Methods of making bulked absorbent members.
Abstract
Se describen miembros absorbentes, especialmente miembros absorbentes voluminosos, y métodos para fabricarlos. El miembro absorbente podría encontrarse en la forma de una capa fibrosa absorbente única que comprende al menos algunas fibras de celulosa. La capa fibrosa absorbente única está al menos parcialmente estratificada a través de su grosor. El miembro absorbente podría tener, además, una pluralidad de deformaciones distintas, tales como depresiones y/o aberturas en su superficie. El método incluye someter una trama precursora a al menos un ciclo (o una pasada) en un proceso de deformación mecánica. El proceso de deformación mecánica usa un primer miembro formador y un segundo miembro formador que forman un punto de agarre entre ellos a través del cual pasa la trama precursora. El primer y el segundo miembro formador se mueven a distintas velocidades en comparación con el otro cuando se juntan para formar el punto de agarre.

Term
5.6 yearsleft in the term
Expires 26 April 2032.
- Priority
- Filed
- Granted
- Today
- Expires
28 claims: 4 independent, 24 dependent
- 1REIVINDICACIONES:INSTITUTO MEXICANO DE LA PROPIEDAD INDUSTRIAL absorbente;el método 1. Un método para fabricar un miembro comprende: a) proporcionar un material de trama precursora;el material de trama precursora comprende una estructura fibrosa celulósica tendida en húmedo;el material de trama precursora tiene una primera superficie y una segunda superficie;b) proporcionar un par de miembros conformadores que forman un punto de agarre entre ellos;los miembros conformadores comprenden;un primer miembro conformador que tiene una superficie que comprende una pluralidad de primeros elementos conformadores, en donde los primeros elementos conformadores comprenden elementos conformadores machos distintos y el primer miembro conformador se mueve a una primera velocidad superficial;y un segundo miembro conformador que tiene una superficie que comprende una pluralidad de segundos miembros conformadores, en donde los segundos elementos conformadores comprenden elementos conformadores machos distintos y el segundo miembro conformador se mueve a una segunda velocidad superficial, caracterizado porque el primer miembro conformador y el segundo miembro conformador están en movimiento a diferentes velocidades superficiales, en donde uno del primer miembro conformador y el segundo miembro conformador se mueve a una velocidad superficial menor que el otro, y la relación de velocidad superficial del miembro conformador más rápido al miembro conformador más lento es mayor que 1.02;y ______t .i INSTITUTO MEXICANO DE LA PROPIEDAD INDUSTRIAL c) deformar mecánicamente el material de trama· precuisuia, alpaaar el material de trama precursora a través del punto de agarre entre los miembros conformadores, en donde los elementos conformadores en el primer miembro conformador penetran en la primera superficie del material de trama precursora al menos parcialmente en el grosor del material de trama precursora y los elementos conformadores en el segundo miembro conformador penetran en la segunda superficie del material de trama precursora al menos parcialmente en el grosor del material de trama precursora para formar un miembro absorbente, en donde los miembros conformadores se configuran y corren a diferentes velocidades, de manera que resulte en un patrón de deformación consistente y repetitivo en la trama precursora.
- 2El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 1, caracterizado además porque los miembros conformadores son rodillos, y el primer y el segundo diámetros de los rodillos son los mismos, y los rodillos se giran a un número diferente de revoluciones por minuto, y la longitud de repetición de diente MD en al menos un rodillo se establece de manera que la proporción de las RPM del primer rodillo al segundo rodillo sea igual a la proporción de la longitud de repetición de diente MD del primer rodillo ai segundo rodillo.
- 3El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 1, caracterizado además porque los miembros conformadores son rodillos, y los rodillos se giran al mismo número de revoluciones por minuto, y el diámetro del rodillo y la longitud de repetición de diente MD del primer y el segundo rodillos se establece de manera que la proporción del diámetro del primer rodillo al segundo rodillo sea igual a la proporción de la longitud de repetición de diente MD del primer rodillo al segundo rodillo.
- 4El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 1, caracterizado IMPI» INSTITUTO MEXICANO DE LA PROPIEDAD además porque los elementos conformadores adoptan la forma de cualquier de formas que se seleccionan del grupo que consiste en:de forma -rootangular, formo triangular, forma piramidal, forma de aleta de tiburón, forma cónica, forma de alfiler, y forma troncocónica.
- 5El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 1, caracterizado además porque los miembros conformadores comprenden rodillos contrarotatorios, que comprenden:un primer rodillo que comprende el primer miembro conformador, el primer rodillo tiene un primer eje alrededor del cual el primer rodillo gira y el primer rodillo comprende una primera superficie en donde los primeros elementos conformadores comprenden un primer conjunto de dientes que forman crestas orientadas circularmente que se alinean perpendiculares al primer eje;y un segundo rodillo que comprende el segundo miembro conformador, el segundo rodillo tiene un segundo eje alrededor del cual el segundo rodillo gira y el segundo rodillo comprende una segunda superficie, en donde los segundos elementos conformadores comprenden un segundo conjunto de dientes que forman crestas orientadas circularmente que se alinean perpendiculares al segundo eje;y la etapa c) comprende mover el material de trama a través del punto de agarre entre los rodillos contrarotatorios.
- 6El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 1, caracterizado además porque los elementos conformadores en al menos uno de los miembros conformadores penetra por completo a través del grosor del material de trama precursora.
- 7El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 1, que comprende además proveer al menos uno de los miembros conformadores con un sistema de retiro INSTITUTO MEXICANO DE LA PROPIEDAD INDUSTRIAL de la trama, caracterizado porque el método comprende además retirar la trama precursora del al menos uno de los miembros conformadores con’el sistema de retiro de la trama.
- 8El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 1, caracterizado además porque comprende una etapa d) de suministrar el miembro absorbente a un molino de martillos.
- 9Un método para elaborar un artículo absorbente en una línea de manufactura de artículos absorbentes, caracterizado porque el método de la reivindicación 1 se lleva a cabo en la línea de manufactura de artículos absorbentes.
- 10El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 1, caracterizado además porque al menos uno del primero y segundo miembros conformadores tiene al menos una región que comprende dientes que difieren en al menos una de las siguientes propiedades, de los dientes sobre el resto de la superficie del miembro conformador:altura del diente, longitud del diente, separación dei diente, forma del diente, o radio de la punta.
- 11Un método para elaborar un miembro absorbente caracterizado porque el método comprende insertar el material de trama a través de múltiples puntos de agarre de conformidad con la reivindicación 1.
- 12El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 1, caracterizado porque comprende además, una etapa de pasar la trama precursora a través de un punto de agarre adicional entre dos miembros conformadores adicionales, en donde los miembros conformadores adicionales que conforman el punto de agarre adicional se mueven, prácticamente a la misma velocidad superficial.
- 13El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 12, caracterizado porque comprende además insertar el material de trama precursora a través de ΪΜΜίΙ instituto ksz*ca:k múltiples puntos de agarre. EWuüoTsL'a
- 14El método de conformidad con la rpivindiy^qjón 1. car^tRrizado . además porque el punto de agarre comprende un primer punto de agarre, y el método comprende además una etapa posterior de pasar el material de trama a través de al menos un punto de agarre adicional entre dos rodillos adicionales, después de que el material de trama se inserta a través del primer punto de agarre;los rodillos adicionales tienen superficies que conforman el punto de agarre adicional, en donde al menos regiones de la superficie de al menos uno de los rodillos adicionales es relativamente más suave en al menos una porción del punto de agarre adicional, en comparación con las superficies de los miembros conformadores en el primer punto de agarre, en donde el punto de agarre adicional compacta al menos una porción del material de trama precursora.
- 15El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 1, caracterizado además porque los primeros elementos conformadores tienen un espacio entre ellos y los segundos elementos conformadores tienen un espacio entre ellos, el método comprende además, una etapa anterior y/o posterior de pasar el material de trama a través de al menos un punto de agarre adicional entre dos rodillos adicionales que giran a la misma velocidad superficial;los rodillos adicionales tienen una profundidad de acoplamiento mayor que 1 mm, en donde los elementos conformadores en los rodillos adicionales forman una pluralidad de salientes en el material de trama.
- 16El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 1, caracterizado además porque comprende además una etapa anterior y/o posterior de pasar el material de trama a través de al menos un punto de agarre adicional entre dos rodillos adicionales, en donde al menos uno de los rodillos adicionales tiene elementos en su superficie que penetran el grosor del material de trama para formar aberturas en el INSTITUTO MEXICANO DE LA PROPIEDAD INDUSTRIAL material de trama.
- 17El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 1, caracterizado además porque como resultado del método, el miembro absorbente está estratificado, al menos parcialmente.
- 18El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 1, caracterizado además porque el miembro absorbente tiene la primera y la segunda superficies que corresponden con la primera y la segunda superficies del material de trama precursora, y el miembro absorbente comprende una pluralidad de deformaciones distintas que se conforman en la primera y segunda superficies y regiones densificadas, adyacentes al menos a una porción de las deformaciones en al menos una de la primera y la segunda superficies.
- 19El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 1, caracterizado además porque el material de trama precursora se selecciona del grupo que consiste en:pasta de celulosa de ciclo seco, cartón de revestimiento, cartón, material reciclado post consumo, papel de filtro y combinaciones de estos.
- 20El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 1, caracterizado además porque el material de trama precursora consiste esencialmente de pasta de celulosa de ciclo seco, tratada con un agente de descomposición química.
- 21El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 1, caracterizado además porque la trama precursora tiene un calibre inicial antes de impactar mecánicamente la misma, y el miembro absorbente tiene un calibre, y el calibre del miembro absorbente es mayor que el calibre inicial de la trama precursora.
- 22El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 1, caracterizado además porque el material de trama precursora tiene una resistencia a la rotura de menos de 1,000 kPa.
- 23El método de conformidad con la reivindicacíonSíÍA^^feri además porque la trama precursora tiene un grosor y los miembros conformadores £ε?.»ι»,«μιμ definen una profundidad positiva de acoplamiento entre los mismos en el punto de agarre.
- 24El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 23, caracterizado además porque la proporción del grosor de la trama precursora a la profundidad de acoplamiento es de menos de 1.
- 25El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 1, caracterizado además porque el primer miembro conformador y el segundo miembro conformador comprenden placas que se mueven en la misma dirección en el punto de agarre.
- 26El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 1, caracterizado además porque los miembros conformadores comprenden rodillos contrarotatorios, en donde el primer miembro conformador comprende un primer rodillo y el segundo miembro conformador comprende un segundo rodillo.
- 27El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 26, caracterizado además porque la proporción de la velocidad superficial del rodillo más veloz en relación con el rodillo más lento, está entre 1.05 y 2.0.
- 28El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 1, caracterizado además porque los primeros elementos conformadores y los segundos elementos conformadores comprenden porciones superiores, y las porciones superiores de los primeros elementos conformadores y los segundos elementos conformadores se desplazan entre sí en el punto de agarre.
Independent claims28
478 paragraphs in 38 sections, as filed
(54) Title: METHODS TO MANUFACTURE BULKY ABSORBING MEMBERS. (54) Title: METHODS OF MAKING BULKED ABSORBENT MEMBERS.
(57) Summary
Absorbent members, especially bulky absorbent members, and methods of making them are described. The absorbent member could be in the form of a single absorbent fibrous layer comprising at least some cellulose fibers. The single absorbent fibrous layer is at least partially layered throughout its thickness. The absorbent member could also have a plurality of different deformations, such as depressions and / or openings in its surface. The method includes subjecting a precursor frame to at least one cycle (or one pass) in a mechanical deformation process. The mechanical deformation process uses a first forming member and a second forming member that form a gripping point between them through which the precursor web passes. The first and second forming members move at different speeds compared to each other when brought together to form the grip point.
(57) Abstract
Absorbent members, especially bulked absorbent members, and methods of making the same are disclosed. The absorbent member may be in the form of a unitary absorbent fibrous layer comprising at least some cellulose fibers. The unitary absorbent fibrous layer is at least partially stratified through its thickness. The absorbent member may also have a plurality oí discrete deformations, such as depressions and / or apertures in its surfaces. The method involves subjecting a precursor web to at least one cycle (or pass) through a mechanical deformation process. The mechanical deformation process uses a first forming member and a second forming member that form a nip therebetween through which the precursor web is passed. The first and second forming members are moving at different speeds relative to each other when they come together to form the nip.
<img file="MX337673B_D0001.tif" />
<img file="MX337673B_D0002.tif" />
PATENT TITLE NO. 337673
Institute
Mexican Property
Industrial _SE
OSE SECROMÍA «MUMMY
Headlines):
Home:
Denomination:
Classification:
Ii
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY
One Procter & Gamble Plaza, Cincinnati, Ohio, .45202, USA
METHODS TO MANUFACTURE BULKY ABSORBING MEMBERS.
Int.CI.8: A61F13 / 15: A61F13 / 533; A61F13 / 536; B26F1 / 20; B26F1 / 24; D04H1 / 26; D04H1 / 425
ΒΟΗΝ J ΒΟΗΝ E
MAN;
I
Country;
<img file="MX337673B_D0003.tif" />
Validity: Twenty ^ years Date gives
The patent of
In accordance with the artrdeto told rights.
Who subscribes the Industrial Property (I
Industrial WMM.
ite arprBTogables. to maintain and | and the ey of the / 05/1999. ration V signed on
07/01/2002, 07/15/2004, 07/28/2004 and 09/07/2007); Articles 1, 3, 4, 5, section V, subsection a), 16 sections I and III and 30 of the Organic Statute of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (DOF) 12/27/1999, amended on 10/10/2002, 07/29/2004, 08/04/2004 and 09/13/2007); 1, 3 and 5 subsection a) of the Agreement that delegates powers to the Deputy Directors General, Coordinator, Divisional Directors, Holders of the Regional Offices, Divisional Deputy Directors, Departmental Coordinators and other subordinates of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property. (DOF 12/15/1999, amended on 02/04/2000, 07/29/2004, 08/04/2004 and 09/13/2007).
<img file="MX337673B_D0004.tif" />
Issue Date: March 14, 2016
DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OF PATENTS
<img file="MX337673B_D0005.tif" />
Ί '
NAHANNY CANAL REYES
Arenal No. 550, Floor i,
Col. Pueblo Santa María Tepepan, Xochimilco, CP 16020,
Mexico City
Tel. (55) 53 34 07 00 www.impl.qob, mx
<img file="MX337673B_D0006.tif" />
<img file="MX337673B_D0007.tif" />
MX / 2016/20894
33¾¾
<img file="MX337673B_D0008.tif" />
FIELD OF THE INVENTION - .......___
The present invention is directed to absorbent members and methods of making them, and, more particularly, to bulky absorbent members and methods of making them.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Currently, some disposable absorbent items such as diapers, handkerchiefs, and daily protectors are provided with an absorbent core of low-density shredded wood pulp. The shredded wood pulp is typically manufactured in a process that includes several stages. The first stage is one in which pulp fibers are suspended in water and introduced into a moving screen of the inlet box in a wet paper process. The water is removed by a combination of gravity and vacuum prior to introduction into a drying process to form a relatively high basis weight material called a dry cycle cellulose pulp. The dry cycle cellulose pulp could be in sheet or roll form. The dry cycle cellulose pulp is then transported to the manufacturer of the absorbent article. The manufacturer of the absorbent article submits the dry cycle cellulose pulp to a crushing or milling process to make crushed wood pulp or cellulose pulp (fluff) by an air-laying process. This is typically done in-line on an absorbent article manufacturing line.
Shredded wood pulp has several limitations when used as an absorbent core in absorbent articles desired to pulp.
<img file="MX337673B_D0009.tif" />
INSTITUTO MEXICANO DE LA PROPERTY as a shredded wood material typically has low integrity and clumping and greasing when wet. Shredded wood pulp typically has a low density and may not provide as much capillary work potential as a higher density material. Additionally, the shredded wood pulp has the same density throughout its thickness and does not easily form structures that have zones or layers with higher densities.
Air-laid structures are another type of absorbent material commonly used in absorbent articles. The air-laying process includes grinding or milling dry cycle cellulose pulp to make crushed wood pulp or cellulose pulp. Binder materials, such as latex binder, could then be added to provide strength and integrity to the material. Super absorbent polymers are also frequently added in the air laying process. Air-laid structures can be formed in a way that does not provide areas with higher densities, such as in US Patent No. US 2003/0204178 A1, but this involves more expensive processes and materials. The air-laying process is frequently performed at an Intermediate supplier, resulting in an added cost of transporting the material to the conversion operation. The combination of more expensive materials, processing, and transportation results in significantly more expensive material and a more complex supply chain.
Several different absorbent structures and other structures used in absorbent articles, and manufacturing methods, are described in the patent literature including: US Patent 3,017,304, Burgenl; United States Patent 3,509,007, Kalwaites; United States Patent 4,189,344, Busker; United States Patent 4,992,324, Dube; United States Patent 5,143,679, l'í / Ji
<img file="MX337673B_D0010.tif" />
Weber; United States Patent 5,242,435, Murjl; United States patent
5,518,801, Chappell et al .; United States Patent 5,562,645, Tanzer et al .; United States Patent 5,634,915, Osterhahl; United States Patent 5,743,999, Kamps; United States Patent 6,344,111 B1, Wilhelm; patent application publication no. 2003/0204178 A1, Febo, et al .; patent application publication no. 2006/0151914, Gerndt; patent application publication no. 2008/0217809 A1, Zhao et al .; patent application publication no. 2008/0221538 A1, Zhao et al .; patent application publication no. 2008/0221539 A1, Zhao et al .; patent application publication no. 2008/0221541 A1, Lavash et al .; patent application publication no. 2008/0221542 A1, Zhao et al .; patent application publication no. 2010/0318047 A1, Ducker et al .; and patent no. EP 0 598 970 B2. However, the search for improved absorbent structures and methods of manufacturing them has continued.
It is preferred to provide absorbent members and methods of making them. Particularly, it is preferred to provide absorbent members with improved liquid uptake, flexibility, tensile strength, and liquid retention. Ideally, it is preferred to produce the improved absorbent members at a lower cost.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to absorbent members and methods of making them, and, more particularly, to bulky absorbent members and methods of making them.
The absorbent member comprises at least one fibrous layer or weft
<img file="MX337673B_D0011.tif" />
Mexican INSTITUTE OF PROPERTY V single absorbent comprising at least some cellulose fibers. The óg ^ awros a first surface, a second surface, a length, a width, and a grooon La-layer, .... ^, Fibrous single absorbent is at least partially layered through its thickness. The absorbent member could also have a plurality of different deformations on its first and second surfaces. Other optional features are possible. For example, the absorbent members described above can be further compacted in regions, or over their entire surface. In other embodiments, the absorbent members can be provided with a three-dimensional topography. In other embodiments, the absorbent members may have holes.
Methods of forming the absorbent members include subjecting a precursor web to at least one cycle (or step) of a mechanical deformation process. The precursor material could be in sheet or roll form (eg, laminated pulp). The precursor material could comprise any wet-laid cellulose-containing material, including, but not limited to: dry cycle cellulose pulp, liner board, post-consumer recycled material, filter paper, and combinations thereof. Methods include passing the precursor web through a pair of forming members that could include, but are not limited to, counter-rotating rollers. Typically, the methods include subjecting the precursor web to at least one pass through the gripping point between the counter-rotating rollers rotating at different surface speeds. The rollers comprise a first roller having a surface comprising a plurality of first forming elements, wherein the first forming elements comprise different male forming elements; and a second roll having a surface comprising a plurality of second forming elements, wherein the second forming elements comprise different male forming elements.
Optionally, the methods could further include submitting the plot
<img file="MX337673B_D0012.tif" />
INSTITUTO MEXICANO DE iA PROPIEDAD I is a precursor to multiple cycles (or steps) in a process of deformaCT © w<sup>T |</sup>additional wec. The additional mechanical deformation process could<sup>11</sup> use mlambrog.
formers that include, but are not limited to, counter-rotating rollers that rotate at virtually the same surface speeds. Depending on the type of deformation desired, the surface of the Individual rollers in the additional deformation process could be: smooth (ie an anvil roller); or it could have forming elements comprising protrusions or "male" elements. The multiple cycles of the optional mechanical deformation process could use a "nested" roll arrangement in which there are at least four rolls and at least two of the rolls define two or more lines of contact with the other rolls.
The methods described in the present description could be used for a variety of purposes. Purposes may include from serving as a preprocessing step before feeding the precursor material to a grinding mill to reduce the energy required to defiber the material in the grinding mill, to serving as a basic operation on an article manufacturing line absorbent in order to prepare a complete absorbent member that is ready for use in an absorbent article that is manufactured on the line.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
The following detailed description will be more clearly understood when considering the figures in which:
Figure 1 is a photomicrograph of the cross section of a dry cycle cellulose pulp weft.
Figure 2 is a photomicrograph of the cross section of a ί ΜΡΙ weft of dry cycle cellulose pulp after the INDUSTRIAL modality of the present method was processed to form a bulky absorbent member
<img file="MX337673B_D0013.tif" />
Figure 3 is a top perspective view photograph of an absorbent member of the type shown in Figure 2.
Figure 4 is an enlarged plan view showing in greater detail the surface of another variant of an absorbent member of the type shown in Figure 2.
Figure 5 is a perspective view of portions of two crosslinked rollers that could be used to form an absorbent member such as that shown in Figure 2.
Figure 6 is a cross section of a portion of the crosslinked rollers.
Figure 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a roll that can be used in the methods described in the present description.
Figure 8 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a roll that can be used in the methods described in the present description.
Figure 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a roll that can be used in the methods described in the present description.
Figure 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a roll that can be used in the methods described in the present description.
Figure 11 is a perspective view photograph of the surface of another embodiment of a roll that can be used in the methods described in the present disclosure.
Figure 12 is a perspective view of portions of two crosslinked rollers that could be used to form an absorbent member.
<img file="MX337673B_D0014.tif" />
ίΓ ί<sup>;</sup>\ l,<sup>¡</sup>'ύ'> '* „· ί ΙλΖι jr jb l · πτυτο mexica / ^ ίΛΑΡΚΟΡκα
Figure 13 is an alternate portion perspective view of two crosslinked rollers that could be used for absorbent.
Figure 14 is a schematic plan view of an area in a frame showing how the teeth of the two rollers could be aligned at the point of grip.
Figure 14A is a schematic plan view of an area of a frame showing an alternative arrangement of how the teeth of the two rollers could be aligned at the point of grip.
Figure 15 shows a perspective view of the surface of another embodiment of a roll that can be used in the methods described in the present description.
Figure 16 is a schematic side view of one embodiment of an apparatus for manufacturing an absorbent member.
Figure 16A is a schematic side view of another embodiment of an apparatus for manufacturing an absorbent member.
Figure 17 is a schematic view of a variation of an apparatus having optional additional rollers located upstream of the differential speed grip point.
Figure 18 is a schematic view of a variation of an apparatus having optional additional rollers located downstream of the differential speed grip point.
Figure 19 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of two crosslinked rollers.
Figure 20 is a photograph of a frame at a grab point between
VIP
MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY reticulated rollers.
Figure 21 is a photomicrograph of the section T ^ ari ^ ersal ^ 5eTrrra · dry cycle cellulose pulp weft after it was processed in accordance with one embodiment of the present method to form a two-sided densified precursor weft.
Figure 22 is a photomicrograph of the cross section of a dry cycle cellulose pulp weft after it was processed in accordance with another embodiment of the present methods to form a "one-sided" precursor weft.
Figure 23 is a schematic side view of another embodiment of an apparatus for manufacturing an absorbent member.
Figure 24 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of an apparatus for manufacturing an absorbent member.
Figure 25 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of an apparatus for manufacturing an absorbent member.
Figure 26 shows a non-limiting example of a forming member for an optional step of forming the precursor web into an absorbent member, where a portion of the absorbent member has been redensified or compacted.
Figure 27 is a photomicrograph of the cross section of an absorbent member, a portion of which has been compacted.
Figure 28 is a schematic side view of a non-limiting example of a forming member for an optional step of forming the precursor web into a three-dimensional absorbent member.
Figure 29 is a perspective view of another example of another Mexican member!
OF PROPERTY V?
trainer for an optional stage of formation of the precursor plot WñSWrnie?
<img file="MX337673B_D0015.tif" />
three-dimensional absorbent.
Figure 30 is a top perspective view of an absorbent member with a three-dimensional topography.
Figure 31 is a perspective view of two crosslinked rollers that could be used to form an absorbent member with holes.
The embodiments of the absorbent structure and the methods of manufacturing it shown in the figures are illustrative in nature and are not intended to limit the invention defined by the claims. Furthermore, the features of the invention will be more fully and clearly understood when considering the detailed description.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Definitions:
The term "absorbent article" includes discarded articles such as handkerchiefs, daily protectors, tampons, interlabial devices, wound dressings, diapers, adult incontinence articles, wet wipes, and the like. Furthermore, absorbent members produced by the methods and apparatus described in the present disclosure may find utility in other screens such as abrasive pads, mop pads (such as SWIFFER® pads), and the like. At least some of the absorbent items are designed for the absorption of body fluids, such as menstrual flow or blood, vaginal discharge, urine, and stool. Wet wipes could be used to absorb body fluids or for other purposes, such as cleaning surfaces. Various
Ο · <¡w
X -¿Lv.iL Al Jl
MÍXiCAKO INSTITUTE OF LA PRCríEDAO Absorbent articles described above will include, typically<sup>I</sup>tea'<sup>3TÍ</sup>'fh<sup>l</sup>i Iféflíos upper liquid permeable, a canvas Lower waterproof<sup>-</sup>'lfCfUldüe * ariitlo to the upper canvas, and an absorbent core between the upper canvas and the lower canvas.
The term "absorbent core", as used herein, refers to the component of the absorbent article primarily responsible for storing liquids. As such, the absorbent core typically does not include the top canvas and the bottom canvas of the absorbent article.
The term "absorbent member" as used herein "refers to components of the absorbent article that typically provide one or more liquid handling functionalities, eg, liquid uptake, liquid distribution, transport of liquids, liquid storage, etc. IF the absorbent member comprises an absorbent core component, the absorbent member may comprise the entire absorbent core or only a portion of the absorbent core.
The terms "compaction" and "densification", as used herein, refer to a process step in which the bulk density of a frame is increased.
The term "cross machine direction" (or "cross direction") refers to a direction perpendicular to the machine direction in the plot plane.
The term "fromnslflcaclon", as used in the present description, refers to a "density reduction" in which the bulk density of a frame is reduced.
The term "density profile", as used herein, refers to a change in density across the thickness of an absorbent member, and is distinguished from ordinary variations in the density of absorbent members having a practically uniform density throughout the thickness
OF THE PROPERTY
<img file="MX337673B_D0016.tif" />
can be in any of the configurations described in the presenfe<sup>3</sup>cíes
Density profiles could be illustrated in photomicrographs and 'SEKTT ”” The term “distinct”, as used in the present description, means different or not connected. When the term "distinct" is used in relation to forming elements in a forming member it means that the distal (or radially outermost) ends of the forming elements are distinct or not connected both in the machine direction and in the transverse direction to the machine (although the bases of the forming elements could be formed on the same surface of a roller, for example). For example, the flanges of a ring roller are not considered different.
The term "disposable" is used in the present description to describe absorbent articles that are not intended to be washed or in any other way reconstituted or reused as an absorbent article (ie, which are intended to be discarded after use and preferably , to be recycled, processed into compost or discarded in any other way in a way compatible with the environment).
The term "dry cycle cellulose pulp", as used herein, refers to a fibrous, cellulose-containing, wet-formed and dried material that could be in roll or sheet form. Dry cycle is also known as cellulosic pulp for defibration or crushing pulp. For some applications, the dry cycle pulp comprises pulpSBSK (southern bleached softwood kraft) or NBSK (northern bleached softwood kraft) produced in the form of a high basis weight, relatively heavy gauge sheet. The laminated product is re-rolled into continuous rolls or stacks of foil for transport to a manufacturer of a disposable item. At the manufacturer's plant, the rolls are continuously fed to a device, such as a grinding mill, to
Hee v Hee.
reduce them as much as possible to individual fibers and thus create pulp cteí $ ftt $ Far;
I? - «DU57hí /: L ·% .-- <__
Alternatively, degrees of dry cycle cellulose pulp can be densified from i, <sub>M</sub>| ....... iiwimhi ...............
material by the process described in the present description. In addition to cellulose fibers, dry cycle cellulose pulp can include rayon fibers, post-consumer recycled material, other fibrous materials, or even particulate additives comprising elements such as mineral fillers, kaolin clay, or cellulose powder. Dry cycle cellulose pulp materials of the type useful in this invention include those described in US Patent Nos. 6,074,524 and
6,296,737.
The terms "exterior / s" and "external / s" as used herein with reference to areas of an absorbent member refer to areas that are separated in the z direction toward the opposite side of a plane passing through the center of the absorbent member.
The term "machine direction" means the path that the material, such as a weft, follows in a manufacturing process.
The terms "mechanically impacting" or "mechanically deforming" can be used interchangeably in the present description to refer to processes in which a mechanical force is exerted on a material.
The term "Micro-SELF" is a process similar in apparatus and method to the SELF process defined in the present description. The Micro-SELF teeth have different dimensions so they are more favorable to form tufts with openings in the front and rear ends. A process that uses micro-SELFs to form tufts on a weft substrate is described in US Patent Application Publication No. 2006 / 0286343A1. For the purposes of this description, MicroSELF will be considered a subset of the SELF technology.
1Μ Ό • Jl xvjí. Jj_ __
The term "cardboard", as used in the present industry, the class of heavy paper and other conglomerates with a thickness greater than 0.15 millimeters, which includes cardboard, cardboard, pressed wood, cardboard for packaging, corrugated cardboard and cardboard for faces.
The term "embossing", as used herein with reference to picking members, includes forming members that have distinct elements thereon, as well as those that have continuous features thereon such as ridges or grooves in a ring roll.
The term "post-consumer recycled material" as used in the present description generally refers to material that can originate from post-consumer sources such as domestic, retail, retail, industrial, and demolition. "Post-consumer fibers" means fibers obtained from consumer products that have been discarded for disposal or recovery after completion of their intended uses and are intended to be a subset of post-consumer recycled materials. Post-consumer materials could be obtained from a consumer or manufacturer's waste stream material classification prior to disposal. This definition is intended to include materials that are used to transport product to a consumer, including, for example, carton packs.
The term "region / s" refers to portions or sections through the XY plane of the absorbent member.
The terms "ring roller" or "ring type winding" refer to a process using deformation members comprising counter-rotating rollers, crosslinked tapes, or crosslinked plates containing ribs and grooves where the ribs and crosslinked grooves of the deformation members hook and stretch a frame
<img file="MX337673B_D0017.tif" />
• i. Ha J JL interposed between them. For ring-type winding, the members<sup>7</sup>bj ^ f ^ | ^ ó
ÍÍJDUST RIAL arrange to stretch the frame in the cross machine direction or in the machine direction depending on the orientation of the teeth and the grooves.
The term "rotary knife opening" ("RKA") refers to a process and apparatus using crosslinked deformation members similar to those defined herein with respect to SELF or micro-SELF. The RKA process differs from that of SELF or micro-SELF in that the relatively flat elongated teeth of a SELF or micro-SELF deformation member have been modified so that their distal ends are generally pointed. The teeth can be sharpened to cut and deform a pattern to produce a pattern with holes or, in some cases, a three-dimensional perforated pattern, as described in US Patent Application Publication Nos. 2005 / 0064136A1, 2006 / 0087053A1 and 2005/021753. RKA teeth can have other shapes and profiles and the RKA process can also be used to mechanically deform fibrous wefts without perforating the weft. In other aspects such as tooth height, tooth spacing, pitch, engagement depth, and other processing parameters, the RKA and RKA apparatus may be the same as those described herein with respect to SELF or micro-SELF.
The term “SELF” refers to the Procter & Gamble technology in which SELF comes from the English Structural Elastic Like Film. While the process was originally developed to deform polymeric film to have beneficial structural characteristics, it has been found that the SELF manufacturing process can be used to produce beneficial structures in other materials, such as fibrous materials. The processes, apparatus, and patterns produced by SELF are illustrated and described in United States Patent Nos.
5,518,801;
5,691,035; 5f
<img file="MX337673B_D0018.tif" />
CA rRrtp,<sub>AGE </sub>fArWSTRrAL
<img file="MX337673B_D0019.tif" />
5,916,663; 6,027,483; and 7,527,615 B2.
The term "partially layered", as used herein with respect to an absorbent member, means that some evidence of separation of portions of the absorbent member into layers is evident, but that some connection between parts of these layers persists so that they stay together (instead of delaminating or peeling).
The term "single structure", as used in the present description, refers to a structure comprising: a single layer or comprising fully integrated multiple layers which are held together by hydrogen bonding and mechanical entanglement, and which are not formed by Assemble multiple layers that are formed separately and joined with bonding media such as glue. An example of a unique structure is a structure that comprises different types of fibers (such as eucalyptus fibers that could be placed on top of other cellulose fibers to form the outer layers to achieve smoothness in making toilet paper).
The term "upper" refers to absorbent members, such as layers, that are closer to the wearer of the absorbent article during use, that is, toward the upper canvas of an absorbent article; rather, the term "lower" refers to absorbent members that are farther from the user of the absorbent article to the lower canvas. The term "laterally" corresponds to the direction of the shortest dimension of the article, which generally during use corresponds to the user's left to right orientation. "Longitudinally" refers, then, to the direction perpendicular to the lateral, but which does not correspond to the thickness direction.
The term "Z dimension" refers to the dimension orthogonal to length
<img file="MX337673B_D0020.tif" />
and the width of the member, the core or the article. The dimension <sup>ND</sup>cofr<sup>i</sup>usually sporft to the thickness of the member, core or article. As used in the foreword Description, the term "XY dimension" refers to the plane orthogonal to the thickness of the member, core, or article. The XY dimension usually corresponds to the length and width, respectively, of the member, the core or the article.
The term "zone / s" refers to portions or sections across the thickness of the Z direction of the absorbent member.
I. Absorbing members
The present invention is directed to absorbent members and methods of making them, and, more particularly, to bulky absorbent members and methods of making them. Additionally, if desired, the properties of the bulky absorbent members can be modified by the length and / or width of the absorbent member.
The absorbent members are made from a "precursor material" that is in the form of a weft or sheet, comprising at least some cellulosic material, which could be a paper grade material. The precursor material could comprise any suitable wet-formed material, including, but not limited to: dry cycle cellulose pulp, liner board, post consumer recycled material, filter paper, and combinations thereof. In some cases, the absorbent members could consist of, or practically consist of, one of these wet-formed materials. The absorbent members described in the present disclosure could thus be not airborne. As a result, the absorbent members could be virtually free or completely free of binder material, such as latex binders used in the manufacture of air-laid materials. In some embodiments, the absorbent members described in the above description could, moreover, be virtually free or completely free of gelling material, another common ingredient in air-laid materials.
The precursor material will typically comprise a plurality of individual fibers. A large proportion of cellulose fibers can provide several advantages, such as keeping the cost of the weft low. In particular aspects of the invention, the precursor material has a fiber content in which at least about 90% by weight of the fibers is cellulose, or the fibers are no longer than about 1 cm (about 0.4 inches). Alternatively, at least about 95% by weight, and optionally at least 98% by weight, of the fibers are cellulose, or the fibers have a length not greater than about 1 cm (about 0.4 inches). In other desired arrangements, the precursor weft may have a fiber content in which practically about 100% by weight of the fibers are cellulose, or the fibers have a length of not more than about 1 cm (about 0.4 inches).
Fibers comprising the precursor material include cellulosic fibers commonly known as wood pulp fibers. Some wood pulps useful in the present invention are chemical pulps, for example, Kraft, sulphite and sulfate pulps, as well as mechanical pulps including, for example, chopped wood, thermomechanical pulps, and chemically modified thermomechanical pulps. Chemical pulps, however, may be preferred in some embodiments as they may impart superior properties to the precursor material made from them. Pulps derived from deciduous trees (hereafter "hardwoods") and conifers (hereafter "softwoods") can be used. The fibers of hardwoods and softwoods can be mixed or alternatively deposited
i. ÁML P 1 [
MEXICAN INSTITUTE V ^ üsgsCSíí / 4 DS THE PROPERTY V5üoSíí / - ^ / in layers. United States Patent Nos. 3,994,771 and 4,300 (98 ^^ 6301 .......
Layered fibers of hardwood and hardwood-tofande ^ etefftáer * ® © ^^ fibers applicable to the present invention are fibers derived from recycled paper, which may contain each and every one of the aforementioned categories, as well as other materials Non-fibrous such as fillers and adhesives used to facilitate the manufacture of the precursor web. In addition to the foregoing, fibers and filaments made from polymers, in particular hydroxyl polymers, can be used in the present invention. Non-limiting examples of suitable hydroxyl polymers include polyvinyl alcohol, starch, starch derivatives, chitosan, chitosan derivatives, cellulose derivatives, gums, arabinan, galactans, and mixtures thereof.
Fibers comprising the precursor material will normally include fibers derived from wood pulp. Other natural fibers, such as cotton fluff, bagasse, wool fibers, silk fibers, etc. can be used, and are intended to be within the scope of this invention. Synthetic fibers, for example rayon, polyethylene and polypropylene fibers, can be combined with natural cellulosic fibers. An illustrative polyethylene fiber that could be used is PULPEX®, available from Hercules, Inc. (Wilmlngton, Del.). In addition, fibers formed from blopolymers manufactured from non-petroleum sources can be used, such as bloded polyethylene (blo-PE), bio-derived polypropylene (bio-PP), bloded polyethylene terephthalate (blo-PET), and poll (etllen-2,5furandicarboxllato) bio-derived (bio-PEF). These biopolymers can be partially or completely derived from at least one renewable resource where a renewable resource refers to a natural resource that can be replenished within a 100 year time frame. Renewable resources include plants, animals, fish, bacteria, fungi, and forestry products and may be naturally occurring, hybrid, or genetically modified organisms. Natural resources, such as crude oil, coal and peat, which take more than 100
<img file="MX337673B_D0021.tif" />
MEXICAN INSTITUTE 'ÓÍ <sup>OF</sup> 'An ^ st<sup>0</sup>''<sup>0</sup> 'δ V years to form, are not considered renewable resources. Fibrids having starch-based polymers and / or recycled resins such as -HUPL ·, r- "LLDPE, r-LDPE, r-PET, r-PEF, or r-PP can be used for re-grinding. post-consumer.
The fibers are held together, typically, by interfiber interlacing and hydrogen bonding. The fibers could have any suitable orientation. In certain precursor materials, the fibers will align predominantly in the direction of the process in which they were formed (or the "machine direction") of the forming process.
The precursor material could comprise additional layers of absorbent or non-absorbent materials to impart other properties, such as strength. These could include, but are not limited to, permeable fabrics, films, and non-woven fabrics. Additionally, the precursor material could comprise super absorbent particles or fibers.
Figure 1 is a photomicrograph of one embodiment of a precursor material comprising dry cycle cellulose pulp. As shown in Figure 1, the precursor material is a one-ply structure that is generally relatively dense in thickness. This precursor material is not suitable for use as a component of an absorbent article due to its lack of void volume and high rigidity. Table 1 in the Examples section shows the properties of such a precursor material. As shown in Figure 1, there are some less dense portions on the surface of the precursor material, but these do not comprise a significant portion of the overall thickness of the precursor material. The methods described in the present description reduce the overall (i.e., average) density and stiffness of dry cycle cellulose pulp (or other precursor material) and increase its void volume in at least some regions of it so that it is suitable for use as an absorbent member in an absorbent article. The methods could
<img file="MX337673B_D0022.tif" />
<img file="MX337673B_D0023.tif" />
further increase the average gauge of the precursor material.
The precursor material could have any suitable properties. In the case of a dry cycle cellulose pulp precursor material, the breaking strength of the precursor material could be as high as 1,500 kPa or greater, measured in accordance with the TAPPI T 403 om-91 test method for resistance to the rupture. Generally, precursor materials with lower breaking strengths are more easily mechanically modified to reduce their density (ie, they are "de-densified" by a "density reduction" process). Therefore, the parent material may be desired to have a breaking strength of less than 1,500,1,400,1,300,1,200,1,100,1,000,900, 800, 750, 700, 600, 500, 400, 300, 200 or 100 kPa, or lower. The breaking strength could further fall within any range between any of the breaking strength amounts.
The precursor material could have any suitable gauge, basis weight, and density. Dry cycle cellulose pulp generally has a gauge of at least about 1.02 cm (0.04 inch) or greater, for example, about 1-1.5 mm (about 0.04 to about 0.06 inch). However, the applicants did, in particular, manufacture dry cycle cellulose pulp with gauges as low as 0.5 mm (approximately 0.02 inches). Thus, in some embodiments, the gauge of the precursor material could be in the range of about 0.5-1.5 mm (about 0.02 to about 0.06 inch). Commercially available dry cycle cellulose pulp typically has a basis weight of between 490980 gm<sup>2</sup> (approximately 100 and approximately 200 pounds / 1,000 feet<sup>2</sup>). However, applicants have obtained specially manufactured dry cycle cellulose pulp having a basis weight as low as 98 gm<sup>2</sup> (20 pounds / 1,000 feet<sup>2</sup>), or
<img file="MX337673B_D0024.tif" />
<img file="MX337673B_D0025.tif" />
MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF LOWER PROPERTY. Thus, in some modalities, the basis weight of the maíer® '^ could be in the 98 gm Range<sup>2</sup> (about T (Thbids / 'IUUU plus<sup>n</sup>) to<sup>tj </sup>about 980 gm<sup>2</sup> (200 pounds / 1000 feet<sup>2</sup>). In some embodiments, the precursor screen material could have a density of between about 0.25 g / cc and about 0.6 g / cc, or higher, alternatively, between about 0.3 g / cc and about 0.6 g / cc. Typically, such precursor materials will have a relatively uniform density by thickness.
The precursor material could have any suitable moisture content. Dry cycle cellulose pulp usually has a moisture content of less than about 10 percent, for example, about 7 percent, although higher and lower moisture contents can be used. Generally, lower moisture content precursor materials are more easily mechanically modified to reduce their density ("de-densified"). For example, it could be preferred that the precursor screen material has a moisture content of less than or equal to 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, or any interval between any of these percentages.
The precursor material, in certain embodiments, could be treated, partially treated (i.e., with treated portions and untreated portions) or untreated. If the precursor material is treated, it could be provided with any suitable treatment that includes, but is not limited to, chemical decomposition agents. Examples of suitable treatments are described in US Patent Nos. 6,074,524, 6,296,737, 6,344,109 B1 and 6,533,898 B2. Typically, untreated precursor materials will have a higher breaking strength than treated or partially treated precursor materials. Provide the precursor material with at least some treatment in the form of a decomposition agent
IMP
INSTITUTE fi
DE LA P! _________ chemistry can allow the precursor material to be modified mechanically with ease · in order to reduce its density.
<img file="MX337673B_D0026.tif" />
Figures 2-4 show a non-limiting example of a precursor web that was processed in accordance with one embodiment of the present method to form a bulky absorbent member 20. The absorbent member 20 comprises a single absorbent fibrous structure having a first surface 20A, a second surface 20B, a length L extending in an X direction, a width W extending in a Y direction, and a thickness T in the Z direction.
Figure 2 shows that the absorbent member 20 is de-densified so that it is bulky or expanded. By "bulky" or "expanded" is meant that the fibers have more voids between them compared to the precursor material from which the absorbent member 20 is made (such as the precursor material shown in Figure 1).
The parent material could undergo a change in bulk density such that the absorbent member has a bulk density as low as 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, or 0.9 times its original bulk density, or a change in bulk density in an interval between any two numbers of these. Another way of describing absorbent member 20 is that the absorbent member is composed of cellulose fibers having surfaces and interfiber hydrogen bonds exist between the cellulose fibers which are substantially interrupted by void spaces between the fiber surfaces. Thus, at least a portion of the absorbent member 20 extending in the XY plane will have a thickness that appears "fluffed" or thickened. The precursor material could also undergo a change in basis weight so that the absorbent member has a basis weight of 1.01 - 1.1 or more times the base weight of its original (precursor screen), especially when one of the rollers is configured so that
<img file="MX337673B_D0027.tif" />
CE THE LOSA-A INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY moves slower than the frame speed during the process described above.
The absorbent members formed by the methods described in the present description could have any suitable general property. The absorbent member could have a Bulk Density Range of about 0.030.5 g / cc. It should be understood that the bulk density ranges of the various possible precursor materials and absorbent members described in the present disclosure may overlap. This is due to the wide variety of possible precursor materials. For a given precursor material, the bulk density of the absorbent member formed in the present disclosure will be less than that of the precursor material. The methods described in the present description can be formed with any bulk density that includes, but is not limited to, a bulk density less than, equal to or greater than 0.25 g / cc with high flexibility. The methods may further form absorbent members of any suitable thickness including, but not limited to, less than or equal to 4 mm, or greater than 4 mm.
The absorbent member 20 could be delaminated or laminated. The differential velocity between the penetrating teeth on opposite sides of the precursor web tears the web, selectively breaks fiber-to-fiber hydrogen bonds, and causes the material to partially separate into layers or strata 22, increasing the gauge and void volume of the absorbent member, and decreases bulk density. As shown in Figure 2, when the absorbent member is said to be partially delaminated or layered, it is understood that some evidence of separation of portions of the absorbent member in capable is evident and creates gaps or zones 24 between the layers, but that it persists some connection between parts of these layers, such as at 26, so that they stay together (instead of flaking or peeling). Thus, in the case of a cellulosic precursor material, fibers could still remain connecting the layers. Strata 22 could have a higher density
<img file="MX337673B_D0028.tif" />
IMPI
MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF PROPERTY
INDUSTRIAL. , than the zones 24 between the strata, resulting in alternating density and low zones due to the thickness of the material in the z direction. These stratum pérrlarTlerier urra ”” '' · density equal to or less than the precursor material.
The surface 20A of the absorbent member 20 could have a plurality of deformations or Impact marks 30 thereon. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the strains 30 could be in the form of depressions 32 that extend at least partially through the thickness of the absorbent member, protrusions and openings 34 that completely traverse the thickness of the absorbent member. In some cases, depressions 32, protrusions, or openings 34 could be elongated in the machine direction and have a first end and a second end, such as first end 34A and second end 34B of the openings shown in Figure
4.
Since during the process the teeth of the forming member that form the deformations or openings travel at different surface speeds compared to the surface speed of the weft, the teeth will practically "till" the material so that it becomes denser and, in many cases , rises at one end of the depression or opening. These densified regions 36 could have a curvilinear flat view configuration that resembles the bow wave created by a ship traveling through the water, as shown in Figure 4. This plowing effect could occur on one or both sides of the weft, depending on the process used and the configuration of the forming members in the apparatus used to form the absorbent member.
Therefore, the opposite surface 20B could likewise have a similar deformation pattern therein. However, in some embodiments, the densified screeds 36 of the first surface 20A of the absorbent member are adjacent to the first end portion of the depressions or openings, and the densified screeds in
MEXICAN INSTITUTE -? - 'OF PROPERTY V¿ «a2 <”' ✓ the second surface 20B of the absorbent member are adjacent to the second end of the depressions or openings. The waves άέΓρτστ-σπ laa ouperfieles ^, .. »^ opposite in such a modality will point in opposite directions. Depressions or openings created on one side of the frame could be visible on the opposite side of the frame and viewed as protrusions or openings, respectively. It should be understood that in the various different embodiments of the processes described in the present disclosure, the deformations of the process could be more or less visible depending on the process used and the configuration of the forming structure in the apparatus used to form the absorbent member. The deformations can be in any suitable shape, including depressions, protrusions, openings, or combinations thereof. Deformations can be arranged in any suitable pattern, which includes regular patterns or random patterns. The deformation pattern is a product of the process and apparatus used to reduce the bulk density of the precursor material.
II. Methods of manufacturing absorbent members
Methods of forming absorbent members 20 include subjecting the precursor web to at least one cycle or step through a mechanical deformation process.
The mechanical deformation process can be carried out in any suitable apparatus that could comprise any suitable type of forming member. Suitable types of forming apparatus include, but are not limited to: a pair of rollers defining a grip point therebetween; plate pairs; ribbons that define a point of grip between them; conveyor belts comprising discs or plates that define a point of grip between them; or combinations of these. The examples of tapes and rollers could be modified to be used in the present methods
1M FI
INSTITUTO MEXICANO and are described in United States Patent 8,021,591, Curró * of plates, at least one of the plates could move in the machine diisccióiijde of the machine in relation to the other plate while the plates are brought together to come into contact with the precursor frame in order to provide a movement similar to that of the rollers described in the present description. However, it is understood that the absorbent member produced by a pair of plates or tapes could be different from that produced by rollers due to the reduced coupling and decoupling angles present in a process comprising a pair of plates or tapes. The absorbent member produced by plates or tapes could be less bulky and the surface could be less altered. Although, for convenience, the apparatuses will be described in the present description in terms of rollers, it should be understood that the description will be applicable to methods that employ forming members having any other configuration, in which case the other forming members could have forming elements (or teeth) of the configurations described below.
Typically, the rollers used in the apparatus and methods described in the present description are generally cylindrical. The term "generally cylindrical", as used in the present description, encompasses rollers that are not only perfectly cylindrical, but also cylindrical rollers that could have elements on their surface. The term "generally cylindrical" further includes rollers that could have a reduction in diameter, such as on the surface of the roller near the ends of the roller, and crowned rollers. The rollers are typically virtually non-deformable. The term "virtually non-deformable", as used in the present description, refers to rollers that have surfaces (and any elements on them) that typically do not deform or compress when used to carry out the processes described in the present
<img file="MX337673B_D0029.tif" />
description. The rollers can be made of any material'ad ^ ctradecgue
INDUSTRIAL but not limited to, steel or aluminum. The steel could be corrosion resistant steel and wear resistant steel, such as stainless steel.
The components of the forming apparatus 38 could, for example, comprise a pair of rollers such as those shown in Figure 5. The rollers 40 and 42 are each provided with forming elements comprising different protrusions or "male" elements 50 and 52 in them that can engage with the opposite roll surface due to grooves 54 between male elements of each roll. The rollers do not contact each other and are driven axially. The terms "crosslinked" or "meshed", as used herein, refer to arrangements when the forming elements in one of the components of the forming structure (eg roller) extend towards the surface of the other structure forming, and the forming elements have portions extending between and below an imaginary plane drawn by the tips of the forming elements on the surface of the other forming structure. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the male elements on each roll could be arranged in rows so that they can fit together and do not have to be synchronized in machine direction (MD) as the rolls rotate . The upper portions and tips of the forming elements in the various forming members are thus offset relative to one another at the gripping point, so that they do not align within a gripping point.
Rollers 40 and 42 on the pair of rollers will typically rotate in opposite directions (ie, the rollers are counter-rotating) as shown by the arrows in Figure 5. The rollers on at least one pair of rollers could rotate at different surface speeds. . The same applies to different combinations of rollers and tapes, or tapes. (In the case of plates, however, the plates will typically move in the same direction (although
<img file="MX337673B_D0030.tif" />
MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF PROPERTY
INDUSTRIAL.> 5 could move at different speeds)). The rollers could rotate at different surface speeds by rotating the rollers at different axial speeds, with different diameters rotating at the same axial speeds, or a combination of the two. The rollers could rotate at practically the same speed as the speed at which the weft is supplied through the gripping point between the rollers; or they could rotate at a speed higher or lower than the speed at which the weft is supplied through the grip point between the rollers. In cases where the rollers rotate at different speeds, there may be any suitable difference in surface or peripheral speeds between the rollers. The fastest roll could have a surface speed between 1.02 up to about 3 times faster than the slowest roll. Suitable Intervals for the surface velocity ratio include between approximately 1.05 and approximately 2.0 and, more preferably, between 1.05 and 1.4, depending on the geometry of the male elements. The larger the surface speed ratio or differential between the rollers, the greater the material displacement.
The forming elements 50 and 52 on the rollers could have any suitable configuration. A given forming element can have the same plan view width and length dimensions (such as a forming element with a square or circular plan view). Alternatively, the forming element could have a length, TL, greater than its width (such as a forming element with a rectangular plan view), in which case the forming element could have any suitable aspect ratio of its length to its width. Suitable configurations for forming elements Include, but are not limited to: teeth having a triangular side view; elements that have column shapes; items that have plan view configurations that include circular, oval, hourglass shape, star shape, polygonal, and the like, and combinations thereof. Polygonal shapes Include, but do not
<img file="MX337673B_D0031.tif" />
INSTITUTO MIXICAMO are limited to, rectangular, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal or trapeSSW ^ s- ^ fe lateral 60 of the forming elements 50 and 52 could constant from base 62 to tip 64, or angles could change. Forming elements 50 and 52 may have tips 64 that are flat, rounded or that form a sharp tip. Various examples of suitable configurations for forming elements include, but are not limited to: SELF elements, RKA elements, shark fin, blunt shark fin or needle shaped elements, and variations of these. These are described in greater detail below with reference to Figures 7-11.
Figure 5 is a close-up of a non-limiting embodiment of the surfaces of the two rollers 40 and 42 in a forming apparatus. Rollers 40 and 42 are translated on respective rotary rods (not shown) having their axes of rotation arranged in a parallel relationship. In this modality, each of the rollers 40 and 42 comprises one of the rollers of the company's SELF technology
Procter & Gamble.
The forming elements 50 and 52 on the SELF rollers can be oriented in the machine direction (MD) or in the cross machine direction (CD). As shown in Figure 5, SELF rollers could comprise a plurality of alternate circumferential ridges and grooves around the circumference of the roller. The flanges have separate channels 70 and 72 (on the rollers 40 and 42, respectively) formed therein that are oriented parallel to the axis of the rollers. Channels 70 and 72 form breaks in the flanges that create forming elements or teeth 50 and 52 on the SELF rollers. In such embodiments, teeth 50 and 52 have their longest dimension oriented in the machine direction (MD). These roll configurations will be referred to, in the present description, as a "CD SELF" roll since in the process
<img file="MX337673B_D0032.tif" />
MEXICAN INSTITUTE V.
From usual SELF, the material supplied to a roll Vfe ^ Sfií ^ bp agar point would thus be stretched in the cross-machine direction (or "CD").
<img file="MX337673B_D0033.tif" />
In other embodiments (as shown in Figure 29), the SELF 80 roller may comprise a machine driven roller or "MD SELF". Such a roller will have alternating ridges and grooves having its longest dimension oriented parallel to the A axis of the roller (ie, cross machine direction (CD)). The flanges of a roller 80 have separate channels 88 formed therein which are oriented around the circumference of the roller. The channels form breaks in the flanges to form forming elements or teeth on the MD SELF roller.
The process used in this description differs from the Procter & Gamble SELF process in several ways. One distinction is that the weft materials described in the present disclosure will not typically form structures provided with rib-like elements and elastic-like properties. Instead, as shown in Figure 20, the SELF process is used in the present context to mechanically deform the precursor weft material 10 and induce shear forces in localized areas 12 between teeth 50 and 52 of the forming members at run them at different surface speeds (or, in some cases, at the same surface velocities in the optional steps described below) in order to selectively break hydrogen bonds from screen 10 to reduce bulk density and increase flexibility of precursor screen material.
As shown in Figure 6, the teeth 50 and 52 of one roller partially extend into the grooves 54 of the opposite roller to define a "depth of engagement" (DOE), which is the measurement of the coupling level of rollers 40 and 42. The coupling depth can
TO
ΪΡΪ be zero, positive for meshing rollers or negative for roller ^ tjú ^ 'íí ^ i ^ gralaft- ^'
In the case of the rollers shown in Figure 5, in «p | pm <ant ^<sub>?</sub> m<sup>to/</sup>'<sup>hn</sup> ca --- couple to a relatively high DOE. DOE may include, but is not limited to, values greater than the thickness of the precursor frame.
Figure 6 shows in cross section a portion of the crosslinked rollers 40 and 42 including teeth 50 and 52 and grooves 54 between teeth 52 and 54. Teeth 50 and 52 in this embodiment have a triangular or inverted V shape when come in cross section. The vertexes or the tips 64 of the teeth are more external with respect to the surface of the rollers. As shown, teeth 50 and 52 have a tooth height (TH), a nose radius (TR), a tooth length (TL) ) (Figure 5), a tooth-to-tooth gap MD (TD) and a tooth-to-tooth gap CD (or flange-to-flange gap) called step P. The tooth length TL in such modalities is a circumferential measurement. The outermost tips of the teeth have sides that are preferably rounded to prevent cuts or tears in the parent material. The leading and trailing edges (LE and TE) (Figure 5), respectively, of teeth 50 and 52 could, in some cases, be square or in a way that creates a relatively sharp edge to maximize densification of the plot in the process.
To make an absorbent member 20 such as that shown in Figures 2-4 from a precursor web having a basis weight in the range of about 200 to 700 gm<sup>2</sup>, teeth 50 and 52 could have a length TL in the range of about 0.5 mm (0.020 inch), or less, to about 10 mm (0.400 inch), alternatively, from about 2 mm (0.080 inch) to about 6 mm ( 0.240 inch), and a MD TD gap of about 0.5 mm (0.020 inch) to about 20 mm (0.800 inch), alternatively, ϊί> <ίτ χ xvi ir J οη- „'
INSTITUTO MEXICANO VS ”'' '-' '
OF PROPERTY Vá '' -Yr r. i
INDUSTRIAL from about 1 mm (0.040 inch) to about 4 mm (0.160 inch); a tooth height TH in the range of about 0.5 mm (0? 020püTg'a3asJ “cr” '~ **' ^ about 10 mm (0.400 inch), alternatively from about 2 mm (0.080 inch) to about 5 mm ( 0.200 inch), a radius of tooth tip TR in the range of about 0.05 mm (0.002 inch) to about 2.0 mm (0.080 inch), alternatively, from about 0.1 mm (0.004 inch) to about 0.5 mm (0.020 inch) and a pitch P between about 1 mm (0.040 inch) and 10 mm (0.400 inch), alternatively, from about 2 mm (0.080 inch) to about 4 mm (0.160 inch). The DOE coupling depth can be from about 1 mm (0.040 inch) to about 5 mm (0.200 inch) (up to a maximum approaching the height of the TH tooth). Of course, DOE, P, TH, TD, TL and TR can be varied, each independently of the other depending on the properties of the precursor screen 10 and the desired characteristics of the absorbent member 20. Additionally, the shape and geometry of the Teeth of the first roll may be the same or different from the shape and geometry of the teeth of the second fully bonded roll.
Figure 7 shows an embodiment of a roll 90 to be referred to, in the present disclosure, as a "staggered CD SELF" roll. As shown in Figure 7, the surface of the roller 90 has a plurality of spaced teeth 92. The teeth 92 are arranged in a staggered pattern. More specifically, teeth 92 are arranged in a plurality of rows that extend circumferentially and are axially spaced, such as 94 and 96, around the roller. Again, but for the separation TD between the teeth of each row, the teeth on each roller would form a plurality of circumferentially extending groove and flange regions and
<img file="MX337673B_D0034.tif" />
<img file="MX337673B_D0035.tif" />
MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF PROPERTY are axially separated. However, in this case, the adjacent dieYes ™ ^ are offset, or staggered, in relation to tooth length TL and machine direction spacing (MD) TD can be defined such that teeth in adjacent rows 94 and 96 overlap or do not appear to overlap when the rollers are viewed from one end. In the embodiment shown, teeth 92 in adjacent rows are displaced clccunferentially by a distance of 0.5x (where "x" is equal to tooth length plus MD TD gap between teeth in a given row). In other words, the leading edges LE of the adjacent teeth in adjacent rows will be offset on the MD by 0.5x. Such a roller 90 could be aligned with another roller to form a gripping point such that the rows of teeth on one roller align with the grooved beads between the teeth of the other roller. The roll shown in Figure 7 can be made in any suitable way, such as by first cutting off the ridges and grooves on the roll, and then spirally cutting teeth 92 on the roll surface; each cut is continuous. IF desired, the tooth profile (particularly the leading and trailing edges) can be modified using a penetration cut.
Figure 8 shows a portion of the surface of a roller 100 having male elements 102 of another configuration that can be used in the method. The roll shown in Figure 8 is referred to, in the present description, as a rotary knife opening roll (or "RKA"). As shown in Figure 8, the roller 100 comprises alternating rows that extend circumferentially of teeth 102 and grooves between them. Teeth 102 have a pyramidal tooth shape and can have up to six sides; each side is generally triangular in shape. Teeth 102 are attached to the bottom roll at their bases. The bases of the teeth have a length dimension in
<img file="MX337673B_D0036.tif" />
cross section greater than one width dimension in section 102 can taper at a constant angle from its base to, its tip, or the taper angle can change, as in the tooth shown in Figure 8. Figure 8 shows an example of teeth having truncated sides at the base, so that a portion of the sides of the teeth adjacent to the base are practically vertical before the teeth begin to taper towards their tips. RKA rollers are described in more detail in United States Patent Application Publication No. US
2006/0087053 A1.
Figure 9 shows a portion of the surface of a roller 110 having male elements 112 of another configuration that can be used in the method. In this embodiment, the leading edge LE and the trailing edge TE form different angles to the roll surface and resemble the shape of a shark fin (which might be called a "shark fin tooth"). The leading edge LE could form a greater angle with the roller surface than the trailing edge TE. In some cases, the trailing edge TE could form an angle that is generally perpendicular to the roll surface. In the version of the shark fin tooth shown in Figure 9, the shark fin tooth 112 has a generally pointed pyramidal shape with six sides 114 (three of which are shown in the middle of the tooth depicted), where each side it is generally triangular in shape. The two-sided vertex forms the leading edge LE and the two-sided vertex forms the trailing edge TE of the tooth 112. The vertices of the leading or trailing edge may be relatively sharp, or in other cases, may be processed on a machine to have a rounded radius of curvature. As shown in Figure 9, the teeth can taper at a constant angle from base to tip, or the angle can change. The teeth may also have fewer than six sides, for example, if the LE and TE are made more square instead of forming a vertex.
<img file="MX337673B_D0037.tif" />
MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF PROPERTY
INDUSTRIAL _
Figure 10 shows a portion of the surface of a roller 120 having male members 122 of another configuration that can be used in the Roller method shown in Figure 10 is referred to, in this direction, as "blunt shark fin" roller. As shown in Figure 10, the generally pyramidal shapes shown in Figure 9 can be truncated in order to remove the pointed tips 116 and create a trunk. Truncation can be made at a predetermined distance from the base of the tooth, so that a generally flattened region 126 is produced at the distal end of tooth 122. The generally flattened screed 126 may have an area shape corresponding to the shape of the tooth in cross section 122. Thus, the generally flattened region 126 may, in addition, be elongated ie with a length dimension greater than a width dimension and an aspect ratio AR corresponding to the aspect ratio of tooth 122. In one embodiment, the ruler Flattened 126 may have a transition to sides 124 at generally sharp corners. In other embodiments, the transition may be within a radius of curvature and provide a smooth, rounded, flattened tooth tip. Any other tooth shape described in the present description may also be truncated to form different trunk tooth shapes.
Figure 11 shows a portion of the surface of a roller 130 having male members 132 of another configuration that can be used in the method. The roll shown in Figure 11 is referred to, in the present description, as a "needle" roll. Unlike some of the tooth geometries described above, the teeth 132 of a needle roller are not faceted, that is, they do not comprise flat faces. Needle tooth 132 can have various cross-sectional shapes, such as rounded or oval. Tooth tip 136 may end at a sharp point, may be rounded, or may be truncated so that it has a flat surface. The tooth
<img file="MX337673B_D0038.tif" />
<img file="MX337673B_D0039.tif" />
it can also be curved at an angle. The side wall 134 pue ^ SSfi<sup>1</sup>^^
INDUSTRIAL base to tip at a constant angle, or the side wall can change angles. For example, the top of tooth 130 may be cone shaped with a 30 degree angle between the tooth axis and side wall 134, and the tooth base may be cylindrical with a vertical side wall running parallel. to the tooth axis.
Rollers having the different configurations described in the present description can be joined in any suitable combination to form a grip point between them. A roller can be coupled with another roller that comprises the same pattern or a different pattern, but this must be done in such a way that the teeth do not come into contact with each other. The two full bond rollers can be aligned such that the rows of teeth on the first roller are offset (or placed in the middle) on CD from the rows of teeth on the second roller.
For some roller combinations, multiple processing aids are required to remove the weft from one or both rollers after the weft passes the grab point. For example, non-stick treatments, such as silicone or fluorocarbon treatments, can be added. Other methods to facilitate removal of the weft from the roller include air knives or brushing. In one embodiment, at least one of the rollers may have an internal chamber and means for providing positive air pressure at the weft removal point. In other embodiments, the apparatus can be provided with a weft removal system in the form of a comb or wrapped wires that can penetrate the grooves of the roller and actively lift the weft out of the grooves.
Figures 12 and 13 show two non-limiting variations of suitable roll combinations. Figure 12 shows a complete bond roll combination
ΪΜΡ
MEXÍCA INSTITUTE;
OF THE PROPERTY formed by a roller of RKA 100 (shown in the upper part) and a roller effe * flap of "
<img file="MX337673B_D0040.tif" />
shark 110 at the bottom. Of course, in other modes, Tás'p ^ íciSnes '^ Tosclos' rollers could be reversed. Shark fin roller 110 has been found to help reduce the force to remove the weft from the roller and eliminate the need for a weft removal aid on that roller. The same is believed to be the case with any tooth shape with a leading edge LE that slopes so that the angle is more than 90 degrees from the surface of the roll. The referenced angle is measured between the portion of the roller surface outside the tooth to the leading edge. Typically, a roll speed will be close to that of the frame, and the speed of the full bond roll will be less than that of the frame. For a shark fin roller fully attached to an RKA roller (or other type of roller), the shark fin roller will typically be the fastest rotating roller. The surface velocity ratio of the fastest roll relative to the slowest roll can be any amount greater than or equal to 1.02, 1.05, 1.1,
1.5, 2.0 or 3.0.
Figure 13 shows a complete bonding roller combination consisting of a SELF 40 CD roller (shown at the top) and a shark fin roller 110 at the bottom. In other embodiments, the positions of the two rollers could be reversed. . Various suitable roller combinations include, but are not limited to, the following full bond roller configurations: SELF / SELF, RKA / shark fin (Figure 12), SELF / shark fin (Figure 13), shark fin / shark fin, SELF / needle, needle / shark fin and needle / needle.
If desired, the process can be designed such that the gripping point teeth can synchronize with the gripping point teeth of the second roll. As a result, the teeth of the first roller grip point could always have the same position relative to the teeth at the second roller grip point.
<img file="MX337673B_D0041.tif" />
INSTITUTO ^ ENCANO DEL PROPERTY full bond, resulting in repeating pattern cdhSfStéhte deformations in the frame (although the rollers rotate at high speed & Js). The riyuco14 is a schematic plan view of an area in a frame 10 showing an example of how the teeth on the two rollers are fully bonded (in this case two staggered CD SELF rollers, as shown in Figure 7) they could line up at the grab point to create a consistent repeating pattern in the frame. Figure 14 shows the areas 30A impacted in a weft by the teeth of a first roll and areas 30B impacted by the teeth of the second roll. Each of the deformations of the first roller are always in the same position relative to the adjacent deformations produced by the second roller. The term "adjacent", as used in this context, refers to the closest deformation produced by the other roll, although the deformation could be on the opposite surface of the weft. The process can be designed in multiple ways to achieve this, and include the following.
In one embodiment, the diameters of the two full bond rollers can be the same and the rollers can run at different axial speeds or revolutions per minute (rpms), and the MD tooth repeat length on at least one roller can be varied from so that the ratio of the rpm of the first roll to the second roll is equal to the ratio of MD tooth repeat length from the first roll to the second roll. The term "MD tooth repeat length", as used in the present description, refers to the sum of the tooth length TL and the tooth-to-tooth gap MD TD between the teeth.
In another embodiment, the rollers can run at the same axial speed or rpm, and the roller diameter and MD tooth repeat length can be varied such that the ratio of the diameter of the first roller to the second roller is equal to the ratio of the MD tooth repeat length from the first roll to the second roll.
I
<img file="MX337673B_D0042.tif" />
Alternatively, the process can be designed in a way that<sup>T</sup>Because the gripping point of the first roll is out of sync with the dreiites at the gripping point of the second full bond roll, therefore, the teeth of the first roll will not maintain a consistent MD position from one row of teeth to the next relative to the teeth of the second roller. Figure 14A is a schematic plan view of an area in a frame 10 showing an example of how the teeth of the two full joint rollers (two staggered CD SELF rollers) could create a variable pattern, but which is repeated some interval. Figure 14A shows the areas 30A impacted in a frame by the teeth of the first roller and areas 30B impacted by the teeth of the second roller. By "variable" is meant that the deformations of the first roller are not always in the same position relative to the adjacent deformations of the second roller from one row of teeth to the next. However, the pattern is not repeated. In the example shown in Figure 14A, the pattern is repeated every seven rows of teeth on the first roll and every five rows of teeth on the second roll. The repeat length will depend on the surface velocity ratio, diameter, and MD tooth repeat length of the two full bond rollers.
The precursor web can be fed by the mechanical deformation process in any suitable orientation if the precursor web is in the form of sheets. If the precursor material is in the form of sheets, the individual sheets may be joined with their ends in an overlapping configuration as the sheets are passed through a gripping point of an RKA or SELF process. Typically, the precursor material will be supplied to the machine direction mechanical deformation process if it is in roll form.
ΜΡΪ
MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF PROPERTY iwni KTK IA1.
III. Other alternative modalities
There are several alternative embodiments of the methods described in the present disclosure that can be used to provide absorbent members with several different properties.
All methods could include a density reduction step (or "de-densification"). The density reduction step can use a single grip point apparatus that is formed by forming members that move at different surface speeds as described above (ie, a "differential speed" grip point).
In some alternative embodiments, the forming members that form the differential velocity grip point could be configured with forming elements in arrangements that are varied on the surfaces of the forming members in order to provide the absorbent member with regional property variations.
In some alternative embodiments, the density reduction step may use more than one grip point (i.e. multiple grip points). In these latter modalities, the multiple grip points could each be formed by differential speed grip points. Alternatively, the apparatus could comprise a "hybrid" process in which multiple grip points comprise at least one differential speed grip point, and at least one grip point is formed by forming members moving at virtually the same surface velocity (“colncliente speed” grip points). In many modalities, it may be preferred that there be multiple grabbing points of increasing speed. The forming members that form the grabbing speed points could be arranged in a number of different configurations that Include, but are not limited to, "nested" configurations as described below. Differential speed grip point (s) and grip points
MEXICAN INSTITUTE Áj 'Fj matching speed could be arranged in any order (in a procB & tf ^ íffiil ^ pi.
matching speed grip could / n be configured, in ajQimna racgc pa> -<sub>?</sub> qua, provide the precursor material with zones of reduced density on each side of the precursor material (a "two-sided densified" precursor material) or a zone of reduced density on one side of the precursor material (a "densified one-sided precursor material side").
In any of the above methods, the precursor frame 10 could further be subjected to a pre-processing stage (which occurs before the density reduction stage) and / or a post-processing stage (which occurs after the density reduction stage ). The preprocessing step and the postprocessing step could use at least one matching speed gripping point that provides the absorbent member with various additional properties.
A. Methods of Providing Absorbent Members with Regional Property Variations
Figure 15 shows an embodiment in which the surface of at least one of the rollers 140 can be zoned so that different material properties will be created in different regions of the material or product. Although many variations are possible, the roller surface 140 shown comprises a first region comprising SELF 142 CD teeth, having a first height, and a second region comprising ring-type winding grooves and ribs 144, in which the ribs They have a second lower height than SELF 142 teeth. For example, the weft processed by the roller in Figure 15 could have more dense regions (by SELF teeth), and greater thickness and flexibility, than other regions in the weft (impacted by the lower height ring roller flanges). ).
<img file="MX337673B_D0043.tif" />
IIV
MEXICAN INSTITUTE
The surfaces of the forming members (i.e., herramwF ^^ f ^ gri differences in regions that could include differences in: tooth shape, tooth, tooth gap, continuous ridges instead of distinct teeth, the absence of teeth in one or both forming members, etc. A roller having regions with forming elements of different properties on its surface could be used at the differential speed grip point; or at a matching velocity grab point for the pre or post-processing precursor frame.
In other embodiments, the absence of teeth in one or both of the forming members on a portion of the surface of the forming member (s) can be used to provide the absorbent member with regional densification. The term "regional densification" refers to an absorbent member that has some undensified portions. In order to make an absorbent member with regional densification, the precursor web is densified only in selected areas / regions in the XY plane. This can be done by providing selected portions of the forming members that are free of forming elements so that they will leave portions of the precursor weft material in their original state.
B. Methods Using Multiple Grip Points
one. Methods Using Multiple Differential Speed Grip Points
Figure 16 shows an apparatus comprising two pairs of rollers 150 and 152 and could be called a "matched roller" apparatus. Each pair of rollers comprises two rollers, 150A and 150B, and 152A and 152B, respectively, which form a single grip point N therebetween. In the embodiment shown in Figure 16, four rollers are shown. However, the apparatus may comprise any amount
ΪΓ Ί, λ
Í2VIF
INSTnvrc MEXICAN Vi'-k PROPER PROPERTY ROLLER. Multiple rollers are useful when you prefer to make<sup>or</sup> stop TcP
J. i precursor weft 10 by multiple grip points.
Multiple grip points formed by differential speed rollers could be used to increase the properties of the precursor web, such as: increasing caliber / volume; decrease surface density for faster fluid uptake; and / or increase flexibility. In any of the modalities in which there are two or more pairs of rollers, one or more of the following properties of the pairs of rollers can be varied in relation to another pair of rollers: forming element geometry, DOE and speed differential between rollers at different grip points.
Figure 16A is another embodiment of an apparatus for making an absorbent member. The apparatus shown in Figure 16A has a planetary configuration comprising a center roll 160 and satellite rolls 162, 164 and 166 that form multiple grip points on the center roll 160. In this roll arrangement, at least one of the satellite rolls It could operate at a speed differential with respect to the central roller. The other satellite rollers could operate at a differential speed or at a coincident speed with respect to the central roller.
2. Density reduction methods using combinations of at least one differential speed grip point and matching speed grip point / s
As mentioned above, variations of the methods described in the present description could use multiple grip points that could comprise at least one differential speed grip point and at least one matching speed grip point. The phrases "practically the same speed" and "coincident speed", as used in the present description, are synonyms and
<img file="MX337673B_D0044.tif" />
MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF PROPERTY means that there is a speed ratio of less than 1.01 between rWlfiósi<sup>L</sup>u formative members. Roller speed is measured in peripheral speed. In some cases, it may be preferred that there are multiple matching speed grab points. The forming members that form the matching velocity grip points could be arranged in a number of different configurations. The differential speed grip point (s) and matching speed grip points could be arranged in any order (with anyone first).
It has been discovered that the differential velocity process can provide the precursor frame with a much greater increase in volume and flexibility in fewer grip points than can be achieved with the coincident velocity process alone. Additional matching speed rollers could be used to further decrease the surface density of the formed weft, increase flexibility, or provide the weft with other properties that could not otherwise be achieved with the differential speed process alone. Therefore, a combination of differential speed and matching speed rollers can provide all the desired properties with the fewest number of grip points.
Optional additional matching speed rollers could provide a grip point that is: (1) before or upstream of the rollers rotating at a speed differential (as shown in Figure 17); (2) between the rollers that rotate at a speed differential (if there are not more than one pair of rollers that rotate at a speed differential); (3) after or downstream of the rollers rotating at a speed differential (as shown in Figure 18); or (4) any combination of these.
The surface of the additional matching speed rollers 170
ΊΪ Ή ήί · ρ] Τ Jí. ΧνΧ ÍL jL \ <
<img file="MX337673B_D0045.tif" />
depending on the type of mechanical deformation desired, they could Sat ^ f ^ i ^ i ^ íe
INDUSTRIAL (ie an anvil roll); or, provided with forming elements comprising projections or "male" elements, provided that each gripping point comprises at least one roller with different male forming elements. For rollers that have ridged surfaces and grooves on them, the flanges are considered male forming elements. The male elements could be different (such as SELF teeth, pins or RKA teeth) or continuous (such as the flanges of a ring roller). In some embodiments, the components of the forming structure could be virtually free, or completely free, of combinations of different male elements and different female full-joint elements, such as would be used for engraving.
There can be any suitable number of additional rollers that form any suitable number of additional grip points between them. The number of matching velocity grab points to which the precursor web is subjected can be between 2 and 100, or more, grab points. In some cases, for example, it might be preferable to run precursor frame 10 through as many as thirty grip points or more. In order to pass the precursor web 10 through thirty gripping points, if the rollers are coupled in a pair configuration, there would have to be thirty pairs of rollers. However, roll arrangements like this are less optimal since many rolls are required and the number of rolls will take up an excessive amount of space on a manufacturing floor. Therefore, applicants have developed improved configurations for the roll arrangement. The rollers can be arranged, depending on the modality, in any suitable configuration when viewed from the side; configuration includes: in pairs (Figure 16); planetary (Figure 16A); nested configurations (part of the appliances shown in Figures 17 and 18); and combinations of those configurations (hybrid) (Figures 17 and 18). These settings
<img file="MX337673B_D0046.tif" />
<img file="MX337673B_D0047.tif" />
of rollers are described in more detail in patent application no. of series 13 / 094,206 filed on April 26, 2011.
The portion 180 of the apparatus shown on the left side of Figure 17 (and on the right side of Figure 18) will be referred to as a "nested roll" arrangement. In the nested roller portion of the apparatus the rollers 170 are arranged in an offset configuration when viewed from their sides (i.e., their ends) in that a roller, such as rollers 170B, 170C and 170D, is placed in a space free between two adjacent rollers such that at least two of the rollers define two or more grip points N with other rollers. Typically, in a nested roll arrangement, there will be at least four generally cylindrical rolls.
The nested roll arrangement could provide several advantages. A nested roller arrangement could provide more grip points per total number of rollers than non-nested roller arrangements. This results in the need for virtually fewer tools (machined rollers) than in the matched roller apparatus. The nested roller arrangement maintains better control of the weft to record deformations in it, as all portions of the weft remain in contact with at least one of the rollers from the point where the weft enters the first grip point at the location where the frame leaves the last grip point. The nested roll arrangement also takes up smaller space on a manufacturing floor. The entire nested roll arrangement shown in Figures 17 and 18, for example, could further be rotated 90 ° so that the rolls are stacked vertically: thus, the apparatus would take up even less space on a manufacturing floor.
Figure 19 is a close-up of a non-limiting embodiment of the surfaces of two coincident speed rollers 182 and 184. Rollers 182 and 184 are translated on respective rotating shafts (not shown) having their axis of
<img file="MX337673B_D0048.tif" />
j; ·. ^; i í ui íViuáíCA ¡> Q rotation arranged in a parallel relationship. In this mode, cad§<sup>AND</sup>tfi¡f $ ^ ií> s 182 and 184 comprises a variation of one of Procter & Gamble's SELF technology rollers. In this embodiment, the forming elements (or teeth) on the SELF rollers have their longest dimension oriented in the machine direction 5 (MD). As shown in Figure 19, the DOE could be less than that of the rollers rotating at a differential speed such as that shown in Figure 5. Often the DOE of the speed matching rollers is less than the thickness of the precursor web, or even negative (in which there is an open space between the rollers so that the rollers do not engage). The examples in the table in Figure 10 below represent configuration examples for the increasing speed portion of the processes, and show that the thickness to DOE ratio is typically equal to or greater than 1. For negative DOE values, the thickness to DOE ratio is obtained by dividing the thickness by the absolute DOE value.
<td>Material</td><td>Material thickness (mm / mm (inches / mm))</td><td>DOE (mm / mm (inches / mm))</td><td>Thickness to DOE ratio</td>
<td>200 gm dry cycle cellulose pulp<sup>2</sup></td><td> 0.508/0.51 (0.020/0.51)</td><td> 0.381/0.38 (0.015/0.38)</td><td> 1.3</td>
<td>680 gm dry cycle cellulose pulp<sup>to</sup></td><td> 1.524/1.5(0.060/1.5)</td><td> 0.0254/0.025 (0.001/0.025)</td><td> 60</td>
FIG. 20 is another enlarged view of various teeth 50 and 52 and interlocking grooves 54 of rollers with a web 10 of material between them. As shown, a portion of a frame 10, which could be the precursor frame as shown in
Figure 1, is received between the teeth and the interlocked grooves 50 and 52 of the respective rollers. The interlocking of teeth 50 and 52 and grooves 54 of rollers cause laterally spaced portions 12 of weft 10 to be pressed by teeth 50 and 52 into opposite grooves 54. In the course of the passage between the coincident velocity forming rollers, the weft bends around teeth 50 and 52, and iNO NO 1 1 U i ti '•• Ιβ.'νΗ.ΑΙ'Ί »? γ ςί ......- - - 'j induces shear forces in the weft resulting in selective breakage of hydrogen bonds and deinterlacing of the fibers. As shown in Figure 20, the teeth 50 and 52 are not required to penetrate the entire thickness of the precursor frame 10.
Generally, to obtain the greatest amount of densification in the fewest number of attempts, while retaining a portion of the frame integrity, it may be preferable to have a short tooth length TL and a small tip radius TR to maximize the amount of flexion around the tooth and minimize the amount of compression in the material. Thus, it could be preferred that the radius of the tip of the TR tooth is less than
0.5mm (about 0.020inch). However, this must be balanced against the need for a tooth that will not break easily when the deformation force is applied. The tooth gap TD between the teeth should be large to allow the material to bend around the leading and trailing edges, LE and TE, respectively, of the teeth. If the TD is too small, the material will bridge the gap between the teeth and the amount of densification will be less. The optimal pitch of the teeth depends on the thickness of the precursor material 10 and is typically around twice the thickness of the weft 10. If the pitch P is too small, the material 10 will remain quite dense after multiple passes. IF the pitch P is too high, the gap CD between the teeth after the rollers are coupled together will be greater than the thickness of the weft 10 and the teeth will not create enough shear between the weft layers, which is required to selectively break hydrogen bonds.
The teeth described in the present description could have a smaller tip radius TR than the male elements used in typical engraving processes to ensure that the amount of compaction of material 10 is minimized as the
<img file="MX337673B_D0049.tif" />
The material is folded around the teeth. Also, unlike
INDUSTRIAL between the teeth, or the shortest distance D between the tips of the teeth of the tool described in the present description, could be smaller than the thickness of the weft 10 to induce additional shear forces in the weft. This results in a greater amount of densification of the material because hydrogen bonds not only break at the outer weft surfaces, but could break into the outer weft surfaces.
Given the interframe localized stretching of the weft 10 that has been carried out, with the consequent increase in the weft width, the weft material exiting the matching speed forming rollers may have a lower basis weight than the weft material incoming, as long as the outgoing material remains in a laterally extended, practically flat state. The resulting modified frame can have a frame width in the range of about 100% to about 150% of the initial frame width and a basis weight less than or equal to the original frame basis weight.
The rollers that form the coincident velocity grip point (s) described herein could be configured to provide the precursor web with various reduced density properties before subjecting it to the differential velocity process to create an absorbent member; thus, an “intermediate precursor plot” is formed 15. The Intermediate precursor frame could have zones of reduced density on each side of the precursor frame (an "from-two-sided" intermediate precursor frame 15); or a zone of reduced density on one side of the precursor frame (an Intermediate precursor frame "shifted from one side" 15). The forming members used in the coincident velocity grip point (s) could be further configured to provide an Intermediate precursor frame 15 with XY screeds: from two-sided slides; densified on one side; and / or not densified.
il ívl
Λί
Ύ / 'i Τ' Go * 'ii
MEXICAN INSTITUTE Dt THE PROPERTY
INDUSTRIAL
<img file="MX337673B_D0050.tif" />
i. Two-sided densified precursor plots
In a variation of the process shown in Figure 17, the additional rising speed rollers can be configured to reduce the density on both sides of the precursor screen (i.e., to provide an intermediate precursor screen from two-sided liner).
The apparatus shown in FIG. 19 is an example of an apparatus for making a two-sided, unscrambled intermediate precursor screen 15 such as that shown in FIG. 21. To form an intermediate precursor web 15 having a portion of Lower Density 200 on both sides 15A and 15B, and a higher density screed 202 in between, the two components 170 of the forming structure (such as both rollers in at least a grip point) must have forming elements on their surface. Suitable configurations for forming elements Include, but are not limited to: SELF rollers; Mlcro-SELF rollers; needle rollers; and RKA rollers. In the embodiment shown, each of reels 170 comprises one of the staggered CD SELF technology reels from Procter & Gamble. In this embodiment, the forming elements (or teeth) on the SELF rollers have their longest dimension oriented in the machine direction (MD).
To make an Intermediate Precursor Screen 15 such as that shown in Figure 21 of a Precursor Screen 10 having a basis weight in the Range of about 200 to 700 gm<sup>2</sup>, the teeth could have a TL length in the Range of about 0.5 mm (0.020 inch) or less, to about 10 mm (0.400 inch), alternatively, from about 1 mm (0.040 inch) to about 3 mm (0.120 inch), and a TD gap of about 0.5 mm
MEXICAN INSTITUTE (0.020 inch) to approximately 10 mm (0.400 inch),
SMPIg
<img file="MX337673B_D0051.tif" />
about 1 mm (0.040 inch) to about 3 mm (0.120 inch), one. tooth height TH in the range of about 0.5mm (0.020 inch) to about 10mm (0.400 inch), alternatively from about 2mm (0.080 inch) to about 5mm (0.200 inch), a radius of tooth tip TR in the Range from about 0.05 mm (0.002 inch) to about 0.5 mm (0.020 inch), alternatively, from about 0.1 mm (0.004 inch) to about 0.5 mm (0.020 inch) and a pitch P between about 1 mm (0.040 inch) and 10 mm (0.400 inch), alternatively, from about 1.5 mm (0.060 inch) to about 3mm ( 0.120 inch). The DOE coupling depth can be from about -1mm (-0.040 inch) to about 5mm (0.200 inch) (up to a maximum approaching the tooth height TH). Of course, E, P, TH, TD, TL and TR can each be varied independently of each other to achieve the desired properties in the intermediate precursor frame 15. In a roll modality useful for fabricating an Intermediate precursor web 15 such as that shown in Figure 21, the teeth have a uniform circumferential length dimension TL of approximately 2 mm (0.080 inch), a tooth tip radius TR at the tip of the tooth of approximately 0.13 mm (0.005 inch), they are uniformly separated from each other by a clear distance TD of approximately 0.080 inch (2 mm), they have a TH tooth height of 3.5 mm (0.138 inch), they have a tooth side wall angle of about 8.5 degrees (measured from the base of the tooth to near the tooth tip, before the formation of the radius) and they have a pitch of about 2 mm (0.080 inch). The clearance between the fully bonded roller teeth, if shown, varies linearly with the depth of engagement. For this modality, the clearance of the teeth for non-engaged rollers (-τ ': · -.
wsrnwoMBocANo í'K THE PROPERTY
INDiKTOLU.
'NM at -0.010 in. (0.25 mm) of mating depth is .034 in. (0.86 mm) and clearance for geared rollers at .015 in. (0.38 mm) mating depth is .029 in. (0.74 mm)
ii. Densified precursor frames on one side
In another variation of the process shown in Figure 17, the additional matching speed rollers of the process shown in Figure 17, the additional matching speed rollers can be configured to reduce density primarily on one side of the precursor web. In the methods of making a one-side densified intermediate precursor web 15, the precursor web 10 is subjected to multiple passes through a gripping point formed between rollers having different forming elements thereon and opposing rollers having a relatively smooth surface pattern.
In this case, the apparatus is used to make a one-sided densified intermediate precursor web 15 as shown in Figure 22. In this embodiment, the apparatus provides a plurality of gripping points N between rollers having forming elements in they, and opposite rollers that have a relatively smooth surface pattern. For example, the nested roller portion of the apparatus has rollers 170A, 170C, and 170E on a first side 10A of the precursor web 10, which have forming elements therein, and rollers 170B and 170D on the second side 10B of the precursor web. 10 have a relatively smooth surface pattern. In the embodiment shown, each roller 170B and 170D having a relatively smooth surface pattern forms a grip point N with two of the rollers having forming elements therein. In such an embodiment, rollers 170A, 170C, and 170E having forming elements therein may comprise any suitable type of roller having
<img file="MX337673B_D0052.tif" />
INSTITUTO MEXICANO different formative elements in it, and include, but are not limited to,<sup>L</sup>raá¡ÍWáLd needle rollers and RKA rollers. The rollers 170B and the relatively smooth surface may comprise any suitable type of roller having a smoother surface than that of the roller having the forming elements. Rollers 170B and 170D with relatively smooth surface include, but are not limited to: flat anvil rollers, ring rollers; or another SELF roller with a different pattern, smoother than the roller that has the forming elements. In cases where the rollers 170B and 170D with the relatively smooth surface comprise a ring roller or a SELF roller, the roller could have elements in it with a smaller pitch than the roller that has forming elements, or a more tip radius big. In cases where the rollers 170B and 170D with the relatively smooth surface comprise a SELF roller, the roller could have elements with longer teeth and / or smaller MD spacing between the teeth to make them more similar to ring rollers. In such an embodiment, the forming elements in the first forming member, the rollers 170A, 170C, and 170E having forming elements therein penetrate into the first surface 10A of the precursor weft material 10 only a portion of the Inward path of the thickness of the precursor weave material, and the second surface 10B of the precursor weave material is in contact with the surface of the rollers 170B and 170D with the relatively smooth surface.
Figure 22 shows a dry cycle cellulose pulp weft after it passed through a plurality of grappling points in order to form an Intermediate "from one side" or Inclined 15 precursor weft. As shown in Figure 22, the Intermediate precursor web 15 comprises a single absorbent fibrous layer having a higher density area 202 adjacent to one side 15B of the precursor web and a Lower density area 200 adjacent to another side 15A of the
<img file="MX337673B_D0053.tif" />
general of the absorbent member.
The method variations mentioned above allow to provide a density profile in a single structure that eliminates the need to provide individual layers having different properties and to bond the layers. This can eliminate the bonding step during the process and the need for adhesives or other materials to hold the Individual layers together (the adhesives could interfere with the transport of liquids between layers).
Numerous variations of the operation of the forming members are possible at the increasing speed grip points described in the present disclosure. The processes described in the present disclosure can be configured and controlled to locally bend the precursor material 10 in opposite directions at the same location across the weft surface as the weft passes from one gripping point to another. The apparatus can be further configured and controlled to locally bend the precursor material 10 at different locations across the weft surface as the weft passes from one gripping point to another. It is preferable that the rolls be patterned and arranged so that the precursor material is deformed in as many different locations on the surface before leaving the process, and so that this is accomplished in the least amount of attempts and / or in the smallest process space. The rollers can have standard or staggered patterns. The rollers can be aligned or misaligned relative to each other on the MD and / or CD. The rollers may all have the same SELF pattern on them or the pattern on the rollers and / or DOE may vary between rollers (i.e., for each pass through a grip point). The desired DOE
ΪΜΡ. , for each pass depends on the gauge of the precursor material in an apparatus that maximizes the de-densification of the material 10 in a small process space shown in Figure 23. As shown in Figure 23, the apparatus Includes rollers 210 arranged in a hybrid arrangement so that there are multiple groups of three rollers 212 that are offset from each other on the CD.
<img file="MX337673B_D0054.tif" />
C. Preprocessing v / o slow postprocessing
In other embodiments, apparatuses such as that shown in Figures 24 and 25 can be used to pre and / or post-process the precursor material 10 before and / or after it undergoes the de-densification process. In Figures 24 and 25, the de-densification process is schematically represented by block 220. The de-densification process 220 may include, as described above, at least one set of differential velocity forming members, but could further include coldent velocity forming members. These apparatuses further comprise forming members, such as rollers 232 and 234 that form an additional forming station 230. In such a case, the forming members that form the additional gripping point could rotate at practically the same speed, rather than a speed differential.
These additional pre and / or post-processing steps can be used to form absorbent members with the properties that they include, but are not limited to: (1) densified or compacted versions of the absorbent members; (2) absorbent members having a three-dimensional (3D) topography; (3) version with holes in the absorbent members; and (4) alternative modalities and combinations of any of the aforementioned types of absorbent members. Each of these methods and types of absorbent members are described in more detail below.
MEXICAN INSTITUTE '
OF THE VJ5 & INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY
one. Methods for forming compacted absorbent members
In some embodiments, the precursor material is deHensitized as described above, and then at least one region of the material's surface area is compacted. This compaction step could be performed to increase the capillary suction of the material or increase the stiffness of the material in at least selected regions. The de-densified absorbent member can be compacted (or "redensified") over its entire surface or at least a region of it. Figure 26 shows a non-limiting example of a forming member 240 for the step of transforming the precursor web 10 into an absorbent member with regions of different density. As shown in Figure 26, the forming member 240 comprises a roller having an elevated region 242 therein to compact the densified absorbent material only in selected areas / regions in the xy plane. The process could be aided by spraying the weft prior to the compaction step to provide an increased level of compaction or more permanent compaction of the weft.
Figure 27 shows an example of a compacted frame. As shown in Figure 27, the absorbent member 20 has a region 250, on the right side of the image, that has been redensified or compacted. The region 252 of the absorbent member 20 on the left side of Figure 27 has not been compacted and remains densensified. In other embodiments, the entire absorbent member 20 could be redensified or compacted. Absorbent members that have a densified or compacted density profile may be helpful as thinness could provide discretion, which is important to some consumers. In a densified or compacted absorbent member, most of the improvement in flexibility of the densified absorbent member can be maintained if the level of compaction is not too high.
<img file="MX337673B_D0055.tif" />
MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF PROPERTY
INDUSTRIAL
<img file="MX337673B_D0056.tif" />
2. Methods of providing the absorbent member with a three-dimensional topography
In other embodiments, the absorbent member may be provided with a three-dimensional topography (in addition to any 3D topography formed by the differential speed rollers). In such embodiments, at least one of the first and second surfaces of absorbent member 20 could be provided with additional (and in some cases larger) protrusions and / or depressions. Providing the absorbent member with a three-dimensional topography not only changes the topography of the weft but, in some cases, further increases the gauge / volume of the weft.
The method of providing a three-dimensional absorbent member includes subjecting the precursor web to a process for transforming a three-dimensional structure into the precursor web before and / or after densification as mentioned above. The method of making a three-dimensional absorbent member could thus include densifying, first, a precursor weft material, such as by using one of the apparatus described above. The blotted absorbent material is then subjected to an additional mechanical forming step, as shown in Figure 25, by using forming members having forming elements therein and moving at virtually equal surface speeds. The absorbent absorbent material can be subjected to an additional mechanical deformation step in any suitable way. Alternatively, as in the case of Figure 24, the precursor weave material 10 could first be subjected to a mechanical deformation step by using forming members having forming elements therein and moving at virtually equal surface speeds , and, afterwards, disallow yourself by using one of
JL Á. '.' JL A MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF PROPERTY. ,. ... . INDUSTRIAL approaches described above.
Figure 25 schematically shows a fashion that has an apparatus for making a three-dimensional absorbent member 20 having projections 270, as shown in Figure 30. The densification portion 220 of the apparatus could comprise a first differential speed gripping point comprising two rollers similar to those shown in Figures 5, 12 or 13 with non-equivalent surface speeds, and the additional forming station 230 could comprise a three-dimensional forming grip point with rollers that rotate at virtually the same surface speed. In alternative modalities, as shown in Figure 24, the precursor frame 10 can be passed through the three-dimensional forming station and then fed through a de-densification process.
The three-dimensional forming station may comprise any suitable combination of forming members capable of imparting a three-dimensional texture to the precursor web 10 and of moving or rotating at virtually the same surface velocity. At least one of the forming members, which will be referred to as a three-dimensional forming member, shall have male members thereon. Such rollers could include, for example, a SELF roller (CD or MD SELF). Various examples of three-dimensional forming rolls are described below. The direction of the flanges or teeth on the opposite roller should be the same as that seen on the three-dimensional forming roller. The depth of engagement of the elements on the three-dimensional forming roll with the forming elements on the opposite roll is typically at least 1 mm (0.04 inch) or greater in order to impart a significant amount of topography to the frame. Any roll that meets the requirements mentioned above can be used as the opposite roll. The opposite roller can be, for
<img file="MX337673B_D0057.tif" />
MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY
<img file="MX337673B_D0058.tif" />
example, a ring roller or a SELF roller.
Figure 28 shows a non-limiting example of a three-dimensional forming roll 260 for the step of transforming the precursor web 10 into a three-dimensional absorbent member. As shown in Figure 28, forming roll 260 comprises a CD SELF roll, in which teeth 262 are oriented in the machine direction, and are staggered. In the embodiment shown in Figure 28, the tips 264 of teeth 262 are concave. Figure 29 shows another example of a forming member 80 for the step of transforming the precursor web 10 into a three-dimensional absorbent member. As shown in Figure 29, forming member 80 comprises a MD SELF roller, on which teeth 82 are oriented to CD and staggered. Roller 80 has separate channels 88 formed therein that are oriented around the circumference of the roller. Examples of dimensions and DOE of suitable forming elements (or teeth) for the rollers shown in Figures 28 and 29 are provided below. The forming elements on the opposite roll or SELF roll could have the same pitch as the rolls described below.
<td></td><td>CD SELF</td><td>MD SELF</td>
<td>Pattern</td><td>Staggered</td><td>Staggered</td>
<td>He passed</td><td>5.0 mm (0.200 in.)</td><td>4.6 mm (0.185 in.)</td>
<td>Tooth length</td><td>3.0 mm (0.118 in.)</td><td>6.4 mm (0.250 inch)</td>
<td>Tooth gap</td><td>8.3 mm (0.328 in.)</td><td>6.4 mm (0.250 inch)</td>
<td>Tip radius</td><td>0.25 mm (0.010 in.)</td><td>0.25 mm (0.010 in.)</td>
<td>Tip shape</td><td>Concave</td><td>Flat</td>
<td>DOE for 3D samples</td><td>2.7 mm (0.105 in.)</td><td>2.3 mm (0.090 inch)</td>
3. Method for making absorbent members with holes
In other embodiments, the absorbent member may have holes. The 25 method of making an absorbent member with holes includes drilling a material
MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF PROPERTY
<img file="MX337673B_D0059.tif" />
OF PROPERTY of precursor plot before and / or after densifying the matefteP ^ ete<sup>1</sup>· P precursor. The apparatus for making an absorbent member concñHoioo could uoar<sub>t </sub>thus, an arrangement similar to that shown in Figures 24 or 25. In one example, the densification step could be carried out using two rollers similar to those shown in Figures 5, 12 or 13 with uneven surface speeds, and the Drilling stage is formed by a drilling apparatus.
The precursor web 10 can be punctured in any suitable way. Any drilling process known in the art can be used; processes include, but are not limited to: an RKA die punch or rollers. The precursor web 10 can be perforated over its entire surface or in regions. Figure 31 shows a non-limiting example of a drilling station 280 for the step of transforming the precursor web 10 into an absorbent member with holes. As shown in Figure 31, the drilling station 280 comprises a pair of counter-rotating crosslinked rollers, where the upper roller 282 is a ring roller and the lower roller 284 is a rotary knife opening roller (or "RKA" , for its acronym in English). As shown in Figure 31, the top ring roller 282 comprises flanges 286 and grooves 288 that extend circumferentially. Bottom roller 284 comprises alternating rows of teeth 290 and grooves 292, which extend circumferentially. Teeth 290 are attached to the bottom roller at their bases. The teeth 290 are tapered from base to tip, and the base of the teeth has a cross-sectional length dimension greater than a cross-sectional width dimension. Holes are formed in weft material 10 as the teeth of the RKA roller engage with the grooves of the ring roller 282. The RKA rollers are described in greater detail in the United States patent application publication. no. US 2006/0087053 A1.
'LMLLW
<img file="MX337673B_D0060.tif" />
vi .r 1
INSTITUTO MEX! C / iNC r ·, .., DE LA PROPIEDAD. ·
D. Other characteristics of the industrial process
Numerous alternative modalities are possible and mmhinarinnpg dp ins previous methods. For example, a precursor screen can be supplied through the apparatuses described herein any number of times, and the screen can then be supplied through another apparatus any number of times. Additionally, more than one absorbent member and / or other materials can be combined to form other absorbent structures, and these laminates can be supplied together through any of the apparatus described in the present disclosure.
The apparatus for densifying the precursor material can be provided at any suitable location, or stage, in the manufacturing process of an absorbent article. In some embodiments, the method can serve as a preprocessing step before supplying the precursor material to a grinding mill to reduce the energy required to defibrillate the material in the grinding mill. In other embodiments, the method and apparatus may be provided in lieu of a grinding mill at a location other than an absorbent article manufacturing line, such as at the location formerly occupied by the grinding mill. In other embodiments, instead of being at a location separate from the absorbent article manufacturing line, the dry cycle cellulose pulp apparatus may be located as a basic operation at or near the beginning (or some other convenient location). ) of an absorbent article manufacturing line in order to prepare a complete absorbent member ready for use in an absorbent article that is manufactured on the line.
It might be preferred to make the width of the roll of precursor material equal to the width or length of the absorbent core or other desired structure to be formed so that the roll of absorbent member material can be conveniently cut into individual cores.
ΪΜΡΙ6
<img file="MX337673B_D0061.tif" />
INSTITUTE Ι.ν: ΐ - .; ΟΛϋΟ
..... ... OF THE PROPERTY .
The process described above could thus use an apparatus ^ - which male elements on opposite surfaces in contrast to grinding apparatus - ^ employ male elements on one surface and female elements within which the male elements fit on an opposite surface. Additionally, in the present process, the clearance between the elements could be less than the thickness of the weft. This could be used to apply higher shear forces to the frame (in contrast to appliances that require the clearance between elements to be greater than or equal to that of the frame being processed). ΈΙ The process described in the present description could not only be able to break weak hydrogen bonds on the surface of the precursor material to smooth the surface of the same, but also selectively break the strongest hydrogen bonds towards the inside of the material, and neglect and weaken the plot. It can also be used to significantly increase the caliber (measured under load) of the precursor web. The precursor frame structure can be preserved in certain areas for strength purposes while the hydrogen bonds can be broken in other areas for uptake purposes.
Table 1. Dry cycle cellulose pulp precursor and mechanically deformed materials
<td rowspan="2">Ex. 5</td><td>2nd stage</td><td>RKAde 100 steps coupled to shark fin</td><td> 1.31</td><td></td><td> 1.905 (0.075)</td><td></td><td> 416.2</td><td>OR or</td><td></td><td>in</td>
<td>1st stage</td><td>SELF of 80 steps coupled to SELF</td><td>OR</td><td></td><td> 0.381 (0.015)</td><td> !</td><td> 1</td><td> 1</td><td> 1 1</td><td>i</td>
<td>Ex. 4</td><td></td><td>80-step SELF coupled to SELF.</td><td> 1.06</td><td> -</td><td> 1.067 (0.042)</td><td>co</td><td> 400.9</td><td> 0.13</td><td> 12.3</td><td> 16.3</td>
<td>Ex. 3 „J</td><td></td><td>RKAde 100 steps coupled to shark fin</td><td> 1.31</td><td></td><td> 2.921 (0.115)</td><td> 4.9</td><td> 418.2</td><td> 0.085</td><td> 4.7</td><td> 4.5</td>
<td>Ex-2</td><td></td><td>RKAde 100 steps coupled to shark fin</td><td>co</td><td>V</td><td> 2.032 (0.080)</td><td> | 4.5</td><td> 418.4</td><td> 0.093</td><td> 33.6</td><td> 27.6</td>
<td>r— llT</td><td></td><td>RKAde 100 steps coupled to shark fin</td><td></td><td></td><td> 2.032 (0.080)</td><td> 3.9</td><td> 389.1</td><td>OR or</td><td> 16.7</td><td> 18.9</td>
<td>400 gm dry cycle cellulose pulp<sup>2</sup></td><td></td><td> 1 1</td><td> •</td><td> 1 1</td><td> !</td><td>OR</td><td> ! 392.1</td><td> 0.39</td><td> 158.9</td><td> 263.9</td>
<td></td><td></td><td>Tool</td><td>Surface speed ratio</td><td>Number of passes</td><td>DOE (mm (inches))</td><td>Caliber (mm)</td><td>AND s Φ <0 to or (Λ OR Q.</td><td>Bulk density (g / cm<sup>3</sup>)</td><td>DC peak voltage (N)</td><td>Peak voltage MD (N)</td>
.k ki, ri
ΙΝο'.ΤΠ, ΙΤΟ MCLICANO DC THE INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY
<img file="MX337673B_D0062.tif" />
... i
UJ>
ID
OR
ID
<img file="MX337673B_D0063.tif" />
Examples 1-3 of Table 1 above repfWéW $ EÉ) 5l0e industrial 400 gm dry cycle cellulose pulp<sup>2</sup> mechanically deformed in accordance with the present invention. For each of the examples, a dry cycle cellulose pulp weft approximately 80 millimeters wide is processed at approximately 305 meters / minute (1,000 feet per minute) using the tools, the DOE coupling depth, and the speed ratio listed in Table 1 above.
The shark fin roller is similar to the one shown in Figure 9. The teeth are arranged in a staggered pattern and oriented so that the long direction runs in the MD. The teeth have a CD P pitch of 2.5 mm (0.100 inch) and a uniform end-to-end spacing on the MD of 10.5 mm (0.414 inch). The base of the shark fin tooth is formed as a hexagon, with a TL length of 6.0 mm (0.238 inches). The TH tooth height is 7.4 mm (0.291 inch). The side walls of the tooth have an Included angle of 10 degrees (that is, each side wall is tilted 5 degrees from vertical). The tooth has a pointed tip and the six sides of the tooth taper at a constant angle from the base of the tooth to the tip of the tooth. The shark fin is oriented as shown in Figure 12, and the leading edge LE of the tooth forms a larger angle with the base of the roller than the trailing edge TE. The leading edge LE of the tooth forms a 129 degree angle to the base of the roller and the leading edge TE of the tooth forms a 90 degree angle to the base of the roller. The roll diameter is 14.4 cm (5.69 inches).
The roller attached to the shark fin roller is a staggered RKA roller, similar to the one shown in Figure 8. The teeth on the RKA roller are further arranged in a staggered pattern and oriented so that the direction run on the MD. Teeth have CD P pitch of 2.5 mm (0.100 inch) and tip clearance
Κ 7ΒΓ Β
L. .LV.'i 'ίί INSTITUTO 1-.KXICA DE LA 1-LOHEL .. „with a uniform point on the MD of 5.7 mm (0.223 inches). The base of the tooth d ^ ”RfW-t¡e
<img file="MX337673B_D0064.tif" />
It is hexagonal in shape and has a tooth height TH of 6.9 mm (0.270 pül <jádüS). “L¿L> side teeth of the tooth have an Included angle of 13.6 degrees (ie each side wall is inclined 6.8 degrees from the vertical). The tooth has a pointed tip and the side walls of the tooth taper at a constant angle from the base of the tooth to the tip of the tooth. The leading edge LE and the trailing edge TE of the tooth have an included angle of 50 degrees (that is, each edge is inclined 25 degrees from vertical). The walls that form the vertices that create the front and back edges of the tooth taper at a constant angle from the tip of the tooth to a point on the tooth that is 4.3 mm (0.170 inches) below the tip of the tooth. The walls then change their angle to be vertical (that is, at a 90 degree angle relative to the base of the roller) for the lower 2.54 mm (0.100'j of the tooth. The RKA roller and the shark are offset compared to each other on the CD, so that the gaps on each side of the teeth are approximately equal.The position of the teeth on the shark fin and RKA rollers are not in any specific way located in the MD. The surface speed of the RKA roller is lower than the surface speed of the shark fin roller by the surface speed ratio shown in the table. To create the surface speed ratio, the shark fin roller is moved with a 36 tooth gear and the RKA roller is moved with a 43 tooth gear (for 1.19 ratio in Example 1) and with a 47 teeth (for the ratio of 1.3 of Examples 2 and 3).
Example 4 in Table 1 mentioned above further represents a sample of 400 gm dry cycle cellulose pulp<sup>2</sup> mechanically deformed in accordance with the present invention. A dry cycle cellulose pulp weft approximately 80 millimeters wide is processed at approximately 15m / minute
X AVA Λ
INSTITUTO MEXIC [>: 17. FSOPIE (approximately 50 feet per minute) by using an identical SELIFAS roller * SELF roller, such as the one shown in Figure 7, a í: 07 lililí (0.042 fJUlyyüüS) · From DOE. The first SELF roller moves on a 36 tooth gear, while the second SELF roller moves on a 38 tooth gear, this results in a 1.06 surface speed ratio between the two SELF rollers. SELF rollers have a diameter of 14.4 cm (5.6875 inches). SELF teeth have a uniform circumferential length dimension TL of approximately 2 mm (0.080 inch) measured, generally from the leading edge LE to the trailing edge TE, a tooth tip radius TR at the tooth tip of approximately 0.13 mm (0.005 inch), they are uniformly spaced circumferentially from each other by a distance TD of approximately 2 mm (0.078 inch), they have a tooth height TH of 3.5 mm (0.138 inch), They have a tooth side wall angle of approximately 8.5 degrees (measured from the base of the tooth to near the tip of the tooth, before the formation of the radius), and they have a pitch of approximately 2 mm (0.080 inches). The two SELF rollers are offset compared to the other on the CD, so that the gaps on each side of the teeth are approximately equal. The teeth of the two SELF rollers are not located in any specific way on the MD.
Example 5 in Table 1 above represents a sample of 400 gm dry cycle cellulose pulp<sup>2</sup>, mechanically deformed by using matching speed grip points followed by a differential speed grip point. A dry cycle cellulose pulp weft approximately 80 millimeters wide is processed at approximately 15m / mlnute (approximately 50 feet per minute) by using a SELF roller coupled to an Identical SELF roller (described above in Example 4) that rotate at surface speeds equal to 0.38 mm (0.015 inch) DOE. The plot is processed by
<img file="MX337673B_D0065.tif" />
IMPIOUS
MEXICAN INSTITUTE
PROPERTY V * SELF tool 4 times. The weft is then processed in a step f'Sfcl & SftJ'Uier through a RKA roll coupled to a shark fin roll (described in ··· in Examples 1-3 mentioned above) at 1.9 mm (0.075) DOE. The shark fin roller is moving on a 36 tooth gear, while the RKA roller is moving on a 47 tooth gear, resulting in a surface velocity ratio of 1.31; the shark fin roller rotates faster than the RKA roller. The RKA and shark fin rollers are offset relative to each other on the CD so that the gaps on each side of the teeth are approximately equal. The teeth on the RKA and shark fin rollers are not placed in any specific way on MD.
V. Test methods
A. Gauge method
Appliances
The caliber of the material is quantified using a Thwing-Albert ProGage thickness tester or equivalent with a circular foot of 56.4 millimeters in diameter.
Quantity and preparation of specimens
A minimum of 3 representative samples is required to complete the test. One specimen is cut from each of the 3 samples for a total of 3 test specimens. The specimen is cut from the center of the sample (for example, centered at the intersection of the longitudinal and transverse center lines). Serving
IMPI
<img file="MX337673B_D0066.tif" />
MEXICAN INSTITUTE of the specimen to be tested shall Include only the unique m'Féhi ^ T ^ gso '' as defined in the specification. Therefore, parts of the absorbent member must be carefully removed so that the gauge of the material is not affected. The specimens to be measured must be 2,665 millimeters in diameter to ensure that the entire surface area of the foot comes into contact with the sample to be measured.
Process
The test set is always zeroed before taking any measurements. The foot begins 12.7 mm (0.5 inches) above the surface on which the test specimen is placed and descends at a rate of 3,175 mm per second (0.125 inches per second). When the foot reaches the target pressure of 0.51 kilopascals, it remains in contact with the specimen for 9 seconds while maintaining pressure. The reading is taken at the end of the 9 second period.
Calculations
Each of the samples are measured individually and the average of the samples is reported with an accuracy of 0.01 millimeters.
B. Basis weight method
Basis weight is measured using a method based on WSP Standard Test 130.1, Standard Test Method for Mass per Unit Area.
Appliances
The weight of the material is quantified by using a Mettler balance / / -ΊΟ ·
Toledo, model number AG245 or equivalent.
MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY
Quantity and preparation of specimens
A minimum of 3 representative samples is required to complete the test. One specimen is cut from each of the 3 samples for a total of 3 test specimens. The specimens to be measured are cut to 50mm x 200mm using a die. The specimen is cut from the center of the sample (for example, centered at the intersection of the longitudinal and transverse center lines; the longest dimension corresponds to the longitudinal direction). The portion of the specimen to be tested should include only the single absorbent member as defined in the specification. Therefore, other materials that are not part of the absorbent member must be carefully removed so that the basis weight is not affected.
Process
The test set is always zeroed before taking any measurements. The weight of each sample is measured and recorded with an accuracy of 0.01 grams.
Calculations
The basis weight for each of the 3 specimens is calculated using the following equation:
Sample basis weight (grams / meter<sup>2</sup>) = Specimen weight (grams)
0.01 (meter<sup>2</sup>) faith
Oíí O. JL JL
MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF THE »'RO? LtPAD INDUSTRIAL
Each of the samples are measured individually and the average of the samples is reported with an accuracy of 0.01 grams per square meter.
C. Calculation of bulk density
The bulk density of a given sample is calculated according to the equation below, using the gauge and the measured basis weight for that given sample and following the methods described above.
Bulk density (grams / centimeter<sup>3</sup>) = Base weight (grams / meter<sup>2</sup>) 1000 Caliber (millimeters)
The bulk density for each of the samples is calculated individually and the average bulk density of the samples is reported to the nearest 0.01 grams per cubic centimeter.
D. Tension method
The MD and CD peak stress is measured by using a method based on WSP Standard Test 110.4 (05) - Option B, Standard Test Method for Tear Strength and Elongation of Nonwoven Materials (Strip Method), but with a shorter gauge length to allow measurements on finished products.
Appliances
The apparatus required for the TENSION METHOD consists of the
MPIO> S:
following parts: 1) an MTS Synergie 400 (Model No. SYN400) '^<sup>T</sup>§ ^ $ ^ igtg op
INDUSTRIAL '* ®¿l2Í ^ / Í2<sup>íí <</sup>'constant speed of extension of 100mm / min; 2) A 100N load cell (Model No. SYN 100) or equivalent, or a 500N load cell (Model No. SYN 500) or equivalent for more rigid materials such as non-deformed dry cycle cellulose pulp.
Quantity and preparation of specimens
A minimum of eight representative samples are required, four for the MD stress test and four for the CD stress test. The specimen is cut from the center of the sample (eg, centered at the Intersection of the longitudinal and transverse center lines). The portion of the specimen to be tested should include only the single absorbent member as defined in the "Specification. Therefore, the other materials that are not part of the absorbent member must be carefully removed so that the tensile strength is not affected. To prepare the samples for the MD stress test, one specimen is cut from each sample with a CD width of 50 mm and a MD length of 70 mm. For a sample taken from a product, such as a female towel, the MD is assumed to represent the long direction of the towel and the CD is the address orthogonal to the MD. To prepare the samples for the CD stress test, one specimen is cut from each sample with a MD length of 50 mm and a CD width of 50 mm.
Process
WSP Standard Test 110.4 (05) - Option B is followed with the following gauge length changes:
one. Peak voltage MD: manometer length 50 mm
2.
Peak DC voltage: gauge length 30 mm
<img file="MX337673B_D0067.tif" />
MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY
<img file="MX337673B_D0068.tif" />
Calculations
Peak stress is the maximum force reading for that specimen. Each specimen is measured individually and the average peak MD voltage and average peak DC voltage of the samples are reported to the nearest 0.1 N.
The dimensions and values described in the present description should not be interpreted as strictly limited to the exact numerical values expressed. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each dimension is intended to refer to both the expressed value and a functionally equivalent range approximate to that value. For example, a dimension described as "40 grams" refers to "about 40 grams".
It will be understood that each maximum numerical limitation given in this specification will include any lower numerical limitation, as if the lower numerical limitations had been explicitly noted in this description. Any minimum numerical limit given in this specification shall include any greater numerical limit, as if the greater numerical limits had been explicitly noted in this description. Any numeric range given in this specification will include any minor number range that falls within the largest number range, as if all minor number ranges had been explicitly noted in this description.
All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Invention are incorporated, in the pertinent part, by reference in the present description; the citation of any document should not be construed as an admission that it represents a prior subject with respect to the present invention. To the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this written document contradicts any
IÍMj
MEX INSTITUTE
DE LA PROHfcUAU V »meaning or definition of the term in a document Incorporated as' rePéyéftcIaT<sup>1</sup> Meaning or definition assigned to the term in this written document shall govern. Although particular modalities of the present Invention have been illustrated and described, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the Invention. . Therefore, the appended claims are intended to cover all those modifications and changes that are within the scope of this Invention.
<img file="MX337673B_D0069.tif" />
Contents38
82 sheets
Sheet 1 Sheet 2 Sheet 3 Sheet 4 Sheet 5 Sheet 6 Sheet 7 Sheet 8 Sheet 9 Sheet 10 Sheet 11 Sheet 12 Sheet 13 Sheet 14 Sheet 15 Sheet 16 Sheet 17 Sheet 18 Sheet 19 Sheet 20 Sheet 21 Sheet 22 Sheet 23 Sheet 24 Sheet 25 Sheet 26 Sheet 27 Sheet 28 Sheet 29 Sheet 30 Sheet 31 Sheet 32 Sheet 33 Sheet 34 Sheet 35 Sheet 36 Sheet 37 Sheet 38 Sheet 39 Sheet 40 Sheet 41 Sheet 42 Sheet 43 Sheet 44 Sheet 45 Sheet 46 Sheet 47 Sheet 48 Sheet 49 Sheet 50 Sheet 51 Sheet 52 Sheet 53 Sheet 54 Sheet 55 Sheet 56 Sheet 57 Sheet 58 Sheet 59 Sheet 60 Sheet 61 Sheet 62 Sheet 63 Sheet 64 Sheet 65 Sheet 66 Sheet 67 Sheet 68 Sheet 69 Sheet 70 Sheet 71 Sheet 72 Sheet 73 Sheet 74 Sheet 75 Sheet 76 Sheet 77 Sheet 78 Sheet 79 Sheet 80 Sheet 81 Sheet 82
118 members in 14 offices
Priority claims14
| Document | Office | Kind | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13094195 | United States of America | – | |
| 13094295 | United States of America | – | |
| 201113094195 | United States of America | A | |
| 201113094195 | United States of America | A | |
| 201113094295 | United States of America | A | |
| 201113094295 | United States of America | A | |
| 2012035071 | United States of America | W | |
| 2012035071 | United States of America | W | |
| 13094195 | – | – | – |
| 13094295 | – | – | – |
| US1235071 | – | – | – |
| US201113094195 | – | – | – |
| US201113094295 | – | – | – |
| WO2012US35071 | – | – | – |
Members118
| Document | Office | Kind | |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2833024A1 | Canada | A1 | |
| US2012273146A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| US2012276331A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| US2012276337A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| US2012276341A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| US2012277393A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| US2012277706A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| US2012277710A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| WO2012148974A1 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A1 | |
| WO2012148999A1 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A1 | |
| WO2012149000A1 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A1 | |
| WO2012149073A1 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A1 | |
| WO2012149074A1 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A1 | |
| US2012282436A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| MX2013011238A | Mexico | A | |
| MX2013011147A | Mexico | A | |
| MX2013011310A | Mexico | A | |
| MX2013011909A | Mexico | A | |
| CA2871673A1 | Canada | A1 | |
| CA2871680A1 | Canada | A1 | |
| WO2013163360A2 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A2 | |
| WO2013163388A1 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A1 | |
| MX2013011785A | Mexico | A | |
| CN103476375A | China | A | |
| CN103491911A | China | A | |
| CN103491912A | China | A | |
| CN103491915A | China | A | |
| WO2013163360A3 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A3 | |
| US8657596B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| EP2701650A1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A1 | |
| EP2701651A1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A1 | |
| EP2701652A1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A1 | |
| EP2701653A1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A1 | |
| EP2701902A1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A1 | |
| CN103717388A | China | A | |
| US2014120323A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| JP2014512914A | Japan | A | |
| JP2014516300A | Japan | A | |
| JP2014516302A | Japan | A | |
| JP2014516323A | Japan | A | |
| JP2014517879A | Japan | A | |
| MX2014011630A | Mexico | A | |
| KR20140135843A | Republic of Korea | A | |
| SG11201406852RA | Singapore | A | |
| SG11201406853SA | Singapore | A | |
| KR20140137449A | Republic of Korea | A | |
| IL235259D0 | Israel | D0 | |
| IL235260D0 | Israel | D0 | |
| CN104302257A | China | A | |
| CL2014002884A1 | Chile | A1 | |
| CL2014002885A1 | Chile | A1 | |
| CN104394822A | China | A | |
| EP2841037A2 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A2 | |
| EP2841039A1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A1 | |
| IN8083DEN2014A | India | A | |
| US9028652B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| IN8773DEN2014A | India | A | |
| RU2013144258A | Russian Federation | A | |
| JP2015519227A | Japan | A | |
| JP2015523232A | Japan | A | |
| US2015230993A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| US9120268B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| US2015321414A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| MX2014012819A | Mexico | A | |
| CN103476375B | China | B | |
| JP5841239B2 | Japan | B2 | |
| US9242406B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| RU2573975C2 | Russian Federation | C2 | |
| CA2833024C | Canada | C | |
| MX337673BThis record | Mexico | B | |
| MX337692B | Mexico | B | |
| RU2014137399A | Russian Federation | A | |
| RU2014139945A | Russian Federation | A | |
| EP2701650B1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | B1 | |
| EP2701651B1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | B1 | |
| EP2701653B1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | B1 | |
| JP5956062B2 | Japan | B2 | |
| JP2016138358A | Japan | A | |
| CN103491911B | China | B | |
| JP5972968B2 | Japan | B2 | |
| US9440394B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| US9452089B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| CN105997366A | China | A | |
| JP6006294B2 | Japan | B2 | |
| JP6017676B2 | Japan | B2 | |
| JP2016188458A | Japan | A | |
| RU2604586C2 | Russian Federation | C2 | |
| BR112013025721A2 | Brazil | A2 | |
| BR112013025859A2 | Brazil | A2 | |
| MX345446B | Mexico | B | |
| BR112013025715A2 | Brazil | A2 | |
| CN103717388B | China | B | |
| JP6105557B2 | Japan | B2 | |
| CN104302257B | China | B | |
| CN103491915B | China | B | |
| JP6134025B2 | Japan | B2 | |
| BR112014026579A2 | Brazil | A2 | |
| BR112014026584A2 | Brazil | A2 | |
| BR112013025723A2 | Brazil | A2 | |
| RU2628858C2 | Russian Federation | C2 |
1 legal event, as the office reported them to INPADOC
Events
| Event | Code | |
|---|---|---|
| Grant or registrationFG | FG |
Numbers
- Publication
- 337673
- Publication, DOCDB
- 337673
- Publication, EPODOC
- MX337673
- Application
- 2013011310
- Application, DOCDB
- 2013011310
- Application, EPODOC
- MX20130011310
Titles
- Spanish
- METODOS PARA FABRICAR MIEMBROS ABSORBENTES VOLUMINOSOS.
Classification
- CPC, 10
- A61F13/15731
- A61F13/15707
- B26F1/20
- B31F1/07
- B31F2201/0733
- B31F2201/0738
- B31F2201/0741
- B31F2201/0756
- B31F2201/0774
- B31F2201/0797
- IPC, 7
- A61F13 15
- A61F13 533
- A61F13 536
- B26F1 20
- B26F1 24
- D04H1 26
- D04H1 425