Patent Description:
<CIT>) discloses fibres of filaments suitable for the production of a nonwoven fabrics, the fibres or filaments consisting essentially of a polyolefin or a copolymer thereof and <NUM>-<NUM> % by weight of inorganic particles, substantially all of the particles having a Mohs hardness of less than about <NUM> and preferably less than about <NUM>, at least <NUM> % by weight of the inorganic particles having a particle size of less than <NUM>. Talc particles are particularly preferred.

<CIT>) discloses a method for making a nonwoven fabric comprising forming polymer fibers from a melt of the polymer material and using these fibers to obtain a nonwoven fabric during a subsequent nonwoven fabric formation procedure, wherein the melt of the polymer material comprises a melt additive, wherein the method comprises thermal bonding at a temperature higher than <NUM> below the melting point of the polymer material and, additionally, one or both of the following steps: a. improving the mobility of the additive by heat-treating the nonwoven fabric at <NUM> or more for <NUM> seconds or more after the nonwoven fabric formation procedure and/or including a filler having a higher thermal conductivity than the polymer material to the polymer material; b. influencing the polymer crystallinity by including a nucleating agent, branched polymers and/or random co-polymers to the polymer material.

Nonwoven materials comprising polymeric fibers, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyester, and their bicomponent combinations can be textured and/or apertured. Texturing and/or aperturing processes benefit from pre-heating of the nonwoven material - the increase of temperature allows the nonwoven polymers to deform more easily when undergoing a texturing and/or aperturing process and/or allows the nonwoven polymers to set more firmly at the edges of one or more apertures leaving a cleaner and more stable aperture. When pre-heating the nonwoven material during the texturing and/or aperturing process, as the linear speed of the process increases, the nonwoven material may need to be heated well above the target temperature for softening typical polymers. With conventional nonwoven materials, the high temperature tends to locally melt the fibers and reduce the local softness of the nonwoven material.

Additionally, some nonwoven materials require the fibers to be bonded via the use of heat to create bonds between the fibers to impart mechanical strength to the nonwoven material or for other reasons. This is typically achieved in ovens, both with nonwoven materials made from staple fibers and with nonwoven materials made from spunbond continuous fibers. Such an oven bonding step is often a limiting step as the heat exchange is not as effective at high speeds. Having to limit the speed sometimes results in additional costs for manufacturing the nonwoven materials.

Furthermore when absorbent articles are worn by users, they create an additional thermal resistance, hence limiting the flow of heat away from the body of the user, especially when the environmental temperature is high, for example higher than <NUM>. This can lead to thermal discomfort, sweating, and skin health issues in those areas covered by the absorbent article. It would be desirable to reduce the thermal resistance of absorbent articles.

Therefore, there is a need for nonwoven materials which are better capable of exchanging heat when in contact with hot rolls and/or hot air during absorbent article manufacturing processes, as well as to allow a faster heat transmission away from the body of a user.

The present invention is for an absorbent article in the form of a diaper or a pant as further detailed in the claims. The invention employs nonwoven materials having significantly increased thermal conductivity compared to conventional nonwoven materials. These nonwoven materials comprise a plurality of fibers, wherein at least some of the plurality of fibers comprise a filler, and wherein the plurality of fibers have a Thermal Conductivity of from <NUM> W/m/K to <NUM> W/m/K as measured by the Thermal Conductivity Test Method based on ASTM E1530-<NUM> as disclosed herein.

The diaper or pant comprises a topsheet, an outer cover, and an absorbent core, wherein the topsheet and/or the outer cover comprise a nonwoven material, wherein the nonwoven material comprises a plurality of fibers, wherein the plurality of fibers have a Thermal Conductivity from about <NUM> W/m/K to about <NUM> W/m/K, and wherein the nonwoven material is white.

Nonwoven materials with increased thermal conductivity can be processed at much higher speeds and may even be produced on a diaper line at, for example, about <NUM>-<NUM> meters/second, in contrast to convention nonwoven materials. This can be a great benefit in that the nonwoven materials may not need to be made, wound, and shipped by a nonwoven supplier to an absorbent article manufacturer, reducing shipping costs. In addition, not having to wound the nonwoven materials in order for shipping can be a great benefit because wounding textured nonwoven materials may cause three-dimensional features to compress, potentially resulting in undesirable looks, feel, and/or performance. Last, with fibers having increased thermal conductivity, pre-heating ovens may be made shorter, thereby saving energy and line space.

Also described herein wherein the plurality of fibers on average comprise from about <NUM>% to <NUM>%, by weight of the nonwoven material, of a filler selected from the group consisting of boron nitride, graphene, carbon nanotubes, carbon, talc, zinc oxide, and combinations thereofand wherein the nonwoven material is textured and/or apertured.

The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of the present disclosure, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the disclosure itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of example forms of the disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:.

As used herein, the term "absorbent article" refers to devices which absorb and contain bodily exudates (e.g., BM, urine, blood), 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 bodily exudates discharged from the body. The term absorbent article includes, but is not limited to, diapers, pants, training pants, adult incontinence products, sanitary napkins, tampons, wipes, and liners. The term "absorbent article" may also encompass cleaning or dusting pads or substrates that have some absorbency.

As used herein, the term "thermally conductive fibers" refers to any fiber having a Thermal Conductivity of at least <NUM> W/m/K.

As used herein, the term "elastic" refers to any material that, upon application of a biasing force, can stretch to an elongated length of at least about <NUM>% of its relaxed, original length (i.e., can stretch to <NUM> percent), without rupture or breakage, and upon release of the applied force, recovers at least about <NUM>% of its elongation. For example, a material that has an initial length of <NUM> can extend at least to <NUM>, and upon removal of the force would retract to a length of <NUM> (<NUM>% recovery). "Elastic" may refer to a single material, or it may refer to a combination of materials making up a laminate in an article. An elastic material may be incorporated into a laminate which is not elastic, or which is less elastic than one or more of the elastic materials of the laminate.

As used herein, the terms "join", "joined", "joining", "bond", "bonded", "bonding", "attach", "attached", or "attaching" encompass configurations whereby an element is directly secured to another element by affixing the element directly to the other element, and configurations whereby an element is indirectly secured to another element by affixing the element to intermediate member(s) which in turn are affixed to the other element.

As used herein, the term "meltblown", refers to fibers formed by extruding a molten thermoplastic material through a plurality of fine, usually circular, die capillaries as molten threads or filaments into a high velocity gas (e.g., air) stream which attenuates the filaments of molten thermoplastic material to reduce their diameter, which may be to a microfiber diameter. Thereafter, the meltblown fibers are carded by the high velocity gas stream and are deposited on a collecting surface to form a web of randomly dispersed meltblown fibers.

As used herein, the term "microfibers", refers to small diameter fibers having an average diameter not greater than about <NUM> microns.

As used herein, the terms "nonwoven material", "nonwoven", or "nonwoven layer" are used in their normal sense and specifically, refers to a web that has a structure of individual fibers or threads which are interlaid, but not in any regular, repeating manner. Nonwoven materials, nonwovens, or nonwoven layers have been, in the past, formed by a variety of processes, such as, for example, meltblowing processes, spunbonding processes and bonded carded web processes.

As used herein, the term "polymer" generally includes, but is not limited to, homopolymers, copolymers, such as, for example, block, graft, random, and alternating copolymers, terpolymer, etc., and blends and modifications thereof. Furthermore, unless otherwise specifically limited, the term "polymer" shall include all possible geometrical configurations of the material. These configurations include, but are not limited to, isotactic, syndiotactic and random symmetries.

As used herein, the term "spunbond", refers to small diameter fibers which are formed by extruding a molten thermoplastic material as filaments from a plurality of fine, usually circular, capillaries of a spinneret with the diameter of the extruded filaments then being rapidly reduced as by, for example, eductive drawing or other well-known spunbonding mechanisms.

An example absorbent article <NUM> according to the present disclosure, shown in the form of a taped diaper, is represented in <FIG>. <FIG> is a plan view of the example absorbent article <NUM>, garment-facing surface <NUM> facing the viewer in a flat, laid-out state (i.e., no elastic contraction). <FIG> is a plan view of the example absorbent article <NUM> of <FIG>, wearer-facing surface <NUM> facing the viewer in a flat, laid-out state. <FIG> is a front perspective view of the absorbent article <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG> in a fastened configuration. The absorbent article <NUM> of <FIG> is shown for illustration purposes only as the present disclosure may be used for making a wide variety of diapers, including adult incontinence products, pants, or other absorbent articles, such as sanitary napkins and absorbent pads, for example.

The absorbent article <NUM> may comprise a front waist region <NUM>, a crotch region <NUM>, and a back waist region <NUM>. The crotch region <NUM> may extend intermediate the front waist region <NUM> and the back waist region <NUM>. The front wait region <NUM>, the crotch region <NUM>, and the back waist region <NUM> may each be <NUM>/<NUM> of the length of the absorbent article <NUM>. The absorbent article <NUM> may comprise a front end edge <NUM>, a back end edge <NUM> opposite to the front end edge <NUM>, and longitudinally extending, transversely opposed side edges <NUM> and <NUM> defined by the chassis <NUM>.

The absorbent article <NUM> may comprise a liquid permeable topsheet <NUM>, a liquid impermeable backsheet <NUM>, and an absorbent core <NUM> positioned at least partially intermediate the topsheet <NUM> and the backsheet <NUM>. The absorbent article <NUM> may also comprise one or more pairs of barrier leg cuffs <NUM> with or without elastics <NUM>, one or more pairs of leg elastics <NUM>, one or more elastic waistbands <NUM>, and/or one or more acquisition materials <NUM>. The acquisition material or materials <NUM> may be positioned intermediate the topsheet <NUM> and the absorbent core <NUM>. An outer cover material <NUM>, such as a nonwoven material, may cover a garment-facing side of the backsheet <NUM>. The absorbent article <NUM> may comprise back ears <NUM> in the back waist region <NUM>. The back ears <NUM> may comprise fasteners <NUM> and may extend from the back waist region <NUM> of the absorbent article <NUM> and attach (using the fasteners <NUM>) to the landing zone area or landing zone material <NUM> on a garment-facing portion of the front waist region <NUM> of the absorbent article <NUM>. The absorbent article <NUM> may also have front ears <NUM> in the front waist region <NUM>. The absorbent article <NUM> may have a central lateral (or transverse) axis <NUM> and a central longitudinal axis <NUM>. The central lateral axis <NUM> extends perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis <NUM>.

In other instances, the absorbent article may be in the form of a pant having permanent or refastenable side seams. Suitable refastenable seams are disclosed in <CIT> and <CIT>. Referring to <FIG>, an example absorbent article <NUM> in the form of a pant is illustrated. <FIG> is a front perspective view of the absorbent article <NUM>. <FIG> is a rear perspective view of the absorbent article <NUM>. <FIG> is a plan view of the absorbent article <NUM>, laid flat, with the garment-facing surface facing the viewer. Elements of <FIG> having the same reference number as described above with respect to <FIG> may be the same element (e.g., absorbent core <NUM>). <FIG> is an example cross-sectional view of the absorbent article taken about line <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>. <FIG> is an example cross-sectional view of the absorbent article taken about line <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>. <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate example forms of front and back belts <NUM>, <NUM>. The absorbent article <NUM> may have a front waist region <NUM>, a crotch region <NUM>, and a back waist region <NUM>. Each of the regions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be <NUM>/<NUM> of the length of the absorbent article <NUM>. The absorbent article <NUM> may have a chassis <NUM> (sometimes referred to as a central chassis or central panel) comprising a topsheet <NUM>, a backsheet <NUM>, and an absorbent core <NUM> disposed at least partially intermediate the topsheet <NUM> and the backsheet <NUM>, and an optional acquisition material <NUM>, similar to that as described above with respect to <FIG>. The absorbent article <NUM> may comprise a front belt <NUM> in the front waist region <NUM> and a back belt <NUM> in the back waist region <NUM>. The chassis <NUM> may be joined to a wearer-facing surface <NUM> of the front and back belts <NUM>, <NUM> or to a garment-facing surface <NUM> of the belts <NUM>, <NUM>. Side edges <NUM> and <NUM> of the front belt <NUM> may be joined to side edges <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, of the back belt <NUM> to form two side seams <NUM>. The side seams <NUM> may be any suitable seams known to those of skill in the art, such as butt seams or overlap seams, for example. When the side seams <NUM> are permanently formed or refastenably closed, the absorbent article <NUM> in the form of a pant has two leg openings <NUM> and a waist opening circumference <NUM>. The side seams <NUM> may be permanently joined using adhesives or bonds, for example, or may be refastenably closed using hook and loop fasteners, for example.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the front and back belts <NUM> and <NUM> may comprise front and back inner belt layers <NUM> and <NUM> and front and back outer belt layers <NUM> and <NUM> having an elastomeric material (e.g., strands <NUM> or a film (which may be apertured)) disposed at least partially therebetween. The elastic elements <NUM> or the film may be relaxed (including being cut) to reduce elastic strain over the absorbent core <NUM> or, may alternatively, run continuously across the absorbent core <NUM>. The elastics elements <NUM> may have uniform or variable spacing therebetween in any portion of the belts. The elastic elements <NUM> may also be pre-strained the same amount or different amounts. The front and/or back belts <NUM> and <NUM> may have one or more elastic element free zones <NUM> where the chassis <NUM> overlaps the belts <NUM>, <NUM>. In other instances, at least some of the elastic elements <NUM> may extend continuously across the chassis <NUM>.

The front and back inner belt layers <NUM>, <NUM> and the front and back outer belt layers <NUM>, <NUM> may be joined using adhesives, heat bonds, pressure bonds or thermoplastic bonds. Various suitable belt layer configurations can be found in <CIT>.

Front and back belt end edges <NUM> and <NUM> may extend longitudinally beyond the front and back chassis end edges <NUM> and <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>) or they may be co-terminus. The front and back belt side edges <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may extend laterally beyond the chassis side edges <NUM> and <NUM>. The front and back belts <NUM> and <NUM> may be continuous (i.e., having at least one layer that is continuous) from belt side edge to belt side edge (e.g., the transverse distances from <NUM> to <NUM> and from <NUM> to <NUM>). Alternatively, the front and back belts <NUM> and <NUM> may be discontinuous from belt side edge to belt side edge (e.g., the transverse distances from <NUM> to <NUM> and <NUM> to <NUM>), such that they are discrete.

As disclosed in <CIT>, the longitudinal length (along the central longitudinal axis <NUM>) of the back belt <NUM> may be greater than the longitudinal length of the front belt <NUM>, and this may be particularly useful for increased buttocks coverage when the back belt <NUM> has a greater longitudinal length versus the front belt <NUM> adj acent to or immediately adj acent to the side seams <NUM>.

The front outer belt layer <NUM> and the back outer belt layer <NUM> may be separated from each other, such that the layers are discrete or, alternatively, these layers may be continuous, such that a layer runs continuously from the front belt end edge <NUM> to the back belt end edge <NUM>. This may also be true for the front and back inner belt layers <NUM> and <NUM> - that is, they may also be longitudinally discrete or continuous. Further, the front and back outer belt layers <NUM> and <NUM> may be longitudinally continuous while the front and back inner belt layers <NUM> and <NUM> are longitudinally discrete, such that a gap is formed between them - a gap between the front and back inner and outer belt layers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> is shown in <FIG> and a gap between the front and back inner belt layers <NUM> and <NUM> is shown in <FIG>.

The front and back belts <NUM> and <NUM> may include slits, holes, and/or perforations providing increased breathability, softness, and a garment-like texture. Underwear-like appearance can be enhanced by substantially aligning the waist and leg edges at the side seams <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>).

The front and back belts <NUM> and <NUM> may comprise graphics (see e.g., <NUM> of <FIG>). The graphics may extend substantially around the entire circumference of the absorbent article <NUM> and may be disposed across side seams <NUM> and/or across proximal front and back belt seams <NUM> and <NUM>; or, alternatively, adjacent to the seams <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> in the manner described in <CIT> to create a more underwear-like article. The graphics may also be discontinuous.

Alternatively, instead of attaching belts <NUM> and <NUM> to the chassis <NUM> to form a pant, discrete side panels may be attached to side edges of the chassis <NUM> and <NUM>. Suitable forms of pants comprising discrete side panels are disclosed in <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>.

The topsheet <NUM> is the part of the absorbent article <NUM> that is in contact with the wearer's skin. The topsheet <NUM> may be joined to portions of the backsheet <NUM>, the absorbent core <NUM>, the barrier leg cuffs <NUM>, and/or any other layers as is known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The topsheet <NUM> may be compliant, soft-feeling, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. Further, at least a portion of, or all of, the topsheet may be liquid permeable, permitting liquid bodily exudates to readily penetrate through its thickness. A suitable topsheet may be manufactured from a wide range of materials, such as porous foams, reticulated foams, apertured plastic films, woven materials, nonwoven materials, woven or nonwoven materials of natural fibers (e.g., wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers or filaments (e.g., polyester or polypropylene or bicomponent PE/PP fibers or mixtures thereof), or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. The topsheet may have one or more layers. The topsheet may be apertured (<FIG>, element <NUM>), may have any suitable three-dimensional features, and/or may have a plurality of embossments (e.g., a bond pattern). The topsheet may be apertured by overbonding a material and then rupturing the overbonds through ring rolling, such as disclosed in <CIT> and disclosed in <CIT> Any portion of the topsheet may be coated with a skin care composition, an antibacterial agent, a surfactant, and/or other beneficial agents. The topsheet may be hydrophilic or hydrophobic or may have hydrophilic and/or hydrophobic portions or layers. If the topsheet is hydrophobic, typically apertures will be present so that bodily exudates may pass through the topsheet.

The backsheet <NUM> is generally that portion of the absorbent article <NUM> positioned proximate to the garment-facing surface of the absorbent core <NUM>. The backsheet <NUM> may be joined to portions of the topsheet <NUM>, the outer cover material <NUM>, the absorbent core <NUM>, and/or any other layers of the absorbent article by any attachment methods known to those of skill in the art. The backsheet <NUM> prevents, or at least inhibits, the bodily exudates absorbed and contained in the absorbent core <NUM> from soiling articles such as bedsheets, undergarments, and/or clothing. The backsheet is typically liquid impermeable, or at least substantially liquid impermeable. The backsheet may, for example, be or comprise a thin plastic film, such as a thermoplastic film having a thickness of about <NUM> to about <NUM>. Other suitable backsheet materials may include breathable materials which permit vapors to escape from the absorbent article, while still preventing, or at least inhibiting, bodily exudates from passing through the backsheet.

The outer cover material (sometimes referred to as a backsheet nonwoven) <NUM> may comprise one or more nonwoven materials joined to the backsheet <NUM> and that covers the backsheet <NUM>. The outer cover material <NUM> forms at least a portion of the garment-facing surface <NUM> of the absorbent article <NUM> and effectively "covers" the backsheet <NUM> so that film is not present on the garment-facing surface <NUM>. The outer cover material <NUM> may comprise a bond pattern, apertures, and/or three-dimensional features.

As used herein, the term "absorbent core" <NUM> refers to the component of the absorbent article <NUM> having the most absorbent capacity and that comprises an absorbent material. Referring to <FIG>, in some instances, absorbent material <NUM> may be positioned within a core bag or a core wrap <NUM>. The absorbent material may be profiled or not profiled, depending on the specific absorbent article. The absorbent core <NUM> may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of, a core wrap, absorbent material <NUM>, and glue enclosed within the core wrap. The absorbent material may comprise superabsorbent polymers, a mixture of superabsorbent polymers and air felt, only air felt, and/or a high internal phase emulsion foam. In some instances, the absorbent material may comprise at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, or up to <NUM>% superabsorbent polymers, by weight of the absorbent material. In such instances, the absorbent material may free of air felt, or at least mostly free of air felt. The absorbent core periphery, which may be the periphery of the core wrap, may define any suitable shape, such as rectangular "T," "Y," "hour-glass," or "dog-bone" shaped, for example. An absorbent core periphery having a generally "dog bone" or "hour-glass" shape may taper along its width towards the crotch region <NUM> of the absorbent article <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the absorbent core <NUM> may have areas having little or no absorbent material <NUM>, where a wearer-facing surface of the core bag <NUM> may be joined to a garment-facing surface of the core bag <NUM>. These areas having little or no absorbent material may be referred to as "channels" <NUM>. These channels can embody any suitable shapes and any suitable number of channels may be provided. In other instances, the absorbent core may be embossed to create the impression of channels. The absorbent core in <FIG> is merely an example absorbent core. Many other absorbent cores with or without channels are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, for example, the absorbent article <NUM> may comprise one or more pairs of barrier leg cuffs <NUM> and one or more pairs of leg elastics <NUM>. The barrier leg cuffs <NUM> may be positioned laterally inboard of leg elastics <NUM>. Each barrier leg cuff <NUM> may be formed by a piece of material which is bonded to the absorbent article <NUM> so it can extend upwards from a wearer-facing surface <NUM> of the absorbent article <NUM> and provide improved containment of body exudates approximately at the junction of the torso and legs of the wearer. The barrier leg cuffs <NUM> are delimited by a proximal edge joined directly or indirectly to the topsheet and/or the backsheet and a free terminal edge, which is intended to contact and form a seal with the wearer's skin. The barrier leg cuffs <NUM> may extend at least partially between the front end edge <NUM> and the back end edge <NUM> of the absorbent article <NUM> on opposite sides of the central longitudinal axis <NUM> and may be at least present in the crotch region <NUM>. The barrier leg cuffs <NUM> may each comprise one or more elastics <NUM> (e.g., elastic strands or strips) near or at the free terminal edge. These elastics <NUM> cause the barrier leg cuffs <NUM> to help form a seal around the legs and torso of a wearer. The leg elastics <NUM> extend at least partially between the front end edge <NUM> and the back end edge <NUM>. The leg elastics <NUM> essentially cause portions of the absorbent article <NUM> proximate to the chassis side edges <NUM>, <NUM> to help form a seal around the legs of the wearer. The leg elastics <NUM> may extend at least within the crotch region <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the absorbent article <NUM> may comprise one or more elastic waistbands <NUM>. The elastic waistbands <NUM> may be positioned on the garment-facing surface <NUM> or the wearer-facing surface <NUM>. As an example, a first elastic waistband <NUM> may be present in the front waist region <NUM> near the front belt end edge <NUM> and a second elastic waistband <NUM> may be present in the back waist region <NUM> near the back end edge <NUM>. The elastic waistbands <NUM> may aid in sealing the absorbent article <NUM> around a waist of a wearer and at least inhibiting bodily exudates from escaping the absorbent article <NUM> through the waist opening circumference. In some instances, an elastic waistband may fully surround the waist opening circumference of an absorbent article.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, one or more acquisition materials <NUM> may be present at least partially intermediate the topsheet <NUM> and the absorbent core <NUM>. The acquisition materials <NUM> are typically hydrophilic materials that provide significant wicking of bodily exudates. These materials may dewater the topsheet <NUM> and quickly move bodily exudates into the absorbent core <NUM>. The acquisition materials <NUM> may comprise one or more nonwoven materials, foams, cellulosic materials, cross-linked cellulosic materials, air laid cellulosic nonwoven materials, spunlace materials, or combinations thereof, for example. In some instances, portions of the acquisition materials <NUM> may extend through portions of the topsheet <NUM>, portions of the topsheet <NUM> may extend through portions of the acquisition materials <NUM>, and/or the topsheet <NUM> may be nested with the acquisition materials <NUM>. Typically, an acquisition material <NUM> may have a width and length that are smaller than the width and length of the topsheet <NUM>. The acquisition material may be a secondary topsheet in the feminine pad context. The acquisition material may have one or more channels as described above with reference to the absorbent core <NUM> (including the embossed version). The channels in the acquisition material may align or not align with channels in the absorbent core <NUM>. In an example, a first acquisition material may comprise a nonwoven material and as second acquisition material may comprise a cross-linked cellulosic material.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the absorbent article <NUM> may have a landing zone area <NUM> that is formed in a portion of the garment-facing surface <NUM> of the outer cover material <NUM>. The landing zone area <NUM> may be in the back waist region <NUM> if the absorbent article <NUM> fastens from front to back or may be in the front waist region <NUM> if the absorbent article <NUM> fastens back to front. In some instances, the landing zone <NUM> may be or may comprise one or more discrete nonwoven materials that are attached to a portion of the outer cover material <NUM> in the front waist region <NUM> or the back waist region <NUM> depending upon whether the absorbent article fastens in the front or the back. In essence, the landing zone <NUM> is configured to receive the fasteners <NUM> and may comprise, for example, a plurality of loops configured to be engaged with, a plurality of hooks on the fasteners <NUM>, or vice versa.

Referring to <FIG>, the absorbent articles <NUM> of the present disclosure may comprise graphics <NUM> and/or wetness indicators <NUM> that are visible from the garment-facing surface <NUM>. The graphics <NUM> may be printed on the landing zone <NUM>, the backsheet <NUM>, and/or at other locations. The wetness indicators <NUM> are typically applied to the absorbent core facing side of the backsheet <NUM>, so that they can be contacted by bodily exudates within the absorbent core <NUM>. In some instances, the wetness indicators <NUM> may form portions of the graphics <NUM>. For example, a wetness indicator may appear or disappear and create/remove a character within some graphics. In other instances, the wetness indicators <NUM> may coordinate (e.g., same design, same pattern, same color) or not coordinate with the graphics <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, as referenced above, the absorbent article <NUM> may have front and/or back ears <NUM>, <NUM> in a taped diaper context. Only one set of ears may be required in most taped diapers. The single set of ears may comprise fasteners <NUM> configured to engage the landing zone or landing zone area <NUM>. If two sets of ears are provided, in most instances, only one set of the ears may have fasteners <NUM>, with the other set being free of fasteners. The ears, or portions thereof, may be elastic or may have elastic panels. In an example, an elastic film or elastic strands may be positioned intermediate a first nonwoven material and a second nonwoven material. The elastic film may or may not be apertured. The ears may be shaped. The ears may be integral (e.g., extension of the outer cover material <NUM>, the backsheet <NUM>, and/or the topsheet <NUM>) or may be discrete components attached to a chassis <NUM> of the absorbent article on a wearer-facing surface <NUM>, on the garment-facing surface <NUM>, or intermediate the two surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG>, the absorbent articles of the present disclosure may comprise a sensor system <NUM> for monitoring changes within the absorbent article <NUM>. The sensor system <NUM> may be discrete from or integral with the absorbent article <NUM>. The absorbent article <NUM> may comprise sensors that can sense various aspects of the absorbent article <NUM> associated with insults of bodily exudates such as urine and/or BM (e.g., the sensor system <NUM> may sense variations in temperature, humidity, presence of ammonia or urea, various vapor components of the exudates (urine and feces), changes in moisture vapor transmission through the absorbent articles garment-facing layer, changes in translucence of the garment-facing layer, and/or color changes through the garment-facing layer). Additionally, the sensor system <NUM> may sense components of urine, such as ammonia or urea and/or byproducts resulting from reactions of these components with the absorbent article <NUM>. The sensor system <NUM> may sense byproducts that are produced when urine mixes with other components of the absorbent article <NUM> (e.g., adhesives, agm). The components or byproducts being sensed may be present as vapors that may pass through the garment-facing layer. It may also be desirable to place reactants in the absorbent article that change state (e.g. color, temperature) or create a measurable byproduct when mixed with urine or BM. The sensor system <NUM> may also sense changes in pH, pressure, odor, the presence of gas, blood, a chemical marker or a biological marker or combinations thereof. The sensor system <NUM> may have a component on or proximate to the absorbent article that transmits a signal to a receiver more distal from the absorbent article, such as an iPhone, for example. The receiver may output a result to communicate to the caregiver a condition of the absorbent article <NUM>. In other instances, a receiver may not be provided, but instead the condition of the absorbent article <NUM> may be visually or audibly apparent from the sensor on the absorbent article.

The absorbent articles of the present disclosure may be placed into packages. The packages may comprise polymeric films and/or other materials. Graphics and/or indicia relating to properties of the absorbent articles may be formed on, printed on, positioned on, and/or placed on outer portions of the packages. Each package may comprise a plurality of absorbent articles. The absorbent articles may be packed under compression so as to reduce the size of the packages, while still providing an adequate amount of absorbent articles per package. By packaging the absorbent articles under compression, caregivers can easily handle and store the packages, while also providing distribution savings to manufacturers owing to the size of the packages.

"Array" means a display of packages comprising disposable absorbent articles of different article constructions (e.g., different elastomeric materials [compositionally and/or structurally] in the side panels, side flaps and/or belts flaps, different graphic elements, different product structures, fasteners or lack thereof). The packages may have the same brand and/or sub-brand and/or the same trademark registration and/or having been manufactured by or for a common manufacturer and the packages may be available at a common point of sale (e.g. oriented in proximity to each other in a given area of a retail store). An array is marketed as a line-up of products normally having like packaging elements (e.g., packaging material type, film, paper, dominant color, design theme, etc.) that convey to consumers that the different individual packages are part of a larger line-up. Arrays often have the same brand, for example, "Huggies," and same sub-brand, for example, "Pull-Ups. " A different product in the array may have the same brand "Huggies" and the sub-brand "Little Movers. " The differences between the "Pull-Ups" product of the array and the "Little Movers" product in the array may include product form, application style, different fastening designs or other structural elements intended to address the differences in physiological or psychological development. Furthermore, the packaging is distinctly different in that "Pull-Ups" is packaged in a predominately blue or pink film bag and "Little Movers" is packaged in a predominately red film bag.

Further regarding "Arrays," as another example an array may be formed by different products having different product forms manufactured by the same manufacturer, for example, "Kimberly-Clark", and bearing a common trademark registration for example, one product may have the brand name "Huggies," and sub-brand, for example, "Pull-Ups. " A different product in the array may have a brand/sub-brand "Good Nites" and both are registered trademarks of The Kimberly-Clark Corporation and/or are manufactured by Kimberly-Clark. Arrays also often have the same trademarks, including trademarks of the brand, sub-brand, and/or features and/or benefits across the line-up. "On-line Array" means an "Array" distributed by a common on-line source.

Referring to <FIG>, an absorbent article of the present disclosure may be a sanitary napkin <NUM>. The sanitary napkin <NUM> may comprise a liquid permeable topsheet <NUM>, a liquid impermeable, or substantially liquid impermeable, backsheet <NUM>, and an absorbent core <NUM>. The liquid impermeable backsheet <NUM> may or may not be vapor permeable. The absorbent core <NUM> may have any or all of the features described herein with respect to the absorbent core <NUM> and, in some forms, may have a secondary topsheet <NUM> (STS) instead of the acquisition materials disclosed above. The STS <NUM> may comprise one or more channels, as described above (including the embossed version). In some forms, channels in the STS <NUM> may be aligned with channels in the absorbent core <NUM>. The sanitary napkin <NUM> may also comprise wings <NUM> extending outwardly with respect to a longitudinal axis <NUM> of the sanitary napkin <NUM>. The sanitary napkin <NUM> may also comprise a lateral axis <NUM>. The wings <NUM> may be joined to the topsheet <NUM>, the backsheet <NUM>, and/or the absorbent core <NUM>. The sanitary napkin <NUM> may also comprise a front edge <NUM>, a back edge <NUM> longitudinally opposing the front edge <NUM>, a first side edge <NUM>, and a second side edge <NUM> longitudinally opposing the first side edge <NUM>. The longitudinal axis <NUM> may extend from a midpoint of the front edge <NUM> to a midpoint of the back edge <NUM>. The lateral axis <NUM> may extend from a midpoint of the first side edge <NUM> to a midpoint of the second side edge <NUM>. The sanitary napkin <NUM> may also be provided with additional features commonly found in sanitary napkins as is known in the art.

<FIG> illustrate example cross-sectional views of absorbent articles within the scope of the present disclosure. <FIG> is an example cross-sectional view taken within a front waist region <NUM> of an absorbent article. <FIG> is an example cross-sectional view taken within a crotch region <NUM> of an absorbent article. <FIG> is an example cross-sectional view taken within a back waist region <NUM> of an absorbent article. In <FIG>, an outer cover material is element <NUM>, a liquid permeable topsheet is element <NUM>, opacity patches are elements <NUM>, a liquid impermeable backsheet is element <NUM>, an absorbent core is element <NUM>, with the core bag being element <NUM>, an absorbent material is element <NUM>, and a distribution material is element <NUM>. The distribution material <NUM> may comprise cross-linked cellulosic material and may be optional. An acquisition material is element <NUM>. A liquid permeable topsheet is element <NUM>. Barrier leg cuffs are elements <NUM>. Elastics in the barrier leg cuffs are elements <NUM>. Back ears are elements <NUM>. Fasteners on the back ears <NUM> are elements <NUM>. Construction glues and/or bonds between the various layers and/or components have been removed for clarity. Other cross-sectional configurations known to those of skill in the art are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

Described herein are nonwoven materials comprising a plurality of fibers, wherein at least some of the plurality of fibers comprise a filler selected from the group consisting of boron nitride, graphene, carbon nanotubes, carbon, talc, zinc oxide, and combinations thereof. The filler may be selected from the group consisting of boron nitride, talc, zinc oxide, magnesium oxide, jade, jadeite, nephrite, mica, phyllosilicates, silicate minerals, clay minerals, and combinations thereof. When the filler is selected, for example, from the group consisting of boron nitride, talc, zinc oxide, and combinations thereof, the nonwoven material may be white. The filler may not contain calcium carbonate and/or the plurality of fibers may not comprise polyester and/or natural fibers, such as pulp, cotton, rayon, etc. The plurality of fibers may comprise only thermoplastic fibers.

The filler may be ImerCare Opaline talc available from Imerys, having a specific surface area of <NUM>/m<NUM>, according to BET ISO <NUM>, or the filler may be Boron Nitride powder Typ SCP <NUM>, available from <NUM>, having a specific surface area of <NUM>/m<NUM>, according to BET ISO <NUM>.

The nonwoven material may be made via spinning a compounded polypropylene. The compounded polypropylene may be produced via mixing with a general mixing screw Exxon Achieve <NUM> Polypropylene (PP) with ImerCare Opaline talc. A <NUM>% filler loading level may be made at 40lbs/hour (2lbs/hour of Opaline and 38lbs/hour of PP) with a screw speed of 500RPM. A <NUM>% talc loading level may be made at 40lbs/hour (6lbs/hour of Opaline and 34lbs/hour of PP) with a screw speed of 500RPM. A <NUM>% loading level may be made at 17lbs/hour (5lbs/hour of Opaline and <NUM> lbs/hour of PP) with a screw speed of 500RPM.

An absorbent article such as a diaper or a pant comprises the nonwoven material. The nonwoven materials may form part of the topsheet, the outer cover of a diaper, and/or may form any other nonwoven materials in the absorbent article.

The fillers described herein may have a Particle Size Distribution (PSD) D50 from about <NUM> micron to about <NUM>, alternatively less than <NUM>, alternatively less than <NUM>, alternatively less than <NUM>. Particle Size Distribution (PSD) D50 means that <NUM>% of the sample's volume is smaller than and <NUM>% of a sample's volume is larger than.

The fillers described herein may have a specific surface area, measured according to BET method ISO <NUM>, of equal or higher than <NUM><NUM>/g, alternatively equal or higher than <NUM><NUM>/g, alternatively from about <NUM><NUM>/g to about <NUM><NUM>/g, alternatively from about <NUM><NUM>/g to about <NUM><NUM>/g, and alternatively from about <NUM><NUM>/g to about <NUM><NUM>/g.

The fillers described herein may have a lamella shape. By lamella shape, it is meant here that the fillers have a shape similar to a plate or flake, characterized by a high aspect ratio between the major dimension of the plate and the thickness of the plate, such aspect ratio being higher than <NUM>, alternatively higher than <NUM>, alternatively from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, alternatively from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, alternatively from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, and alternatively from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. The plurality of fibers comprise a plurality of thermally conductive fibers, wherein the plurality of thermally conductive fibers can comprise at least <NUM>%, alternatively at least <NUM>%, and alternatively at least <NUM>% of the filler by weight of the plurality of thermally conductive fibers. Without being bound by theory, at these levels the filler can create a connected network within the plurality of thermally conductive fibers allowing for faster heat transport, or otherwise said, a higher Thermal Conductivity, as described below. Such connected network can be more effective in transferring heat if one or more fillers are chosen with a higher specific surface area and/or with lamella shape.

Alternatively, the plurality of thermally conductive fibers may each comprise from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, alternatively from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, alternatively from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, alternatively from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, and alternatively from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% of the filler by weight of the plurality of thermally conductive fibers, specifically reciting all <NUM>% increments within the specified ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby. Without being bound by theory, the upper limit of the filler in the plurality of thermally conductive fibers may be less than <NUM>%, alternatively less than <NUM>% to avoid problems with the melt spinning process which may impede fiber formation.

The plurality of fibers may on average comprise from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, alternatively from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, alternatively from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, alternatively from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, alternatively from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, alternatively from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, alternatively from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, alternatively from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, and alternatively from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% of the filler by weight of the nonwoven material, specifically reciting all <NUM>% increments within the specified ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby.

The fillers described herein may be compounded with a polymer at a processing temperature higher than the polymer melting point. The product of the compounder can be in pellet form, which then can be molten and spun into fibers, which optionally can be cut into staple fibers.

The plurality of fibers may on average comprise from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, alternatively from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, alternatively from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, alternatively from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, and alternatively from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% of the polymer by weight of the nonwoven material. The plurality of thermally conductive fibers may each comprise from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, alternatively from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, and alternatively from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% of the polymer by weight of the plurality of thermally conductive fibers.

The polymer may be a polyolefin, and the polyolefin may be selected from the group consisting of polyesters, polypropylenes, polyethylenes, polyethers, polyamides, polyhydroxyalkanoates, polysaccharides, and combinations thereof. More specifically, synthetic fibers may be selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, poly(<NUM>,<NUM>-cyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate), isophthalic acid copolymers (e.g., terephthalate cyclohexylene-dimethylene isophthalate copolymer), ethylene glycol copolymers (e.g., ethylene terephthalate cyclohexylene-dimethylene copolymer, polycaprolactone, polyhydroxyl ether ester, polyhydroxyl ether amide, polyesteramide, polylactic acid, polyhydroxybutyrate, and combinations thereof. Additionally, other synthetic fibers such as rayon, polyethylene, and polypropylene fibers can be used.

The synthetic fibers may be selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polyamide, polylactic acid, and combinations thereof.

Further, the synthetic fibers may be single component fibers (i.e., single synthetic material or a mixture to make up the entire fiber), multicomponent fibers, such as bicomponent fibers (i.e., the fiber is divided into regions, the regions including two or more different synthetic materials or mixtures thereof), and combinations thereof.

The nonwoven may also comprise semi-synthetic fibers made from polymers, specifically hydroxyl polymers. Non-limiting examples of suitable hydroxyl polymers include polyvinyl alcohol, starch, starch derivatives, chitosan, chitosan derivatives, cellulose derivatives such as viscose, gums, arabinans, galactans, and combinations thereof.

The plurality of fibers have a Thermal Conductivity of at least <NUM> W/m/K, alternatively at least <NUM> W/m/K, alternatively at least <NUM> W/m/K, alternatively at least <NUM> W/m/K, and alternatively at least <NUM>. The plurality of fibers a Thermal Conductivity from <NUM> W/m/K to <NUM> W/m/K, alternatively from <NUM> W/m/K to <NUM> W/m/K, alternatively from <NUM> W/m/K to <NUM> W/m/K, alternatively from <NUM> W/m/K to <NUM> W/m/K, and alternatively from <NUM> W/m/K to <NUM> W/m/K.

The plurality of fibers and/or the plurality of thermally conductive fibers may have a Heat Capacity from about <NUM> J/g/K to about <NUM> J/g/K, alternatively from about <NUM> J/g/K to about <NUM> J/g/K, alternatively from about <NUM> J/g/K to about <NUM> J/g/K, alternatively from about <NUM> J/g/K to about <NUM> J/g/K, alternatively from about <NUM> J/g/K to about <NUM> J/g/K, alternatively from about <NUM> J/g/K to about <NUM> J/g/K, alternatively from about <NUM> J/g/K to about <NUM> J/g/K, alternatively from about <NUM> J/g/K to about <NUM> J/g/K, and alternatively from about <NUM> J/g/K to about <NUM> J/g/K, specifically reciting all <NUM> J/g/K increments within the specified ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby.

The plurality of fibers and/or the plurality of thermally conductive fibers may comprise any suitable fibers, including monocomponent, bicomponent, and/or biconstituent, non-round (e.g., shaped fibers, including but not limited to fibers having a trilobal cross-section, and capillary channel fibers). The fibers can be of any suitable size. The individual fibers may, for example, have major cross-sectional dimensions (e.g., diameter for round fibers) ranging from <NUM>-<NUM> microns. Fiber size can also be expressed in denier, which is a unit of weight per length of fiber. The size of the individual fibers may, for example, range from about <NUM> denier to about <NUM> denier. The plurality of fibers may be a mixture of different fiber types, differing in such features as chemistry (e.g., PE and PP), components (mono- and bi-), and shape (i.e. capillary channel and round). The fibers may have any suitable deniers or denier ranges and/or fiber lengths or fiber length ranges.

The plurality of fibers and/or the plurality of thermally conductive fibers may comprise bicomponent fibers. The bicomponent fibers may each comprise a core and a sheath. The core and/or the sheath may comprise the filler and/or a polymer. The weight ratio between the core and the sheath may be from about <NUM>:<NUM> to about <NUM>:<NUM>, from about <NUM>:<NUM> to about <NUM>:<NUM>, or about <NUM>:<NUM>. Alternatively, the bicomponent fibers can be of different types including side-side, eccentric core-sheath, "islands in a sea," splittable pie, and hollow-center pie.

<FIG> illustrates a schematic diagram of a forming machine <NUM> used to make a nonwoven material <NUM> as described herein. To make a nonwoven material, the forming machine <NUM> is shown as having a first beam <NUM> for producing first coarse fibers <NUM> (e.g., spunbond fibers), an optional second beam <NUM> for producing intermediate fibers <NUM> (e.g., meltblown fibers), a third beam <NUM> for producing fine fibers <NUM> (e.g., N-fibers), and a fourth beam <NUM> for producing second coarse fibers <NUM> (e.g., spunbond fibers). The forming machine <NUM> may comprise an endless forming belt <NUM> which travels around rollers <NUM>, <NUM> so the forming belt <NUM> is driven in the direction as shown by the arrows <NUM>. If the optional second beam <NUM> is utilized, it may be positioned intermediate the first beam <NUM> and the third beam <NUM> (as illustrated), or may be positioned intermediate the third beam <NUM> and the fourth beam <NUM>, for example. Rolls <NUM> and <NUM> may form a nip to bond or calender bond the fibers in the multiple layers together to form the nonwoven material. Element <NUM> may be a layer of spunbond fibers. Element <NUM> may be a layer of intermediate fibers, spunbond fibers, or fine fibers. Element <NUM> may be a layer of intermediate fibers, spunbond fibers, or fine fibers. Element <NUM> may be a layer of spunbond fibers. Each of the layers of fibers may be formed to grow fibrils extending outwardly therefrom after a predetermined period of time under ambient conditions, as discussed in further detail below.

<FIG> illustrates a cross-sectional view of an SNS nonwoven material or an SMS nonwoven material at a calender bond site <NUM>. Fibrils may grow out of the calender bond site <NUM> after a predetermined period of time under ambient conditions. The spunbond, intermediate, and fine fibers may be of single component or bicomponent or polymer blend type.

Referring to <FIG>, the nonwoven material <NUM> may comprise a first nonwoven layer <NUM>, a second nonwoven layer <NUM>, and a third nonwoven layer <NUM>. The bond site <NUM> may have a bond area. The second nonwoven layer <NUM> may be disposed intermediate the first nonwoven layer <NUM> and the third nonwoven layer <NUM>. Also, the first nonwoven layer <NUM>, the second nonwoven layer <NUM>, and the third nonwoven layer <NUM> may be intermittently bonded to each other using any suitable bonding process, such as a calendering bonding process, for example. The nonwoven material <NUM> may not comprise a film. The nonwoven material <NUM> may comprise a spunbond layer, which may correspond to the first nonwoven layer <NUM>, an N-fiber layer or intermediate layer, which may correspond to the second nonwoven layer <NUM>, and a second spunbond layer, which may correspond to the third nonwoven layer <NUM>. The nano-fiber layer may instead be a meltblown fiber layer. Any of the layers may comprise cotton.

Referring to <FIG>, a nonwoven material <NUM> may comprise a first nonwoven layer <NUM>, a second nonwoven layer <NUM>, a third nonwoven layer <NUM>, and a fourth nonwoven layer <NUM>. A bond site <NUM>, such as a calender bond site, is illustrated in the nonwoven material <NUM>. The bond site <NUM> has a bond area. The first nonwoven layer <NUM>, the second nonwoven layer <NUM>, the third nonwoven layer <NUM>, and the fourth nonwoven layer <NUM> may be intermittently bonded to each other using any suitable bonding process, such as a calendering bonding process, for example. The nonwoven material <NUM> may not comprise a film. The nonwoven material <NUM> may comprise a spunbond layer, which may correspond to the first nonwoven layer <NUM>, a meltblown layer or fine fiber layer, which may correspond to the fourth nonwoven layer <NUM>, a fine or N-fiber layer or a meltblown layer, which may correspond to the second nonwoven layer <NUM>, and a second spunbond layer, which may correspond to the third nonwoven layer <NUM>. Other configurations of nonwoven materials are envisioned and are within the scope of the present disclosure, such as a nonwoven material comprising one or more spunbond layers, one or more meltblown or intermediate layers, and/or one or more fine or N-fiber layers, for example.

The plurality of fibers and/or the plurality of thermally conductive fibers described herein can be formed from many processes including air laying processes, wetlaid processes, meltblowing processes, spunbonding processes, and carding processes. The plurality of fibers and/or the plurality of thermally conductive fibers in the nonwoven materials can then be bonded via spunlacing processes, hydroentangling, calendar bonding, through-air bonding and resin bonding. The nonwoven material may also comprise needle punched materials.

The nonwoven materials described herein may be formed of a plurality of nonwoven layers arranged in various combinations and permutations of a plurality of spunbond, meltblown, and N-fiber layers, including but not limited to SMS, SMMS, SSMMS, SMMSS, SMN, SNS, SMNMS, SMMNMS, SSMMNS, SSNNSS, SSSNSSS, SSMMNNSS, SSMMNNMS, and the other suitable variations. One or more of the various layers may comprise the fillers described herein.

Examples of apertured and textured materials to which the present disclosure could apply are illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. Further details regarding these materials are found in <CIT>.

Additional examples of apertured and textured materials to which the present disclosure could apply are illustrated in <FIG>. Further details regarding these materials are found in <CIT>.

Absorbent articles comprising the nonwoven materials described herein may be placed into packages. The packages may comprise polymeric films and/or other materials. Graphics and/or indicia relating to properties of the absorbent articles may be formed on, printed on, positioned on, and/or placed on outer portions of the packages. Each package may comprise a plurality of absorbent articles. The absorbent articles may be packed under compression so as to reduce the size of the packages, while still providing an adequate amount of absorbent articles per package. By packaging the absorbent articles under compression, caregivers can easily handle and store the packages, while also providing distribution savings to manufacturers owing to the size of the packages.

Accordingly, packages comprising the absorbent articles described herein may have an In-Bag Stack Height of less than <NUM>, less than about <NUM>, less than about <NUM>, less than about <NUM>, less than about <NUM>, less than about <NUM>, less than about <NUM>, less than about <NUM>, or less than about <NUM>, specifically reciting all <NUM> increments within the specified ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby, according to the In-Bag Stack Height Test described herein. Alternatively, packages of the absorbent articles of the present disclosure may have an In-Bag Stack Height of from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, or from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, specifically reciting all <NUM> increments within the specified ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby, according to the In-Back Stack Height Test described herein.

<FIG> illustrates an example package <NUM> comprising a plurality of absorbent articles <NUM>. The package <NUM> defines an interior space <NUM> in which the plurality of absorbent articles <NUM> are situated. The plurality of absorbent articles <NUM> are arranged in one or more stacks <NUM>.

The Thermal Conductivity Parameter of a nonwoven material present in an absorbent article is determined using ASTM E1530-<NUM>, which is a standard method for measuring thermal transmission through materials using a guarded heat flow meter as described therein. All measurements are done in an environment of <NUM> ± <NUM>% relative humidity and <NUM> ± <NUM>, and all samples are equilibrated in this same environment for at least twelve hours prior to testing.

The specimen used in the Thermal Conductivity Method is a circular sample disk of nonwoven material <NUM> in diameter and <NUM> thick, and this sample disk is made by consolidating of a circle cut from nonwoven material under pressure and at elevated temperature. To create this sample disk, a circular specimen of the nonwoven material of interest <NUM> in diameter and centered at the intersection of the longitudinal and lateral centerlines of the absorbent article is removed. The circle of nonwoven material is then compressed under <NUM> bar of pressure at <NUM> to create a solid disk of nonwoven material with parallel faces <NUM> in thickness. The disk is afterward trimmed to <NUM> in diameter if its lateral extent is increased during the consolidation process. (The basis weight of a single nonwoven material collected from one absorbent article may not be sufficient to provide enough to achieve the specified disk thickness. In this case, multiple equivalent circles are removed from multiple articles and are stacked before compression such that a finished, solid disk <NUM> in thickness, results.

The guarded heat flow meter is prepared and calibrated with reference materials as described in ASTM E1530-<NUM>. The temperatures of the upper and lower plattens are set such that the temperature difference across the sample is not less than <NUM> and that the arithmetic mean of their set-point values is <NUM>. The sample disk is introduced into the guarded heat flow meter and the measurement is performed.

Analysis is performed as specified in the "Analytical Method" described in section <NUM>. <NUM> of ASTM E1530-<NUM>. The resulting value for thermal conductivity, expressed in units of watts per meter per Kelvin (W m-<NUM> K-<NUM>) to three significant figures, is defined as the Thermal Conductivity Parameter.

The Specific Heat Capacity Parameter is determined using ASTM E1269-<NUM>, which is a standard method for determining specific heat capacity by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). All measurements are done in an environment of <NUM> ± <NUM>% relative humidity and <NUM> ± <NUM>, and all samples are equilibrated in this same environment for at least twelve hours prior to testing.

A specimen of nonwoven material to be tested is <NUM> in mass and is taken from the intersection of the longitudinal and lateral centerlines of the absorbent article. After performing the specified calibration with synthetic sapphire, the sample nonwoven material is introduced into the DSC, and the measurement and analysis is performed. Specific Heat Capacity Parameter is defined as the specific heat capacity output of the method at <NUM> and is reported in units of Joules per gram per Kelvin (J g-<NUM> K-<NUM>) to three significant figures.

The particle size distribution is determined using a laser scattering particle size distribution analyzer. A suitable laser scattering particle size distribution analyzer can include a Horiba LA-950V2 (available from Horiba, Ltd. , Kyoto, Japan). In this method, the principles of Mie scattering theory (and Fraunhofer approximation where applicable) are used to calculate the size and distribution of particles suspended in a liquid. Results are normally displayed on a volume basis.

Samples are prepared by vortexing for <NUM> seconds with a Vortex Genie <NUM> to ensure there is no residue in the bottom of the sample vial. <NUM> of deionized (DI) water (or another appropriate solvent to enable particle dispersion/suspension) is added into the instrument reservoir and analyzed as a blank sample. A disposable micro pipet is used to dispense enough sample into the DI water (or another appropriate solvent to enable particle dispersion/suspension) in the instrument until the Transmittance is reduced from <NUM> down to <NUM> ± <NUM>%, approximately <NUM>µL. Results are reported as D50.

The in-bag stack height of a package of absorbent articles is determined as follows:.

Claim 1:
An absorbent article (<NUM>), which is a diaper or a pant, comprising a topsheet, an outer cover, and an absorbent core, wherein the topsheet and /or the outer cover comprises a nonwoven material, wherein the nonwoven material comprises a plurality of fibers, wherein at least some of the plurality of fibers comprise a filler, characterized in that the plurality of fibers have a Thermal Conductivity of from <NUM> W/m/K to <NUM> W/m/K, as measured by the Thermal Conductivity Test Method based on ASTM E1530-<NUM> as disclosed herein, and wherein the nonwoven material is white.