Absorbent Pad For External Or Internal Application And Supports Therefor (e.g., Catamenial Devices, Diapers, Etc.) Patents (Class 604/358)
  • Patent number: 7980001
    Abstract: Fabric conditioner dispensers capable of being maintained with one hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Toan Trinh, Samuel James Morris, III, Lawrence Andrew Schumacher, John William Smith
  • Patent number: 7972319
    Abstract: A wearing article capable of suppressing the occurrence of a loss of materials and an increase of the cost of facilities and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. A wearing article includes a waist portion (3) formed in a ring shape capable of continuously surrounding the waist of the wearer and using one of openings as a waist opening (9), and a crotch portion (4) joined to the waist portion (3) across an opening on the opposite side to the waist opening (9) so that the crotch portion (4) and the waist portion (3) define a pair of leg openings (10) for the wearer to put through his legs individually. Shirring is formed in the crotch portion (4) so as to shorten the distance between the mutually opposing inner surfaces of the waist portion (3) connected to each other by the crotch portion (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Zuiko Corporation
    Inventors: Toyoshi Umebayashi, Shuhei Kurata
  • Patent number: 7967801
    Abstract: An absorbent article having a liquid pervious topsheet having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion differs in structure from the second portion. The topsheet has a longitudinal centerline and a transverse centerline. The second portion has a first structurally modified zone and a second structurally modified zone. The first structurally modified zone and the second structurally modified zone are on opposing sides of the longitudinal centerline and the first structurally modified zone and the second structurally modified zone are on opposing sides of an axis parallel to the transverse centerline. The first structurally modified zone and the second structurally modified zone are spaced apart from one another. The first structurally modified zone and the second structurally modified zone together make up more than about 10% of the area of the topsheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: John Lee Hammons, Luisa Valerio Gonzalez, Sybille Fuchs
  • Publication number: 20110152803
    Abstract: Provided are compositions for repelling fluids comprising a volatile liquid carrier, a powder-feel agent and less than 5 weight % of an ester selected from the group consisting of formula I, formula II, formula III, and combinations of two or more thereof: wherein R1, R2, R3, R5, R6, R8 and R9 are independently linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted, saturated or unsaturated, C3-C22 alkyl or alkenyl groups, R4 is a linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted, saturated or unsaturated, C3-C22 alkylene or alkenylene moiety, and R7 is a linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted, saturated or unsaturated C3-C22 moiety, the composition being substantially anhydrous. Also provided are methods of improving dryness and/or comfort associated with the intimate area, as well as, kits comprising the composition and an absorbent article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Kofi A. Bissah, Ricardo De Oliveira, Saurabh Desai, Joseph J. LiBrizzi, Thong Ngyuen, Shoba Pillai
  • Publication number: 20110150558
    Abstract: A kit including a product dispenser assembly and an absorbent article, the assembly including a container housing having a head portion and an internal chamber for holding a composition, the head portion including a plurality of apertures, a moveable member structured to enable a user to selectively deploy the composition from within the internal chamber through the plurality of apertures, a cap assembly, a first absorbent pad arranged on top of the head portion for receiving the composition as it is deployed from the container, a plurality of absorbent pads arranged in a stacked configuration within cap assembly, each of the plurality of pads being adapted to be sequentially arranged on top of the head portion after the first removable pad has used to apply the composition and then removed by the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Kofi A. Bissah, Ricardo De Oliveira, Saurabh Desai, Paul Y. Fung, Joseph J. LiBrizzi, Thong Nguyen, Shoba Pillai
  • Patent number: 7959619
    Abstract: Disposable hygiene pants with a front portion (2), a rear portion (3) and a crotch portion (4) provided with two leg openings (5, 6), the longitudinal edge portions (21, 22) of the front portion being connected by longitudinal weld seams (7, 8) to the longitudinal edge portions (31, 32) of the rear portion (3) in order to form a waist opening (9) and two leg openings (5, 6) in the crotch portion, which leg openings are outwardly delimited in the transverse direction by the inner end portions of the weld seams as seen in the longitudinal direction of the hygiene pants. The hygiene pants have an outer cover (10) and comprise an absorption unit (11). The cover is preferably made of an elastic laminate. The weld seams (7, 8) are each reinforced by at least one reinforcing strip (15, 16) containing thermoplastic fibers and have a tensile strength, in a direction transverse to the weld seam, in excess of 5 N/25.4 mm at least in the portions reinforced with said nonwoven strip (15, 16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Cartier, Christian Dumas, Hans Een, Marcus Lehto, Lucas Back
  • Patent number: 7959616
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a stretchable sleeve having a medicinal section that can be loaded with a medicinal composition and a perforated section comprising a plurality of openings, wherein the medicinal section and the perforated section overlap, and wherein the sleeve is sized so that the interior surface of the medicinal section comfortably fits a body portion and the medicinal section contacts the body portion at the site of pain. Embodiments of the invention also provide methods for preparing a sleeve by applying a medicinal composition to the inner surface of the medicinal section through the openings at the perforated section. Embodiments of the invention also provide methods for relieving pain in a body portion by pulling the sleeve in an outside-out configuration straight up a body portion without having to roll and flip its exterior surface outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventors: Eugene Choi, Dong Hwan Choi, Mun Seok Han
  • Patent number: 7956235
    Abstract: In some forms of the invention, an absorbent article (e.g., training pants) includes an impermeable cover, an absorbent body and a temperature change member disposed with the absorbent body. The absorbent article further includes a liquid retarding member that is disposed with the temperature change member to temporarily maintain liquid in the temperature change member. The liquid retarding member is formed of a liquid dispersible material such that the liquid retarding member eventually dissolves in the liquid and flows into the absorbent body. In other forms, the absorbent article includes a liquid retarding member that is adjacent to a temperature change member which is formed of a matrix of fibers. The liquid retarding member has a hydrohead that is less than about 0.13 pounds per inch squared such that the liquid retarding member temporarily maintains at least some of the liquid in proximity to the temperature change member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew M. Long, Davis Dang Hoang Nhan, Steven Rashad Inabinet
  • Patent number: 7947467
    Abstract: A method for identifying physiological conditions associated with the pH or the buffer capacities of biological fluid secreted from a person, by providing a secretion-monitoring article of a body that includes an absorbent material for absorbing a biological fluid secreted from a person and an indicator system having a hydrophobic chemical composition that includes an indicator agent and an ion-balance reagent, at specific relative amounts. Optionally, a competitive agent for establishing a pre-set threshold of an analyte of interest in a tested bodily fluid, is added to the indicator system, wherein the indicator reagent being charged oppositely to the analyte of interest and the competitive reagent having the same charge as the indicator reagent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Common Sense Ltd.
    Inventors: Amnon Kritzman, Nitsa G. Nachshon, Yael Behar, David Brusilovsky, Menashe Terem, Adva Brand
  • Patent number: 7943699
    Abstract: Disclosed are films, tapes, and melt-spun fibers prepared from a composition comprising (a) at least one polyester polymer and (b) from about 1 to 30 weight % of at least one ethylene copolymer such as ethylene/vinyl acetate dipolymers, ethylene/vinyl acetate terpolymers, ethylene/alkyl (meth)acrylate dipolymers, ethylene/alkyl (meth)acrylate terpolymers, functionalized ethylene copolymers, ethylene/acid copolymers, and salts thereof. The films, tapes and fibers exhibit improved tensile properties such as tensile strength and elongation at break compared to non-modified polyester compositions. Also disclosed are textiles and articles prepared from the fibers described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Loic Pierre Rolland, Sam Louis Samuels
  • Publication number: 20110099693
    Abstract: A woman's undergarment (10) which hides the impression of a camel toe when worn beneath formfitting or tight fitting clothing. A panty has a pad (14) insertable into an enclosure (12) formed in the panty. The enclosure is sealed once the pad is fitted in it. The pad is shaped to substantially conform to the that of a woman's pubic area so to prevent an impression of the pubic area from showing through the panty and any clothing worn over the panty.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventor: Karen Pratt
  • Patent number: 7935209
    Abstract: A protective covering constructed from an electrostatically charged sheet having a top and bottom surface and an absorbent layer. The absorbent layer has top and bottom surfaces, the bottom surface of the absorbent layer being bonded to the top surface of the electrostatically charged sheet. The absorbent layer is divided into a plurality of cells for containing liquid spilled on the absorbent layer. The absorbent layer can be constructed from paper, open cell foam, fibrous mat, or any other absorbent material. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cells are constructed by providing hydrophobic barriers in the absorbent layer. The barriers can be constructed from paraffin, plastic, or any other material that can penetrate the absorbent layer. In one embodiment of the present invention, a hydrophobic layer is bonded to the top surface of the absorbent layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Inventor: Calvin B. Ward
  • Patent number: 7935099
    Abstract: An SBS based construction adhesive that includes an amount of SIS adhesive to make an SBS/SIS adhesive that shows excellent shear hang time values when used to manufacture disposable absorbent articles. The SBS/SIS adhesive is applied in a spiral pattern having a particular width and frequency to form an endflap seal that may reduce the likelihood of a gel on skin occurrence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Shunketsu Sue, Ebrahim Rezai, Ravindra Palitha Ranatunga
  • Patent number: 7931957
    Abstract: Described are fiber materials having improved malodor scavenger properties and a process for the manufacture of said materials. In particular, described are fiber materials usable in the manufacture of disposable or washable diapers, incontinent products, sanitary napkins and other such hygiene and personal care articles with improved malodor scavenger properties, and to methods of manufacturing such materials. It has been found that the incorporation of, especially nanosized, metal particles and/or a cyclodextrin material into fibers creates a “reactive” material having excellent malodor scavenging properties. More specifically, it has been found that the presence of nanosized metal or metal alloy particles and/or a cyclodextrin material in a fiber material, preferably a synthetic polymer material and more preferably a synthetic thermoplastic polymer fiber material leads to fiber materials or nonwovens having odor-controlling properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Cellresin Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Will Wood, Neil Beaverson
  • Patent number: 7910195
    Abstract: A sanitary napkin comprising a topsheet having a body-facing side and comprising a plurality of discrete tufts of fibrous material. The topsheet has a lotion composition applied to at least a portion of the body-facing side thereof. An absorbent core is in fluid communication with the topsheet, the absorbent core having an average thickness of less than about 10 mm, and a free absorbent capacity of from about 4 to about 125 grams per gram.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: John Lee Hammons, John Richard Noel, Raphael Warren
  • Patent number: 7910794
    Abstract: A novel spray-on adhesive composition is made from a high melt index polymer and a rosin ester tackifier that interact to produce a composition that can form a low VOC, non-tacky, hot melt adhesive material that can be used in disposable article manufacture. The adhesive provides surprisingly high initial adhesion. Additionally, the adhesive is thermally stable at hot melt application conditions, low in cost, easily applied, and produces high quality disposable articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Adherent Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas H. Quinn, William L. Bunnelle
  • Patent number: 7910795
    Abstract: A technique for imparting latent elasticity to components of an absorbent article is provided. More specifically, a latent elastic film that contains a crosslinkable semi-crystalline polyolefin is initially incorporated into an absorbent article. The film is not highly elastic prior to crosslinking and is thus dimensionally stable. Consequently, the film need not be maintained in a mechanically stretched condition during attachment to other components of the absorbent article, which provides for greater freedom in the location and manner in which the components are attached together. Once incorporated into the absorbent article, the semi-crystalline polyolefin is crosslinked to form a three-dimensional network having elastic memory. The film may also be heat activated, either through crosslinking or an additional step, to cause the film to shrink and further improve its stretch characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Oomman P. Thomas, C. Allen Smith, James Austin
  • Publication number: 20110066124
    Abstract: A multilayer medical sponge resists damage from medical tools such as spinning drill bits and medical lasers while remaining compliant and producible in small sizes. The multilayer medical sponge includes an absorbent layer and a resistant layer. The resistant layer may include a drill-resistant material, a laser-reflective material, both types of materials, or a single material that provides both drill-resistant and laser-reflective characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventor: Weiru Shao
  • Patent number: 7905872
    Abstract: An absorbent article may comprise a topsheet, a backsheet joined with the topsheet, an absorbent core interposed between the topsheet and backsheet; and one or more article elements selected from the group consisting of an anal cuff, an elasticized topsheet, a fastening system, a leg cuff, a waist elastic feature, a side panel, an ear, and combinations thereof. The article elements may comprise a slow recovery stretch laminate exhibiting an unload force at 37° C. of about 0.16 N/(g/m) or greater and a percent of initial strain after 15 seconds of recovery at 22° C. of about 10% or greater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Robin Lynn McKiernan, Bryn Hird, Edward Joseph Urankar, Janet Neton
  • Publication number: 20110060296
    Abstract: A wound covering is described herein and which includes a flexible substrate having first and second portions which are affixed together, and moveable one relative to the other, and wherein the second portion is, at least in part, optically transparent, and permits the viewing of a wound site on a patient; and an at least partially rigid member mounted on the first portion, and extends outwardly relative to the first portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventors: Judson Threlkeld, Joseph Hare
  • Publication number: 20110060301
    Abstract: To apply a colored recess part to an absorbent article such as sanitary napkin without worsening the soft and comfortable touch to skin and allowing the colorant from coming into direct contact with the skin of a wearer. An absorbent article comprising a liquid-permeable sheet, a liquid-impermeable sheet, and an absorber sandwiched between the liquid-permeable sheet and the liquid-impermeable sheet, wherein a recess part is provided in the liquid-permeable sheet, at least a portion provided with the recess part has a colored layer in contact with the back surface of the liquid-permeable sheet, and the recess part appears in a color different from the portion other than the recess part. The recess part is provided by stacking the liquid-permeable sheet and the colored layer and applying embossing from the liquid-permeable sheet side to the region where the colored layer is present.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: UNICHARM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kumiko Nishikawa, Yuki Noda, Kenichiro Kuroda
  • Publication number: 20110046586
    Abstract: It is intended to provide a composite sheet which is excellent in comfort to the skin face when used in an absorbent article such as a disposable diaper. A composite sheet (1) fabricated by bonding stretchable nonwoven fabric (2) to a non-stretchable sheet (3) using an adhesive (4). The stretchable nonwoven fabric (2) is bonded in the stretched state to the non-stretchable sheet. The composite sheet (1) has a contact area ratio of 65% or more and an air permeation resistance of 0.20 KPa·s/m or less. By satisfying these numerical requirements, the composite sheet shows excellent sweat absorption properties and air permeability when used as a constituting member of an absorbent article such as a disposable diaper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: Yusuke Kawakami, Kozo Abe, Minako Sagisaka
  • Publication number: 20110034891
    Abstract: A process is provided for making a fluff pulp sheet, comprising forming a web comprising fluff pulp fibers; and applying at least one debonder surfactant to the web, to make the fluff pulp sheet. A fluff pulp sheet is also provided, comprising a web comprising fluff pulp fibers; at least one debonder surfactant; and a fiberization energy of <145 kJ/kg. Products and uses of the fluff pulp sheet are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY
    Inventors: Jianer Jiang, James E. Sealey
  • Patent number: 7884259
    Abstract: An absorbent article including a fiber aggregate formed by opening the tow, a super absorbent polymer particle, and a sheet covering these components. The super absorbent polymer particle are bonded to the sheet with an adhesive that is applied in a continuous plane to the entire surface or the substantially entire surface at least at the portion to be provided with the super absorbent polymer particle in this sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Daio Paper Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Hanao, Taira Kubo, Yoshiharu Miyashita, Tomotsugu Matsui, Akinori Fukae, Toshikazu Maeda, Hiroyuki Yano, Takeshi Furudoi
  • Patent number: 7880052
    Abstract: An absorbent article having an absorbent structure sized and configured for insertion at least partially within the vestibule of a female wearer. The absorbent structure has a saturation capacity as determined by a Saturation Capacity and Retention Capacity Test of at least about 15 grams/gram, a retention capacity as determined by the Saturation Capacity and Retention Capacity Test of at least about 3 grams/gram, and an intake time for a first insult of the absorbent structure as determined by an Intake and Rewet Test of no more than about 30 seconds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason M. English, Richard J. Hantke, Heather A. Sorebo
  • Patent number: 7875013
    Abstract: A Feminine Hygiene Pad Comprising having a wide forward portion which is at least one and half times the length of a narrow rear, tail-like portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Inventor: Ilse Rubio
  • Patent number: 7867209
    Abstract: There is provided a tampon pledget that includes one or more enhanced features that result in the pledget exhibiting increased bypass leakage prevention. These enhanced features may include, but are not limited to, geometry, absorption, and any combinations thereof. There is also provided one or more methods for constructing a tampon pledget having increased bypass leakage protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Playtex Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Jorgensen, Keith Edgett
  • Patent number: 7867210
    Abstract: In a disposable absorbent article structured such that an article body is composed of at least a top sheet arrange in a front face side, a back sheet arranged in a back face side and an absorber interposed between both of top sheet and back sheet, and a feces pocket is provided in a hip contact portion of the article body, wherein an opening portion of the feces pocket is covered with a mesh sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Daio Paper Corporation
    Inventors: Yosuke Mori, Shinichi Kouno, Tomoka Kamoto
  • Patent number: 7867623
    Abstract: Polymeric particles capable of absorbing blood and/or body fluids, the polymeric particles being coated with at least one surfactant and with at least one solvent, are produced and used for absorbing blood and/or body fluids, especially in hygiene articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Inventors: Antje Ziemer, Bernhard Steinmetz, Michael Demarco, Monika Medelnick
  • Publication number: 20100331799
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for producing an absorbent article are provided. Graphics are printed on a substrate, where consecutive graphics are separated in the machine direction by a first repeat pitch length. The substrate is activated, or incrementally stretched, in a first direction to define a second repeat pitch distance. The second repeat pitch distance is substantially equal to the pitch length of the absorbent article pitch length. The substrate is activated, or incrementally stretched, in the machine direction subsequent to printing to increase the repeat pitch distance. The substrate may be activated in the cross direction to increase the width of the substrate. Only portions of the substrate may undergo activation. The activation may be performed with rollers and/or stamping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventor: Uwe Schneider
  • Patent number: 7857797
    Abstract: Disclosed is a sanitary napkin including a liquid absorbent layer and a liquid-permeable topsheet covering a body surface of the liquid absorbent layer. The topsheet is joined to the liquid absorbent layer in a specific pattern. The pattern includes longitudinal join lines which extend longitudinally and are laterally spaced from each other and a connecting join line which connects the longitudinal join lines. The liquid absorbent layer has a low stiffness portion in a region enclosed by the longitudinal join lines and the connecting join line. The liquid absorbent layer has a lower stiffness in the low stiffness portion than in portions outside the longitudinal join lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Jun Kudo, Takuya Miyama
  • Patent number: 7855314
    Abstract: An Absorber and an absorbent article including a fiber aggregate wherein a tow composed of fibers is used as the fiber aggregate, and the compression resilience RC is 45 to 60%. Also, the fiber aggregate has a density of 0.0075 g/cm3 or less, weight of 0.0075 g/cm2 or less and a mass of 1 to 15 grams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Daio Paper Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Hanao, Taira Kubo, Yoshiharu Miyashita, Tomotsugu Matsui, Akinori Fukae, Toshikazu Maeda, Hiroyuki Yano, Takeshi Furudoi
  • Patent number: 7851666
    Abstract: The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles including one or more discrete components. Representative discrete components include the nonwoven layer of the outer cover, the absorbent core, the bodyside liner, fasteners, ears and attachment panels. The discrete components include a material having a Surface Topographic Variance value of 30 micrometers or greater. The material includes a printed block having a Printed Block Sensor Value that is about three times greater than a Sensor Value for the area of the material outside of the printed block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Russell Belau, Robert David Forrester, Michael John Flattum, Paula Cardinahl Winkel, Bernhardt Edward Kressner
  • Patent number: 7851667
    Abstract: An absorbent article, preferably a disposable absorbent article such as a diaper, is disclosed that provides an improved immobilization of absorbent polymer material when the article is fully or partially urine loaded. This absorbent core is useful for providing an absorbent article of increased wearing comfort. Specifically disclosed is an absorbent core useful for an absorbent article comprising a substrate layer and absorbent material, the absorbent material comprising an absorbent polymer material, the absorbent material optionally comprising absorbent fibrous material, the absorbent fibrous material not representing more than 20% of the weight of absorbent polymer material, wherein the absorbent material is immobilized when wet such that the absorbent core achieves a wet immobilization of more than 50%, preferably of more than 60%, 70%, 80% or 90% according to the Wet Immobilization Test described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Uwe Jurgen Becker, Ludwig Busam, Bruno Johannes Ehrnsperger, Torsten Lindner, Siegfried Link, Volker Maier, Sanaul Kabir Siddiquee, Gabriele Stiehl, Thomas Tombuelt
  • Patent number: 7850672
    Abstract: An absorbent article such as a diaper, an incontinence guard, a sanitary napkin or the like, includes a liquid permeable upper surface and an absorbent structure, which in the longitudinal direction exhibits a crotch portion and two end portions, wherein the absorbent structure has an acquisition layer and at least one first storage layer. The first storage layer has at least 50 percent by weight of a super absorbent material calculated on the total weight of the first storage layer. The material of the first storage layer in a dry condition has a density exceeding 0.4 g/cm3. Further, the first storage layer at least in the crotch portion of the absorbent structure has apertures or recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Ted Guidotti, Gunnar Edwardsson, Malin Eliasson
  • Publication number: 20100312205
    Abstract: Anti-tack additives for elastic fibers and methods of preparing the same are included. The elastic fibers include a substituted cellulose additive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: INVISTA North America S.a r.l.
    Inventors: Kenneth Edward MARTIN, Ronald D. BING-WO, Robert L. LOCK
  • Publication number: 20100299805
    Abstract: A full coverage, over the head, disposable medical gown is described. The gown includes a front member, a left rear member, and a right rear member. The left rear member and the right rear member are folded over the front member to define a body portion of the gown. The left rear member and the right rear member are attached to one another to define a neck opening for the gown. This attachment occurs in an area that lies between the neck and the shoulder blades of a person wearing the gown. At least one of said left rear member and said right rear member includes perforations therein that extend from the neck opening to an edge of the respective rear member proximate the attachment area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventor: Joseph A. Graneto, III
  • Patent number: 7838155
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous electrolyte solution absorber including an aqueous electrolyte solution absorbent polymer obtained by introducing a hydrophilic polar group to a water insoluble polymer and a material to be sucked. The aqueous electrolyte solution absorber is produced by filling a water permeable bag type member with the aqueous electrolyte solution absorbent polymer obtained by introducing the hydrophilic polar group to the water insoluble polymer and a material to be sucked. The aqueous electrolyte solution absorber is inexpensive and has a high safety, a broad applicable range and a good handling property upon transportation or storage. Thus, a large amount of aqueous electrolyte solution absorbers can be rapidly conveyed at one time even to a risky place where persons are endangered to convey the absorbers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhito Inagaki, Haruo Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7837663
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a visual indicating device and an article for controlling odors, in particular foot, garbage, basement, cooking, pet, tobacco, feces and urine odors. The article comprises a visual indicating agent that is color sensitive to the odor, and optionally, an odor absorbing agent. The visual indicating agent changes color when the article has been exposed to a sufficient amount of odor to saturate the article. The indicating agent may be applied in differing concentrations to two or more zones so as to indicate to a user of the article how much of the odor absorbing capacity has been used, or conversely, how much of the odor absorbing capacity remains. Suitable visual indicating agents that change color in response to odors are also described. The article for controlling odors may be a disposable odor absorbing sheet, air freshening product, diaper, undergarment pad, face mask, air filtration device, sanitary napkin, tampon, panty shield or incontinence pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: John Gavin MacDonald, RameshBabu Boga, Jaeho Kim, Bao Trong Do, Irene Kuznetsov
  • Patent number: 7825291
    Abstract: An absorbent article 10 has front 12, crotch 14 and rear 16 portions. The article has an absorbent core 18 of unitary construction and of uniform density, which is defined by a pair of opposing longitudinal edges 20;22 and a pair of opposing transverse edges 24;26. The absorbent core 18 has at least a first 28 and a second 30 region, the average thickness of the absorbent core 18 in these first and second regions 28, 30 being lower than the average thickness of the absorbent core 18 surrounding the first and second regions 28;30, the first and second lower thickness regions 28;30 being arranged symmetrically about the longitudinal center line A of the article such that each of the first and second lower thickness regions 28;30 extends to the respective longitudinal edge 20;22 of the absorbent core. The distance ax between the first and second lower thickness regions 28;30 in the transverse direction varying along the longitudinal direction of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Camilla Elfsberg, Leif Wallström
  • Publication number: 20100262093
    Abstract: A tracheostomy support apparatus incorporates a folded sheet of fabric into a pocket formed at one end of the folded sheet. The support apparatus includes a cradle on an outer surface for holding tubes, hoses, and medical equipment connected between a tracheostomy and adjacent equipment, such as a ventilator. The support apparatus cushions and supports the hoses and tubes associated with a tracheostomy but also absorbs fluids emanating from the tracheostomy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventor: James Ballenger
  • Publication number: 20100262091
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wound drainage covering for covering, by means of low pressure, a wound that is to be treated. The covering comprises at least two layers that are superimposed. A first layer that is applied on the side of the wound is made of a functional textile material and second layer that is arranged thereon is dimensionally stable and permeable to liquid. The wound drainage covering has a simple design and due to the functional first layer, is effective and ensures, due to the dimensionally stable second layer, an optimal removal of wound secretion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: MEDELA HOLDING AG
    Inventor: Michael Larsson
  • Patent number: 7812213
    Abstract: An absorbent article having a liquid-permeable cover sheet, a liquid-impermeable cover sheet, and an absorption body arranged between the cover sheets. The article defines a longitudinal direction, a front portion in the longitudinal direction, and a rear portion in the longitudinal direction. The upper cover sheet, together with an underlying wadding material, defines a laminate which, at least in the rear portion, is designed with at least one through-slit which defines an opening for passage of bodily excretions through the slit, and the slit is surrounded by binding areas which, together with a resilient action of the wadding material, define a raised area on the surface of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Anna-Gerd Doverbo, Robert Kling
  • Patent number: 7803980
    Abstract: A multi layered wound dressing which comprises an adhesive layer, an absorbent layer overlying said adhesive layer on the surface furthest from the wound, and a moisture transmitting cover layer overlying the absorbent layer, the dressing having a total thickness of less than 1.5 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: ConvaTec Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan Griffiths, David C. Pritchard, Elizabeth Jacques, Steven M. Bishop, Michael Lydon
  • Patent number: 7803146
    Abstract: A sweat-absorbent sheet includes a first surface layer, a second surface layer lying on the opposite side of the first surface layer and an intermediate layer sandwiched between these two layers. Each of the first and second surface layers comprises a mixture layer of first and second hydrophobic fibers made of thermoplastic synthetic resin as main constituent and first and second hydrophilic fibers. The intermediate layer comprises third hydrophilic fibers extending into at least one of the first and second hydrophobic fibers. The first and second hydrophobic fibers are bonded to the crimped to hydrophobic composite fibers mixed in the respective layers. The first, second and third hydrophilic fibers are impregnated with antibacterial or bactericidal medicinal ingredient and such medicinal ingredient is left behind on these hydrophilic fibers after these hydrophilic fibers have been dried.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuhiro Wada, Akiko Tange, Kiyoshi Miyazawa, Chieko Toyooka
  • Patent number: 7799048
    Abstract: A kit for packing and supporting the nasal cavities after surgical procedures performed on the nose comprising two inflatable non-elastomeric balloons (6?, 6?) and inflation means (27) arranged so that, in use, each balloon (6?, 6?) can be located in a nasal cavity and inflated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: ArthroCare Corporation
    Inventors: John Overton Hudson, Alberto Bauer
  • Patent number: 7795491
    Abstract: Surgical sponges and other articles are provided with machine-readable information which provides a serial number or other unique identification of the sponge. In addition, the machine-readable information will provide the type of article and/or a characteristic visual motif associated with the article. That way, by scanning in the machine-readable information from the sponges or other articles prior to a procedure, the computer or other digital processor can determine which articles may be missing after the procedure and alert the surgical team as to the type and/or characteristic visual motif of the missing article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Patient Safety Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian E. Stewart, Nicolas Soichet
  • Patent number: 7790947
    Abstract: An absorbent article has an absorbent material and an outer surface including an inhibitor which is partially bound to the absorbent material and substantially inhibits the colonization of bacteria within the absorbent article. An absorbent article has an absorbent material. The absorbent material has an outer surface. The absorbent article includes a pre-toxin limiting agent which is partially bound to the absorbent material and substantially retards the production of bacteria-produced toxins by the bacteria residing within the absorbent article. An absorbent article has an absorbent material. The absorbent material has an outer surface. The absorbent article includes a toxin enclosing agent. The toxin enclosing agent substantially inhibits the migration of toxin outwardly from within the absorbent article towards the outer surface of the absorbent article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Donna Rene Hill, Thomas Ward Osborn, III, Catherine Cornick Davis
  • Patent number: 7790640
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to absorbent articles. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an absorbent article comprising a surge management layer comprising a nonwoven web. The nonwoven web includes a filler fiber and a binder fiber. A portion of the cross-sectional area of the filler fiber is hollow, and the binder fiber includes a sheath component and a core component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Jayant Chakravarty, Vasily A. Topolkaraev, Cliff J. Ellis
  • Publication number: 20100222755
    Abstract: Described herein is a meltspun laminate comprising two or more layers of meltspun fabrics, wherein layers that are adjacent to one another are in situ entangled with one another to define an interfacial region of mixed fibers between the layers. Also described herein is a method of making a meltspun in situ laminate comprising simultaneously meltspinning two or more polymer melts adjacent to one another to form adjacent fabrics, wherein layers that are adjacent to one another are in situ entangled with one another to form an interfacial region of mixed fibers between the layers. Also described herein is a meltspinning apparatus comprising one or more dies, each die comprising two or more meltspinning zones, wherein each zone comprises a plurality of nozzles that are fluidly connected to the corresponding zone, and wherein each zone is fluidly connected to a melt extruder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventor: Alistair Duncan Westwood