Absorbent Pad For External Or Internal Application And Supports Therefor (e.g., Catamenial Devices, Diapers, Etc.) Patents (Class 604/358)
  • Patent number: 10441481
    Abstract: A substantially planar absorbent core (28) extending in a transversal direction (x) and a longitudinal direction (y), and comprising a core wrap (16, 16?) enclosing an absorbent material (60) substantially free of cellulose fibers, the absorbent material forming a pattern of discrete absorbent material areas. The pattern comprises transversally-orientated areas (752) and longitudinally-orientated areas (754). The absorbent core may further comprise at least two longitudinally-orientated channel-forming areas (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: The Proctre & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Ernesto Gabriel Bianchi, Hans Adolf Jackels
  • Patent number: 10413856
    Abstract: There is provided a stacked body which includes a porous base layer, a porous charged layer, a very fine-fiber layer, and an adsorbent. The base layer is configured with base fiber. The charged layer is configured with charged fiber. The very fine-fiber layer is interposed between the base layer and the charged layer and includes very fine fiber. The adsorbent is held in the very fine fiber and adsorbs a chemical substance. An average fiber diameter of the charged fiber is greater than an average fiber diameter of the very fine fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Koji Motomura, Hiroto Sumida, Takahiko Murata
  • Patent number: 10342715
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article having barrier cuffs is disclosed herein. The disposable absorbent article has improved pad curl characteristics which can facilitate application of the disposable absorbent article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Stephen LeBeuf Hardie, Edward Paul Carlin, Ronda Lynn Glassmeyer, Michael Dale Trennepohl, John Ferrer
  • Patent number: 10342714
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a garment, such as a smart pull-up, includes at least one outer section and a midsection attached to the outer section. The midsection includes a first antimicrobial membrane patch layer configured to contact a wearer's body, a second antimicrobial membrane patch layer disposed adjacent to the first antimicrobial patch layer, and an air gap disposed between the first patch and second antimicrobial patch layers. The first and second antimicrobial patch layers each are formed from respective balanced warp big tows and fill tows in a plain-weave pattern, and each layer include copper filaments disposed in a plurality of the tows, each of the copper filaments including at least Cu+/Cu+++ ions. Such a smart pull-up may be suitable for either adult who cannot use the toilet, or child, or healthy adult and, therefore, may urinate and defecate himself/herself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: ALPHA1 ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY GROUP, INC.
    Inventor: Eugene Dan-Jumbo
  • Patent number: 10327960
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article having barrier cuffs is disclosed herein. The disposable absorbent article has improved pad curl characteristics which can facilitate application of the disposable absorbent article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Stephen LeBeuf Hardie, Edward Paul Carlin, Ronda Lynn Glassmeyer, Michael Dale Trennepohl, John Ferrer
  • Patent number: 10327964
    Abstract: A front edge of a disposable diaper includes a curved recess recessed rearward in a region including the center of the disposable diaper in a width direction, and a front straight portion extending parallel to the width direction from the outer edge of the recess. A rear edge of the disposable diaper includes a curved projection protruding rearward in the region, and a rear straight portion extending parallel to the width direction from the outer edge of the projection. A pair of first cutout portions is recessed rearward from the outer edge of the front straight portion and recessed inward from the front edge of the outer edge of the disposable diaper. A pair of second cutout portions is recessed frontward from the outer edge of the rear straight portion and recessed inward from the rear edge of the outer edge of the disposable diaper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: UNICHARM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takuya Miyama, Satoru Sakaguchi
  • Patent number: 10323105
    Abstract: Provided are: a water-absorbent resin which, when used as an absorbent material, retains a high water-absorption performance, increases the diffusivity of a to-be-absorbed liquid and makes it possible to effectively decrease the amount of re-wet; and an absorbent article formed using an absorbent material including the water-absorbent resin. The water-absorbent resin according to the present invention is a water-absorbent resin obtained by polymerizing a water-soluble ethylenically monomer in the presence of an internal-crosslinking agent and thereafter post-crosslinking the polymer with a post-crosslinking agent, characterized in that when subjected to a liquid flow test, the water-absorbent resin has an effective absorbent material index (K) indicated by equation (I) of 250 or greater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroki Yabuguchi, Tetsuhiro Hinayama, Maoki Hama, Hideki Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 10307299
    Abstract: A method for producing a multi-layered absorbent articles is disclosed. At least two of the layers include a colored region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: David Christopher Oetjen
  • Patent number: 10294614
    Abstract: A pulp fiber with an enhanced carboxyl content resulting in improved antimicrobial, anti-yellowing and absorptive properties. Methods for making the kraft pulp fiber and products made from it are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: GP Cellulose GmbH
    Inventors: Arthur J. Nonni, Charles E. Courchene, Blair R. Carter
  • Patent number: 10285874
    Abstract: A multi-component topsheet for an absorbent article includes a first discrete substrate forming about 80% or more of an outer perimeter of the topsheet and a second discrete substrate wherein about 80% or more of an outer perimeter of the second discrete substrate is joined to the first discrete substrate, wherein the topsheet has a single layer of substrate in about 75% or more of the total area of the topsheet and a dual layer of substrate in about 25% or less of the total area of the topsheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Amy Lynn Tally, Theresa Lynn Galie, George Christopher Dobrin, Olaf Erik Alexander Isele
  • Patent number: 10271738
    Abstract: An integrated passive wireless chip diagnostic sensor system is described that can be interrogated remotely with a wireless device such as a modified cell phone incorporating multi-protocol RFID reader capabilities (such as the emerging Gen-2 standard) or Bluetooth, providing universal easy to use, low cost and immediate quantitative analyzes, geolocation and sensor networking capabilities to users of the technology. The present invention can be integrated into various diagnostic platforms and is applicable for use with low power sensors such as thin films, MEMS, electrochemical, thermal, resistive, nano or microfluidic sensor technologies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Altivera, LLC
    Inventor: John P. Peeters
  • Patent number: 10258514
    Abstract: According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are provided of reusable cloth diapers. In the diaper is an insert in which there are inner absorbing layers that are arranged specifically to absorb and hold a predetermined volume of waste. Also, the layers are sewn on three sides leaving a pocket opening that allows a person to easily guide their hand into the insert to easily guide and place into position inside the reusable cloth diaper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Inventor: Melissa Dawn Wojtanowski
  • Patent number: 10206825
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article may include a topsheet, a backsheet, an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, and a leg gasketing system. The leg gasketing system may include an inner cuff and an outer cuff; the inner cuff may include an inner cuff folded edge and an inner cuff material edge and the outer cuff may include an outer cuff folded edge and an outer cuff material edge such that the web of material is folded laterally inward to form the outer cuff folded edge and folded laterally outward to form the inner cuff folded edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Jeromy Thomas Raycheck, Lisa Jane Goodlander, Lisa Maria Grinkemeyer, Jessica Lee Mosman, Jason Edward Naylor, LeAnn Nichole Phillips
  • Patent number: 10190260
    Abstract: A fluff pulp is provided, which comprises softwood fibers; and 3 to 35% by weight of hardwood fibers. A fluff is also provided, which comprises the fiberized or shredded fluff pulp. A core is also provided, which comprises the fluff and at least an SAP. Processes for making and using the fluff pulp, fluff, and core are provided, and products made thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY
    Inventors: James E. Sealey, Brent A. Fields
  • Patent number: 10159608
    Abstract: An absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin or incontinence pad has longitudinal side edges, transversal end edges, a fluid permeable topsheet, a fluid impermeable backsheet and an absorbent core located between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent core includes a first absorbent layer having an opening extending therethrough and a fluid flow control structure located between said first absorbent layer and said backsheet. The first absorbent layer has a longitudinal front portion and a longitudinal back portion and a narrow transversal transition located between said front portion and said back portion. The width of the narrow transversal transition is 50-75% of the widest transversal width of the front portion of the first absorbent layer and 20-50% of the longitudinal length of the opening is located in the front portion of the first absorbent layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: ESSITY HYGIENE AND HEALTH AKTIEBOLAG
    Inventors: Charlotte Johansson, Susanne Fredrikson
  • Patent number: 10159612
    Abstract: Hygienic product comprising an odor control material having a longitudinal direction, a transverse direction and a thickness direction, the odor control material including a first carrier material wherein a plurality of odor control particles are bonded to at least one surface of the first carrier material by a binder substance wherein the first carrier material in an unexpanded condition has a plurality of transversal slits, and that the first carrier material in an expanded condition in the longitudinal direction has a plurality of openings, and that the first carrier material is fixed in the expanded condition in the hygienic product whereby the odor control material is in the form of a reticulated structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: ESSITY HYGIENE AND HEALTH AB
    Inventors: Chatrine Stridfeldt, Pia Kalentun, Ulla Forsgren Brusk, Barbro Moberg, Frida Ryttsén, Birgitta Yhlen
  • Patent number: 10130522
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a disposable worn article including the steps of: carrying a continuous sheet (W1) continuous in a carrying direction (X1); placing elastic members (F3), continuous in the carrying direction of the continuous sheet, on the continuous sheet with the continuous elastic members stretched; placing discontinuous sheets (W2), each of which has a predetermined length, on the continuous sheet intermittently and successively in the carrying direction so that the continuous elastic members are sandwiched between the discontinuous sheets and the continuous sheet; and carrying out a first joining step in which, in an area where each of the discontinuous sheets is placed, the continuous sheet, each of the discontinuous sheets, and the continuous elastic members are joined to one another, intermittently in the carrying direction, along first joining portions (32A, 32C) extending in a width direction (Y) crossing the carrying direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: ZUIKO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Toyoshi Umebayashi
  • Patent number: 10117790
    Abstract: A personal hygiene product with a digital element is described. In one embodiment, a conductive sensor assembly is disposed within the personal hygiene product that includes one or more moisture sensors that generate a resistive signal indicative of saturation of the personal hygiene product when in wetting contact with menstrual fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall Braxton Pugh, William Chester Neeley
  • Patent number: 10092674
    Abstract: An absorbent structure including a dryness layer laminate is disclosed, with the structure suitable for use in disposable absorbent products such as for infant or incontinence care. The dryness layer laminate is positioned adjacent an associated absorbent core, between the absorbent core and the wearer, for enhancing surface dryness and comfort for the wearer. The dryness layer laminate comprises adhesive fibers or filaments, and particulate superabsorbent, and is configured to permit liquid to pass through the laminate to the associated absorbent core, while acting to remove liquid from the surface of the absorbent structure positioned adjacent to the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: ATTENDS HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Harry J. Chmielewski, Paul Ducker
  • Patent number: 10060902
    Abstract: A multiple layer composite material having fluid breach detection features provides indication of a failure in a fluid barrier. The indication of breach of fluid is provided before failure of a final layer of the composite material. The multiple layer composite material includes more than one fluid impermeable layer with an intermediate layer sealed between the fluid impermeable layers. Failure of one of the fluid impermeable layers is detected by fluid contact in the intermediate layer. The intermediate layer includes a reagent and/or detection device to indicate that the fluid has reached the intermediate layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin M. Patmore, Andrew M. Bentz, Brett M. Fulton, Sarah E. Mynhier
  • Patent number: 10052241
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article utilized for absorption and containment of urine and other body exudates may incorporate components that may be detached from the article after use to provide disposal options based upon the user's preferences and circumstances, such as flushing down a toilet or septic tank, composting, recycling, or disposing in a landfill. Sanitary grips and sanitary gap may provide sanitary placements to detach the article. Ripping features incorporated along the top liner, back liner, or outer liner enclosure may also be used to detach the article. A removable liner may be detached from the top liner or outer liner enclosure. The absorbent core may be released after the article has been detached. To reduce the risk of clogging the toilet, a membrane may be utilized to create a barrier between the absorbent core and high-absorbency material to obstruct the high-absorbency material from being released and flushed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Inventor: Irene Richardson
  • Patent number: 10052242
    Abstract: A substantially planar absorbent core (28) extending in a transversal direction (x) and a longitudinal direction (y), comprising a core wrap (16, 16?) enclosing an absorbent material (60), wherein the absorbent material is substantially free of cellulose fibers and forms a pattern of discrete absorbent material areas. The pattern comprises dot-shaped areas (751) and at least one of transversally-orientated areas (752) or longitudinally-orientated areas (754). The absorbent core may also comprise a pair of channel-forming areas (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Ernesto Gabriel Bianchi, Hans Adolf Jackels
  • Patent number: 10045891
    Abstract: An array of absorbent article packages for multiple baby stages of development displayed via a merchandise display system may comprise multiple packages. Each package may comprise articles having absorbent article configurations appropriate for the stage of development of an infant, newborn, or toddler. Each article or package may also comprise indicia representative of the appropriate stage of development of the infant, newborn, or toddler. And, absorbent article configurations may differ between packages having overlapping size ranges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Karl Patrick Ronn, Barry Robert Feist, Mary Lee Carr, Kathy Quinlan Ames-Ooten, Danielia Threase Wilkins, Merlene Adams Cummins, Ooma Balkaran Rampersad-Cutler, Monica Mohlenkamp, Vicki Lee Streithorst
  • Patent number: 9987176
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed, in part, to an absorbent article comprising a liquid management system (LMS) and an absorbent core disposed at least partially intermediate a topsheet and a backsheet. The LMS defines one or more channels therein. The one or more channels of the LMS may at least partially overlap or not overlap with channels defined in the absorbent core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Donald Carroll Roe, Aniruddha Chatterjee, Nelson Edward Greening, II, Sharon Irene Grenberg, Carsten Heinrich Kreuzer, Cornelia Beate Martynus, Marie Brigid O'Reilly, Rodrigo Rosati, Sandra Sautter, Beate Simon, Lutz Stelzig, Rachael Eden Walther
  • Patent number: 9980859
    Abstract: An absorbent article is provided that can include a fastening system configured to attach the rear waist region to the front waist region to define a wear configuration of the absorbent article. The fastening system can comprise a primary fastening system and a secondary fastening system, the secondary fastening system including at least one secondary first fastening component and at least one secondary second fastening component. A region of flexibility can be provided between adjacent components of the absorbent article between the at least one secondary first fastening component and the bodyside liner in an area under the at least one secondary first fastening component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Lee Popp, David Fleger Bishop, David John Enz, Catherine Marguerite Hancock-Cooke, Wendy Lynn VanDyke, Alanna Nicole Haessler, Jeffrey Alan DeBroux
  • Patent number: 9974698
    Abstract: A substantially planar absorbent core (28) comprising a core wrap (16, 17) enclosing an absorbent material (60), the absorbent core having a longitudinal axis (80) and comprising a front region (81), a back region (83) and a middle region (82), each region having an equal length (L/3) along the longitudinal axis, wherein the absorbent material is substantially free of cellulose fibers and forms a pattern of absorbent material areas. The pattern comprises on each side of the longitudinal axis at least one longitudinally-extending curved area (601a, 601b) in the middle region of the core, and at least one longitudinally-extending straight area (602a, 602b) in the front region and/or back region of the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Hans Adolf Jackels
  • Patent number: 9968497
    Abstract: A substantially planar absorbent core includes a core wrap enclosing an absorbent material that is substantially free of cellulose fibers and forms a pattern of discrete absorbent material areas. The core further comprises at least a pair of curved longitudinally-extending channel-forming areas substantially free of absorbent material, through which the top side of the core wrap is attached to the bottom side of the core wrap along a core wrap bond. Each of the longitudinally-extending channel-forming areas are longitudinally flanked internally by a first flanking absorbent material area and externally by a second flanking absorbent material area, the first and second flanking absorbent material areas following the curvature of the channel-forming area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Hans Adolf Jackels
  • Patent number: 9956124
    Abstract: A pant-type absorbent article includes a front and a back portion, longitudinally extending side seams and a connecting portion between the front and back portions. The connecting portion forms a crotch region and leg openings. Part of the front portion, back portion, and the connecting portion is made of an elastic laminate extending transversely across the front, back and connecting portions. Elongated leg elastic members extend along the leg openings in at least part of the connecting portion and terminate at a distance from the respective side seam thus leaving an area corresponding to a peripheral length of at least 50 mm along the respective leg opening where the leg elastic members are absent and wherein the connecting portion in the area where the leg elastic members are absent is made of the elastic laminate in at least 90% of the peripheral length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: SCA HYGIENE PRODUCTS AB
    Inventors: Lucas Bäck, Stina Lindlöf, Lennart Nilsson
  • Patent number: 9931251
    Abstract: An aspect of the invention is a liquid sensor having a galvanically energizable power source capable of activating a remotely detectable signal in response to liquid. In a preferred embodiment, a liquid sensor includes a plurality of electrodes, a circuit, and a transmitter thereon. The electrodes are coupled to generate electrical power when in contact with liquid. The circuit is electrically connected to the electrodes so as to be activated by the electrical power, detect an electrical parameter of the electrical power, and generate a plurality of data packets indicating a degree of wetness corresponding to the detected electrical parameter. The transmitter is electrically coupled to the circuit to receive the plurality of data packets and transmit representations of the plurality of data packets as electromagnetic signals. Other aspects include a liquid absorbent wetness sensor and a computer-based wetness monitoring system, and method of detecting liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: etectRx Inc.
    Inventors: Neil Euliano, Glen Flores, Jerry Yachabach, Eric Buffkin
  • Patent number: 9913763
    Abstract: A personal care absorbent article is disclosed which employs a combination of void spaces, also referred to as channels, in the crotch region of the article in conjunction with shaping elastic members located outside the lateral side edges of the absorbent core, that, when coupled with strategic alignment of certain components and specifically-located folding lines, will create an article with improved convex or outward curvature of the chassis upon unfolding which provides increased spatial separation of the topsheet or body side liner of the article from the genital area of the wearer. In addition, due to the manipulation of the specific location of such elements in the article, gender specific product designs can be created which are specifically tailored to more appropriately deal with the differences in location of the male and female genitalia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: JinHo Ryu, KyoungRock Kim, SeungKeun Park, SooYong Cho
  • Patent number: 9913766
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a sanitary product attachment means comprising a connection member (3) having a flexible base carrier (4), whereas on one main surface of the connection member (3) an underwear connection means (5) is present which is configured to fix the connection member (3) to a piece of underwear (12) and on the opposing main surface of the connection member (3) an absorbent member connection means (6) is present which is configured to fix the connection member (3) to the underside of an absorbent member (2, 2a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Johann F. Petersen, Volker Hauschildt, Peter Kitzer, Thomas Hertlein
  • Patent number: 9883976
    Abstract: A disposable diaper 10 includes a sheet-like elastic element 100 provided in a rear waistline portion 30. The sheet-like elastic element 100 has a stretching portion 105 that can be stretched in a product width direction W. An absorber 40 includes a low rigidity portion 110, where the basis weight is lower than those in the other parts of the absorber 40 or an absorber core 40a does not exist, and a non-stretching portion 45 that is unstretchable in the product width direction W. The non-stretching portion 45 is provided at a crotch portion side from the stretching portion 105, and the stretching portion 105 overlaps at least a part of the low rigidity portion 110 in the plan view of the disposable diaper 10, and the width of the low rigidity portion 110 in the product width direction W widens towards the end at the side of the rear waistline portion 30 in a product longitudinal direction L.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: UNICHARM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Satoru Sakaguchi
  • Patent number: 9867891
    Abstract: A delivery device is described for intermittently delivering materials such as liquids or gels over a sustained period of time to a surface in a controlled way. The surface mountable delivery device is capable of delivering, for example, an antimicrobial agent to protect surfaces from microbial contamination and/or to disinfect surfaces, e.g. door handles, push plates, hand rails, etc. as an aid in preventing and/or hindering the spread of infectious agents. In one arrangement the device utilises a foam based reservoir in combination with a nonwoven fabric wicking layer and an elastomeric liquid delivery contact layer having valve like pore and/or slits; the combination provides for control of material delivery and longevity for the device in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: SURFACESKINS LIMITED
    Inventors: Stephen John Russell, Simon Geoffrey John Scott Harden, Adam David Walker, Christopher Edward Fowler
  • Patent number: 9849041
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a tampon includes the steps of at least partially overlaying a web of base material with a web of absorbent material. The web of absorbent material is secured to the web of base material with a first securement. At least one of the web of base material and the web of absorbent material is folded after the first securement. The web of absorbent material is further secured to the web of base material with a second securement that is a stronger securement than the first securement. The web of absorbent material and the web of base material together define a web of cover material. The web of cover material is applied to an absorbent structure. The web of cover material and the absorbent structure is manipulated such that the web of cover material extends about a circumference of the absorbent structure to form a tampon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Nicholas Scott Wolter, Charles Robert Tomsovic, Wayne D. Beyer, Ronald A. Hilt, Joshua Fiedorowicz, Brian Alberts, Martin Gottvald, Steven Craig Gehling
  • Patent number: 9801764
    Abstract: A disposable wearing article includes a urination region to be in contact with a urination unit of the wearer, a buttocks region to be in contact with buttocks of the wearer, and an absorbent sheet which includes an absorbent polymer sandwiched between liquid-impermeable layers. The absorbent sheet is disposed in the buttocks region but not in the urination region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: UNICHARM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takaya Arayama, Hirotomo Mukai
  • Patent number: 9789011
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed, in part, to an absorbent article comprising a liquid management system (LMS) and an absorbent core disposed at least partially intermediate a topsheet and a backsheet. The LMS defines one or more channels therein. The one or more channels of the LMS may at least partially overlap or not overlap with channels defined in the absorbent core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Donald Carroll Roe, Kathy Quinlan Ames-Ooten, Blanca Arizti, Julia Boesel, Aniruddha Chatterjee, Nelson Edward Greening, II, Sharon Irene Grenberg, Carsten Heinrich Kreuzer, Cornelia Beate Martynus, Marie Brigid O'Reilly, Rodrigo Rosati, Sandra Sautter, Beate Simon, Lutz Stelzig, Rachael Eden Walther
  • Patent number: 9789013
    Abstract: An absorbent article having improved leakage protection when the wearer of the absorbent article is lying on their side. The absorbent article has a surge layer in liquid communication with a portion of the garment facing region and a portion of a side edge of the absorbent core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC
    Inventors: David Fleger Bishop, Brooke Ashley Berg, Angela Ann Johnston, Marcille Faye Ruman, Stephen Carl Baumgartner, Mary Alice Berceau, Joseph Daniel Coenen, Richard Norris Dodge, II, Adrienne Rae Loyd, Connie May McMorrow, Sara Jane Wille Stabelfeldt, Katherine Carol Shaw
  • Patent number: 9744081
    Abstract: An improved tampon has a tampon body and a removal string, having a length (L) between a first end and second end permanently affixed at or along at least one first end of the string to the tampon body and wherein the second end is looped back into the tampon body and attached thereto to form a shortened single loop. The second end can be permanently attached or removably attached to the tampon body and the single loop extends from the tampon body a distance (D) less than half the length (L) of the removal string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Inventor: Robbin Field Riordan
  • Patent number: 9724250
    Abstract: A unitary fabric structure for use within a personal care absorbent article includes a composite of at least two functional components for fluid intake. The two functional components include a fibrous, liner functional component and at least one fibrous, surge functional component. The functional components are positioned immediately adjacent one another within the composite and held together directly to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Margaret G. Latimer, John H. Conrad, Andrea S. Clewley
  • Patent number: 9687392
    Abstract: An absorbent article. The absorbent article includes a topsheet having a body contacting surface, a backsheet joined to said topsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, wherein the absorbent core has an upper layer and a lower layer. The lower layer has two density zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Christopher Philip Bewick-Sonntag, Miguel Alvaro Robles
  • Patent number: 9681998
    Abstract: Provided is an underpants-type disposable diaper that is improved in a fit to a part from the intergluteal cleft to the crotch of a wearer and less prone to give a wearer a puffy and discomfort feeling at a crotch portion during wearing, provided is an underpants-type disposable diaper, wherein the back body part has at an intergluteal cleft facing portion a bending fit portion which is bent so as to enter into the intergluteal cleft of a wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: DAIO PAPER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuki Nakano, Asami Kobori
  • Patent number: 9668925
    Abstract: A disposable diaper having: an absorbent main body having an absorber; and an exterior body including an exterior body sheet which is disposed in an outward direction than the absorbent main body. On a face of an outer direction's side of the disposable diaper, an opening unit into which a finger can be inserted is formed. The exterior body has an overlap region which overlaps with an absorber, and the opening unit is provided in the overlap region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Unicharm Corporation
    Inventors: Hirotomo Mukai, Takeshi Shimazu
  • Patent number: 9662250
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article worn about the lower torso of a wearer includes at least one pair of side panels connecting a first waist region to a second waist region forming a waist opening and a pair of leg openings. Each side panel includes a waist region, a hip region and a leg region wherein the waist region, the hip region and the leg region differs structurally, functionally and visually to provide an improved initial fit and sustained fit while exhibiting a garment-like appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Donald Carroll Roe, Barry Robert Feist, Krista Beth Comstock, Lisa Jane Goodlander
  • Patent number: 9657217
    Abstract: Gellable treatment fluids comprising: an aqueous base fluid; a base polymer comprising an acrylamide monomer unit; an organic crosslinking agent comprising a crosslinkable polymer; and a gel-time modifier. The organic crosslinking agent comprising a crosslinkable selected from the group consisting of polyethyleneimine, polyvinylamine, any derivative thereof, any salt thereof, and any combination thereof. The gel-time modifier comprising at least one amino group, any salt thereof, any derivative thereof, or any combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: B. Raghava Reddy, Larry S. Eoff
  • Patent number: 9622916
    Abstract: An absorbent article such as disposable diaper, training pant, and adult incontinence undergarment comprising an absorbent structure comprising superabsorbent polymer particles, the article being able to absorb and contain body exudates and having improved absorption properties and therefore being able to reduce leakage, especially at the first gush, i.e. when the article starts to be wetted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Bruno Johannes Ehrnsperger, Marc Jennewein, Marion Lutsche, Andrea Peri, Maike Thomann
  • Patent number: 9615978
    Abstract: An excrement sensing device and a diaper with an excrement sensing device are provided. The diaper includes a detachable sensing part, an electronic part and a diaper main body. The detachable sensing part includes a first light guide structure and a second light guide structure. The electronic part includes a signal processor. A light guide gap is formed between two light guide openings of the first light guide structure and the second light guide structure. After the optical signal from the emitter is transmitted through the first light guide structure, the light guide gap and the second light guide structure, the optical signal is received by the receiver. When excrement enters the light guide gap, the optical signal is subjected to a change. In response to the change of the optical signal, the signal processor generates a warning signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: Yu-Chieh Lin
  • Patent number: 9597236
    Abstract: An absorption body intended to form part of an absorbent disposable article includes a first absorption layer intended to face towards the user upon use and a second absorption layer intended to face away from the user upon use. The first absorption layer has a longitudinal opening in the crotch area and the second absorption layer has a longitudinal compression arranged in the crotch area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Hanna Esping Östlin, Edward Guidotti
  • Patent number: 9592168
    Abstract: An absorbent article comprising an odor control material comprising at least one inclusion complex of cyclodextrin with an organic compound which is dispersed in a matrix comprising a polysiloxane oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Mariangela Caputi, Luigia D'Ercole, Remo Bellucci, Nicola D'Alesio, Jessica Marcuccitti, Adelia Alessandra Tordone, Victor Nicholas Vega
  • Patent number: 9563207
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of demand management for fluid networks. The method includes the steps of providing a computer controlled fluid network for delivery of fluid to at least one customer (14), maintaining a real time database (16) within the computer controlled fluid network of predetermined parameters, requesting a flow rate and time of delivery of said fluid from the fluid network through a user interface (22) to a customer (20), determining, using predetermined parameters from the real time database (16), the availability (24) of providing delivery of fluid from the fluid network to the customer (14) based on hydraulic capacity of the fluid network, and, if the hydraulic capacity is available, calculating parameters (38) using the real time database (16) to deliver fluid to the customer (14) through the computer controlled fluid network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Rubicon Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: David John Aughton, Sumith Choy
  • Patent number: 9555151
    Abstract: A system for managing female incontinence includes a body of biocompatible material configured to fit between the labia minora and the vestibule floor, the body having a surface configured to occlude the urethral meatus, an adhesive carried on at least a first portion of the surface and configured to provide a sealing engagement between the body and the urethral meatus, and wherein at least the adhesive includes a water gradient silicone hydrogel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: SOFT HEALTH TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: John M. Taylor, Thomas J. Berryman