Abstract: Apparatus and methods for creating multi-layered lightly-laminated provide films with increased or maintained strength. An increased level of strength is achieved by bonding adjacent layers of the multi-layer film together in a manner that the bond strength of the laminated layers is less than a strength of a weakest tear resistance of the individual first and second film layers. The inventors have surprisingly found that such a configuration of light bonding provides increased and unexpected strength properties to the multi-layer film as compared to a monolayer film of equal thickness or a multi-layer film in which the plurality of layers are tightly bonded together.

Abstract: An absorbent article such as a diaper, training pant, and the like comprises a containment member that has a central zone and a barrier zone. The central zone has greater air flow according to the Air Permeability Test than the barrier zone. The bather zone a greater hydrohead according to the Hydrostatic Head Pressure Test than the central zone. The containment member may be used for absorbent core formation and may have portions configured to serve as barrier leg cuffs for the finished absorbent article.

Abstract: Apparatus for inserting a folded film into another folded film include combining the films without unfolding or folding either of the folded films. In particular, one or more implementations include a spreader bar configured to separate layers of a first folded film. Additionally, the apparatus can include one or more orientation rollers configured to direct a second film between the separated layers of the first folded film. Furthermore, the apparatus can include a direction change bar configured to change the direction a travel of the second film while the second film is positioned between the layers of the first folded film.

Abstract: Apparatus for inserting a folded film into another folded film include combining the films without unfolding or folding either of the folded films. In particular, one or more implementations include a spreader bar configured to separate layers of a first folded film. Additionally, the apparatus can include one or more orientation rollers configured to direct a second film between the separated layers of the first folded film. Furthermore, the apparatus can include a direction change bar configured to change the direction a travel of the second film while the second film is positioned between the layers of the first folded film.

Abstract: An absorbent article such as a diaper, training pant, and the like comprises a containment member that has a central zone and a barrier zone. The central zone has greater air flow according to the Air Permeability Test than the barrier zone. The barrier zone a greater hydrohead according to the Hydrostatic Head Pressure Test than the central zone. The containment member may be used for absorbent core formation and may have portions configured to serve as barrier leg cuffs for the finished absorbent article.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles and composites that provide improved protection and comfort by use of a vapor permeable, liquid barrier layer and an exudates thickener. In particular, the barrier layer results from deposition of barrier coating on one or more regions of the barrier layer such that select regions of the overall article exhibit a barrier to liquid while the article in general is still deemed breathable.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for creating multi-layered lightly-laminated provide films with increased or maintained strength. An increased level of strength is achieved by bonding adjacent layers of the multi-layer film together in a manner that the bond strength of the laminated layers is less than a strength of a weakest tear resistance of the individual first and second film layers. The inventors have surprisingly found that such a configuration of light bonding provides increased and unexpected strength properties to the multi-layer film as compared to a monolayer film of equal thickness or a multi-layer film in which the plurality of layers are tightly bonded together.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve patterns on substrate surfaces, such as nonwoven webs or fabrics, plastic films, and laminates thereof, that cause the substrate surfaces to exhibit a three-dimensional appearance. In some embodiments, the three-dimensional appearance of the substrate surface resembles protrusions and indentions indicative of threads in woven cloths. The patterns are created by printing a surface of a substrate, as opposed to deforming the substrate such as by embossing. Embodiments of the patterns include a plurality of repeating shapes or macro-units disposed on the substrate surface. Additional aspects of the present disclosure involve printing graphics including a repeating pattern on a substrate in order to provide the graphic with a perceived three-dimensional pattern. The three-dimensional pattern may resemble protrusions and indentations indicative of threads in embroidered designs and/or associated stitching used to affix sewn graphic patches to substrates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles and composites that provide improved protection and comfort by use of a vapor permeable, liquid barrier layer. In particular, this layer results from deposition of barrier coating on one or more regions of the barrier layer such that select regions of the overall article exhibit a barrier to liquid while the article in general is still deemed breathable.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve patterns on substrate surfaces, such as nonwoven webs or fabrics, plastic films, and laminates thereof, that cause the substrate surfaces to exhibit a three-dimensional appearance. In some embodiments, the three-dimensional appearance of the substrate surface resembles protrusions and indentions indicative of threads in woven cloths. The patterns are created by printing a surface of a substrate, as opposed to deforming the substrate such as by embossing. Embodiments of the patterns include a plurality of repeating shapes or macro-units disposed on the substrate surface.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve patterns on substrate surfaces, such as nonwoven webs or fabrics, plastic films, and laminates thereof, that cause the substrate surfaces to exhibit a three-dimensional appearance. In some embodiments, the three-dimensional appearance of the substrate surface resembles protrusions and indentions indicative of threads in woven cloths. The patterns are created by printing a surface of a substrate, as opposed to deforming the substrate such as by embossing. Embodiments of the patterns include a plurality of repeating shapes or macro-units disposed on the substrate surface.

Abstract: An absorbent article such as a diaper, training pant, and the like comprises a containment member that has a central zone and a barrier zone. The central zone has greater air flow according to the Air Permeability Test than the barrier zone. The barrier zone a greater hydrohead according to the Hydrostatic Head Pressure Test than the central zone. The containment member may be used for absorbent core formation and may have portions configured to serve as barrier leg cuffs for the finished absorbent article.