Patents by Inventor Lee M. Hines

Lee M. Hines has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Absorbent interlabial device having an integrally formed tab
    Patent number: 6432096
    Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent devices such as sanitary napkins, pantiliners, interlabial devices, and incontinence devices. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to an improved absorbent device that is insertable into the interlabial space of a female wearer for catamenial purposes (including menses and mid-cycle discharges), incontinence protection (including urine), or both. The absorbent interlabial device has at least on body-contacting surface and a backsheet having an integral protrusion formed therein of sufficient dimensions to aid in insertion into the interlabial space. An apparatus for forming the integral protrusion in the backsheet is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a female forming member having an opening therein, and a compression member having and opening therethough in operative aligned relationship with the opening of the female forming member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Ron R. McFall, Wilfried M. Kollner, Thomas W. Osborn, Pamela J. Brown, Lee M. Hines
  • Absorbent articles, especially catamenials, having improved fluid directionality
    Patent number: 5382245
    Abstract: The present invention provides absorbent articles, especially sanitary napkins, containing a fluid transport layer. In-use, the transport layer directs menses to a storage layer, thereby minimizing product failure and staining of undergarments. The transport layer can protrude into, or through, a topsheet to provide very aggressive transport of vaginal discharges. Preferably, the transport layer is a layer of fibers having external capillary channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Hugh A. Thompson, Gerald A. Young, Thomas W. Osborn, III, Charles W. Chappell, Theresa L. Johnson, John L. Hammons, Bruce W. Lavash, James C. Horney, Lee M. Hines
  • Absorbent particles, especially catamenials, having improved fluid directionality, comfort and fit
    Patent number: 5356405
    Abstract: Absorbent articles, especially sanitary napkins, contain fibers with intra-fiber capillary channels. In-use, the capillary channel fibers direct menses to a storage layer, thereby minimizing product failure and staining of undergarments. The capillary channel fibers can protrude into, or through, a topsheet to provide very aggressive transport of vaginal discharges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Hugh A. Thompson, Gerald A. Young, Thomas W. Osborn, III, Charles W. Chappell, John L. Hammons, James C. Horney, Lee M. Hines
  • Absorbent articles having improved longitudinal fluid movement
    Patent number: H1511
    Abstract: The present invention provides absorbent articles, especially sanitary napkins, containing a flow regulator positioned between the topsheet and the absorbent core. In-use, fluid deposited on the topsheet is internally moved in the longitudinal direction by the flow regulator before being released to the absorbent core. By moving substantial amounts of fluid in the longitudinal direction the flow regulator provides a more effective use of the absorbent core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Inventors: Charles W. Chappell, Lee M. Hines, John L. Hammons, Theresa L. Johnson