Thermoplastic Patents (Class 604/366)
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Publication number: 20100063468Abstract: A pant-type absorbent article including a chassis structure including a front panel having a front end edge and first and second side edges, a back panel having a back end edge and first and second side edges and a crotch panel arranged between the front and back panels at least one of said front and back panels including an elastic nonwoven/film laminate, and a core being integrated with the chassis structure, the first and second side edges of the front panel being joined by side seams to the corresponding first and second side edges of the back panel. Each side seam is formed at least in part in a weldable connecting member, the connecting member including a first part being secured to a side edge on the front panel and a second part being secured to a corresponding side edge on the back panel, said first and second parts of said connecting member being joined by thermowelding to form said side seam.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2006Publication date: March 11, 2010Applicant: SCA Hygiene Products ABInventors: Marcus Lehto, Lars Melin
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Publication number: 20090318884Abstract: The present disclosure relates to improved absorbent structures containing water-absorbing material that is immobilized with a matrix material and by use of a coating or partial coating of an immobilization enhancing component on the water-absorbing polymeric particles. This also relates to the use of an immobilization enhancing component in an absorbent structure including an absorbent component that includes a water-absorbing material and a matrix material. The absorbent structure is suitable, for example, as absorbent core in an adult incontinence article, infant (baby, toddler) diapers, including training or pull-on pants, and feminine hygiene article, such as sanitary napkins.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2009Publication date: December 24, 2009Inventors: Axel Meyer, Robin Lynn McKiernan, Jean-Phillippe Marie Autran
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Patent number: 7619131Abstract: The present invention provides a translucent absorbent composite having a substrate with a light transmittance of at least about 60% and a flexible superabsorbent binder polymer composition applied to the substrate. The polymer composition may be prepared from the reaction product of a monomer solution including at least 15% by mass monoethylenically unsaturated monomer selected from carboxylic acid, carboxylic acid salts, sulphonic acid, sulphonic acid salts, phosphoric acid, or phosphoric acid salts; an acrylate or methacrylate ester that contains an alkoxysilane functionality; a copolymerizable hydrophilic glycol containing an ester monomer; an initiator system; and a neutralizing agent. The unsaturated monomer is neutralized to at least 25 mol % and the flexible superabsorbent binder polymer composition has a residual monoethylenically unsaturated monomer content of less than about 1000 ppm. The absorbent composite has a light transmittance of at least 45%.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2005Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Dave Allen Soerens, Angela Jones Lang, Iqbal Ahmed, Scott J. Smith
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Publication number: 20090270824Abstract: Absorbent surgical towels with reduced lint particle generation are provided. The surgical towels are formed from fibrous substrates containing binder material that limits lint particle generation to 5,000 or less according to INDA standard test 160.1. The binder material can limit lint particle generation to 500 or less.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2009Publication date: October 29, 2009Inventors: Rene Kapik, Gary Pinkelton
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Patent number: 7604624Abstract: A disposable absorbent article and method of forming the article are disclosed. The article has front and back panels, each having first and second zones. The first zone of each panel is extensible and retractable and the second zone of each panel is non-extensible and non-retractable. Each of the front and back panels has first and second side edges. An absorbent assembly is secured to the front and back panels. The absorbent assembly has a first end secured to the second zone of the front panel and a second end secured to the second zone of the back panel. The absorbent assembly is capable of being folded to enable the front panel to align with the back panel, respectively. A pair of seams join the front and back panels together to form a disposable absorbent article having a waist opening and a pair of leg openings.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2003Date of Patent: October 20, 2009Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Jerome Steven Veith, Paul VanGompel
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Publication number: 20090247974Abstract: Laminate material having a first liquid-permeable material layer and discretely-arranged material pieces of a second liquid-permeable material, wherein the material layer and the discrete material pieces are joined internally. The laminate material also has a second liquid-permeable material layer joined to the first liquid-permeable material layer and the discretely-arranged material pieces.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2005Publication date: October 1, 2009Inventors: Ralph Dovertie, Roy Hansson
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Patent number: 7560002Abstract: A water-absorbent structure comprises an assembly of thermoplastic synthetic fibers, cellulose-based fibers, super-absorbent polymer and water-pervious sheets wrapping these components together. The assembly is a honeycomb construction having a plurality of through-holes and normally in a compressed state. Upon water permeation into the water-absorbent structure, the super-absorbent polymer is swollen and softened and the assembly is swollen so that the through-holes restore the initial state before the assembly has been compressed.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2006Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Assignee: Uni-Charm CorporationInventors: Masashi Nakashita, Hisashi Takai
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Patent number: 7537832Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of absorbent articles for personal hygiene. Specifically, the present invention provides a superabsorbent material having improved absorbency of complex fluids, such as body fluids like menses. Preferred absorbent articles for personal hygiene in the context of the present invention are feminine care absorbent articles.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2004Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Giovanni Carlucci, Antonella Pesce, Adelia Alessandra Tordone, Maurizio Tamburro
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Publication number: 20090118689Abstract: Disposable absorbent article comprising a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core wherein the article has improved softness.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2008Publication date: May 7, 2009Inventors: Kathleen Marie Lawson, Harald Hermann Hundorf, Holger Beruda, Horst Blessing, Peter Dziezok, Axel Krause, Mattias Schmidt, Lutz Stelzig
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Patent number: 7473818Abstract: A pant-like, prefastened, disposable absorbent article having side seams which include a front ear passively bonded to a back ear, wherein the front ear is releasable from the back ear desirably without tearing or damaging the back ear. The tearable front ear has a basis weight less than a basis weight of the back ear.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2001Date of Patent: January 6, 2009Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Paul J. Datta, Kristi Jo Bryant, Timothy J. Blenke, Stephen C. Baumgartner, Julie A. Moser, Barbara A. Gossen, Catherine Marguerite Hancock-Cook, Mark G. Everson, Peter S. Lortscher
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Publication number: 20080312619Abstract: A disposable absorbent article includes an absorbent core that is substantially cellulose free and a chassis that includes a topsheet and a backsheet, with the absorbent core located between the topsheet and the backsheet. The chassis may include a pair of side panels joined with the chassis, the side panels extending laterally outwardly beyond the longitudinal edges, each side panel having at least one zone extensible in a direction having a vector component in the lateral direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2008Publication date: December 18, 2008Inventors: Gregory Ashton, Harald Hermann Hundorf, Holger Beruda, Horst Blessing, Peter Dziezok, Axel Krause, Mattias Schmidt, Lutz Stelzig
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Publication number: 20080312622Abstract: A disposable absorbent article comprising a chassis including a topsheet and a backsheet, a substantially cellulose free absorbent core located between the topsheet and the backsheet and having a wearer facing side oriented toward a wearer when the article is being worn and an opposed garment facing side, and a liquid acquisition system disposed between the liquid permeable topsheet and the wearer facing side of the absorbent core comprising chemically cross-linked cellulosic fibers.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2008Publication date: December 18, 2008Inventors: Harald Hermann Hundorf, Holger Beruda, Horst Blessing, Peter Dziezok, Axel Krause, Mattias Schmidt, Lutz Stelzig
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Publication number: 20080312620Abstract: A disposable absorbent article includes an absorbent core that is substantially cellulose free and a chassis that includes a topsheet and a backsheet, with the absorbent core located between the topsheet and the backsheet. The chassis may include a pair of side panels joined with the chassis, the side panels extending laterally outwardly beyond the longitudinal edges, each side panel having at least one zone extensible in a direction having a vector component in the lateral direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2008Publication date: December 18, 2008Inventors: Gregory Ashton, Harald Hermann Hundorf, Holger Beruda, Horst Blessing, Peter Dziezok, Axel Krause, Mattias Schmidt, Lutz Stelzig
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Publication number: 20080312623Abstract: A substantially cellulose free absorbent core comprising absorbent polymer material having a saline flow conductivity greater than about 100×10?7 cm3·sec/g and a centrifuge retention capacity of greater than about 20 g/g. A disposable absorbent article is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2008Publication date: December 18, 2008Inventors: Harald Hermann Hundorf, Holger Beruda, Horst Blessing, Peter Dziezok, Axel Krause, Mattias Schmidt, Lutz Stelzig
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Publication number: 20080312618Abstract: A disposable absorbent article includes a chassis and an absorbent core which is substantially cellulose free. The chassis may contain a topsheet and a backsheet. The absorbent core may be located between the topsheet and the backsheet and may include (i) a storage layer which comprises an absorbent particulate polymer material and has a wearer facing side and an opposed garment facing side, (ii) a first core wrap sheet covering the wearer facing side of the storage layer, and (iii) a second core wrap sheet covering the garment facing side of the storage layer, the first core wrap sheet being joined to the second core wrap sheet along at least one traverse sealing zone.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2008Publication date: December 18, 2008Inventors: Harald Hermann Hundorf, Holger Beruda, Horst Blessing, Peter Dziezok, Axel Krause, Mattias Schmidt, Lutz Stelzig
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Publication number: 20080312624Abstract: A tri-folded disposable absorbent article comprising a substantially cellulose free absorbent core located in a chassis between a topsheet and a backsheet and comprising absorbent particulate polymer material. An array of absorbent article packages comprising disposable absorbent articles comprising a substantially cellulose free absorbent core is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2008Publication date: December 18, 2008Inventors: Harald Hermann Hundorf, Holger Beruda, Horst Blessing, Peter Dziezok, Axel Krause, Mattias Schmidt, Lutz Stelzig, Martin Werner Frank
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Publication number: 20080312617Abstract: A disposable absorbent core comprises first and second absorbent layers each comprising an absorbent particulate polymer material such that the absorbent particulate polymer material is substantially continuously distributed across an absorbent particulate polymer material area. A disposable absorbent article and method for making the absorbent core are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2008Publication date: December 18, 2008Inventors: Harald Hermann Hundorf, Holger Beruda, Horst Blessing, Peter Dziezok, Axel Krause, Mattias Schmidt, Lutz Stelzig
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Publication number: 20080312621Abstract: A disposable absorbent article comprising a chassis including a topsheet and a backsheet, a substantially cellulose free absorbent core located between the topsheet and the backsheet and having a wearer facing side oriented toward a wearer when the article is being worn and an opposed garment facing side, and a liquid acquisition system disposed between the liquid permeable topsheet and the wearer facing side of the absorbent core comprising chemically cross-linked cellulosic fibers.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2008Publication date: December 18, 2008Inventors: Harald Hermann Hundorf, Holger Beruda, Horst Blessing, Peter Dziezok, Axel Krause, Mattias Schmidt, Lutz Stelzig
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Publication number: 20080269704Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a diaper, a pant diaper, a sanitary napkin, an incontinence guard etc., includes components that are joined together by a bonding pattern. The bonding pattern has colour-changing properties triggered by heat and/or pressure exerted during the bonding process, the colour-changing properties being either irreversible or reversible. The colour-changing properties may be accomplished by thermochormic pigments, theromchromic fibres and/or pressure-sensitive pigments. A laminate is formed from two or more web material layers joined together by a bonding pattern having colour-changing.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2005Publication date: October 30, 2008Applicant: SCA HYGIENE PRODUCTS ABInventors: Morgan Hansson, Robert Torstensson
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Patent number: 7432412Abstract: An absorbent article having a substantially oblong rectangular absorbent body A composed of a topsheet 2, a backsheet 3, and an absorbent core 4 between the topsheet 2 and the backsheet 3. The absorbent article further has a pair of side sheets 5 as leak preventive side members on its skin facing side C of the absorbent body A. The leak preventive side members have a pattern P printed with ink in a configuration such that the printed ink is substantially kept away from contact with the skin of a wearer.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2005Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Assignee: Kao CorporationInventors: Tetsuyuki Kigata, Shinsuke Nagahara
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Publication number: 20080119806Abstract: The present invention relates to a bonded nonwoven having extensive fibers for use in articles such as diapers and other hygienic articles, wipes, interlinings and other articles requiring some degree of elasticity. Specifically it relates to bicomponent fibers where one component is an elastic thermoplastic and another component employed as a binder having a lower melting point than the elastic component. On bonding the binder melts to form bonding points exposing the elastic core. The present invention contemplates a bonded nonwoven article or a component thereof, comprising a blend of extensible bicomponent fibers, an absorbent, and optionally low melt binder fibers, or synthetic fibers, or both. The present invention also contemplates a method of producing a nonwoven by mixing the fibers described above, either by the dry laid or wet laid process, and heating the mixture to bond the fibers into a nonwoven article or a component thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2005Publication date: May 22, 2008Applicant: Invista North America S.AR.LInventor: Hung Manh Nguyen
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Patent number: 7361802Abstract: In a disposable pull-on wearing article, sheet strips carrying thereon display elements are bonded to an inner surface of an elastically stretchable outer sheet of the article. An inner sheet facing inner surfaces of the sheet strips and being elastically stretchable is bonded to the outer sheet intermittently in a waist-surrounding direction as well as in a vertical direction orthogonal to the waist-surrounding direction in a region extending from lateral edges of sheet strips to spots at which front and rear waist regions of the article are bonded to each other along transversely opposite side margins of the waist regions.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2004Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: Uni-Charm CorporationInventors: Hiroki Ishikawa, Satoru Sakaguchi
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Patent number: 7329793Abstract: A roller device has a handle with two arms extending from one end of a handgrip and a roller which is cylindrical having a surface composed of a spongy material, and two ends having an opening through the center of each end. The arms have ends which rotatably engage one opposing opening of the roller. The roller may have an inner part and an outer part with a spongy material on the surface of the outer part, or the entire outer part may be a spongy material. A method of using the roller device involves placing the roller on a leg above a top incision, rolling the device down the leg while applying moderate pressure, forcing fluids down and out a lower incision, wiping off the fluid, observing for additional fluid build up, and repeating the procedure until no further build up is observed.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2004Date of Patent: February 12, 2008Inventor: Charles E. Lohr
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Patent number: 7227051Abstract: A disposable wearing article includes a liquid-pervious topsheet, a liquid-impervious backsheet, a liquid-absorbent core interposed between the top- and backsheets, a pair of liquid-impervious leak-barrier sheets and a pair of elastically stretchable sheets. Each portion of the aforesaid sheets placed one upon another are joined together by means of adhesives and the core is joined to inner surfaces of the top- and backsheets by means of adhesives. Adhesives are defined by a plurality of adhesive lines continuously extending in a given direction and each of the adhesive lines includes first and second zones arranged alternately in the given direction along the adhesive line. A quantity of adhesives in the first zone is much more than a quantity of adhesives in the second zone.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2003Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Assignee: Uni-Charm CorporationInventors: Koichiro Mitsui, Masakazu Shiraishi, Yasushi Sayama
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Patent number: 7214849Abstract: A wearing article is provided on at least one of front and rear waist covering regions with an indication element adapted to be visually recognized from the outside of the article. The waist covering region provided with the indication element includes a first composite sheet, a second composite sheet lying inside this first composite sheet and the indication element interposed between these two composite sheets. The first composite sheet comprises a first intermediate layer, a first outer layer and a first inner layer while the second composite sheet includes a second intermediate layer, a second outer layer and a second inner layer. The respective layers of the first composite sheet are joined together at joining spots arranged intermittently in a waist-surrounding direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2005Date of Patent: May 8, 2007Assignee: Uni-Charm CorporationInventors: Saturo Sakaguchi, Hiroki Ishikawa, Satoshi Mitsuno
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Patent number: 7150729Abstract: A disposable pull-on wearing article wherein: a body fluid absorbent assembly of a disposable pull-on wearing article is formed in a crotch region with a pair of inwardly folded portions on both sides of a longitudinal center line. The body fluid absorbent assembly comprises an hourglass-shaped core and a cover sheet used to cover this core. The core is formed its both side edges with notches and respective regions of the cover sheet lying in these notches are provided with a pair of crotch region elastic members extending in a back-and-forth direction and intersecting folding guide lines.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2004Date of Patent: December 19, 2006Assignee: Uni-Charm CorporationInventors: Takaaki Shimada, Naoko Takada
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Patent number: 7138561Abstract: Acquisition members having 20 to 40 weight percent of a latex binder and 60 to 80 weight percent of polyester fibers are useful in absorbent articles such as diapers and sanitary napkins. The polyester fibers may further include 20 to 80 weight percent of a first type of fiber, and 20 to 80 weight percent of a second type of fiber, wherein the second type of fiber has spiral-crimped fibers.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2004Date of Patent: November 21, 2006Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Christofer Fuchs, Martin Schnabel, Manuela Schneider
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Patent number: 7057085Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a pantiliner, is provided having excellent resistance to bunching. The absorbent article exhibits a Bunching Resistance in the range of about 205 g to 450 g and may be formed with an absorbent core comprising at least two absorbent layers having different Gurley Stiffnesses.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2003Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.Inventors: Kofi Ayensu Bissah, Michelle Renee Corley, Jutta S. Haarer
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Patent number: 7048976Abstract: The invention relates to a cooling article comprising a polymer absorbent enclosed within a bag delimited by a collapsible envelope having non-watertight walls, wherein said polymer absorbent is under the form of particles each of which comprises a core of less cross-linked polymer sequences more active in retaining absorbed water and a shell of more cross-linked polymer sequences apt to retard diffusion of water from a particle to another during desorption of absorbed water.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2001Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: Cryomed FranceInventors: Patrick Caceres, Frank Caceres
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Patent number: 6955667Abstract: An absorbent article includes a liquid-permeable top layer, a liquid-impermeable back layer, and a liquid retentive absorbent member, interposed between the top layer and the back layer. The absorbent member is arranged to form an opposing pair of barrier cuffs which are within longitudinal edges of the top layer and extend along the longitudinal edges. A pocket portion is formed between the pair of barrier cuffs.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 1997Date of Patent: October 18, 2005Assignee: Kao CorporationInventors: Masahito Tanaka, Mayumi Kimura, Takao Nakayama, Mitsugu Hamajima, Minoru Nakanishi
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Patent number: 6916969Abstract: The invention relates to a material laminate for use as a covering sheet on absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, incontinence protectors, diapers, pant diapers, or the like. The material laminate comprises a first, fluid pervious fibrous material layer and a second fluid pervious porous material layer, wherein at least one of the two material layers comprises thermoplastic material and wherein the two material layers are mutually connected by means of the covering material laminate exhibiting bond sites within which the thermoplastic material has been caused to at least partially soften or melt and thereby bond the two material layers together.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2000Date of Patent: July 12, 2005Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products ABInventors: Bror-Inge Helmfridsson, Urban Nilsson, Stefan Lindgren
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Patent number: 6909028Abstract: A thermally stable microporous breathable film is provided comprising at least 35% filler, by weight of the filled-film, and a thermoplastic polymer blend of a first polyethylene polymer and a second polyethylene polymer. The first polyethylene polymer comprises 30%-70% by weight of the polymer blend and can have a density between about 0.86 g/cm3 and 0.89 g/cm3 and the second polyethylene polymer can have a density between about 0.90 g/cm3 and 0.92 g/cm3. The filled-film can be uniaxially or biaxially oriented to form a microporous film and/or film laminate having good body conformance and which retains a high WVTR at 37° C. and above.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 1998Date of Patent: June 21, 2005Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Susan Elaine Shawver, Paul Windsor Estey, William Bela Haffner, Cindy Janja Blackstock, Glynis Allicia Walton, Duane Girard Uitenbroek
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Patent number: 6888044Abstract: An absorbent core for use in an absorbent article such as a diaper, training pant, feminine hygiene product, or an incontinence product includes a stabilized first absorbent layer and a second absorbent layer that contains a superabsorbent and absorbent fibers treated with a non-fugitive densification agent.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2002Date of Patent: May 3, 2005Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: David A. Fell, Cornelius Bosselaar
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Patent number: 6887564Abstract: The present invention relates to articles, preferably disposable absorbent articles like sanitary napkins and pantiliners, which comprise a chitosan material and an anionic absorbent gelling material. Such disposable absorbent articles deliver improved odor control performance and improved fluid handling properties/absorption performance, especially in case of electrolytes-containing fluids like menses.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2002Date of Patent: May 3, 2005Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Alessandro Gagliardini, Giovanni Carlucci, Achille Di Cintio, Antonella Pesce
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Patent number: 6844481Abstract: A sheet which gives an absorbent article improved recovery from distortion is disclosed. The sheet has a recovery force of 0.7 cN or more in the cross direction, a compressive strength of 100 cN or less, and a basis weight of 20 g/m2 or more.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2001Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Assignee: Kao CorporationInventors: Shoichi Taneichi, Yasuhiro Komori, Manabu Kaneda, Shinsuke Nagahara, Tetsuyuki Kigata, Yayoi Fukuhara, Masahito Tanaka, Minoru Nakanishi
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Publication number: 20040267218Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorbent article and method to produce the article using a blank, comprising the following steps: folding the side-edge portions of the side parts of either the rear portion or front portion in towards the inner cover sheet over supports placed on the side parts of this portion and extending along the full length of this portion; folding the blank about a transverse line in the crotch portion so that the end edges of the front portion and rear portion come to lie edge-to-edge and so that the side-edge portions of the folded-in portion overlap the folded-in side-edge portions of the second portion; and welding together the overlapping side-edge portions of the side parts within the area of the supports by means of ultrasonic or thermal welding.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2004Publication date: December 30, 2004Inventors: Cecile Sandin, Kenneth Strannemalm, Kent Hermansson, Hans Een
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Publication number: 20040236294Abstract: A thin, flexible absorbent structure comprising a flexible substrate and an aqueous liquid absorbing material disposed on said substrate, wherein said aqueous liquid absorbing material comprises a homogeneous mixture of a hot melt adhesive and an aqueous liquid absorbing polymer, wherein the aqueous liquid absorbing polymer is present in the mixture in an amount greater than 1% by weight of the mixture and the aqueous liquid absorbing structure has an absorbency greater than about 5 g/g, and a Gurley Stiffness less than about 400 mg and a caliper less than about 4 mm.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2003Publication date: November 25, 2004Inventors: Brian Michael Drzewiecki, Joseph M. Luizzi
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Patent number: 6822135Abstract: A fluid storage material including particles, such as superabsorbent particles and/or microencapsulated fragrance agents, cleansing agents, or skin rejuvenation agents, secured to one another and/or secured to a substrate. The fluid storage material can be made by dispersing particles in a crosslinkable binder solution, applying the combined particles and binder solution to a surface such as a substrate or a release surface, inducing crosslinking of the binder, and removing the solvent from the surface such as, for example, by drying the solvent. The fluid storage material is particularly suitable for use in personal care products.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2002Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Dave Allen Soerens, Lawrence Howell Sawyer, Kambiz Bayat Makoui, Jian Qin, Jason Matthew Laumer
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Patent number: 6803334Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article including: a liquid permeable surface layer; a backing sheet; and an absorbent layer interposed between the surface layer and the backing sheet. The surface layer includes: a porous film having a plurality of through holes; and a fibrous layer disposed on the liquid-receiving face of the porous film. The fibrous layer is of a plurality of strips extending in parallel and spaced apart from each other. Each strip of the fibrous layer is fixed to the porous film at spaced fixing portions, so that the porous film is exposed between adjacent strips of the fibrous layer.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2001Date of Patent: October 12, 2004Assignee: Uni-Charm CorporationInventors: Satoshi Mizutani, Wataru Yoshimasa, Megumi Tokumoto
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Patent number: 6787210Abstract: An inexpensive and disposable, highly absorbent pad for placement on a floor surface, directly in front of a urinal, for absorbing fluid not deposited within the confines of the urinal which would otherwise drip on the floor. Fluid absorbed by the pad is prevented from reaching the underlying floor thereby eliminating the problems associated with fluids being deposited on the floor. The pad includes a normally concealed incorporates a normally concealed, flexible, thin plastic disposal container connected to a pad removal member. The disposal container is stored in a normally concealed location, preferably beneath the pad, and automatically deploys and envelops the pad when a force is exerted on the removal member during the pad removal process.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2001Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Inventor: R. Dean Stickler
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Patent number: 6783837Abstract: There is provided a surge material for personal care products with a first creased layer and at least a second layer, where the layers are in face-to-face relation to one another and bonded together. The first has creases with a depth of between 0.25 and 2 mm and a frequency of between 5 and 100 per centimeter in the cross-machine and the second layer may have densities of between 0.01 and 0.05 g/cc and a basis weight between 25 and 250 gsm.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 1999Date of Patent: August 31, 2004Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Christopher Cosgrove Creagan, Samuel Edward Marmon
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Patent number: 6747186Abstract: Provided is an absorbent article which includes a backsheet, a liquid-pervious topsheet and an absorbent core sandwiched between the backsheet and the topsheet. At least the backsheet is made from a water-decomposable material. The backsheet is formed of a fibrous sheet that contains water-dispersible fibers and water-insoluble carboxymethyl cellulose. The water-insoluble carboxymethyl cellulose has a degree of etherification (D.S.) falling between 0.3 and 0.6, and is modified so that the hydrogens of at least 95% of carboxylic acids therein are substituted with metal.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2001Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Uni-Charm CorporationInventor: Jyoji Shimizu
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Patent number: 6723430Abstract: Provided is a water-decomposable absorbent article including a water-decomposable back layer, a water-decomposable and liquid-pervious surface layer, and a water-decomposable absorbent layer sandwiched between the back layer and the surface layer. The absorbent layer is formed of at least one composite sheet of a water-soluble or water-swellable polymer layer and a water-decomposable fibrous layer, of which the uppermost layer adjacent to the surface layer is the water-decomposable fibrous layer.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2000Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Assignee: Uni-Charm CorporationInventors: Nobuhiro Kurata, Mitsuhiro Wada, Sachiyo Suzuki
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Patent number: 6717028Abstract: Bonded composites, and absorbent articles made with such bonded composites. The bonded composites have first and second thin-section elements bonded to each other by bonds defining a bond pattern.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2000Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventor: Gregory Allen Oberstadt
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Patent number: 6713661Abstract: An absorbent article having improved fit and comfort. The absorbent core is designed such that fluid is moved substantially from the crotch region to the waist regions. Preferred absorbent covers have an acquisition region, a distribution region, and a storage region.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2000Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Silke Arndt, Bruno Johannes Ehrnsperger, Mattias Schmidt, Gary Dean Lavon, Carsten Heinrich Kruezer, Claus Peter Stoelzel
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Patent number: 6710222Abstract: A disposable undergarment having a liquid-absorbent panel that includes a body fluid absorbing/holding layer formed with a plurality of depressions each extending in the thickness direction thereof and a nonwoven fabric layer placed upon upper surface of the absorbing/holding layer. Heat-sealable fibers contained in the absorbing/holding layer are heat-sealed with the nonwoven fabric layer over contacting surfaces of these absorbing/holding layer and the nonwoven fabric layer. Furthermore, the nonwoven fabric layer is partially engaged in the depressions of the absorbing/holding layer so that the heat-sealable synthetic fibers contained in the absorbing/holding layer are heat-sealed with the nonwoven fabric layer also over contacting surfaces of these two layers in the respective depressions.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2001Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: Uni-Charm CorporationInventors: Takaaki Shimada, Kenji Nakamura, Seiji Suzuki
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Patent number: 6706943Abstract: A body fluid absorbent panel including fibers containing hydrophilic fibers by 80-100% by weight and superabsorbent polymer particles contains heat-fusible fibers which are fused to intertwine the fibers and thereby to form a three-dimensional network structure wherein the high absorption polymer particles are held between respective pairs of the adjacent fibers or bonded to the fibers by means of binder, and thereby falling off of the polymer particles can be prevented and the absorption efficiency can be improved.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2001Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Uni-Charm CorporationInventors: Kazuaki Onishi, Masashi Nakashita
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Patent number: 6706944Abstract: An absorbent fibrous foam composite comprising a fluid intake capacity of at least 15 g/g, a vertical wicking distance of at least 10 cm, and an absorbency under zero load of at least 15 g/g. The absorbent fibrous foam composite comprising a water insoluble fibrous material and a superabsorbent material. The absorbent fibrous foam composite made by forming a slurry of water, a water-insoluble fiber, and a binding agent. A water-swellable, water-insoluble superabsorbent material is added to the slurry and the temperature is lowered until the water freezes. The frozen water is then removed by sublimation process and an absorbent fibrous foam recovered. The Gelation Time, which represents a fluid absorption rate of superabsorbent during the preparation, is critical to preparing uniform absorbent freeze-dried foams and can be adjusted by various mixing conditions and physical and chemical superabsorbent treatments.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2001Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Jian Qin, Xiaomin Zhang, Sridhar Ranganathan, Yong Li
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Patent number: 6692603Abstract: Methods are disclosed for producing absorbent articles comprising molded airlaid webs and other molded fibrous webs. The molded webs can offer improved body fit and/or improved fluid handling. Molded airlaid webs, for example, can be formed having a central longitudinal hump and flexure zones longitudinally removed from the central hump to provide good contact with the body and improved fit when the article is squeezed from the sides. Molding can be achieved when a binder material is activated by an energy source and the web is held against a molding substrate. Energy sources can include microwaves, heated air, heated metal surfaces, ultraviolet radiation, ultrasonic energy, and the like.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2000Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey Dean Lindsay, Fung-jou Chen, Robert Eugene Vogt, Julie Marie Bednarz, Tong Sun, Kambiz Bayat Makoui
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Patent number: 6679754Abstract: Polyolefin fibers, filaments and fabrics made therefrom which comprise a melt blend which comprises (A) a polyolefin; and (B) at least one polyetheresteramide which contains aromatic diol-derived sections, exhibit excellent durable dyeability. The fabrics are useful in woven garments, carpeting, furniture and automobile upholstery, woven industrial fabrics, non-woven absorbents used in disposable diapers, non-woven garments including disposable medical garments, filter media, synthetic paper and the like.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2001Date of Patent: January 20, 2004Assignee: Ciba Specialty Chemicals CorporationInventors: Sheng-Shing Li, Andrew J. Leggio, Nadi Ergenc