Abstract: A forming structure includes an outer surface configured to receive a polymer web, an inner surface, a thickness between the outer surface and the inner surface, and a plurality of openings extending through the thickness at an acute angle relative to a plane tangential to the outer surface. Each of the plurality of openings has a shape at the outer surface defined by a first ellipse having a first major axis and a first minor axis and a second ellipse having a second major axis and a second minor axis. The first major axis is substantially parallel to a machine direction and coincides with the second minor axis. The second major axis is substantially parallel to a transverse direction orthogonal to the machine direction and is offset from the first minor axis.

Abstract: A film for use in an absorbent article includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side, and a plurality of apertured protuberances arranged in a pattern having 60 to 120 protuberances per linear inch in at least one direction. Each of the protuberances includes a continuous sidewall extending from the first side. The second side has a plurality of apertures aligned with the plurality of apertured protuberances and land areas in between the apertures. The film has a melt index of at least about 8 g/10 min, and an air permeability of at least about 80 m3/m2/min.

Abstract: An apertured extrusion coated nonwoven web for use as a topsheet in an absorbent article includes a nonwoven material having a user-facing side and a garment-facing side opposite the user-facing side. The nonwoven material includes a plurality of fibers. The apertured extrusion coated nonwoven web also includes a polymer coating on the garment-facing side of the nonwoven material, the polymer coating having a basis weight of about 2 gsm to about 6 gsm, and a plurality of three-dimensional apertures that extend through the nonwoven material and the polymer coating. Each of the plurality of three-dimensional apertures includes a continuous sidewall extending from a garment-facing side of the polymer coating. The apertured extrusion coated nonwoven web has an open area of greater than 5% when subjected to a pressure of 0.6 psi.

Abstract: An absorptive device includes a topsheet, a backsheet, an absorbent core between the topsheet and the backsheet, and an acquisition distribution layer between the topsheet and the absorbent core. The acquisition distribution layer includes a formed film having a plurality of lands that contact a bottom surface of the topsheet and define an irregular array of cells.

Abstract: A hydro-formed film includes a polymeric web having a first substantially planar surface and a second substantially planar surface opposite the first substantially planar surface, and a plurality of three-dimensional micro-apertures extending from the first substantially planar surface. The plurality of three-dimensional micro-apertures have a mesh count in a range of about 40 to about 75 apertures per linear inch. The hydro-formed film has a Compression Sensor Point (CSP) count of at least about 80.

Abstract: A process of constructing a forming screen through metal deposition in a nonconductive preform structure to achieve a desired aspect ratio of the forming screen thickness to open area.

Abstract: A hydro-formed film includes a polymeric web having a first substantially planar surface and a second substantially planar surface opposite the first substantially planar surface, and a plurality of three-dimensional micro-apertures extending from the first substantially planar surface. The plurality of three-dimensional micro-apertures have a mesh count in a range of about 40 to about 75 apertures per linear inch. The hydro-formed film has a Compression Sensor Point (CSP) count of at least about 80.

Abstract: A formed film with micro-cells and macro-cells or depressions may be disclosed. For example, the film may include a lands. Each of the lands may include micro-cells thereon. The micro-cells may have a first orientation. The film may further include macro-depressions adjacent to at least one respective land. Each of the macro depressions may include additional second micro-cells. Those additional micro-cells may have a second orientation. The second orientation includes an orientation that is an inverse of the first orientation (e.g., is in an opposite direction of the first orientation).

Abstract: A method of processing a polymeric web includes providing a forming screen configured for supporting and moving with the web in a machine direction. The forming screen has a plurality of elliptical screen openings, each having a major axis perpendicular to the machine direction and a minor axis parallel to the machine direction. The method includes continuously depositing the web onto the forming screen and passing the web and forming screen through a water stream having a pressure level sufficient to cause the web to be forced into the screen openings, thereby forming protrusions extending from the planar surface of the web. Each protrusion has an apex, an opening at the apex, and an elliptical cross-section parallel to the planar surface of the web. The elliptical cross-section has a protrusion axis ratio that may be selected so as to produce a desired protrusion axis ratio.

Abstract: A method of processing a polymeric web includes providing a forming screen configured for supporting and moving with the web in a machine direction. The forming screen has a plurality of elliptical screen openings, each having a major axis perpendicular to the machine direction and a minor axis parallel to the machine direction. The method includes continuously depositing the web onto the forming screen and passing the web and forming screen through a water stream having a pressure level sufficient to cause the web to be forced into the screen openings, thereby forming protrusions extending from the planar surface of the web. Each protrusion has an apex, an opening at the apex, and an elliptical cross-section parallel to the planar surface of the web. The elliptical cross-section has a protrusion axis ratio that may be selected so as to produce a desired protrusion axis ratio.

Abstract: An absorptive device includes a topsheet, a backsheet, an absorbent core between the topsheet and the backsheet, and an acquisition distribution layer between the topsheet and the absorbent core. The acquisition distribution layer includes a formed film having a plurality of lands that contact a bottom surface of the topsheet and define an irregular array of cells.

Abstract: An apertured film with a reduced gloss through the use of light trap micro-pits uniformly distributed on the lands of the film in a random pattern and a method of making the same.

Abstract: A process of constructing a forming screen through metal deposition in a nonconductive preform structure to achieve a desired aspect ratio of the forming screen thickness to open area.

Abstract: Systems and methods for forming a vacuum formed, apertured film with micro-aberrations may be disclosed. For example, a polymer web such as a molten polymer web may be received at an engagement point between a screen with a positive aberration and a roller comprising a surface with a negative depression. The roller may have a diameter of no more than about 5.5 inches. A micro-aberration may be expanded, for example, on a land of the polymer web at the engagement point by inserting the positive aberration on the screen into the negative depression on the surface of the roller at a pressure of about 1.5 to about 3.5 pounds per linear inch (PLI). Additionally, one or more apertures are formed in the polymer web adjacent to a micro-aberration on a land.

Abstract: A formed film with micro-cells and macro-cells or depressions may be disclosed. For example, the film may include a lands. Each of the lands may include micro-cells thereon. The micro-cells may have a first orientation. The film may further include macro-depressions adjacent to at least one respective land. Each of the macro depressions may include additional second micro-cells. Those additional micro-cells may have a second orientation. The second orientation includes an orientation that is an inverse of the first orientation (e.g., is in an opposite direction of the first orientation).

Abstract: Systems and methods for forming a vacuum formed, apertured film with micro-aberrations may be disclosed. For example, a polymer web such as a molten polymer web may be received at an engagement point between a screen with a positive aberration and a roller comprising a surface with a negative depression. The roller may have a diameter of no more than about 5.5 inches. A micro-aberration may be expanded, for example, on a land of the polymer web at the engagement point by inserting the positive aberration on the screen into the negative depression on the surface of the roller at a pressure of about 1.5 to about 3.5 pounds per linear inch (PLI). Additionally, one or more apertures are formed in the polymer web adjacent to a micro-aberration on a land.

Abstract: An apertured film with a reduced gloss through the use of light trap micro-pits uniformly distributed on the lands of the film in a random pattern and a method of making the same.

Abstract: The application relates to absorbent articles and in particular to absorbent articles containing a transfer layer having a three-dimensional structure that is orientated for improved directional flow of bodily fluids and distribution within the absorbent article.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a topsheet and an absorbent core material. The acquisition distribution layer is located between the topsheet and the absorbent core material. The acquisition distribution layer is made of a three dimensional apertured film that defines a large void volume space between the acquisition distribution layer and the absorbent core material. The acquisition distribution layer provides high void volume for lateral spillage during repeated insult moments because the topsheet, which is in contact with the user, is held away from dispersing fluid that is unabsorbed by saturated core material. The void volume space provides a pathway for unabsorbed fluid to flow over the top plane of saturated core regions to unsaturated regions of the core material for absorption. The void volume space allows this migration of fluid to occur without the fluid coming into contact with the topsheet, thereby avoiding a feeling of wetness for a wearer.

Abstract: A thermoplastic film having a first surface defining pockets, each pocket having a depth and breadth and a bottom, the bottom is preferably textured and is thinner than the thickness of the first surface. Devices made from the film include one or more of a variety of materials contained within the pockets and a second layer overlying the first surface to cover the openings of the pockets. A process of making the film is also disclosed.