Helically crimped, shaped, single polymer fibers and articles made therefrom

Abstract

There is provided a nonwoven fabric for use in personal care absorbent articles where the fabric is made from single polymer, helically crimped fibers. Such a fabric provides economical production since it uses only one polymer. These fabrics have superior void volume and resilience and are useful in a number of applications, including as outercovers, liners, surge layers and even as an absorbent core.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A nonwoven fabric for use in personal care absorbent articles comprising single polymer, helically crimped fibers.  
     
     
         2 . The nonwoven fabric of  claim 1  wherein said polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyolefins, polyamides, polyesters, rayon, acrylics, superabsorbents, and regenerated cellulose.  
     
     
         3 . The nonwoven fabric of  claim 2  wherein said polymer is polyolefin.  
     
     
         4 . The nonwoven fabric of  claim 3  wherein said polyolefin is polypropylene.  
     
     
         5 . The nonwoven fabric of  claim 1  wherein said fabric is bonded by a method selected from the group consisting of thermal point bonding, point unbending, through air bonding, ultrasonic bonding and hydroentangling.  
     
     
         6 . The nonwoven fabric of  claim 5  wherein said fabric is bonded by thermal point bonding.  
     
     
         7 . The nonwoven fabric of  claim 5  wherein said fabric is bonded by through air bonding.  
     
     
         8 . The nonwoven fabric of  claim 5  wherein said fabric is bonded by hydroentangling.  
     
     
         9 . The nonwoven fabric of  claim 1  wherein said fibers are staple fibers.  
     
     
         10 . The nonwoven fabric of  claim 1  wherein said fibers are continuous fibers.  
     
     
         11 . The nonwoven fabric for personal care absorbent articles of  claim 1  wherein said article is selected from the group consisting of diapers, training pants, absorbent underpants, adult incontinence products, bandages and other wound care products and feminine hygiene products.  
     
     
         12 . An absorbent core for personal care absorbent articles comprising helically crimped fibers made from a superabsorbent polymer.  
     
     
         13 . A loop material for a hook and loop fastener wherein said loop material comprises single component helically crimped fibers.  
     
     
         14 . The loop material of  claim 13  wherein said loop material is bonded with a point unbonded pattern.