorbent web material is cut in the cross-direction 22 to form a repeating nested pattern of cross-directionalabsorbent pads 10. Thepads 10 are oriented so that alongitudinal centerline axis 32 thereof lies in thecross-direction 22 of thestrip 24. The pads are nested in that any two adjacent pads form a nested pair and are oriented in longitudinally opposite directions in thecross-direction 22 of the absorbent pad. For example, referring to FIG. 1, absorbent pad X is nested with absorbent pad Y such that acrotch section 12 of pad Y is oriented towards afront portion 14 of pad X. - As described in greater detail below with respect to the remaining figures, the
absorbent pads 10 may desirably have a longitudinally asymmetric shape wherein thecrotch portion 12 andfront portion 14 have different widths. The pads are, however, in particular embodiments symmetrical with respect to thelongitudinal axis 32 defined therethrough. In other words, the pad may be folded along theaxis 32 into symmetric halves. In alternate embodiments, thepads 10 may be non-symmetrical with respect to theaxis 32. - Referring to FIG. 1, the process of cutting the
strip 24 of web material with cross-direction cuts in order to define the individualabsorbent pads 10 is illustrated as carried out by a conventional and schematically illustrated rotary knife or roll 26 havingblades 28 defined thereon in a pattern corresponding to the nested shape of thepads 10. It should be appreciated that any suitable cutter mechanism may be utilized in this regard, including future developed methods and devices. Conventional cutter mechanisms and devices are well known in the art, and can include rotary knives, die cutters, water-cutters, laser cutters, and the like, as well as combinations thereof. The method according to the present invention is not limited by any particular cutting method or apparatus. - Referring again to FIG. 1, it can be seen that the adjacent nested
pads 10 share common defining cut lines such that there is a minimum of wastage of absorbent material between the nestedpads 10. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, there is minimum or no wastage of material. With conventional nested patterns, there is typically between about 30% to about 35% wastage of material between adjacent pads. The present invention encompasses nested configurations wherein the wastage is minimal, desirably less than about 20%, and more desirably at zero wastage. The ability to mass produce longitudinally asymmetric pads without wastage of the web material is a significant feature. The pads have a crotch section generally designated as 12, a “back”section 15, and a longitudinally opposite “front” portion generally designated as 14. Thecrotch section 12 and backsection 15 may be considered as a common section, particularly if they have the same shape and dimensions as in FIGS. 2 and 3. Thefront portion 14 is configured for the waist band portion of an absorbent article and includes “ears” 30 that define the widest width dimension of thepad 10. Accordingly, eachpad 10 may have aminimum crotch width 36 and a maximum waist band orfront section width 34. The ratio of the front section width to the crotch width can be at least about 1.5 to 1. Alternatively, the front section to crotch width ratio may be at least about 2 to 1, and can optionally be about 3 to 1. Additionally, the waist band to crotch width ratio can be up to about 10 to 1 to provide desired levels of fit and performance. - It should also be appreciated that the
crotch width 36 can be tailored for particular desired absorbent articles. For example, in anabsorbent pad 10 designated for a feminine care article, thecrotch width 36 may be within the range of about 2 to 5 centimeters. In a particular feminine care configuration, the crotch width can be about 3.8 centimeters (about 1.5 inches). For an absorbent pad designated for an infant care article, the crotch width can be within the range of about 4 to 12 centimeters. In a particular infant care configuration, the crotch width can be about 10 centimeters (about 4 inches). For an absorbent pad designated for an adult care article, the crotch width can be within a range of about 7 to 20 centimeters. In a particular adult care configuration, the crotch width can be about 15 centimeters (about 6 inches). - It should be appreciated that a vast number of shapes and configurations are possible for defining the cross-directional nested
pads 10 in accordance with the invention, particularly for longitudinally asymmetric pads as described herein. Thepads 10 will generally have an identical shape and will be symmetrical with respect to thelongitudinal axis 32 therethrough. The longitudinal orientation of the pads will alternate, and alternate pads will share common defining cuts or chords so that there is virtually no wastage of absorbent material between adjacent pads. Particular embodiments of pad configurations within the scope of the invention are illustrated in FIGS. 2 through 4. It should be appreciated, however, that such embodiments are for illustrative purposes only, and that the invention is not limited to any particular configuration. - Referring to FIG. 2, a nested configuration of cross-directionally oriented
pads 10 is illustrated. In this particular embodiment, thepads 10 have a generally T-shaped configuration with thefront section 14 includingears 30. A relatively constantwidth crotch section 12 extends longitudinally from thefront section 14. Alongitudinal centerline axis 32 may be defined through thepad 10. Thecrotch section 12 has a relatively constant width designated by thearrow 36. Thefront portion 14 withears 30 defines thewidest width dimension 34 of thepad 10. In this particular embodiment, the pad has an overall length that is less than the cross-directional width of theweb strip 24. However, a nested pair of the absorbent pads, for example pads X and Y in FIG. 2, have an overall combined longitudinal length that is equal to the cross-directional width of theweb strip 24. For example, particularly with generally T-shaped pads, thefront portion 14 withears 30 may have awidth 34 measured in the machine-direction that is about twice that of thewidth 36 of thecenter crotch portion 12. The pads are symmetrical about the longitudinalcenter line axis 32. The ears may have a “height” in the cross-direction defined by cross-directional cut lines I and H. These cross-directional cut lines H and I are shared by the next commonly oriented pad in the repeating pattern. For example, pads X and Z in FIG. 2 are commonly oriented in the repeating pattern and share the cross-directional cut line H. The oppositely oriented or nested pad (pad Y in FIG. 2) is nested against theears 30 of the respective adjacent pads X and Z. With this particular arrangement, the cut line H defining theears 30 of adjacent commonly oriented pads X and Z also corresponds to thelongitudinal center line 32 of the nested pad Y. This relationship can be particularly seen in FIG. 2. - Still referring to FIG. 2, it can be seen that any
individual pad 10 is defined by a series of cut lines. The rearward-most longitudinal point of theback section 15 is defined by diverging cut lines D and E. Lines D and E meet at the longitudinalcenter line axis 32 of thepad 10 at a point where a separate cut line A definesear portions 30 of adjacent and oppositely oriented pads. Thecrotch section 12 is defined by opposite and parallel cut lines B and C. These lines may be arcuate. Thecrotch section 12 diverges into thefront portion 14 by way of diverging cut lines F and G. An angle of divergence J is defined between the crotch portion and ears of the back portion for any given pad. Because of the nested configuration, this angle J also corresponds to an angle of divergence for an adjacent pad from a forwardmost point of the longitudinal center line axis of a respective pad to its crotch defining line C or B, as particularly seen in FIG. 2. The defining lines F and G between thecrotch portion 12 andfront portion 14 may be either straight or curved. - An alternate embodiment of a generally T-shaped nested pad configuration is illustrated in FIG. 4. In this particular embodiment, the
crotch portion 12 has a first generally constant width (width 36 a) section defined by cut lines B′ and C′. Theback section 15 has a relatively constant width (width 36 b) section defined by cut lines B and C. Line B′ may be parallel to line B, and line C′ may be parallel to line C. In an alternate embodiment, lines B and B′ may be curved mirror images of each other. Likewise, lines C and C′ may be curved mirror images of each other. Thecrotch width 36 a is less than that of theback section 36 b. Diverging lines D′ and E′ are defined between thecrotch section 12 and backsection 15. A machine-directionlongitudinal centerline 33 of theweb strip 24 passes through the midpoints L and K of the defining lines D′ and E′, respectively. The cut lines D′ and E′ may be generally straight, as illustrated in the Figure, or may be sinusoidal wherein a zero-node of the sinusoidal line corresponds to the midpoints L and K. The contouredcrotch section 12 and backsection 15 according to this embodiment may be particularly desired for certain absorbent article applications. By having the center point of the transitional cut lines D′ and E′ lie along the longitudinalcenter line axis 33 of theweb strip 24, it is ensured that the alternating nestedpads 10 have the identical configuration. - It should be appreciated that various contoured profiles of the crotch section12 may be defined so long as the contours are symmetric with respect to the longitudinal
center line axis 32 of the individual pads and, for the oppositely oriented nested pads, are equally distanced from the machine-directionlongitudinal center line 33 of theweb strip 24. - An alternate embodiment of a cross-directional nested
pad configuration 10 is illustrated in FIG. 3. With this embodiment, eachindividual pad 10 has an overall longitudinal length that is equal to the cross-directional width of theweb strip 24. Thecrotch portion 12 and backportion 15 share common lines. Thus, thecrotch portion 12 and backportion 15 of one pad is nested completely betweenfront portions 14 of the immediately adjacent pads. The front portion of a respective pad has awidth 34 that is greater than thewidth 36 of the pad'scrotch portion 12 and backportion 15. For example, thewidth 34 may be twice that of thewidth 36. Thecrotch portion 12 and backportion 15 are defined by generally parallel cut lines B and C, and thefront portion 14 is defined by the generally parallel cut lines H and I. Lines I and C may be parallel as shown, or may be the curved mirror images of each other. Likewise, lines H and B may be parallel as shown or may be the curved mirror images of each other. Diverging cut lines F and G are defined between thecrotch portion 12 andfront portion 14. These cut lines F and G may be generally straight, as illustrated in the figure, or may be sinusoidal. The machine-direction longitudinalcenter line axis 33 of theweb 24 passes through the midpoints L and K of the respective cut lines F and G. An angle of divergence J is defined between, for example, cut line B and F, and is equal to the angle of divergence between cut lines F and H. Eachpad 10 is symmetric with respect to its longitudinalcenter line axis 32. With the nested configuration as illustrated in FIG. 3 wherein eachindividual pad 10 has an overall longitudinal length equal to the cross-directional width of theweb strip 24, it can be seen that a single continuous cross-directional cut (lines H, F, and B) is shared by immediately adjacent and oppositely oriented pads such that there is no wastage of the web material between adjacent pads. - Once the web strips24 have been cut into a cross-directional nested pad configuration according to the invention, the strips may be conveyed directly to an in-line manufacturing process wherein the
individual pads 10 are incorporated into a disposable consumer absorbent article, such as diapers, child's training pants, feminine care articles, incontinence articles, swim pants, and the like. Many conventional manufacturing lines for such articles are cross-directional process lines and, thus, the cross-directional orientation of thepads 10 may be easily accommodated into such a processing line. In the event that the absorbent article chassis is not symmetrical, it would be necessary to rotate or flip alternate pads so that all of the pads are oriented longitudinally in the same direction. If the absorbent article chassis is symmetrical, thepads 10 can be accommodated at either orientation. Any manner of automated conventional rotating and positioning modules or units may be used in this regard. Such devices are well known to those skilled in the art. - Alternatively, the web strips24 having the
individual pads 10 defined therein may be formed into a roll or stacked configuration for later incorporation into an in-line manufacturing process. If this is the case, it may be desired not to completely cut each of the individual pads from the web strip. For example, a relatively small percentage of the lines defining the pads may be left uncut so that theweb strip 24 maintains its integrity. This would aid in the later feeding of the web strip andindividual pads 10 into a manufacturing line. This feature may be accomplished, for example, merely by “interrupting” theblades 28 on therotary cutter 26 illustrated in FIG. 1. Alternatively, the cut lines may comprise perforated lines wherein the pads are separated into spaced apart individual pads at some later point in the manufacturing process. If thestrip 24 maintains its integrity, the strip may be stored, for example, in the form of a roll, or a stacked festooned configuration. - As mentioned, the
web strip 24 withindividual pads 10 defined therein may be incorporated directly into an in-line absorbent article manufacturing process line. A conceptual schematic representation of this process is provided in FIG. 5. It should be appreciated, however, that FIG. 5 is in no way meant to limit the in-line manufacturing process or machinery utilized in such a process, and is provided merely as conceptually illustrating an example of the invention. - Referring to FIG. 5, the strip of
absorbent web material 24 is illustrated as being conveyed through arotary knife cutter 26 so as to define oppositely oriented and cross-directionally nestedpads 10, as discussed in detail above. Theweb strip 24, and other material components of an absorbent article, may be appropriately guided through the manufacturing process with one or more operative guidingmechanisms 48. Various conventionalweb guide mechanisms 48 can be employed to keep the various webs and materials substantially aligned with respect to a machine-direction center line of the manufacturing process. For example, an absorbent web or a material supplied on a roll can tend to take on a camber if the web is level-wound or processed in any way that bends the web in the cross-machine-direction. Web guides can effectively counteract the effects of this camber. While any operative web guide may be employed, those that minimize the cross-directional bending of the web materials are desired. For example, the web bending can be reduced by minimizing any wrapping of the various webs around an idler roll. Suitable web guides can, for example, include a camber roller FIFE guide, which is available from the FIFE Corporation of Oklahoma City, Okla. - Although not illustrated in FIG. 5, the
absorbent web strip 24 may be delivered to a phasing accumulator device, the operation of which is well known in the art. Such an accumulator device can change the running path length of theweb strip 24 to selectively advance or retard eventual positioning of theweb strip 24 andpads 10 with respect to downstream processing equipment. - Additionally, the manufacturing process may also include compressing of the absorbent web material to reduce its thickness. The compressing may also increase the density of the base web material, and may increase the longitudinal length and/or the cross-directional width of the web. The compressing may be substantially uniformly or non-uniformly applied across the surface of the absorbent web material. The compressing may be configured to emboss a desired pattern of embossments along the machine-direction and/or cross-direction. Referring to FIG. 5, the compressing action can be provided by a counter rotating pair of nip
rollers 46. Alternative compressing devices or systems can include converging gap rollers, converging gap conveyor belts or the like, as well as combinations thereof. - An optional
first tissue layer 40 may be assembled to thebase web strip 24. In one configuration, a bonding device such as provided by an adhesive applicator, may be appropriately disposed to secure thefirst tissue layer 40 to the underside of theabsorbent material strip 24 having thepads 10 defined therein. In the conceptual embodiment of FIG. 5, theweb strip 24 with cross-directional nestedpads 10 defined therein andfirst tissue layer 40 are conveyed to amodule 44 that rotates thepads 10 to a common longitudinal machine-direction and also spaces thepads 10 apart on thefirst tissue layer 40 at a desired spacing. Varioussuch modules 44 for rotating and placing items in an in-line manufacturing process are known to those skilled in the art and used in absorbent article manufacturing lines. Certain types of these modules may also perform cutting operations prior to rotating and placing theabsorbent pads 10. As an example ofsuch modules 44, reference is made to U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,319,347 B1; 6,139,004; 5,556,504; 5,224,405; 5,104,116; and 4,608,115, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. - At least one supplemental layer of absorbent material may be incorporated with the
individual pads 10. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, this supplemental layer can be provided bypledgets 58. Thepledget 58 may be substantially equal to the full length of its associated correspondingabsorbent pad 10, or may be shorter than thepad 10. Likewise, the width of eachpledget 58 may be equal to, greater than, or less than the smallest width dimension of the correspondingabsorbent pad 10. Thepledgets 58 may be defined from asuitable pledget web 54 delivered from anoperative pledget supply 52 and suitably transported by an operative conveyor. Apledget cutter device 56 may be used to separate the pledget web 51 into a plurality of theindividual pledgets 58 to be selectively placed onto the individualabsorbent pads 10. Theindividual pledgets 58 can be positioned at locations that are spaced apart along the machine-direction of thefirst tissue layer 40 and spacedpads 10. A securing mechanism, such as provided by anadhesive applicator 50 may be used to operatively attach theindividual pledgets 58 to the movingtissue 40 andpads 10. - The resulting structure may then be subjected to further conventional downstream processing operations. For example, the assembled components may be processed by a system of assembly nip
rollers 65, which can enhance the desired attachments between the assembled components. The resulting structure can then be separated into individualabsorbent assemblies 100 by employing a suitable cutter mechanism, such as is represented by thecutter device 62. Theassemblies 100 may be further combined with other components, as desired, for example, theabsorbent assemblies 100 may be laminated to a layer ofliner material 68 provided from asuitable liner supply 70. Additionally, theabsorbent assemblies 100 may be combined with a layer ofouter cover material 64 provided from asuitable cover supply 66. The composition of such inner and outer liner and cover materials is well known to those skilled in the art, and the invention is not limited to any particular type of material. - It should be understood that the invention encompasses various other embodiments, modifications, and equivalents to the embodiments of the invention described herein which, after reading the description of the invention herein, may suggest themselves to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.
Claims (39)
Priority Applications (7)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/233,331 US6702917B1 (en) | 2002-08-30 | 2002-08-30 | Cross-machine-direction nested absorbent pads with minimal waste geometries |
PCT/US2003/012487 WO2004019839A1 (en) | 2002-08-30 | 2003-04-22 | Cross-machine-direction nested absorbent pads with minimal waste geometries |
EP03719897.5A EP1534203B2 (en) | 2002-08-30 | 2003-04-22 | Cross-machine-direction nested absorbent pads with minimal waste geometries |
AU2003223698A AU2003223698A1 (en) | 2002-08-30 | 2003-04-22 | Cross-machine-direction nested absorbent pads with minimal waste geometries |
DE60333565T DE60333565D1 (en) | 2002-08-30 | 2003-04-22 | ABSORBING CUSHIONS WITH MINIMAL WASTE GEOMETRY ARRANGED IN MACHINE SQUARE |
JP2004532562A JP4528622B2 (en) | 2002-08-30 | 2003-04-22 | Width-fit mating absorbent pad with minimal waste |
KR1020057002208A KR101028264B1 (en) | 2002-08-30 | 2003-04-22 | Cross-machine-direction nested absorbent pads with minimal waste geometries |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/233,331 US6702917B1 (en) | 2002-08-30 | 2002-08-30 | Cross-machine-direction nested absorbent pads with minimal waste geometries |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20040040650A1 true US20040040650A1 (en) | 2004-03-04 |
US6702917B1 US6702917B1 (en) | 2004-03-09 |
Family
ID=31887680
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/233,331 Expired - Lifetime US6702917B1 (en) | 2002-08-30 | 2002-08-30 | Cross-machine-direction nested absorbent pads with minimal waste geometries |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US6702917B1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1534203B2 (en) |
JP (1) | JP4528622B2 (en) |
KR (1) | KR101028264B1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2003223698A1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE60333565D1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2004019839A1 (en) |
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EP1731122A1 (en) * | 2005-06-09 | 2006-12-13 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Composite web, disposable diaper and process for manufacturing thereof |
EP2087868A1 (en) * | 2008-02-05 | 2009-08-12 | Fameccanica.Data S.p.A. | Method and machine for manufacturing sanitary pads for ladies, and sanitary pad obtained using said method |
US20100106124A1 (en) * | 2008-10-24 | 2010-04-29 | Tamicare Ltd. | Absorbent Pad |
WO2014155216A1 (en) | 2013-03-28 | 2014-10-02 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Coordinated apertured and embossed topsheet layer materials, and absorbent articles containing such |
US8986273B2 (en) | 2011-11-10 | 2015-03-24 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Absorbent personal care article having intermeshing flaps |
US9173786B2 (en) | 2013-05-20 | 2015-11-03 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Absorbent personal care article having wings and protective strips |
CN107615442A (en) * | 2015-06-11 | 2018-01-19 | 浜松光子学株式会社 | Ultraviolet light generation target and its manufacture method |
US9993374B2 (en) | 2011-11-10 | 2018-06-12 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Absorbent personal care article having intermeshing flaps |
CN109771140A (en) * | 2017-11-13 | 2019-05-21 | 叶正瑜 | The production method of trousers is drawn in a kind of drawing for saving material |
EP3628291A1 (en) * | 2018-09-26 | 2020-04-01 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Method for making adaptable absorbent articles |
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US20030084767A1 (en) * | 2001-11-02 | 2003-05-08 | Yoshinari Tanaka | Apparatus and method for manufacturing wearing articles |
CA2519909C (en) * | 2003-03-31 | 2009-10-20 | Uni-Charm Corporation | Cutter, cutting method, apparatus for producing interlabial pad, and method for producing the same |
BRPI0419262A (en) * | 2004-12-29 | 2007-12-18 | Sca Hygiene Prod Ab | absorbent article |
JP4908078B2 (en) * | 2006-06-20 | 2012-04-04 | 株式会社瑞光 | Method for manufacturing worn article |
US8858587B2 (en) * | 2008-03-12 | 2014-10-14 | Corbett Lair, Inc. | Nasal dilator and method of manufacture |
EP2685948B1 (en) * | 2011-03-15 | 2014-12-03 | Sca Hygiene Products AB | Method and apparatus for trimming material from a web |
US9162432B2 (en) * | 2011-10-19 | 2015-10-20 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Method of separating a discrete portion from a web |
US20130244852A1 (en) * | 2012-03-15 | 2013-09-19 | Bikoma Gmbh Spezialmaschinen | Method and device for producing coffee filters |
IN2014DN08066A (en) | 2012-03-30 | 2015-05-01 | Procter & Gamble | |
US9198805B2 (en) | 2012-03-30 | 2015-12-01 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Menstrual pant |
WO2019075688A1 (en) | 2017-10-19 | 2019-04-25 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Topsheet comprising natural fibers |
CN213993945U (en) | 2017-10-19 | 2021-08-20 | 宝洁公司 | Absorbent article and topsheet for use with absorbent article |
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- 2003-04-22 DE DE60333565T patent/DE60333565D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2003-04-22 EP EP03719897.5A patent/EP1534203B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2003-04-22 JP JP2004532562A patent/JP4528622B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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Cited By (17)
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EP1731122A1 (en) * | 2005-06-09 | 2006-12-13 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Composite web, disposable diaper and process for manufacturing thereof |
WO2006131364A1 (en) * | 2005-06-09 | 2006-12-14 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Composite web, disposable diaper and process for manufacturing thereof |
EP1736127A1 (en) * | 2005-06-09 | 2006-12-27 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Composite web, disposable diaper and process for manufacturing thereof |
EP2087868A1 (en) * | 2008-02-05 | 2009-08-12 | Fameccanica.Data S.p.A. | Method and machine for manufacturing sanitary pads for ladies, and sanitary pad obtained using said method |
US20100106124A1 (en) * | 2008-10-24 | 2010-04-29 | Tamicare Ltd. | Absorbent Pad |
EP2344103A2 (en) * | 2008-10-24 | 2011-07-20 | Tamicare Ltd. | Absorbent pad |
US8419699B2 (en) | 2008-10-24 | 2013-04-16 | TamiCare, Ltd. | Absorbent pad |
US8986273B2 (en) | 2011-11-10 | 2015-03-24 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Absorbent personal care article having intermeshing flaps |
US9993374B2 (en) | 2011-11-10 | 2018-06-12 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Absorbent personal care article having intermeshing flaps |
WO2014155216A1 (en) | 2013-03-28 | 2014-10-02 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Coordinated apertured and embossed topsheet layer materials, and absorbent articles containing such |
US9173786B2 (en) | 2013-05-20 | 2015-11-03 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Absorbent personal care article having wings and protective strips |
CN107615442A (en) * | 2015-06-11 | 2018-01-19 | 浜松光子学株式会社 | Ultraviolet light generation target and its manufacture method |
US10381215B2 (en) | 2015-06-11 | 2019-08-13 | Hamamatsu Photonics K.K. | Target for ultraviolet light generation, and method for manufacturing same |
CN109771140A (en) * | 2017-11-13 | 2019-05-21 | 叶正瑜 | The production method of trousers is drawn in a kind of drawing for saving material |
EP3628291A1 (en) * | 2018-09-26 | 2020-04-01 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Method for making adaptable absorbent articles |
WO2020068417A1 (en) * | 2018-09-26 | 2020-04-02 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Method for making adaptable absorbent articles |
CN112638338A (en) * | 2018-09-26 | 2021-04-09 | 宝洁公司 | Method for making conformable absorbent articles |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1534203B2 (en) | 2017-06-14 |
KR20050086408A (en) | 2005-08-30 |
KR101028264B1 (en) | 2011-04-11 |
WO2004019839A1 (en) | 2004-03-11 |
JP4528622B2 (en) | 2010-08-18 |
EP1534203B1 (en) | 2010-07-28 |
EP1534203A1 (en) | 2005-06-01 |
US6702917B1 (en) | 2004-03-09 |
AU2003223698A1 (en) | 2004-03-19 |
JP2005537085A (en) | 2005-12-08 |
DE60333565D1 (en) | 2010-09-09 |
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