Process and apparatus for making channeled absorbent articles

US12239512B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• ONTEX GROUP NV · BE

Inventors

• Ainas WEBER · Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler, DE
• Thomas HEEGE · Düngenheim, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 19, 2021
• Grant date: Mar 4, 2025
• Expiry date: Sep 17, 2041

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61F2013/5312
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A method for making an absorbent article comprising an absorbent core comprising one or more channels, the method comprising the steps of: i. providing a first endless moving surface comprising a plurality of molds typically in the form of pockets, each mold comprising an insert therein, wherein the molds are in fluid communication with an under-pressure source except for said insert such that a suction zone is formed in areas neighboring said insert; ii. feeding a first nonwoven web to said first endless moving surface and over one or more said molds; iii. depositing an absorbent material, comprising cellulose fibers and/or superabsorbent polymer particles, over at least a portion of said nonwoven web; iv. optionally further selectively removing said absorbent material from areas of the nonwoven web corresponding to said insert; v. applying a second nonwoven web directly or indirectly over the absorbent material, or folding said first nonwoven web, such to sandwich said absorbent material between upper and lower layers of said nonwoven web(s); vi. joining said upper and lower layers together at least in the areas of the nonwoven web(s) corresponding to the insert to form an absorb…