Containing Particular Materials, Fibers, Or Particles Patents (Class 604/367)
  • Publication number: 20130190709
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a liquid entrapping device having the capacity to absorb liquids. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a liquid entrapping device comprising an absorbent component, hydrophilic elastomeric fibrous component in fluid communication therewith, and optionally an adhesive component. The present invention is also directed to a liquid entrapping device having the capacity to absorb liquids while maintaining a suitable degree of mechanical strength. Furthermore, the present invention is generally directed to methods for making and using the foregoing devices and materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: The University of Akron
    Inventor: The University of Akron
  • Patent number: 8492609
    Abstract: A feminine hygiene article with a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core placed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The article may include a printed pattern which is printed on a garment-facing side of the backsheet. The printed pattern is visible through at least a portion of topsheet outside a core area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: The Procter and Gamble Company
    Inventors: Cornelia Ecker, Ivano Gagliardi, Paolo Veglio
  • Patent number: 8491554
    Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles, such as pantiliners or sanitary napkins, which have at least one region of the article which is transparent to visible light. In one embodiment to whole article is transparent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: The Procter and Gamble Company
    Inventors: Giovanni Carlucci, Roberto D'Addario, Ivano Gagliardi
  • Patent number: 8487156
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to hygiene articles comprising nanofibers. The hygiene articles include diapers, training pants, adult incontinence pads, catamenials products such as feminine care pads and pantiliners, tampons, personal cleansing articles, personal care articles, and personal care wipes including baby wipes, facial wipes, body wipes, and feminine wipes. The nanofiber webs can be used as a barrier, wipe, absorbent material, and other uses. Particularly, the nanofiber web is used in a diaper as a barrier-on-core, outercover, and/or leg cuff. It may also be used as a wipe for reducing the gradient of liquid, controlled delivery of materials, and other uses. The nanofibers, having a diameter of less than 1 micron, must comprise a significant number of the fibers in one layer of the web contained by the hygiene article. The nanofibers are produced from a melt film fibrillation process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Olaf Erik Alexander Isele, Rajeev Chhabra
  • Patent number: 8486036
    Abstract: The present invention aims to provide an absorbent article incorporated with a functional sheet without any anxiety that the wearer's skin might be contaminated even though the article is partially colored. In an absorbent article 1a comprising a sheet assembly 10, a functional sheet 51 having a size smaller than that of the sheet assembly 10, and a bodily fluid-absorbent structure 30 wherein the functional sheet 51 and the bodily fluid-absorbent structure 30 are attached to the sheet assembly 10, the functional sheet 51 is put flat with and bonded to the sheet assembly 10 so as to be kept in contact with the wearer's skin and an externally visible colored zone 4 is provided between the functional sheet 51 and the sheet assembly 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Satoru Tange, Toshio Inoue
  • Publication number: 20130172842
    Abstract: A nonwoven fabric with excellent feel on the skin, excellent air permeability and liquid permeability, and high deformability and superior recoverability. The nonwoven fabric comprises composite fibers that include a first component, and a second component having a lower melting point than the first component, wherein detached portions are created by detaching at least a portion of the second component from the first component and/or the residual portion of the second component, and at least some of the detached portions are tangled and/or fused with other composite fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventors: Satoshi Mitsuno, Masashi Nakashita
  • Publication number: 20130165880
    Abstract: Disposable absorbent articles comprising an absorbent material and an antimicrobial composition are disclosed. The antimicrobial composition includes a carrier comprising fatty alcohol and a poly(alkyleneoxy) polymer, and an antimicrobial agent. The antimicrobial composition may be coated on to component substrates such as nonwovens and films, that are incorporated into disposable absorbent articles, such as disposable infant diapers, adult incontinence articles, feminine hygiene articles such as sanitary napkins, wound dressings, bandages, panty liners and tampons, personal care wipes and household wipes to provide odor control, and control of microbial growth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventors: David T. Amos, Bathsheba E. Chong Conklin, Alexis S. Statham, Michael J. Svarovsky, Leigh E. Wood
  • Publication number: 20130158134
    Abstract: A method of making absorbent core systems for the construction of absorbent articles such as baby care, feminine hygiene or adult incontinence products. The method essentially replaces the traditional synthetic acrylic acid polymer-based hydrophilic material mixed with wood pulp fiber in the absorbent core with a safer, green, biodegradable plant-based material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventor: Samuel Kofele Martin
  • Publication number: 20130158494
    Abstract: The present invention discloses and claims an absorbent article which utilizes an absorbent portion that includes superabsorbent yarn as part of the absorbent portion, such that liquid is wicked to the perimeter or select regions of the absorbent portion, or the perimeter of the absorbent article itself, taking full advantage of either the depth, width, length or combination of dimensions of the absorbent portion, or absorbent article. The superabsorbent yarn can be one or more of several types, including encapsulated yarn, multilayered encapsulated yarn, coated yarn and sliver-formed yarn as long as such yarn includes at least two components, those being a superabsorbent polymer and a second material which promotes distribution of liquid along the yarn length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventor: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8466336
    Abstract: Absorbent core for disposable absorbent articles, particularly for the absorption of menses or blood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: The Procter and Gamble Company
    Inventors: Giovanni Carlucci, Maurizio Tamburro, Alessandro Gagliardini, Evelina Toro, Pancrazio Veronese
  • Patent number: 8466335
    Abstract: A personal care product that includes a personal care composition disposed in a collapsible bag at least partially surrounded by an elastically deformable member and, optionally, an outer container body. The elastic member is constructed of an elastically extensible material that permits the transfer of infrared radiation through at least a portion of the elastic member. Potential energy is generated by stretching the elastically deformable member, which is used to dispense the composition in lieu of a propellant or pump. The container may also include a actuatable valve for dispensing the composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Thomas James Klofta, Gary Dean Lavon, Thomas Edward Schulte
  • Patent number: 8466334
    Abstract: [Subject] To obtain a body fluid absorbent article with the perfect protection against the body fluid leakage. [Means for Solving Problem] In the body fluid absorbent, the body fluid retainable absorbent member 53A is disposed under the face sheet 51. Then, the body fluid permeable absorbent member 52, which include the assembly of fibers in tows, is disposed between the face sheet 51 and the body fluid retainable absorbent member 53A.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Daio Paper Corporation
    Inventors: Tomonari Takeuchi, Satoko Konawa, Tomotsugu Matsui
  • Patent number: 8465624
    Abstract: A fluff pulp or other pulp, comprises a multivalent cationic metal ion selected from the group consisting of Al+3, B+3, Mn+2, Cu+2, Cu+3, Zn+2, Sn+2, Sn+4, water-soluble salt thereof, or combination thereof; an amine-containing anti-static agent; and pulp. Methods of making and using the pulp, as well as articles therefrom, are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: International Paper Company
    Inventors: James E. Sealey, Peter M. Froass, Sylvie Marie Rita Carriere
  • Publication number: 20130150817
    Abstract: An absorbent article has an absorbent composite that includes a water-insoluble fibrous matrix, a superabsorbent polymer composition that has an initial absorbent capacity of at least about 5 grams of saline per gram of superabsorbent polymer composition; and a first triggering mechanism having a first release time of between about 5 and 60 minutes, and a second triggering mechanism. The superabsorbent polymer composition may have a second absorbent capacity that is at least about 25% greater than the first absorbent capacity as measured by the mCRC Test.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventor: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8461412
    Abstract: The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, baby diapers, adult incontinence articles and sweat pads. According to the present invention the absorbent article in the region designated for liquid deposition on its wearer facing surface has a single layer topsheet onto which liquid to be absorbed is provided during use of the article. The absorbent article includes a backsheet forming the liquid barrier surface and a unitary absorbent core between the topsheet and the backsheet. Importantly the unitary core provides improved liquid handling to the absorbent article and increases the masking, i.e. ability to hide stains due to absorbed liquid, of the article. This is particularly beneficial in the context of articles for absorption of liquids with high color intensity, such as menstrual liquid or urine of older adults.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: The Procter and Gamble Company
    Inventors: Pietro Febo, Luigi Marinelli
  • Publication number: 20130144239
    Abstract: A lotion having an emollient and an immobilizing agent. The emollient is derived from a renewable resource and having a bio-based content of from about 10% to about 100% using ASTM D6866-10, method B and the immobilizing agent selected from the group consisting of C14-C60 fatty alcohols, C14-C60 fatty acids, C14-C60 fatty alcohol ethoxylates having an average degree of ethoxylation ranging from about 2 to about 110, waxes and mixtures thereof. Absorbent articles comprising said lotions are also provided for herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: The Procter & Gamble Company
  • Publication number: 20130144238
    Abstract: Generally, an acquisition distribution layer for absorbent hygiene products may be produced from continuous tow bands. A system for producing such an acquisition distribution layer may include, at least, a tow band processing line and a master air jet in operably connected to the tow band processing line to receive a processed tow band from the tow band processing line so as to produce an acquisition distribution layer for an absorbent article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Inventors: Sanjay Wahal, Edward J. Clark
  • Patent number: 8455710
    Abstract: Wound treatment dressings comprising combinations of at least one conductive layer, at least one absorbent layer or a moisture regulation layer, and methods of making and methods of use are disclosed for treatment of wounds in humans and animals. The novel dressings aid in healing by helping restore the transepithelial potential of the skin, providing a functional anti-microbial barrier, and allowing for regulation of the moisture content of the wound without disturbing the wound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Argentum Medical, LLC
    Inventor: A. Bart Flick
  • Patent number: 8455711
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article having a durable hydrophilic substantially liquid pervious topsheet. The topsheet includes a topsheet substrate and a hydrophilicity boosting composition coated on the topsheet substrate. The hydrophilicity boosting composition includes a hydrophilicity boosting amount of nanoparticles having a particle size of from about 1 nanometer to about 750 nanometers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Ekaterina Anatolyevna Ponomarenko, John David Carter, Ronald Dean Cramer, Mattias Schmidt, Robert Henry Rohrbaugh
  • Patent number: 8450555
    Abstract: An absorbent article having a stretchable substrate and an absorbent composite comprising a layer of adhesive composition in contact with the stretchable substrate. A layer of particulate superabsorbent material is applied to and held by the adhesive composition. The absorbent composite is secured to the substrate by the adhesive composition. The stretchable substrate has a recovery in at least one of the lateral direction and the longitudinal directions of the article as determined by an Elongation and Recovery Test, and the absorbent article has a recovery in the at least one of the lateral direction and the longitudinal direction as determined by the Elongation and Recovery Test that is at least about 60 percent of the recovery of the substrate in the at least one of the lateral direction and the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Davis Dang Hoang Nhan, Mark M. Mleziva, Lawrence H. Sawyer, Peiguang Zhou
  • Publication number: 20130131620
    Abstract: To demonstrate an effect of whitening easily-darkening wearer's groin portion, etc. An absorbent article according to the present invention comprises: a liquid permeable top sheet; a liquid impermeable back sheet; and an absorber disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet, wherein in both-side edges on a skin contacting surface side of the top sheet and along a longitudinal direction of the absorbent article, application regions to which a phosphoric ester type vitamin is applied are arranged intermittently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: UNICHARM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takayuki Hisanaka, Nariaki Shimoe
  • Publication number: 20130123728
    Abstract: Wounds dressings, systems, and methods are presented that involve using a patient's body heat to enhance liquid removal from the wound dressing through a high-moisture-vapor-transmission-rate drape. Additional heat sources or devices, such as nano-antennas or electrical heating elements, may be added or used separately to enhance the removal liquid from the wound dressing. Other dressings, systems, and methods are presented herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventor: KCI Licensing, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8430856
    Abstract: Absorbent articles comprising a low cold flow construction adhesive suitable for joining at least two absorbent article components together, wherein the adhesive comprises an ethylene-based polyolefin resin and certain crystallization enhancers, and wherein the absorbent articles have an in-bag compression opening force of less than about 0.75N. Also, a method for assembling such articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Shunketsu Sue, Ebrahim Rezai
  • Patent number: 8426671
    Abstract: A liquid management layer constructed from large diameter uncrimped fibers in the form of a spunbond nonwoven web is described. Embodiments of the liquid management layer can include a plurality of thermoplastic fibers in the form of a spunbond nonwoven web where the plurality of thermoplastic fibers are randomly oriented and uncrimped, where the liquid management layer has a maximum void volume of 25 cc/g and a web density of at least 0.05 g/cc, where the liquid management layer has a maximum thickness of 1.5 mm, a basis weight of at least 30 g/m2 and a rewet value of less than 0.4 g according to test method WSP 70.8, and where the liquid management layer has an average fiber diameter of at least 40 microns based on the number of thermoplastic fibers in the liquid management layer and where less than 10% by count of the plurality of thermoplastic fibers in the liquid management layer have an absolute fiber diameter less than 30 microns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Steffen, Pierre D. Grondin, Ralph A. Moody, III
  • Patent number: 8425480
    Abstract: The application of active ingredients, exemplified by GML, to absorbent fibers, such as rayon fibers, used in tampon manufacture at very low levels has been found to maintain efficacy in the inhibition of the production of toxic shock syndrome toxin one (TSST-1) produced by S. aureus without overtly killing the microorganism to achieve the desired reduction while avoiding undesired test results that suggest the presence of “impurities” in some jurisdictions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.
    Inventors: Linda M. Pierson, Susan K. Brown-Skrobot, Ching-Yun M. Yang
  • Publication number: 20130096524
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wound treatment item having a proportion of modified natural fibers or synthetic fibers with a high dehydrating capacity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventor: Birgit Riesinger
  • Patent number: 8420883
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for maintaining and/or improving skin health in the area of a wearer covered by an absorbent article. The absorbent article includes a vapor permeable backsheet, a liquid pervious topsheet positioned in facing relation with the backsheet, an absorbent core located between the backsheet and the topsheet. The absorbent article also includes skin care compositions thereon for maintaining and/or improving skin health.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Gretchen Louise Elder, Donald Carroll Roe, Thomas James Klofta
  • Publication number: 20130079740
    Abstract: An absorbent article such as disposable diaper, training pant, and adult incontinence undergarment comprising an absorbent structure comprising superabsorbent polymer particles, the article being able to absorb and contain body exudates and having improved absorption properties and therefore being able to reduce leakage, especially at the first gush, i.e. when the article starts to be wetted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY
    Inventor: The Procter & Gamble Company
  • Patent number: 8403904
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a particulate superabsorbent polymer comprising a monomer and an internal crosslinker agent wherein the particulate superabsorbent polymer has a Centrifuge Retention Capacity Increase of 2 g/g or more as set forth herein in the Centrifuge Retention Capacity Increase Test. The present invention further relates to a superabsorbent polymer comprising an internal crosslinker agent comprising a silane compound comprising at least one vinyl group or one allyl group attached to a silicon atom, and at least one Si—O bond. The present invention further relates to an absorbent article that includes such particulate superabsorbent polymers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Evonik Stockhausen, LLC
    Inventors: Gonglu Tian, David L. Bergman, Jr., Yaru Shi
  • Patent number: 8395016
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to hygiene articles comprising nanofibers. The nanofibers are made from a melt film fibrillation process with a polymer composition having a melt flow rate of less than about 400 decigram per minute. The nanofibers, having a diameter of less than 1 micron, must comprise a significant number of the fibers in one layer of the web contained by the hygiene article. The hygiene articles include diapers, training pants, adult incontinence pads, catamenials products such as feminine care pads and pantiliners, tampons, personal cleansing articles, personal care articles, and personal care wipes including baby wipes, facial wipes, and feminine wipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Olaf Erik Alexander Isele, Rajeev Chhabra
  • Publication number: 20130060216
    Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-layered wound dressing, particularly for the moist wound treatment, comprising a first layer as a wound contact layer, which contains an aqueous hydrogel matrix, and at least a second absorbing layer. The hydrogel matrix comprises 37 to 43% by weight of propylene glycol, a preprolymer with isophorone diisocyanate groups and a diamine on the basis of polyethylene oxide in an amount of a total of 12 to 16.5% by weight, 0 to 5% by weight of an inorganic chloride, and the remainder water, wherein the ratio of the reactive groups of isocyanate to the amine groups of the diamine should be 1.25 to 1.35.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventors: Martin Junginger, Julie Horny
  • Publication number: 20130053805
    Abstract: A reusable, cloth diaper of singular construction is provided. The diaper is generally shaped like a classic hourglass configuration, and includes a pair of absorbent flaps in a cross-flap configuration on an inner portion thereof, wherein one flap is attached to a rear portion of the diaper and the other flap is attached to a front portion of the diaper, each adjacent to the child's waist. The outer layer of the diaper is preferably made from a blend of bamboo and cotton, and includes a polyurethane laminate layer on the inner surface of the outer layer. The diaper construction further includes means for adjusting waist and crotch sizes, as well as storage snap means for securing the diaper into a rolled up storage and transport configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventor: Jenny K. CATOE
  • Publication number: 20130053807
    Abstract: Wound dressings including activated carbon cloth or a fabric, cloth, or other flexible material containing activated carbon and methods for manufacturing and using such wound dressings to effectuate healing of wounds on humans or other animals are described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: CALGON CARBON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jack Elliot TAYLOR, Wayne LAVOCAH
  • Patent number: 8383877
    Abstract: An absorbent composite includes a water-insoluble fibrous matrix, a superabsorbent polymer composition that has an initial absorbent capacity of at least about 5 grams of saline per gram of superabsorbent polymer composition; and a first triggering mechanism having a first release time of between about 5 and 60 minutes, where the superabsorbent polymer composition has a second absorbent capacity that is at least about 25 % greater than the first absorbent capacity as measured by the mCRC Test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Arvinder P. Singh Kainth, Richard N. Dodge, II, David L. Zenker
  • Publication number: 20130046263
    Abstract: A water-absorbent sheet structure comprising a structure in which an absorbent layer containing a water-absorbent resin and an adhesive is sandwiched with nonwoven fabrics from an upper side and a lower side of the absorbent layer, wherein the water-absorbent sheet structure has a structure in which the absorbent layer is separated in divided parts of a primary absorbent layer and a secondary absorbent layer with a fibrous substrate having a void ratio of from 91 to 99%, and wherein the water-absorbent resin is contained in an amount of from 100 to 1,000 g/m2, and wherein the adhesive is contained in a proportion of 0.05 to 2.0 times the amount of the water-absorbent resin contained (mass basis).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: SUMITOMO SEIKA CHEMICALS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shinya Fukudome, Junichi Takatori, Junichi Maruo, Tetsuhiro Hinayama
  • Publication number: 20130046261
    Abstract: Adhesive bandages for wound covering and care have an external surface adapted to receive ink or coloration from a drawing media, such as a pen, pencil and marker, without the coloration penetrating beyond the outer surface or to the would care absorbent and protective matter. Other aspects of the invention include a kit comprising such bandage device, along with suitable drawing media. In a method of use, the bandage devices can be marked before or after application to the wound. The outer surface of the adhesive bandage that is intended to be colored by the drawing media may be pre-printed with drawing/marking guides or outlines that are attractive to young children, such as cartoon characters, animals, superheroes and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventor: Dion R. Reif
  • Patent number: 8378165
    Abstract: An array of feminine hygiene articles for placement in an undergarment having a crotch portion bounded on opposite sides by portions of curved leg openings. Each feminine hygiene article of the array has a body-facing surface, a first end region and a second end region, the array of feminine hygiene articles comprising at least first and second the feminine hygiene articles differing in at least one functional characteristic. The first and second feminine hygiene articles each comprise a functional enhancement indicator visible from the body-facing surface, the functional enhancement indicator of the first and second feminine hygiene articles being visibly different to distinguish the first feminine hygiene article from the second feminine hygiene article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: The Procter and Gamble Company
    Inventors: Ronald Bosman Visscher, Peter Charles Mason, Jr., Jeanne Marie Hughes, Folke Schlueter, Emma Somma, Giovanni Carlucci, Paul Thomas Weisman
  • Publication number: 20130041335
    Abstract: A nonwoven fabric useful as a component in a personal hygiene product and a nonwoven personal hygiene component, which is substantially free or free of non-ribbon shaped (e.g., round-shaped) spunbond fibers and includes a meltblown layer between and in direct contact with ribbon-shaped spunbond layers. The meltblown layer has a basis weight of at least about 0.008 gsm and not greater than about 5 gsm, and the nonwoven fabric or component has a basis weight of at least about 8 gsm and not greater than about 40 gsm, a pore size of less than or equal to about 27 microns when measured at 10% of cumulative filter flow. The nonwoven fabric also can have a low surface tension liquid strike through flow of less than 0.9 ml per second, a ratio of low surface tension liquid strike through flow to air permeability of greater than or equal to about 0.016, or both. Personal hygiene articles can incorporate the nonwoven fabric or component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: POLYMER GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Carlton F. Dwiggins, Pierre D. Grondin, Ralph A. Moody, III, John F. Steffen
  • Patent number: 8373016
    Abstract: An absorbent member (10) of the invention has a hydrophilic continuous fiber web (12) and lumpy particles of an absorbent polymer (13) held in the web (12). The absorbent polymer (13) is localized in part in a planar or thickness direction of the absorbent member (10). The continuous fibers in a region (M) in a planar direction of the web (12) where the absorbent polymer is distributed are in a state cut into a large number of staple fibers (122). A method of producing an absorbent member includes the step of spreading lumpy particles of an absorbent polymer (13) on a continuous fiber web (12) and pressing the continuous fibers in part of the web (12) onto the absorbent polymer (13) to cut the continuous fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Takao Kasai, Masahiko Niinomi, Takuya Kouta, Rumiko Kasahara, Akira Noda
  • Publication number: 20130035655
    Abstract: To provide a surgical pad which does not cause waste threads and fluff on the pad surface to remain in an operation site during an operation, is not hardened in absorbing body fluids such as lymph, blood and cerebrospinal fluid, and which is detectable by X-ray contrast after the operation, the surgical pad, which absorbs body fluids such as lymph, blood and cerebrospinal fluid during surgery, is provided with a pad portion formed by layering a plurality of pieces of cloth having absorption, and a radiopaque substance containing sheet disposed between layered pieces of cloth or on the surface of the pad portion. Herein, by coating the surface of the pad portion with resin, waste threads and fluff of the pad surface are prevented from peeling off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventor: Shoichi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8366696
    Abstract: An absorbent article comprises an absorbent interposed between a liquid-permeable surface sheet and a back sheet. The absorbent is constituted of a set of left and right absorbent elements arranged substantially along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article. The absorbent element of one side is formed as a dogleg to the right in a top plan view whereas the absorbent element of the other side is formed as a dogleg to the left in a top plan view, so that the absorbent elements have an intersecting portion intersecting in at least the region containing the portion corresponding to the blood discharge opening of the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: DAIO Paper Corporation
    Inventor: Satoko Konawa
  • Publication number: 20130030398
    Abstract: A disposable diaper has a central slit formed along the lengthwise direction L so that the absorber can be curved to be convex in the inward direction, and a pair of side slits formed along the lengthwise direction L so that the absorber can be curved to be convex in the outward direction. An average total weight of a water absorbent polymer at the central portion CT and the side edge portion SL, SR is smaller than an average total weight of the water absorbent polymer at the middle portion ML, MR.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: UNICHARM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takaya Arayama, Hirotomo Mukai
  • Patent number: 8361045
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method are disclosed for manufacturing several distinct disposable absorbent articles on a single machine. The apparatus includes three sections. The first section is capable of forming an absorbent assembly and cutting the absorbent assembly into individual absorbent assemblies. The second section is capable of moving a bodyside liner into alignment with the individual absorbent assemblies and applying an outer cover to the individual absorbent assemblies to form a continuous web having a primary stretch in a cross direction. The second section is further capable of adding at least three components to the web. The third section is capable of severing the continuous web into individual absorbent articles which can then be folded, stacked and packaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell Evan Thorson, Robert Lee Popp, Joseph Daniel Coenen
  • Patent number: 8362316
    Abstract: Provided is a further improved wound dressing suitable for a method for treating a wound while maintaining a moist environment created by exudate oozing from the wound. The wound dressing (5) comprises at least three layers including a first layer, a second layer and a third layer in order from the side used in contact with a wound site, which layers are integrally stacked together. The first layer (1) comprises a resin sheet material having a number of pores penetrating in a thickness direction. The second layer (2) comprises a sheet material of which the surface is water-repellent and becomes water-permeable when pressure is applied. The third layer (3) comprises a sheet material capable of absorbing and holding water. The wound dressing optionally comprises a fourth layer comprising a resin film, a fabric or a nonwoven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Zuiko Corporation
    Inventor: Shuhei Kurata
  • Patent number: 8357132
    Abstract: A urine capturing assembly includes a sleeve that has an upper edge, a lower edge and a perimeter wall extending between the upper and lower edges. The upper and lower edges define openings in the sleeve. A penis is positionable in the sleeve to direct urine from the penis toward the lower edge. A pouch has an open top end. The pouch is integrally coupled to the perimeter wall and the top end is positioned adjacent to the upper edge of the sleeve. A scrotum is positionable in pouch through the top end. A conduit is fluidly coupled to and extends between the sleeve and the pouch to direct urine held in the pouch into the sleeve. A collection bag is fluidly couplable to the lower edge of the sleeve to collect and retain urine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Inventor: Agatha N. Lekweuwa
  • Publication number: 20130018343
    Abstract: A lotion having an emollient and an immobilizing agent. The emollient is derived from a renewable resource and having a bio-based content of from about 10% to about 100% using ASTM D6866-10, method B and the immobilizing agent selected from the group consisting of C14-C60 fatty alcohols, C14-C60 fatty acids, C14-C60 fatty alcohol ethoxylates having an average degree of ethoxylation ranging from about 2 to about 110, waxes and mixtures thereof. Absorbent articles comprising said lotions are also provided for herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventors: Raphael Warren, Paul Thomas Weisman
  • Publication number: 20130018345
    Abstract: An absorbent article for attachment to a wearers skin in the vulva region of the wearers torso includes a shell having a first side and a second side, the first side having a first area and a second area, wherein the first area surrounds a majority of the second area, and wherein the shell comprises a gel, a film, a sheet of a polymeric material, a foam, or a laminate including one or more of these materials. The article also includes an absorbent structure attached to the first side and located entirely within the second area of the shell, the absorbent structure including an absorbent material, wherein the first area of the shell has adhesive properties, and wherein the adhesive properties are adapted to attach the first area directly to the wearer's vulva region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130018349
    Abstract: A water-absorbent sheet structure comprising a structure in which an absorbent layer containing a water-absorbent resin is sandwiched with a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric from an upper side and a lower side of the absorbent layer, characterized in that at least one side of a topside and an underside of the water-absorbent sheet structure is subjected to embossing, and that the water-absorbent sheet structure has the following properties: when a saline solution is allowed to be absorbed in an amount of 4 L per 1 m2 of the water-absorbent sheet structure (4 L/m2), the water-absorbent sheet structure satisfies both of the following relationships of (A) and (B): (A) an expansion thickness ratio, i.e. T2/T1, of 2 or more, and (B) an expansion embossing depth, i.e. (T2?t2)/T2, of 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: SUMITOMO SEIKA CHEMICALS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Junichi Takatori, Hideki Matsushita, Jun Sakata, Haruka Inaba
  • Publication number: 20130018339
    Abstract: Absorbent articles and methods for making absorbent articles incorporate unbleached fibers in an absorbing core. Example embodiments provide unbleached fibers which are totally chlorine free. Such unbleached fibers provide features and advantages not present or recognized over prior articles. According to one embodiment, a disposable absorbent article having a front waist region, a back waist region, and a crotch region located between the front and back waist regions, is provided. The disposable absorbent article includes a liquid pervious topsheet and a liquid impervious backsheet. Additionally, the disposable absorbent article includes an absorbent core disposed between at least a portion of the topsheet and bottom sheet. This absorbent core comprises a superabsorbent material and pulp material where at least a portion of the pulp material includes unbleached fibers having constituents which alter the performance properties of the absorbent core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: Associated Hygienic Products LLC
    Inventors: Tom Kaiser, Steven D. Linton
  • Publication number: 20130012902
    Abstract: A wound dressing can include a backing layer, a facing layer which is permeable for wound exudate and blood and which, when in use, is in contact with the wound, and an absorbent core. The backing layer and the facing layer can be joined together in order to form a pouch. The absorbent core can be located within the pouch and can include at least a first layer and a second layer. The first layer can be located closer to the facing layer than the second layer. The first layer can be configured to provide a flow of liquid predominantly in a direction perpendicular to the extension of the facing layer. The second layer can be configured to provide a flow of liquid predominantly in a direction parallel to the extension of the facing layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: VIR I KINDA AB
    Inventor: Rolf Rovaniemi