Patent · US Expired

Method of making molded cellulosic webs for use in absorbent articles

US6692603B1 · kind B1 · utility

58Cited by
90References
45Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateOct 6, 2000
Grant dateFeb 17, 2004
Priority date
Expiry dateOct 6, 2020

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T156/1023
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

Methods are disclosed for producing absorbent articles comprising molded airlaid webs and other molded fibrous webs. The molded webs can offer improved body fit and/or improved fluid handling. Molded airlaid webs, for example, can be formed having a central longitudinal hump and flexure zones longitudinally removed from the central hump to provide good contact with the body and improved fit when the article is squeezed from the sides. Molding can be achieved when a binder material is activated by an energy source and the web is held against a molding substrate. Energy sources can include microwaves, heated air, heated metal surfaces, ultraviolet radiation, ultrasonic energy, and the like.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.