Method and apparatus for making stretchable absorbent articles
First Claim
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1. A method for making a stretchable absorbent core, comprising the steps of:
- (a) heating an elastomeric hot-melt, pressure-sensitive adhesive to obtain a viscosity in the range of about 10000 cps to about 50000 cps;
(b) forming a stream of said meltblown adhesive;
(c) contacting a plurality of foam absorbent material particulates with said stream of meltblown adhesive; and
(d) forming a stretchable network of said meltblown adhesive incorporating said foam absorbent material particulates.
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for making stretchable absorbent diaper articles. An absorbent material is provided and entangled with a stretchable material to form a stretchable network incorporating the absorbent material. In one embodiment a plurality of foam absorbent material particulates are drawn or accelerated by gravity, vacuum or forced air through a stream of a meltblown adhesive that contacts and entangles the particulates and forms a stretchable network incorporating the particulates.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. A method for making a stretchable absorbent core, comprising the steps of:
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(a) heating an elastomeric hot-melt, pressure-sensitive adhesive to obtain a viscosity in the range of about 10000 cps to about 50000 cps; (b) forming a stream of said meltblown adhesive; (c) contacting a plurality of foam absorbent material particulates with said stream of meltblown adhesive; and (d) forming a stretchable network of said meltblown adhesive incorporating said foam absorbent material particulates. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method for making a stretchable absorbent core, comprising the steps of:
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(a) providing a foam absorbent material capable of absorbing a liquid; (b) providing a second material capable of adhering to said foam absorbent material, said second material being capable of being formed into a first configuration having a predetermined dimension in each of the x, y, and z directions that can be stretched by application of a force to achieve a second configuration, and said second material being capable of returning substantially to said first configuration after removal of said force; (c) contacting said foam absorbent material with said second material for incorporating said foam absorbent material into a stretchable network of said second material; and (d) forming an absorbent core from said stretchable network of said second material. - View Dependent Claims (12)
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13. An apparatus for manufacturing a stretchable absorbent article, comprising:
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(a) means for providing an absorbent material; and (b) means for entangling a stretchable material with said absorbent material to form a stretchable network of said stretchable material incorporating said absorbent material; wherein said providing means includes means for vibrating said absorbent material prior to delivery to said entangling means. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification