Patent Publication Number: US-11643764-B2

Title: Nonwoven, and process and apparatus for producing the same

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a process for producing spunlace nonwoven having patterns and an apparatus suitable for the process. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Nonwovens are widely used in a variety of personal care products including, for example feminine hygiene products such as sanitary napkins, liners and tampons, diapers and wipes since it is soft and has fabric like appearance. 
     Various nonwovens have been suggested for use as a component such as topsheets for absorbent articles from the standpoints of skin sensation, a feeling of dryness, comfort, absorption of expelled bodily fluids, and prevention of fluid flow-back. 
     It was recognized that it is also desirable in certain applications for nonwoven to be bulky. It is also desirable that nonwovens have a visible image or pattern at least one surface thereof as considered that nonwoven having images or patterns may have a breathable appearance, and delight users with a unique pattern. 
     In nonwovens made by conventional spunlacing, images or decorations in nonwoven material can be produced by hydroentangling. As is generally known in the art, hydroentanglement (sometimes referred to as spunlacing, jet entanglement, water entanglement, hydroentanglement or hydraulic needling), is a mechanical bonding process whereby fibers of a fibrous web are entangled by means of high pressure water jets. In hydroentanglement processes, patterning on a fibrous web can be achieved by use of patterned supports such as drums and belts which cause the fibers to form a negative image of the design on the support in the fibrous web. Conventional hydroentanglement process may not achieve clearly visible patterns in nonwoven as a sufficient difference in thickness or density between the images or decorations in a nonwoven over a background area in the nonwoven is not provided as water flow is applied to the entire surface of the nonwoven. In addition, it is costly to switch to different patterns as a support having a different image transfer surface is expensive. 
     WO2012/73544A discloses a nonwoven web comprising first entanglement parts and second entanglement parts which form wavy lines along a machine direction of the nonwoven web. According to WO2012/73544A, a fiber web is first hydroentangled to form an entangled web and the first parts, and the entangle web is second hydroentangled to form the second entanglement parts. In the second hydroentangling, water jets ejected from a water injector pass through perforations of a perforated member and strikes the entangled web to form the second entanglement parts. Portions of the entangled web where the water jets during the second hydroentanglement do not reach remain the first hydroentanglement parts. 
     It is desirable to provide a process for producing nonwoven and forming various patterns by hydroentanglement in a cost effective way. 
     It is also desirable to provide a process for producing nonwoven and forming various patterns by hydroentanglement without compromising bulkiness of nonwoven. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a process for making a fibrous web comprising a plurality of first areas comprising hydroentangled fibers, the first areas being discrete in a machine direction. The process comprises subjecting a fibrous web to a hydroentanglement process directing water jets from a water injection means on to the fibrous web, and blocking at least one water jet from the water injection means discontinuously using a first blocking member positioned between the water injection means and the fibrous web, wherein the first blocking member comprises at least one aperture or recess, and rotates about an axis perpendicular to a z-direction. 
     The present invention also relates to an apparatus for forming a textured spunlace nonwoven web comprising a support, a water injection means in associated with the support, a first blocking member disposed between the support and the water injection means, wherein the first blocking member comprises at least one aperture or recess, and is rotatable about an axis perpendicular to a z-direction. 
     The present invention also relates to a nonwoven web having a length and a width, and comprising a plurality of first areas, and at least one second area located between two adjacent first areas in a nonwoven lengthwise direction, wherein the plurality of first areas comprise hydroentangled fibers, wherein each of the plurality of first areas comprises at least two apertures or depressions, and a land between the two apertures or depressions, and wherein the land in the first area has a higher fiber density or a higher degree of fiber entanglement than the second area. 
     The present invention also relates to a laminate comprising a first layer comprising a nonwoven web of the present invention. 
     The present invention also relates to an absorbent article comprising a layer comprising a nonwoven web or a laminate of the present invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings, like numerals or other designations designate like features throughout the views. 
         FIG.  1    is a schematic representation of a process for making a nonwoven according to the present invention. 
         FIG.  2    is a schematic partial side view of the process in  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3 A  is a schematic partial perspective view of the process in  FIG.  2   . 
         FIG.  3 B  is another schematic partial perspective view of the process in  FIG.  2   . 
         FIG.  3 C  is another schematic partial perspective view of the process in  FIG.  2   . 
         FIG.  4 A  is a z-direction cross-section view of a first blocking member in  FIG.  3 A . 
         FIG.  4 B  is a z-direction cross-section view of another first blocking member in the present invention. 
         FIG.  4 C  is a z-direction cross-section view of another first blocking member in the present invention. 
         FIG.  4 D  is a side view of another first blocking member in the present invention. 
         FIG.  4 E  is a z-direction cross-section view of the first blocking member of  FIG.  4 D . 
         FIG.  4 F  is a side view of another first blocking member in the present invention. 
         FIG.  4 G  is a z-direction cross-section view of the first blocking member of  FIG.  4 F . 
         FIG.  5    is a schematic representation of another process for making a nonwoven according to the present invention. 
         FIG.  6    is a plan view of a nonwoven according to the present invention. 
         FIG.  7    is a plan view of another nonwoven according to the present invention. 
         FIG.  8    is a plan view of another nonwoven according to the present invention. 
         FIG.  9    is a perspective view of one example of an absorbent article that incorporates a nonwoven according to the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Various non-limiting forms of the present disclosure will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of an absorbent article comprising back ears having unique engineering strain properties and low surface roughness. One or more examples of these non-limiting embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those ordinary skilled in the art will understand that the absorbent articles described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting example forms and that the scope of the various non-limiting forms of the present disclosure are defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with one non-limiting form may be combined with the features of other non-limiting forms. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     “Absorbent article” refers to wearable devices, which absorb and/or contain liquid, and more specifically, refers to devices, which are placed against or in proximity to the body of the wearer to absorb and contain the various exudates discharged from the body. Absorbent articles can include diapers, training pants, adult incontinence undergarments, and feminine hygiene products such as sanitary napkins and pantyliners. 
     “Machine direction” or “MD” as used herein means the direction parallel to the flow of the hydroentangled fibrous web through the hydroentangled fibrous web making machine and/or absorbent article product manufacturing equipment. 
     “Cross machine direction” or “CD” as used herein means the direction parallel to the width of the hydroentangled fibrous web making machine and/or absorbent article product manufacturing equipment and perpendicular to the machine direction. 
     “Z-direction” is orthogonal to both the longitudinal and transverse directions. It is orthogonal to both the machine and cross-machine directions when the term is used with respect to a nonwoven manufacturing process. 
     “Disposable” is used herein to describe articles that are generally not intended to be laundered or otherwise restored or reused (i.e., they are intended to be discarded after a single use and, may be recycled, composted or otherwise disposed of in an environmentally compatible manner). 
     “Absorbent core” refers to a structure typically disposed between a topsheet and backsheet of an absorbent article for absorbing and containing liquid received by the absorbent article. The absorbent core may comprise one or more substrate layer, absorbent material disposed on the one or more substrate layer, and a thermoplastic adhesive composition on the absorbent material. The thermoplastic adhesive composition may be on the absorbent material and at least a portion of the one or more substrate layer. The absorbent core does not include an acquisition system, a topsheet, or a backsheet of the absorbent article. In a certain embodiment, the absorbent core would consist essentially of the one or more substrate layers, the absorbent material, the thermoplastic adhesive composition, and optionally a cover layer. 
     “Nonwoven” refers to a manufactured web of directionally or randomly orientated fibers, excluding paper and products which are woven, knitted, tufted, stitch-bonded incorporating binding yarns or filaments, or felted by wet-milling, whether or not additionally needled. Nonwoven materials and processes for making them are known in the art. Generally, processes for making nonwoven materials comprise laying fibers onto a forming surface, which can comprise spunlaying, meltblowing, carding, airlaying, wetlaying, coform and combinations thereof. The fibers can be of natural or man-made origin and may be staple fibers or continuous filaments or be formed in situ. 
     As used herein, the term “comprising” means that the various components, ingredients, or steps can be conjointly employed in practicing the present invention. Accordingly, the term “comprising” is open-ended and encompasses the more restrictive terms “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of”. 
     Process 
       FIG.  1    depicts a simplified, schematic view of an exemplary process for making a nonwoven according to the present invention comprising a first hydroentanglement process, and  FIG.  2    depicts a schematic side view of the first hydroentanglement process in the process in  FIG.  1   . Referring to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the process according to the present invention comprises subjecting a fibrous web  30  to a first hydroentanglement process directing water jets  36  from a water injection means  32  on to the fibrous web  30 , and blocking at least one of the water jets  36  from the water injection means  32  discontinuously during the first hydroentanglement process. The blocking at least one of the water jets  36  from the water injection means  32  discontinuously is carried out by a use of a first blocking member  50  positioned between the water injection means  32  and the fibrous web  30 . The first blocking member  50  rotates about an axis perpendicular to a z-direction, so that it blocks at least one water jet from the water injection means  32  discontinuously along its rotation. 
     Fibers forming a fibrous web can be of natural or man-made origin and may be staple fibers or continuous filaments or be formed in situ. The fibrous web which can be of various fibrous components (usually airlaid, wetlaid, or carded, but sometimes spunbond or melt-blown, etc.) can first be compacted and prewetted to eliminate air pockets prior to subjecting to a hydroentanglement process. 
     With reference to  FIG.  1   , a fibrous web  30  may have a pre-first hydroentanglement process portion  30 A upstream of a first hydroentanglement process and a post-first hydroentanglement process portion  30 B downstream of the first hydroentanglement process. The pre-first hydroentanglement process portion  30 A may be unbonded, be bonded, or be entangled. During the first hydroentanglement process, the fibrous web  30  is passed by the water injection means  32  that comprises a plurality of orifices supplying a plurality of water jets. The plurality of orifices may be positioned to generally form a water curtain. Water jets  36  are directed through the fibrous web  30  at high pressures. The fibrous web  30  can be supported by any suitable support member  40 , such as a moving wire screen or on a rotating porous drum, for example. As the water jet  36  penetrates the fibrous web  30 , a suction slot  38  positioned proximate beneath the fibrous web  30  collects the water which may be filtered and returned to the water injection means  32  for subsequent injection. The water jet  36  delivered by the water injection means  32  exhausts most of its kinetic energy primarily in rearranging fibers within the fibrous web  30  to turn and twist the fibers to form a series of interlocking knots. 
     Still referring to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , in the process of the present invention, at least one of the water jets  36  from a water injection means  32  is discontinuously blocked by use of a first blocking member  50  disposed between the water injection means  32  and the fibrous web  30  (or the support member  40 ) by rotating the first blocking member about an axis perpendicular to a z-direction. 
     A first blocking member in the present process comprises at least one aperture, or at least one recess on its surface. The first blocking member is explained in detail in the Apparatus section below. 
     In one embodiment, referring to  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B , the first blocking member  50  comprises at least one aperture  52  and a non-apertured area  54 . The first blocking member  50  rotates about an axis perpendicular to a z-direction to have a first position, a blocking position, such as in  FIG.  3 A  where the first blocking member  50  blocks at least one water jet  36   a  from the water injection means  32 , and a second position, an open position, such as in  FIG.  3 B  where the first blocking member  50  does not block the at least one water jet  36   a  so that the at least one water jet  36   a  passes through the aperture  52  alternately. 
     In some embodiments, referring to  FIGS.  3 A- 3 C , the first blocking member  50 , while it is rotating along the axis X, moves back and forth along a first axis between a first position or a blocking position such as in  FIG.  3 A or  3 C  where the first blocking member  50  blocks the water jet  36   a  from the water injection means  32  and a second position or an open position such as in  FIG.  3 B  where the first blocking member  50  does not block the water jet  36   a  from the water injection means  32 . The first blocking member  50  may maintain a blocking position and an open position alternately. 
     Blocking a water jet from a water injection means intends to mean that the water jet from the water injection means is blocked and is not directed to a position in a fibrous web where the water jet is supposed to hit if it is not blocked. Not-blocking a water jet from a water injection means intends to mean that the water jet from the water injection means is directed to a fibrous web along an axis in a z-direction. Referring to  FIGS.  3 A and  3 C , when the first blocking member  50  is in a blocking position, at least part of the non-apertures area  54  of the first blocking member  50  is positioned between the water injection means and the fibrous web  30 , so that the first blocking member  50  blocks a water jet  36   a  from the water injection means  32 . When the first blocking member  50  is in an open position, referring to  FIG.  3 B , the water jet  36   a  from the water injection means  32  is directed to on the fibrous web  30  through an aperture  52  in the first blocking member  50 . Though  FIGS.  3 B and  3 C  indicate one water jet passes through an aperture  52  of the first blocking member  50 , numbers of water jets passing through one aperture  52  at a given moment can be adjusted considering on a design of aperture shape and size. 
     The first blocking member  50  may maintain a blocking position and an open position alternately in a constant speed or in a non-constant speed. By repeating the blocking position and open position alternately, a plurality of first areas discrete in a machine direction are formed in the fibrous web. 
     Areas in fibrous web  30  hit by the water jet  36 ,  36   a  go through fiber entanglement during the first hydroentanglement process and form the plurality of first areas discrete in the machine direction. 
     In some embodiments, a process according to the present invention comprises subjecting a fibrous web to a first hydroentanglement process directing water jets from a water injection means on to the fibrous web, blocking at least one water jet from the water injection means discontinuously by use of a first blocking member positioned between the water injection means and the fibrous web, and blocking the at least one water jet from the water injection means discontinuously while the at least one water jet is not blocked by the first blocking member. The blocking the at least one water jet from the water injection means may be conducted by use of a second blocking member. 
     The second blocking member comprises a non-apertured area. The second blocking member may comprise an aperture. The second blocking member is movable back and forth along a second axis between a third position, a blocking position, where the second blocking member blocks the at least one water jet from the water injection means and a fourth position, an open position, where the second blocking member does not block the at least one water jet from the water injection means. The second blocking member may be positioned between the water injection means and the first blocking member. The second blocking member may be positioned between the first blocking member and the fibrous web (or a support). The second axis may be parallel to the first axis along which the first blocking member moves back and forth. The second axis may not be parallel to the first axis. The second blocking member may maintain the third position and fourth position alternately. The second blocking member may maintain the third position and fourth position alternately in a constant speed or in a non-constant speed. 
     With rotating and moving the first blocking member and the optional second blocking member during hydroentanglement process, various patterns of the plurality of first areas directed in a machine direction can be formed. Patterning can be achieved by discontinuous hydroentanglement on a fibrous web by the process of the present invention. A fibrous web  30  in  FIGS.  3 A- 3 C  has a plurality of first areas discrete in a machine direction in a post-first hydroentanglement process portion  30 B, though it is not reflected in  FIGS.  3 A- 3 C  only for the purpose of simplicity. 
     The term “rotate” or “rotation” refers to the case where the blocking member rotates in one direction, or where the blocking member rotates reciprocated. 
     The first axis along which the first blocking member moves and the second axis along which the second blocking member moves may be appropriately selected as a machine direction, a cross machine direction, an oblique direction, and the like. Here, the oblique direction refers to a direction along the plane of the nonwoven fabric, or a direction in a range of more than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees with respect to the machine direction or cross machine direction. In consideration of the ease of manufacture, the axes of the first and/or second blocking members vibration is preferably in the direction of the machine direction or cross machine direction, or a direction wherein the angle between the direction and the machine direction or cross machine direction is in the range of 0 degree to 45 degrees. In addition, the phrase “move back and forth” or “back and forth” refers to the case where the blocking member is reciprocated in a certain direction, including the case where it is reciprocated in a straight line, and the case where it is reciprocated along a circular orbit having a long axis in a certain direction. In addition, the moving direction of the first and/or second blocking members may be parallel to or not parallel to the lengthwise direction of the blocking member, and the angle between the lengthwise direction of the blocking member and the moving direction may also be changed during a process. In the process of the present invention, the blocking positions (the first and/or third position) and/or the open positions (the second and/or fourth position) may remain in the same positions during the process, or may change during the process of the present invention as long as a blocking member blocks at least one water jet from a water injection means at a blocking position and the blocking member does not block the at least one water jet from a water injection means at an open position. A moving speed of the first blocking member or the optional second blocking member may be the same. The first blocking member and the second blocking member may move in different speeds. 
     Hydroentangling conditions may be appropriately set depending on the weight per unit area of the web, and/or the speed of the transport support when the support member comprises a belt. For example, a water injection means with orifices having a pore size of about 0.05 to about 0.5 mm at an interval of about 0.2 to about 1.5 mm may be used, and water flow having a water pressure of about 1 to about 20 MPa may be sprayed about 1 to about 4 times to the front side and the back side of the web, respectively. More preferably, the water pressure is about 1 to about 10 MPa. When the water pressure is less than 1 MPa, the entangling between the fibers may become insufficient, and the resulting nonwoven web may be liable to fluff shedding. When the water pressure exceeds 20 MPa, the entangling among the fibers may become too strong, the degree of freedom of the fibers may be reduced, the nonwoven web may feel hardened, or the texture of the nonwoven web may be deteriorated. 
     Once the fibrous web has been hydroentangled, the hydroentangled fibrous web is dried for example, by being passed through a dewatering device where excess water is removed. The hydroentangled fibrous web after being dried, may be further treated with additional heat especially when the fibrous web includes synthetic fibers. The synthetic fibers begin to soften, and these softened fibers touch each other, bonds will form between the fibers, thereby increasing the overall flexural rigidity of the structure due to the formation of these bond sites. The elevated temperature of the hydroentangled fibrous web is not high enough, however, to cause other types of fibers within the hydroentangled fibrous web to flow or otherwise soften, bond, or collapse. The formation of the bond sites within the hydroentangled fibrous web adds stiffness to the web, yet the fluid handling performance of the hydroentangled fibrous web remains as desired. It will be recognized that raising the final drying stage temperature (or otherwise introducing heat to the hydroentangled fibrous web) to just above a softening temperature of a portion of the bicomponent fiber provides an increase in mechanical performance while also maintaining liquid handling performance. If, however, the hydroentangled fibrous web is heated to too high of temperature, the rigidity of the structure increases and the liquid handling performance of the structure can suffer. 
     The process of the present invention may further comprise at least one additional entanglement process such as a hydroentanglement prior to or after the first hydroentanglement process. In one embodiment, referring to  FIG.  5   , the process of the present invention may further comprise an additional hydroentanglement process using a water injection means  321  supplying waterjets  361  before the first hydroentanglement process using a water injection means  322  supplying water jets  362 . Water jets  361  from water injection means  321  and water jets  362  from water injection means  322  may or may not be at the same pressure. The particular number of water injection means utilized for the process of the present invention can be determined based on, for example, desired basis weight, degree of bonding required, characteristics of the web, and so forth. 
     In some embodiments, a process according to the present invention may further comprise subjecting the fibrous web to a second hydroentanglement process. As one example of such embodiments, a process according to the present invention comprises subjecting a fibrous web to a first hydroentanglement process directing water jets from a first water injection means on to the fibrous web, blocking at least one water jet from the first water injection means discontinuously during the first hydroentanglement process using a first blocking member, subjecting the fibrous web to a second hydroentanglement process directing water jets from a second water injection means on to the fibrous web, and blocking at least one water jet from the second water injection means discontinuously during the second hydroentanglement process. 
     The blocking at least one water jet from the second water injection means may be conducted by use of a third blocking member. The third blocking member in the second hydroentanglement process may be similar to the first or the optional second blocking member described herein in terms of blocking member shape and structure. The third blocking member is positioned between the second water injection means and the fibrous web, and rotates or moves between a blocking position where the third blocking member blocks at least one water jet from the second water injection and an open position where the third blocking member does not block the at least one water jet from the second water injection. 
     A process according to the present invention can provide nonwoven having a plurality of first areas comprising hydroentangled fibers discrete in a machine direction and at least one second area located between two adjacent first areas in the machine direction. Each of the plurality of first areas may comprise at least two apertures or depressions, and a land between the two apertures or depressions. The land in the first area and may have a higher fiber density or a higher degree of fiber entanglement than the second area. 
     With the second hydroentanglement process, a process according to the present invention can provide nonwoven having a plurality of first areas and at least one second area described herein, and a plurality of third areas comprising hydroentangled fibers discrete in a machine direction or in a cross-machine direction. Each of the plurality of third areas may comprise at least two apertures or depressions, and a land between the two apertures or depressions. The land in the first area and the land in the third area may have a higher fiber density or a higher degree of fiber entanglement than the second area. 
     Apparatus 
     An apparatus useful for the process of the present invention, referring to  FIGS.  3 A- 3 C , comprises a support member  40 ; a water injection means  32  in associated with the support member  40 , and a first blocking member  50  disposed between the support member  40  and the water injection means  32 . 
     A water injection means in the present invention may comprise a plurality of orifices. The plurality of orifices may be positioned to generally form a water curtain. The plurality orifices may comprise orifices arranged at a fixed or variable interval. The plurality of orifices may comprise a plurality of orifice groups each of which comprises two or more orifices. A width of one orifice group and/or a space between adjacent orifice groups may be determined depending on patterns to be formed on the fibrous web  30 . When the number of orifices included in one orifice group is 2 or more, the interval between adjacent orifices in one orifice group may be smaller than the space between the orifice group and an adjacent orifice group. 
     The first blocking member in the present invention comprises at least one aperture, or at least one recess on its surface, and is rotatable about an axis X perpendicular to a z-direction. By rotating, the first blocking member can be either in a first position or a blocking position where it blocks at least one water jet from the water injection means or a second position or an open position where it passes the at least one water jet from the water injection means. The first blocking member  50  may be any member regardless its geometric shape or material composition as long as it can block at least one water jet from a water injection means  32  in a first position, and can pass the at least one water jet from the water injection of the water injection means at the second position during rotation. The first blocking member may also move back and forth along a first axis, while it is rotating. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  3 A- 3 C , the first blocking member  50  may be a rotatory bar such as a cylinder-shape rotatory bar, for example. The first blocking member  50  comprises at least one aperture  52  and a non-apertured area  54 . By rotating, the first blocking member  50  may in a first position or a blocking position where it blocks at least one water jet from the water injection means  32 , and a second position or an open position where it passes the at least one water jet from the water injection means  32  through an aperture  52  alternately. 
     The first blocking member comprises at least one aperture and/or at least one recess. 
     For example, the first blocking member may comprise a plurality of apertures. In one embodiment, referring to  FIG.  3 A , the first blocking member  50  may has a plurality of discrete apertures formed in a length (“L”) direction of the first blocking member  50 .  FIG.  4 A  shows a cross-section view of the first blocking member  50  of  FIG.  3 A  at an area where an aperture is formed. In some embodiments, a first blocking member  50  may have multiple rows of a plurality of discrete apertures along a length of the first blocking member  50 . For example,  FIG.  4 B  shows a z-direction cross-section view of a first blocking member  50  having two rows of a plurality of discrete apertures  52  along a length of the first blocking member  50  at an area where at least one aperture is formed. Apertures in a first row and apertures in a second raw do not cross each other. The two rows of apertures may be parallel to each other. The two rows of apertures may be arranged in a staggered manner. As another example,  FIG.  4 C  shows a z-direction cross-section view of a first blocking member  50  having two rows of a plurality of discrete apertures  52  formed along a length of the first blocking member  50 . In this example, apertures in a first row and apertures in a second raw cross each other. First blocking members  50  in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 C  have at least one aperture  52  and a non-apertured area  54 . The plurality of apertures  52 , though  FIG.  3 A  shows a plurality of apertures  52  formed along a length of the first blocking member  50 , can be formed in any direction or in random. 
     A first blocking member in the present invention may comprise at least one recess on its surface.  FIG.  4 D  is a side view of another first blocking member  50  in the present invention having four recesses  53  extending along a length, L, of the first blocking member  50 .  FIG.  4 E  is a cross-section view of the first blocking member of  FIG.  4 D  along a z-z line. A Recess or recesses on the first blocking member does not need to extend along the entire length of the first blocking member  50 .  FIG.  4 F  is a side view of another first blocking member  50  having two rows of a plurality of discrete recesses  53  formed along a length of the first blocking member  50 .  FIG.  4 G  is a cross-section view of the first blocking member  50  of  FIG.  4 F  along a z-z line. First blocking members  50  in  FIGS.  4 D- 4 G  have at least one recess  53  and at least one non-recessed area  54 . 
     In another embodiment, the apparatus according to the present invention may further comprise a second blocking member positioned either between the water injection means and the first blocking member or between the first blocking member and the support member. The second blocking member may comprise at least one aperture, and is movable back and forth along a second axis between a third position or a blocking position where the second blocking member blocks the at least one water jet from the water injection means, and a fourth position or an open position where the second blocking member does not block the at least one water jet from the water injection means. 
     An aperture in a blocking member, the first blocking member and/or any additional blocking member means an aperture through which at least one water jet from the water injection means can pass when the blocking member is in an open position. Therefore, when the blocking member has a void inner space, one aperture may intend to mean a pair of apertures through which at least one water jet from the water injection means can pass through when the blocking member is in the open position. 
     The aperture or recess in a first blocking member may be in any shape, for example, preferably, a circular shape, a semicircular shape, an elliptical shape, a polygonal shape such as a triangular shape or a quadrilateral shape, a star polygon, a cross shape, and a slit shape such as a straight line shape or a curved line shape. The aperture or recess in the first blocking member may have a width of about 2 mm or more, or about 3 to 50 mm, or about 5 to 30 mm. When the first blocking member has a plurality of apertures, the interval between adjacent apertures in the first blocking member may be about 2 mm or more, or about 3 to 50 mm, or about 5 to 30 mm. Descriptions of apertures with respect to the aperture in a first blocking member are applied to optional aperture(s) in a second blocking member. 
     The first blocking member and/or the second blocking member can be made of, for example, synthetic resin, metal, or the like. In addition, the shape may be appropriately selected as a plate, a roll or the like suitable for a hydroentanglement process of the present invention. 
     A distance between the water injection means and a blocking member closest to the water injection means may be about 1 mm or about 2 mm, or more, and is adjustable considering equipment design, space between a water injection means and a support. When the distance between the blocking member and the water injection means is less than 1 mm, the blocking member and the water injection means may be in contact with each other, and one or both of them are damaged. A distance between the blocking member (the blocking member located in the highest position when the apparatus has more than one blocking member) and the orifice may be about 30 mm or less. A distance between the fibrous web and the blocking member closest to the fibrous web may be about 5 mm to 50 mm. When the distance between the blocking member and the fibrous web is less than 5 mm, the fibrous web may be damaged by the contact between the blocking member and the fibrous web. When the distance between the blocking member and the orifice may be more than 30 mm or the distance between the blocking member and the fibrous web exceeds 50 mm, the energy of the water flow may be reduced and the entanglement may become insufficient. 
     Support may be in the form of a moving wire screen, rotating porous drum, or the like known in the art suitable for a hydroentanglement process. The support may have a patterned surface exhibiting depressions, apertures, and/or projections. The fibrous web receives its image or decoration against the wire gauze, plate or drum by being formed respectively against depression, apertures and/or projections with the help of water jets. 
     Nonwoven 
     A nonwoven which can be produced by the process of the present invention described in detail herein has a length and a width, and comprises a plurality of first areas comprising hydroentangled fibers and at least one second area located between two adjacent first areas in a nonwoven lengthwise direction, so that the plurality of first areas are discrete in the nonwoven lengthwise direction. The nonwoven lengthwise direction corresponds to a machine direction in a nonwoven making process. 
     Each of the first areas comprises at least two apertures or depressions, and a land between the two apertures or the two depressions. The land in the first area has a higher fiber density or a higher degree of fiber entanglement than the second area as the first area went through additional hydroentanglement process. The land in the first area may have a thickness in a z-direction lower than the second area as the first area went through additional hydroentanglement process. 
     The second area may be in the state of any of fiber assemblies, such as the state of unbonded web, the state of bonded web, the state of entangled web, and the like, and are not particularly limited. In some embodiments, the second area comprises entangled fiber. The entanglement of fibers in the second area can be carried out by any method such as a needle punching method, a hydro-entangling method, a water vapor flow (steam jetting) entangling method, and the like. Since the formation of the plurality of first areas is carried out by a hydroentangling method, it may be preferable to carry out the entanglement of fibers in the second area by a hydroentangling method. In other embodiments, the second area comprises thermal-fused fibers. 
     The nonwoven of the present invention provides a cushiony and soft sensory as well as a pattern as the second area maintains an original caliper during the hydroentanglement process. 
     The plurality of first areas may comprise a pattern. Each of the first areas may have a shape of a linear line, a curved line, a circle, an ellipse, a triangle, a polygon, a chevron pattern, a lattice pattern, a sawtooth pattern, a zigzag pattern, and the like. In some embodiments, the plurality of first areas comprise a repeated pattern at least in a nonwoven lengthwise direction. Each of the plurality of first areas are not necessarily in the same shape or size. 
     In some embodiments, the plurality of first areas are continuous in a nonwoven widthwise direction which corresponds to a cross-machine direction. In other embodiments, the plurality of first areas are discrete in a nonwoven widthwise direction so that the plurality of first areas is surrounded by the second area. Referring to  FIG.  6   , in an embodiment, a hydroentangled nonwoven  600  of the present invention has a plurality of first areas  610  discrete in a nonwoven widthwise direction and a second area  620  surrounding the plurality of first areas  610 . 
     The nonwoven web of the present invention may further comprise a plurality of third areas comprising hydroentangled fibers. The plurality of third areas may be formed simultaneously when the plurality of first areas are formed. The plurality of third areas may be formed prior to or after forming the plurality of first areas. The plurality of third areas may also be formed in such a manner as to intersect a portion of the plurality of first areas, may also be formed between adjacent a plurality of first areas, and may also be formed inside the plurality of first areas. The plurality of third areas may have the same shape as the first areas. The third areas may have a different shape from the first areas. The third areas may be continuous in a nonwoven lengthwise direction. The third areas may be discrete in a nonwoven lengthwise direction. Referring to  FIG.  7   , in an embodiment, a hydroentangled nonwoven  700  of the present invention has a plurality of third areas  730  as well as a plurality of first areas  710  discrete in a nonwoven widthwise direction and at least one second area  720  between two adjacent first areas  710  in a nonwoven lengthwise direction. 
     Included in the hydroentangled nonwoven can be fibers of natural or man-made origin and may be staple fibers or continuous filaments or be formed in situ. The fibers can be a cellulosic fibrous component, a non-cellulosic fibrous component, a polyolefin-based binder fibrous component, and any combination thereof. The polyolefin-based binder fibrous component can be a bicomponent fiber. As used hereinafter the term bicomponent fibers refers to fibers having two constituents. 
     The nonwoven of the present invention can be manufactured from an assortment of suitable fiber types that produce the desired softness, mechanical performance and fluid handling performance considering final use of the nonwoven. 
     The nonwoven web of the present invention may have a basis weight of about 200 grams per square meter (gsm) or less, of bout 25-100 gsm, or of 30-60 gsm. 
     Laminate 
     The present invention also provides a laminate comprising a first layer comprising a nonwoven according to the present invention. The laminate of the present invention may further comprise a second layer comprising a nonwoven web or film. 
     The nonwoven or the laminate according to the present invention can be incorporated into, for example, an absorbent article. For example, it can be used as a component such as a topsheet for a sanitary napkin or a diaper. 
     Absorbent Article 
     The present invention also provides an absorbent article comprising a layer comprising a nonwoven or a laminate according to the present invention. 
     The absorbent article of the present invention may comprise a topsheet and a backsheet joined to the topsheet. The absorbent article of the present invention may further comprise an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. In some embodiments, the absorbent article of the present invention comprises a topsheet or a layer disposed below the topsheet comprising a nonwoven or a laminate according to the present invention. 
     The absorbent articles of the present invention may be produced industrially by any suitable means. The different layers may thus be assembled using standard means such as embossing, thermal bonding, gluing or any combination thereof. 
     Topsheet 
     Topsheet can catch body fluids and/or allow the fluid penetration inside the absorbent article. With the nonwoven according to the present invention, the first web layer is preferably, disposed on a side in contact with the skin. 
     Backsheet 
     Any conventional liquid impervious backsheet materials commonly used for absorbent articles may be used as backsheet. In some embodiments, the backsheet may be impervious to malodorous gases generated by absorbed bodily discharges, so that the malodors do not escape. The backsheet may or may not be breathable. 
     Absorbent Core 
     It may be desirable that the absorbent article further comprises an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. As used herein, the term “absorbent core” refers to a material or combination of materials suitable for absorbing, distributing, and storing fluids such as urine, blood, menses, and other body exudates. Any conventional materials for absorbent core suitable for absorbent articles may be used as absorbent core. 
     EXAMPLES 
     Example 1: Preparation of Nonwoven 
     Rayon fibers (1.7 Dtex, 57 mm length, Lenzing, China) and PE/PET sheath/core bicomponent fibers (2.2 Dtex, 57 mm length, JNC, Japan) are mixed with a ratio of 80 wt % to 20 wt % and form a fibrous web with a basis weight of 40 gsm through a carding process. The fibrous web moves at a speed of 50 meter/min to a first hydroentanglement system having two injectors. Water jets from a first injector are applies at 3.0 MPa to the fibrous web, and then water jets from a second injector are applied at 2.5 MPa to the opposite side of the fibrous web to further entangle fibers in the fibrous web. 
     Then the fibrous web is moved to a second hydroentanglement system similar to one shown in  FIGS.  3 A- 3 C . Referring to  FIG.  3 A , water jets  36  from an injector  32  of the second hydroentanglement system are applied at 5.0 MPa to the fibrous web  30 . The second hydroentanglement system has an apertured hollow cylinder  50  having apertures  52  with 2 mm of diameter in a 2 mm distance between two adjacent apertures  52 . The apertured cylinder  50  has a diameter of 3 inches, is disposed between the injector  32  and the fibrous web  30 , and rotates along an axis X perpendicular to a z-direction. During rotation, the apertured cylinder  50  moves back and forth in a cross-machine direction with a 15 mm range and a frequency of 20 rounds/sec between a blocking position where at least one water jet  36   a  from the injector  32  is blocked by the apertured cylinder  50 , and an open position where at least the water jet  36   a  from the injector  32  passes through an aperture  52  of the apertured cylinder  50 . 
     A hydroentangled nonwoven  600  shown in  FIG.  6    having a plurality of first areas  610  discrete in a machine direction, and a second area  620  is produced. The obtained nonwoven web goes through a dryer to dry the nonwoven. The obtained nonwoven goes through a dryer to dry the nonwoven. 
     Example 2: Preparation of Nonwoven 
     A hydroentangled nonwoven is produced according to the process disclosed in Example 1. Bleached cotton fibers (1.7 Dtex, 57 mm length, Marusan Co., LTD, CN) and PE/PET sheath/core bicomponent fibers (2.2 Dtex, 57 mm length, JNC, Japan) are mixed with a ratio of 80 wt % to 20 wt % and from a fibrous web. The fibrous web moves at a speed of 50 meter/min to a first hydroentanglement system having two injectors and is hydroentangled under the conditions disclosed in Example 1. Then the fibrous web is moved to a second hydroentanglement system as disclosed in Example 1. The second hydroentanglement system has an apertured hollow cylinder having a diameter of 3 inches, and rotating along the axis X in a speed of 1.73 rounds/sec (50 meter/min). The apertured cylinder has apertures. A distance between two adjacent apertures is about 60 mm in a cross-machine direction, and about 80 mm in a machine direction. The obtained nonwoven goes through a dryer to dry the nonwoven. 
     The obtained hydroentangled nonwoven  800  shown in  FIG.  8    has a plurality of first areas  710  discrete in a machine direction and a second area  820 . The nonwoven  700  can be used as a topsheet  1  of a sanitary napkin  10  as shown in  FIG.  9    in such a way that the first area  810 , an apertured pattern, is positioned in a center area of the sanitary napkin  10 . 
     The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm.” 
     Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or benefit thereof, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern. 
     While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.