Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a feminine care product, includes a liquid permeable liner layer, a generally liquid impermeable outer cover layer, and an absorbent layer disposed between the liner layer and outer cover layer. Spaced apart solidified deposits of a phase-change liquid are defined on either the liner layer top surface, bottom surface or both surfaces, and/or other layers along the other layers' upper or lower surfaces. The deposits are defined such that areas of the liner layer top surface are exposed thereby being permeable to bodily exudates insulting the article between the deposits while acting as a barrier against liquid that may flow back to the liner layer or other treated layers from the absorbent layer or other layers contained in the absorbent article.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a feminine care product, includes a liquid permeable liner layer, a generally liquid impermeable outer cover layer, and an absorbent layer disposed between the liner layer and outer cover layer. Spaced apart solidified deposits of a phase-change liquid are defined one either the liner layer top surface, bottom surface or both surfaces, and/or other layers along the other layers upper or lower surfaces. The deposits are defined such that areas of the liner layer top surface is exposed thereby being permeable to bodily exudates insulting the article between the deposits while acting as a barrier against liquid that may flow back to the liner layer or other treated layers from the absorbent layer or other layers contained in the absorbent article.

Abstract: The present invention relates a material having fluid handling characteristics and generally includes a substrate having at least a first surface, and one or more chemistries, being applied to the first surface of the substrate in discrete droplets, wherein one or more droplets form discrete domains on the substrate. The chemistries applied to the substrate may penetrate the substrate to varying degrees wherein the varying degrees of chemistry penetration produce materials having various topographies. The topography or topographies may create fluid barriers, skin separation, or otherwise result in skin health benefits. A second embodiment of the present invention is directed to an absorbent article having one or more phase-change materials applied thereto. A third embodiment is directed to a composite including a substrate and one or more chemistries, wherein the chemistries are applied to the substrate so as to produce a substrate having discretely placed and registered bond points.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for the discrete and registered placement of chemistry. The apparatus having (i) at least one solenoid valve, the valve including an orifice; (ii) at least one chemistry source, the at least one chemistry source being in communication with the at least one valve, and being capable of communicating at least one chemistry to at least one solenoid valve; and (iii) a heating element; wherein the heating element is positioned proximate to at least one chemistry, and wherein the heating element allows the apparatus to process phase-change materials. A second embodiment of the present invention is directed to an ink-jet printing device for the registered placement of phase-change liquids. The present invention is also directed to a method for placing one or more chemistries in a discrete and registered fashion.