Absorbent Pad For External Or Internal Application And Supports Therefor (e.g., Catamenial Devices, Diapers, Etc.) Patents (Class 604/358)
  • Patent number: 7402722
    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: March 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Donna Rene Hill, Thomas Ward Osborn, III, Catherine Cornick Davis
  • Publication number: 20080161766
    Abstract: Described herein is a side panel for sanitary articles that can be worn as pants, such as baby diapers or sanitary towels, with a main body, which can assume a general U-shaped configuration, with end parts arranged on the front and on the back of the body of the user, and with at least one aforesaid side panel for connecting the aforesaid end parts on each side of the user. The side panel has an as a whole tapered pattern starting from a proximal edge to be fixed on the main body of the article and a distal edge carrying a connection formation for closing the article itself around the waistline of the user. The panel has, in connection with the proximal edge and distal edge, two end sides inclined with respect to the general direction of extension of the aforesaid proximal edge and distal edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: FAMECCANICA.DATA S.P.A.
    Inventors: Gabriele SABLONE, Massimiliano LOMBARDI, Cristian GIULIANI, Dario GALANTE
  • Publication number: 20080159990
    Abstract: The invention has for its object to provide a porous material capable of relieving the lymphocyte proliferation inhibition in lymphocyte culture and improving the proliferative nature of lymphocytes as well as a method for proliferating lymphocytes and a method for producing lymphocytes each of which utilizes such porous material. The invention relates to a porous material for body fluid treatment for promoting lymphocyte proliferation in lymphocyte culture which contains a high-molecular compound having an angle of contact with water within the range of 40° to 98 °; and a porous material for body fluid treatment which comprises activated carbon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: KANEKA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akira Kobayashi, Shinya Yoshida, Katsuo Noguchi
  • Publication number: 20080154225
    Abstract: Hemicellulose fibers, more particularly to non-naturally occurring fibers incorporating hemicellulose, processes for making same and fibrous structures incorporating same are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventor: Dean Van Phan
  • Publication number: 20080154221
    Abstract: A package has plurality of pouches that are separable by the line of weakness, one pouch contains unused feminine hygiene article and other pouch is capable of receiving used feminine hygiene article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventor: Kelly Thornton
  • Publication number: 20080147026
    Abstract: An absorbent fiber includes a cellulose fiber that has been modified via chemical modification, where the chemical modification is selected from carboxymethylation, sulfonation, sulfation or phosphonation. The absorbent fiber can be substantially water-insoluble and water-swellable. The absorbent fiber exhibits a Centrifuge Retention Capacity after four hours of between 1.4 and 8 grams per gram and an absorption rate between 0.0001 and 0.01 sec?1. Absorbent articles having a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core can also include the absorbent fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Jian Qin, Richard Norris Dodge, Peter Robert Elliker
  • Publication number: 20080147024
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to personal care products such as diapers, training pants, feminine care articles, incontinence articles, bandages, and the like, that have been treated to enhance liquid intake and distribution performance characteristics and reduce leakage. Advantageously, the treated personal care products described herein not only reduce the viscosity and elasticity of viscoelastic fluids that come in contact with the treated product, but also reduce the fouling effect of such fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: David Charles Potts, Jack Nelson Lindon
  • Publication number: 20080147031
    Abstract: An array of disposable absorbent garments include reagents that can detect the presence of one or more medical conditions through the detection of various substances in urine or feces. The garments of the array may, in addition to or in the alternative, detect physical measurements such as hydration levels or the remaining liquid-capacity of the garment/urine volume in the garment. The garments of the array may vary in size, types of included reagents and/or ability to detect physical measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Andrew M. Long, Thomas K. Dixon
  • Publication number: 20080147025
    Abstract: A disposable garment for wearing about the lower torso employs pleats or folds in the waist region of the garment allowing the hip region to expand. The pleats are secured in a bond zone at the waist. An absorbent assembly is attached at the waist region and is free to expand at the hip region of the garment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Paul T. Van Gompel, LuAnn M. Beckman, Eric John R. Gilgenbach, John T. Hahn
  • Publication number: 20080147027
    Abstract: An absorbent article having improved fecal matter handling, especially with respect to mushy and/or pasty fecal matter, is generally disclosed, along with methods of making the same. A composite bodyside liner can reduce the amount of fecal matter that remains on the skin of a wearer after removal of the absorbent article from the wearer. In one embodiment, the bodyside liner can include only a fluid pervious liner layer. In another embodiment, the bodyside liner can include a fluid pervious liner layer and a surge layer. A fecal adhering treatment composition is applied to at least a portion of the bodyside liner to reduce the amount of fecal matter that remains on the skin of the wearer after the absorbent article is removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Lisa M. Sanabria, Eugenio G. Varona
  • Publication number: 20080134639
    Abstract: A packaged diaper that is compact and portable comprises a diaper that is vacuum-packaged. The packaged diaper is dimensioned to fit within the pocket of an article of clothing to be worn on one's person. The vacuum-packaged diaper includes packaging made from a substantially flexible, substantially air impermeable material; and a diaper contained within said packaging in a compressed condition. The packaging is hermetically sealed and a negative pressure exists within said packaging such that said diaper is maintained in the compressed condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Nadia Corlett
  • Publication number: 20080135442
    Abstract: Vacuum packed absorbent articles including diapers, kits thereof, and retail packages including vacuum packed and non vacuum packed absorbent articles are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: DIAPEROOS, LLC
    Inventor: Alan Kay Snell
  • Publication number: 20080134638
    Abstract: A packaged diaper that is compact and portable comprises a diaper that is vacuum-packaged. The packaged diaper is dimensioned to fit within the pocket of an article of clothing to be worn on one's person. The vacuum-packaged diaper includes packaging made from a substantially flexible, substantially air impermeable material; and a diaper contained within said packaging in a compressed condition. The packaging is hermetically sealed and a negative pressure exists within said packaging such that said diaper is maintained in the compressed condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Nadia Corlett
  • Publication number: 20080140040
    Abstract: A breast milk absorbent pad includes elastically stretchable/contractible members arranged along transversely opposite side edges of the pad. Corners where one of the transversely opposite side edges and one of the longitudinally opposite end edges of a pad-chassis join are folded to a non-skin-contactable side. The breast milk absorbent pad is packed in a package with the corners folded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: UNI-CHARM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hikari Kawakami, Michiyo Fujikawa
  • Publication number: 20080127394
    Abstract: A garment having a cushion material, such as neoprene applied to be inserted into a pocket of the garment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventor: Tammany Paige Atkinson
  • Publication number: 20080132857
    Abstract: An animal incontinence device comprises a base layer of a liquid-impervious polymer film, an intermediate absorbent layer comprising superabsorbent polymer particles intermediate a plurality of layers of tissue, and a top layer comprising a porous, hydrophilic, woven or non-woven polymer fiber mat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: Principle Business Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew J. Szypka
  • Patent number: 7378565
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for modifying the physical characteristics of a web which involves passing the web between at least one pair of interengaged rolls to incrementally stretch the web, and then withdrawing the incrementally stretched web from between the rolls under tension. A web modified according to the disclosed method has desirable breathability and liquid impermeability, as well as extensibility and a soft, cloth-like textured surface. One embodiment of the present invention provides a breathable web comprising a microporous film exhibiting an MVTR of at least about 2000 g/m2/24 hr, a dynamic impact value of less than about 10 g/m2, a bubble pressure at least about 45 psi, and an air flow of at least about 2 liters/m2/s.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Barry Jay Anderson, Todd Leon Mansfield, George Christopher Dobrin, Suna Polat
  • Patent number: 7358204
    Abstract: The nonwoven web 10 of the present invention is a layered structure that takes advantage of the beneficial properties of different types of fibers advantageously distributed in each layer. In particular, the present invention is a multi-layer nonwoven web suitable for use as a wet wipe, the web having a first fibrous outer layer comprising from about 10% to about 60% conjugate fiber, from about 10% to about 90% cellulosic fibers, a fibrous inner layer bonded at discrete bond sites to the first outer layer in a face to face relationship comprising from about 10% to about 60% conjugate fiber, and from about 10% to about 65% cellulosic fibers. A second fibrous outer layer, which can be the same composition as the first outer layer, is bonded at discrete bond sites to the inner layer in a face to face relationship. A method for forming the web of the present invention is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: The Procter and Gamble Company
    Inventor: Jonathan Paul Brennan
  • Patent number: 7355089
    Abstract: This invention relates to polyolefin compositions. In particular, the invention pertains to elastic polymer compositions that can be more easily processed on cast film lines, extrusion lamination or coating lines due to improved resistance to draw resonance. The compositions of the present invention preferably comprise an elastomeric polyolefin resin and a high pressure low density type resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Andy C. Chang, Ronald J. Weeks, Hong Peng, Antonios K. Doufas, Yunwa W. Cheung
  • Patent number: 7347846
    Abstract: Absorbent pants with a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction at right angles to the longitudinal direction and having an absorption core arranged between a liquid-tight cover sheet and a liquid-permeable cover sheet. The diaper pants have a front portion, a rear portion and an intermediate crotch portion, and a front edge and a rear edge extending substantially in the transverse direction and forming a waist opening, two side edges extending substantially in the longitudinal direction and forming two leg openings. An elastic sheet material is arranged at least along the waist opening of the diaper pants and extends at least from the waist opening to the leg openings, the elastic sheet material being secured to the absorption core in a substantially unstretched state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Kent Hermansson, Niclas Norrby, Catarina Linnér
  • Patent number: 7344732
    Abstract: A tampon adapted to deliver a therapeutic agent, the tampon including a tampon body that is manufactured at a first manufacturing facility; and a dosage form coupled to the body, wherein the dosage form includes a formulation including a therapeutic agent, and wherein the dosage form is manufactured at a second manufacturing facility. Also, a method for producing a medicated tampon including manufacturing a tampon body at a first manufacturing facility; manufacturing a dosage form at a second manufacturing facility, wherein the dosage form includes a formulation including a therapeutic agent; and coupling the dosage form to the tampon body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Craig Gehling
  • Patent number: 7341737
    Abstract: A tampon adapted to deliver a therapeutic agent, the tampon including a tampon body having a distal end; and a dosage form affixed to the distal end of the tampon body, wherein the dosage form includes a formulation including a therapeutic agent, and wherein the dosage form comprises a plurality of layers. Also, a method for manufacturing a medicated tampon adapted to deliver a therapeutic agent, the method including manufacturing a tampon body having a distal end; producing a dosage form having a plurality of layers, wherein the dosage form includes a formulation including a therapeutic agent; and affixing the dosage form to the distal end of the tampon body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Craig Gehling, Donald C. Harrison, James H. Liu, Wolfgang A. Ritschel, Chris Clendening, Giovanni M. Pauletti
  • Publication number: 20080058737
    Abstract: An absorbent article combination comprising an absorbent article and a wipe. The absorbent article can include one or more lotions and the wipe can comprise one or more lotions. The wipe can be individually packaged and attached to an individually packaged absorbent article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: Rosa Alejandra Hernandez, Ilonka Bibiana Laviz, Irene Spalazzi, Ronald Bosman Visscher
  • Patent number: 7335809
    Abstract: An absorptive body (50) for attachment to the human body, especially for absorbing fluids coming out of parts of the human body such as wounds, has a substantially flat material section made of an absorbing material (1), which consists of an absorbing non-woven having super-absorber particles spread therein, and a fluid-permeable shell (2) that surrounds the material section, forms a barrier against solid excretions and enables the passage of other excreted substances into the material section made of absorbing material (1) that is arranged inside the shell (2). The shell is made of a small-pored material, whose pores are smaller than the unwetted super-absorber particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Birgit Riesinger
  • Patent number: 7333020
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system, method, and device for detecting non-nutritive sucking events produced by an infant; patterns comprising such events (i.e., rhythmic sucking patterns, or RSPs); and relating said events and/or RSPs to performance of a disposable absorbent article worn by the infant. The frequency and/or amplitude and/or other characteristics of non-nutritive sucking changes in response to liquid insults introduced to a disposable absorbent article. Accordingly, changes to RSPs offer detectable and measurable indicia of an infant's perception of the performance of a disposable absorbent article. Furthermore, such information may be used to support and/or substantiate marketing communications to consumers, or to guide selection and/or management of research-and-development programs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Kimberly - Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason C. Cohen, Peter D. Honer
  • Patent number: 7331945
    Abstract: A disposable diaper is provided such that the disposable diaper has at least one predetermined illustration displayed thereon and is folded into a predetermined shape. The illustration is provided in such a manner that at least a portion of the illustration is hidden when the disposable diaper is folded into the predetermined shape, and the hidden portion of the illustration is exposed as the disposable diaper is unfolded from the folded state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Sachiyo Suzuki, Hiroki Ishikawa, Satoru Sakaguchi, Kaori Yuasa
  • Patent number: 7329243
    Abstract: An inter-labial pad which can be inserted easily to a point of insertion is provided. An inter-labial pad 1 having an absorbent body for absorbing a body fluid is covered with a cover sheet, wherein a top portion 10 to be in contact with the depth of labia when the inter-labial pad 1 is put between the labia is provided. The top portion 10 has a shape different between the forward end 10a coming in contact with the forward of the labia and the backward end 10b coming in contact with the backward of the labia upon attachment, with the backward end being in a sharp shape and of narrow width and sharp angle. Thus, the inter-labial pad 1 can be inserted easily from a sharp backward end 10b easily to the labia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Mizutani, Wataru Yoshimasa, Yuki Noda
  • Publication number: 20080015529
    Abstract: A method for designing an absorbent article to be worn close to the body is disclosed. For one embodiment of the method, the steps are attaching middy tape in the shape of an edge of a first element of an absorbent article onto a body form to create an outline of the first element of the absorbent article, attaching conformable sheet material to the body form about the outline of the first element of the absorbent article, marking the shape of the outline of the first element of the absorbent article on the conformable sheet material to create a pattern, removing the conformable sheet material from the body form, constructing a first element of the absorbent article corresponding to the pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventors: Elizabeth Rachelle McElroy, Beth Goldman Mason
  • Patent number: 7316673
    Abstract: An absorbent product includes a stiffening element intended to contribute to the three-dimensional shape of the product during its use. The stiffening element is in a plane state before use of the product and extends in the longitudinal direction of the product over the crotch portion and at least some way in over the front portion. The stiffening element has a width at the transition between the crotch portion and the front portion which is adapted to the distance between the muscle tendons of the wearer on both sides of the crotch of the wearer in the groin of the latter. The side edges of the stiffening element in the front portion of the product diverge in the direction from the crotch portion at least some way in over the front portion and form an acute angle with a line in the longitudinal direction of the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Solgun Drevik, Fredrik Asp
  • Patent number: 7316675
    Abstract: A disposable pants-type wearing article includes an inner sheet, an outer sheet and an intermediate sheet having two or more plastic film strips sandwiched between the inner sheet and the outer sheet. The film strips are overlapped one another to define an overlapped region dimensioned to be 10 to 100 mm in a longitudinal direction of the wearing article and extend in a transverse direction to the vicinity of leg-surrounding elastic members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Soga, Satoru Tange, Yuko Matsuda
  • Patent number: 7314752
    Abstract: A secretion-monitoring article for identifying a secreted biological fluid. The article includes a body with an absorbent material for absorbing a biological fluid secreted from a person and an indicator system. The indicator system includes an indicator agent and an ion-balance reagent, wherein the indicator system provides an indication of physiological conditions associated with the pH or the buffer capacities of the biological fluid, which indication is stable for at least 48 and preferably at least 72 hours. The article can be embodied as a swab, gauze, shield, hygienic napkin, diaper or interlabial absorbent structure and can be used to indicate the presence of amniotic fluid, or secretions associated with bacterial vaginosis without giving a false positive result upon exposure to urine or after drying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Common Sense, Ltd.
    Inventors: Amnon Kritzman, Nitsa G. Nachshon, Yael Behar
  • Publication number: 20070299414
    Abstract: A body waste handling article includes a first sheet, a second sheet and a body fluid absorbent core sandwiched between these two sheets, wherein the first sheet defines a liquid-pervious skin-contacting surface. The second sheet is rectangular and has a pair of ends and a pair of lateral edges wherein inside these ends and lateral edges, end flaps and lateral flaps are formed. The end flaps and the lateral flaps are provided with elastic members attached in a stretched state thereto so as extend along the ends and the lateral edges and to become contiguous one to another at corners of the second sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Applicant: UNI-CHARM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shunsuke TAKINO, Yuki Maeda, Hiroyuki Tanji
  • Publication number: 20070299413
    Abstract: A multi-layer absorbent article including a first layer and a second layer, the article being constructed such that it is elastic in a longitudinal direction of the article so that a loading force of 400 g extends a sample of the article taken along the longitudinal centerline of the article between about 5% and 20% of the sample's original length, and the recovery of the sample after the loading force is removed at least 90%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Inventors: Kofi A. Bissah, Tarun K. Arora
  • Patent number: 7311699
    Abstract: A tampon for feminine hygiene that has an insertion end, a withdrawal end, a longitudinal axis, and an outer surface. The tampon is made of compressed fibrous material. The outer surface of the tampon includes a plurality of raised portions. Each of the raised portions include a length dimension and a width dimension. The width dimension varies as measured along the length dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Edward Paul Carlin
  • Patent number: 7294593
    Abstract: A material is provided that is particularly suited for use in absorbent articles. The material has a base layer of a generally non-elastic material and at least two strips or regions of elastomeric material attached to the base layer material with a space therebetween such that a center region of the base layer material is bordered on at least two sides by composite regions of the elastomeric materials and the base layer material. The center region of base layer material remains generally non-extensible and the composite regions are stretchable in at least a first direction as a result of tensioning and necking-in the base layer material prior to attaching the elastomeric materials. The invention includes methods for making the material, as well as absorbent articles incorporating the materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael T. Morman, Patricia H. Calhoun, James M. Carr
  • Patent number: 7291138
    Abstract: A rear elastic area formed by a rear waist region with rear waist elastic members stretchable laterally across the rear waist region. A front elastic area formed by a front waist region with front waist elastic members stretchable laterally across the front waist region. The rear waist region and the front waist region are capable of stretching or contracting in unison. A greater number of rear waist elastic members than front waist elastic members are provided. The rear elastic area is broader than the front elastic area with respect to the longitudinal direction of the diaper body. The body-hugging capability of the diaper body at the rear waist side of the wearer is increased so that the diaper body is prevented from slipping down. This configuration reduces constructive feeling by ensuring that the diaper body is not excessively tight at the front waist side of the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Hakujuji Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Minoru Hoshino, Fumiko Aoki, Terumasa Kondo
  • Patent number: 7276642
    Abstract: The present invention provides a pattern-unbonded material that has at least two distinct regions. One region has different bond pattern than another region. The different bond pattern provides different, specific functionality or characteristics to the material. In an embodiment, the one region provides an optimal mechanical fastener, hook engagement. The different characteristics include, but are not limited to, opacity, tensile strength or stiffness. The different characteristics are provided by a bond pattern specific to the particular region. The outer regions, in an embodiment, are stronger and appear more substantial by being more opaque than or color-shifted relative to an inner region. The outer regions, in an embodiment, are not directly backed or supported by the garment to which the material is attached. Accordingly, it is important for the outer regions to provide adequate strength, stiffness, color, and opacity absent the garment backing the outer regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Tom R. Belau
  • Patent number: 7262335
    Abstract: An easy-open, re-closable package for a plurality of disposable diapers includes a wrapping layer which substantially surrounds the plurality of disposable diapers and a re-closable fastening system. The re-closable fastening system may be joined with the wrapping layer. The re-closable fastening system may have a female fastening portion and a male fastening portion, wherein the female fastening portion and the male fastening portion being releasably engageable. In another exemplary embodiment, the male fastening portion is releasably engageable between the plurality of disposable diapers and the wrapping layer. The re-closable package may also include a removable portion. The removable portion being integrally formed within the re-closable fastening system. The removable portion may include a grip portion. The removable portion may be defined by a first perforation and a second perforation, wherein pulling upon the grip portion results in the tearing along of the perforations so as to open the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Andreas Peter Motsch, Martin Werner Frank
  • Patent number: 7250549
    Abstract: An absorbent garment includes a front body panel having a terminal waist edge and a terminal crotch edge and a rear body panel having a terminal waist edge and a terminal crotch edge. The terminal crotch edge of the rear body panel is longitudinally spaced from and forms a gap with the terminal crotch edge of the front body panel. An absorbent insert includes first and second longitudinally spaced end portions and opposite laterally spaced side edges. The absorbent insert bridges the gap between the front and rear body panels with the first and second end portions overlying and connected to the front and rear body panels respectively. At least one of the first and second end portions of the absorbent insert is connected respectively to a corresponding one of the front and rear body panels with at least first and second adhesive regions having first and second adhesive basis weights respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Sandra A. Richlen, Paul Christoffel, Suzanne M. Schmoker, Paul Hasler, Sarah Freiburger, David F. Bishop, Melanie J. Milslagle
  • Patent number: 7238403
    Abstract: There is provided a composite comprising a bonded mixture of a binder and active ingredients such as spill control agents, odor control agents, anti-microbial agents, and biologically active agents. The mixture is applied to and fused and/or coalesced with a first substrate, preferably an nonwoven material that is fluid permeable or impermeable. The composite preferably contains a second substrate, preferably a nonwoven material, placed on top of the mixture that is fused to and/or coalesced with the mixture. Preferably, the composite adsorbs and/or absorbs moisture, liquids, and/or odors, and can provide an anti-microbial effect. The composite can be used to line an outer or inner functional surface such as a shelf, a drawer, a cabinet, a refrigerator, trash receptacle, shipping container, or as a backing for other surfaces such as carpeting, fabric, upholstery, drapes, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: KX Industries, LP
    Inventors: Evan E. Koslow, Lawrence S. Walters, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7217339
    Abstract: Fibrous structures and/or sanitary tissue products comprising such fibrous structures, more particularly to fibrous structures and/or sanitary tissue products that exhibit improved wet strength properties, especially temporary wet strength properties, as compared to fibrous structures and/or sanitary tissue products that contain conventional wet strength additives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Khosrow Parviz Mohammadi, Robert Lee Barcus, Angela Marie Leimbach, Stephen Robert Kelly
  • Patent number: 7217804
    Abstract: The present invention relates to articles, preferably disposable absorbent articles like sanitary napkins and pantiliners, which comprise a cationic polysaccharide, typically chitin-based material and/or chitosan material, and an acidic pH buffering means. Such disposable absorbent articles deliver improved odor control performance even upon prolonged wearing time of the articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Antonella Pesce, Adelia Alessandra Tordone, Giovanni Carlucci, Achille Di Cintio
  • Patent number: 7195810
    Abstract: An absorbent sheet made from an air-laid fiber web includes a functional emboss pattern of a continuous (wave-like) shape extending in the machine direction of the sheet. The emboss pattern defines a plurality of compressed regions operative to preferentially convey sorbed liquid away from the point of insult to prevent product failure. The sheet is particularly useful as absorbent core material within a multi-layer absorbent pad. In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of making absorbent sheet utilizing an emboss roll provided with radially projecting circumferential sinuate bosses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Fort James Corporation
    Inventors: Bradley G. Schmidt, Jennifer N. Wergin, Barbara V. Buman, Michael P. Bouchette
  • Patent number: 7189575
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining the swellability and the swelling kinetics of superabsorbent material (9) such as polymer gels, for example, which comprises introducing a defined volume of the dry superabsorbent material (9) into a measuring vessel (7), using a movable element (4) within said measuring vessel (7) to apply a restraining force (12) to said superabsorbent material (9) and capturing the expansion of said superabsorbent material (9) contactlessly within a chamber (14) in a continuous manner by capturing the change in height of a piston (4) which bounds said chamber (14), travels in a measuring vessel (7) and is marked with a height scale (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Wolfgang Schrof, Udo Gödert, Martin Beck, Hans-Joachim Hähnle, Gunnar Schornick
  • Patent number: 7183336
    Abstract: Polymer particles are irradiated with radiation from a high energy source to increase the water or other fluid absorbency of the particles. Products manufactured using the activated particles include protective undergarments, bandages, kitty litter, and spill clean up materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Super Absorbent Company
    Inventors: Phillip Berlin, Mark Sinkinson
  • Patent number: 7183456
    Abstract: In a production process for a water-absorbent resin, comprising the steps of: blending a liquid material and a water-absorbent resin; and heating the resultant mixture in order to produce a modified water-absorbent resin, the present invention is to provide: a method for uniformly and efficiently treating a water-absorbent resin favorably in view of industry, and as a result, a good-balanced water-absorbent resin having various excellent properties, such absorption capacity without a load, absorption capacity under a load, and single-layer absorption capacity under a load in contact with an aqueous liquid. The production process comprises the step of spray-blending a water-absorbent resin (A) and a liquid material (B) with a blending apparatus equipped with a spray nozzle (C), wherein the liquid material (B) is sprayed from the spray nozzle (C) and its spray pattern is a circular and hollow cone shape or a double-convex-lens and elliptic cone shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takumi Hatsuda, Yoshio Irie, Masatoshi Nakamura, Katsuyuki Wada, Shinichi Fujino, Kazuki Kimura, Kunihiko Ishizaki
  • Patent number: 7176149
    Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent structure having wet integrity greater than about 4.0 mN/gsm, softness greater than 8.0/J, pliability greater than about 70/N, and providing a substantially dry liquid-accepting surface after receiving a quantity of liquid. The structure includes an upper ply having an upper fluid receiving surface and a lower surface and including (i) a top stratum including synthetic matrix fibers bonded with a binder, the matrix fibers having length from about 2 to about 15 mm; (ii) a middle stratum in fluid communication with the top stratum, the middle stratum including natural fibers, superabsorbent particles and a binder; and (iii) a bottom stratum in fluid communication with the middle stratum, the bottom stratum including natural fibers and a binder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: BKI Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Jacek K. Dutkiewicz, Sanjay Wahal, Ryan K. Hood, John P. Erspamer, Brian E. Boehmer
  • Patent number: 7166179
    Abstract: An adhesive bandage pad module, and a method of making adhesive bandage pads, are disclosed. The adhesive bandage pad module, and method of making an adhesive bandage pad, include a servo motor which rotates a knife roll, a transfer roll, and an infeed assembly, a continuous pad strip fed to the infeed assembly, a knife roll and a blade that cuts the continuous pad strip against an anvil, that tangentially contacts the knife roll, on the knife roll. In the module, the amount of pressure exerted by the blade upon the anvil, and transferring of the cut pad onto an adhesive backing on the transfer roll are controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Inventors: Edward Muesch, Charles Lee Adams, John Damiani, Phil DeSalvo
  • Patent number: 7163740
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for printing specific adhesives onto articles, such as absorbent articles or release paper, using a specific transfer tool and/or a specific adhesive, having a specific peel force, viscosity, elastic loss modulus, elastic modulus, surface energy and loss tangent modulus; the invention also relates to articles comprising the specific adhesives and to specific printing rolls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Rodrigo Rosati, Pier-Lorenzo Caruso, Julian Ashton Plumley
  • Patent number: RE39919
    Abstract: There is provided a surge material for personal care products comprising a layered structure of at least one relatively high permeability layer on a top side toward a wearer and at least one relatively low permeability layer where the structure has a capillary tension range between about 1 and 5 cm with a differential capillary tension of at least about 1 cm from top to bottom. The surge material should have a high permeability layer with a permeability of at least 1000 Darcys and a low permeability layer with a permeability of less than 1000 Darcys. The surge material should also have a said high permeability layer which has a permeability of at least 250 Darcys greater than the low permeability layer. Such a layered structure should have a first insult run-off value of at most 30 ml from a 100 ml insult delivered at 20 ml/second. Such a surge material is useful in personal care products like diapers, training pants, absorbent underpants, adult incontinence products, feminine hygiene products and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Norris Dodge, II, Clifford Jackson Ellis, Connie Lynn Hetzler, Eric Scott Kepner, Sylvia Bandy Little, Lawrence Howell Sawyer, Candace Dyan Krautkramer