Thermoplastic Patents (Class 604/370)
  • Patent number: 11554570
    Abstract: A method for embossing a first grating in a planar material, by means of an embossing body and a counter embossing body, having each a hard surface, the first grating to be embossed comprising alternating substantially parallel and straight ridges and recesses, whereby the top surfaces of the ridges are intended to weaken a direct angular reflection of light by diffuse omnidirectional reflection, thereby producing a visible contrast between the ridges and the recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Inventors: Charles Boegli, Werner Steffen
  • Patent number: 11357670
    Abstract: An absorbent article including an absorbent main body including an absorbent core; and a pair of leak-proof walls. The pair of leak-proof walls are on respective widthwise side portions of the absorbent main body. Each of the leak-proof walls is capable of standing on a skin side in the thickness direction. The absorbent core includes a low-basis-weight portion in a widthwise central portion. The low-basis-weight portion has a basis weight of the absorbent core smaller than the basis weight in a surrounding portion. A joined part is formed by joining a surface of the skin-side portion and a surface of the non-skin-side portion, the surfaces facing to each other. The joined part is provided inside a distal end of the leak-proof wall and outside the low-basis-weight portion in the width direction. A part of the joined part and a part of the low-basis-weight portion overlap in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: UNICHARM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hirotomo Mukai, Takahito Nagai
  • Patent number: 11338544
    Abstract: Articles, such as sanitary tissue products, including fibrous structures, and more particularly articles including fibrous structures having a plurality of fibrous elements wherein the article exhibits differential cellulose content throughout the thickness of the article and methods for making same are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Christopher Michael Young, Michael Gomer Stelljes, Michael Donald Suer, Timothy James Klawitter, James Roy Denbow, Steven Lee Barnholtz, Jeffrey Glen Sheehan, Paul Dennis Trokhan
  • Patent number: 11292228
    Abstract: Articles, such as sanitary tissue products, comprising fibrous structures, and more particularly articles comprising fibrous structures comprising a plurality of fibrous elements wherein the articles exhibit improved consumer relevant properties, for example improved bulk and absorbent properties, compared to known articles and methods for making same are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Christopher Michael Young, Michael Gomer Stelljes, Michael Donald Suer, Timothy James Klawitter, James Roy Denbow, Steven Lee Barnholtz, Jeffrey Glen Sheehan, Paul Dennis Trokhan
  • Patent number: 11292227
    Abstract: Fibrous structures including a plurality of pulp fibers wherein at least a portion of the plurality of pulp fibers are in the form of a paper web and a plurality of thermoplastic meltblown filaments spun directly onto the paper web such that the fibrous structures exhibit novel properties are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Christopher Michael Young, Michael Gomer Stelljes, Michael Donald Suer, Timothy James Klawitter, James Roy Denbow, Steven Lee Barnholtz, Jeffrey Glen Sheehan, Paul Dennis Trokhan
  • Patent number: 11285239
    Abstract: Improved skin-adhesive compositions for bonding a substrate, such as an absorbent article, to skin are disclosed. More particularly, the skin-adhesive composition has an improved, yet gentle, adhesion to the skin of a user, while maintaining strong, effective bonding to various inanimate, non-skin substrates. In one embodiment, the skin-adhesive composition can provide one or more skin benefit agents to the user. The skin-adhesive composition may be applied to an absorbent article, such as a panty-liner, sanitary napkin, or an incontinence article, for directly adhering the article to the skin of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Ali Yahiaoui, Candace Dyan Krautkramer, Margaret G. Latimer, Jack Nelson Lindon, Russell F. Ross, Melissa Jean Jacobs, Garry Roland Woltman
  • Patent number: 11285690
    Abstract: Articles, such as sanitary tissue products, including fibrous structures, and more particularly articles including fibrous structures having a plurality of fibrous elements wherein the article exhibits differential cellulose content throughout the thickness of the article and methods for making same are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Christopher Michael Young, Michael Gomer Stelljes, Michael Donald Suer, Timothy James Klawitter, James Roy Denbow, Steven Lee Barnholtz, Jeffrey Glen Sheehan, Paul Dennis Trokhan
  • Patent number: 11266546
    Abstract: Disclosed is a wearable article continuous in a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction comprising a center chassis and a ring-like elastic belt comprising a front belt and a back belt; the front and back belt each formed by a laminate comprising a plurality of elastic bodies running in the transverse direction, an inner sheet, an outer sheet, and an outer sheet fold over, wherein at least one of the front belt and the back belt has: a) the longitudinal edge of the center chassis distal than, preferably at least about 10 mm distal than, the outer sheet fold over proximal edge, and b) in the left and right side panels: b-1) at least one elastic body, preferably at least 2 elastic bodies, disposed between the outer sheet and the outer sheet fold over in regions where the inner sheet does not overlap in the thickness direction; and b-2) the remaining elastic bodies disposed between the outer sheet and the inner sheet in regions where the outer sheet fold over does not overlap in the thickness direction
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Koichi Morimoto, Kazuaki Tameishi, DonSub Lee, Fumitake Yamashita, Ying Jia, Shiqiao Li
  • Patent number: 11135102
    Abstract: A plurality of openings (11) is formed in a region corresponding to at least a body fluid discharge region (H) of a liquid permeable top sheet (3). A polymer sheet (6) disposed adjacent to a surface of an absorbent body (4) side of the liquid permeable top sheet (3) is included, and the polymer sheet includes highly absorbent resin disposed along a longitudinal direction on both sides of the region corresponding to the body fluid discharge region (H). Upon the highly absorbent resin becoming swollen by absorption, a space (10) for holding a body fluid is formed between regions in which the highly absorbent resin is disposed (12) and also between the liquid permeable top sheet (3) and the polymer sheet (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: DAIO PAPER CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takashi Okuda
  • Patent number: 11083643
    Abstract: An absorbent article has a wrapping sheet wrapping an absorbent body including an intermediate part located on one side of front face side and back face side of the body and both side parts folded back to the other side of the body from the intermediate part. Distal ends of the both side parts are overlapped on the other side of the body to form a connecting portion. A whole part of an internal surface of the wrapping sheet faces the body and is bonded to an external surface of the body through hot melt adhesives. A usage amount of the hot melt adhesives bonds the wrapping sheet and the body together and is larger at least in a region of both end portions in a width direction on the other side of the body than on the one side of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Daio Paper Corporation
    Inventors: Sadanao Manabe, Akifumi Hayashi
  • Patent number: 10966881
    Abstract: An absorbent member is intended for insertion in diapers to boost the absorptive capacity. The construction increases the flow of fluid to the diaper, yet in preferred embodiments, blocks the reflow of fluid pressed of the diaper from reaching the wearer to reduce the propensity to cause or aggravate diaper rash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventor: Gary F Hirsch
  • Patent number: 10813797
    Abstract: A laminate web having a polymer film layer and a nonwoven layer is disclosed. The polymer film layer makes up a first side of the laminate web and the nonwoven layer makes up a second side of the laminate web. The laminate web has a plurality of first elements extending from the polymer film. The web also has a plurality of second elements such as recesses, protrusions, apertures, embossing and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Pietro Cecchetto, Linda Ann Sauer, Shihuang Li
  • Patent number: 10562238
    Abstract: Fabrication of ballistic resistant fibrous composites having improved ballistic resistance properties. More particularly, ballistic resistant fibrous composites having high interlaminar lap shear strength between component fiber plies or fiber layers, which correlates to low composite backface signature. The high lap shear strength, low backface signature composites are useful for the production of hard armor articles, including helmet armor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Yiu-Tai Tam, Brian Waring, Henry Gerard Ardiff, Bradley Grunden, David A. Hurst, John Armstrong Young, Ralf Klein, Brian Duane Arvidson
  • Patent number: 10506797
    Abstract: A urinary incontinence device for animals comprising a main panel with a first wing, center section, second wing, and crotch section that are laterally allied to form a single rectangular shape. The wings, center section and crotch section are comprised of three layers of fabric cut from the same pattern, including an outer waterproof cover, an intermediate absorbent layer, and an inner wicking layer. The invention further comprises a removable absorption pod comprised of a waterproof outer holder and one or more absorbent cloths contained within the waterproof outer holder. A pair of suspender strips extends perpendicularly from a front edge of the first and second wings and are configured to attach to a harness. Each suspender strap terminates in a removable harness adapter, which is attached to the suspender strap via a quick-release connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Inventor: Marilyn White Hanes
  • Patent number: 10485714
    Abstract: Disposable absorbent articles and methods of making disposable absorbent articles that comprise: an absorbent structure; and a layer of cushion material configured to minimize user perception of hardness or hard spots in the absorbent structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: ASSOCIATED HYGIENIC PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventors: Raghavendra R. Hegde, Trent Ottery, Steve Linton
  • Patent number: 10420854
    Abstract: A diaper and a method of manufacturing thereof that include a composition located on, in, or near an area of the diaper that will contact skin of an individual when the individual is wearing the diaper. The composition is formulated to reduce the risk of formation of a rash or pressure ulcer on the skin of the individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Inventors: Kristin Raver, Tracy Harkins-Ripple
  • Patent number: 10292873
    Abstract: A sanitary napkin for retention of vulvar discharge includes a shell that defines an interior space. The shell is flexible and liquid impermeable. A ridge, which defines a canal, extends from the front of the shell around a perimeter of an opening. An absorbent is positioned in the interior space and the canal. A pair of fasteners is coupled singly to and extends from opposing edges of the shell. A first improvement is the liquid impermeability of the front of the shell, wherein vulvar discharge is effectively retained within the interior space of the shell. A second improvement is the ridge that is positioned on the front. The shell is sealably positionable over the vulva of the user such that vulvar discharge is directed to the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Inventor: Mezi Koulai
  • Patent number: 10213347
    Abstract: An absorbent article (100-1200) is capable of providing comfort to the wearer and can maintain dryness and inhibit the leakage of fluid. The absorbent article (100-1200) includes a multi-layered topsheet (138). The multi-layered topsheet (138) includes a first topsheet layer (106) having an opening (148) and a second topsheet layer (108) disposed under the first topsheet layer (106). The first topsheet layer (106) and the second topsheet layer (108) are joined together by a seal that, in one embodiment, generally corresponds with the shape of the opening (148). Further, a first sub-topsheet layer (116) is situated beneath the multi-layered topsheet (138) and has an opening (150) that is smaller than the first topsheet layer opening (148). This combination of openings (148, 150) situated one below the other provides for an absorbent article (100-1200) that can maintain a high level of dryness and its ability to conform to the wearer's body, and inhibit the leakage of bodily fluids due to a funnel-like effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Lin Miao, Xueen George Hao, Chun Lei Pu
  • Patent number: 10080691
    Abstract: In one aspect, an absorbent product includes a package and at least n absorbent articles contained in the package (n is greater than 10). Each of the absorbent articles has a body contacting surface and a garment contacting surface. Each of the absorbent articles includes a component material disposed between the body contacting surface and the garment contacting surface. The component material has a printed graphic which is seen through either the body contacting or garment contacting surfaces. The n graphics of the n absorbent articles are different from each other, and preferably have a predetermined association. In another aspect, a method is directed to printing a graphic on a sheet material which will become a component material for the absorbent articles. In another aspect, a method is directed to producing the absorbent product including the package and the n absorbent articles contained in the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Radhakrishnan Janardanan Nair, Kesyin Fugger Hsueh, Michael Vincent Gray, Jay Tao, Kazuyuki Ohnishi, Limin Song, Michael Irwin Lawson, Matthew Gerald McNally, Deborah Kay Kokoruda, George Bartol Glackin, III, Koichi Tomi
  • Patent number: 10022281
    Abstract: Sanitary product disposal containers include an invertible container body having first and second ends, the container body including a first container wall having a first container wall exterior surface; a second container wall carried by the first container wall, the second container wall having a second container wall exterior surface; an end container wall extending between the first container wall and the second container wall generally at the first end of the container body; a concave sanitary product cavity formed by and between the first container wall, the second container wall and the end container wall generally at the first end of the container body; a container opening formed by and between the first container wall and the second container wall generally at the second end of the container body; and a container seal carried by the first container wall exterior surface of the first container wall and the second container wall exterior surface of the second container wall generally at the second end
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Inventor: Shallan Alaura Ramsey
  • Patent number: 9937086
    Abstract: A diaper changing system for efficiently changing a diaper without having to carry a diaper bag. The diaper changing system generally includes a diaper having an exterior surface and an interior surface, a cavity beneath the interior surface, a plurality of dispensing openings extending through the interior surface to fluidly connect to the cavity, and a receiver opening extending through the interior surface to fluidly connected to the cavity. The receiver opening is adapted to removably receive a nozzle of a cream container to receive a cream for insertion into the cavity and later dispensing from the cavity through the dispensing openings to the skin of the baby. A bag is removably attached to the exterior surface of the diaper for storing the cream container and wipes until used. The bag is removed and used as a garbage container when the diaper is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventor: Alexandria N. Campbell
  • Patent number: 9889052
    Abstract: An absorbent article has a lower absorbing core and an upper absorbing core. Each absorbing core includes a liquid-holding material and a liquid-permeable core-wrapping sheet. The liquid-holding material is covered by the liquid-permeable core-wrapping sheet, but it also has an exposed portion not covered by the liquid-permeable core-wrapping sheet. The exposed portions of the lower absorbing core and the upper absorbing core face each other and the liquid-holding materials are connected with each other at the exposed portion. Because the liquid-holding material of the upper absorbing core is in direct contact with the liquid-holding material of the lower absorbing core, the area provides a path through which liquid flows smoothly from the upper absorbing core to the lower absorbing core. Also, because the upper and lower liquid-holding materials are covered by the core-wrapping sheets, deformation of the liquid-holding materials is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignees: LIVEDO USA, INC., LIVEDO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takuya Hishikawa
  • Patent number: 9849602
    Abstract: A method for making an extrusion coated perforated nonwoven web. The method comprises the steps of extruding a molten polyethylene coating onto a nonwoven web, and aperturing the molten polyethylene coating through heat and pneumatic pressure differential to create microperforations therein at a density of between about 35 and about 120 perforations per linear inch. The resulting microperforated nonwoven web is then thermomechanically perforated by feeding it through perforating rolls, at least one of which has raised protuberances to create macroperforations that extend though at least the polyethylene coating. The macroperforations have a density of between about 6 and about 35 perforations per linear inch. The perforated nonwoven web is useful as a topsheet for absorbent articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Advantage Creation Enterprise LLC
    Inventor: James W. Cree
  • Patent number: 9757281
    Abstract: Extra-protection fins and pads, and methods of making and using extra-protection fins and pads are disclosed. The extra-protection fins and pads of the present invention comprise a first triangular face, a second triangular face attached and/or connected to the first triangular face at an angle thereby forming a front apex and a top apex, wherein the fins are configured such that the front apex catches and/or absorbs the menstrual and/or other vaginal fluids first, and the extra-protection fin fills backwards toward the top apex, thus preventing unwanted, embarrassing and annoying leakage onto clothing or bedding during periods of heavy flow and/or when lying down. The extra-protection fin may also comprise a third triangular face attached and/or connected to the first and second triangular faces, wherein a vertex of the third triangular face contacts and/or is connected to the first and second triangular faces at the top apex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Inventors: Lorrie Goldsmith, David Goldsmith, Gary Shuster
  • Patent number: 9730844
    Abstract: An absorbent article has longitudinal edges, front and rear end regions, and a central region between the end regions, and an absorbent core disposed between a topsheet and a backsheet. A pair of central side flaps extend laterally outward from longitudinal edges of the absorbent core in the central region, and a pair of rear side flaps extend laterally outward from longitudinal edges of the absorbent core in the rear end region. A support layer disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet in the rear end region extends from one of the rear side flaps to the other outboard of the longitudinal edges of the absorbent core but inboard of the longitudinal edges of the article. The support layer is absent in the central side flaps. A channel with a plurality of first areas and second areas alternately spaced along at least a portion of a length of the channel is present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Tsunetoshi Miura, Yoko Munakata
  • Patent number: 9687393
    Abstract: The invention relates to absorbent cores having high amounts of superabsorbent polymer material which are immobilized by adhesive. The absorbent cores have reduced peak force when subjected to the Laminate Compression Extension Test Method and also exhibit reduced delamination upon swelling of the superabsorbent polymer material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Maike Thomann, Bruno Johannes Ehrnsperger, Alessandra Massa, Manuel Laso, Birgit Wirtz, Roland Engel
  • Patent number: 9532906
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a liquid-absorbing article comprising: a first sheet layer presenting an array of absorbent receiving pockets; masses of superabsorbent material, which masses are placed in said absorbent receiving pockets; a second sheet layer placed on top of the first layer; bonding beads placed between the respective pockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignees: BASF SE, BOSTIK INC.
    Inventors: Christophe Bauduin, Jean-Francois Chartrel, Thomas Daniel, Julien Liger, Renate Wuestefeld
  • Patent number: 9498392
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article may include a topsheet, a backsheet, an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, and a leg gasketing system. The leg gasketing system may include an inner cuff and an outer cuff; the inner cuff may include an inner cuff folded edge and an inner cuff material edge and the outer cuff may include an outer cuff folded edge and an outer cuff material edge, such that the web of material is folded laterally inward to form the outer cuff folded edge and folded laterally outward to form the inner cuff folded edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: The Proctor and Gamble Company
    Inventors: Jeromy Thomas Raycheck, Lisa Jane Goodlander, Lisa Maria Grinkemeyer, Jessica Lee Mosman, Jason Edward Naylor, LeAnn Nichole Phillips
  • Patent number: 9492336
    Abstract: A composite web comprising a nonwoven layer, wherein the composite web can be incorporated into an absorbent article. A volume of ink is applied to the composite web such that when the composite web is incorporated into the absorbent article, a visual signal is produced. Methods of printing on the composite web are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Kasey Marie Gust, David Christopher Oetjen, Christine Marie Luzader
  • Patent number: 9205627
    Abstract: A lightweight component is equipped with two cover layers, which are made of a wood material, and a filling disposed in between the layers after cutting everything to size, having an edge support including thermoplastic material. The edge support is anchored in both the first and second cover layers starting from the narrow side. Anchoring is achieved by bringing the edge support into contact with the respective cover layer and coupling mechanical vibrations into the edge support by a sonotrode engaging from the narrow side. The edge support at the same time is pressed against the cover layer such that, in the region of a transition between the thermoplastic material and the wood material of the cover layer, part of the thermoplastic material is liquefied and pushed into the cover layer material, thereby producing a positively engaged anchoring after hardening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: WOODWELDING AG
    Inventors: Laurent Torriani, Mario Lehmann, Marcel Aeschlimann
  • Patent number: 9089456
    Abstract: An absorbent article having a reusable outer cover and, optionally, an absorbent insert. The reusable outer cover has zones of varying properties. The properties of the different zones are varied to provide different performance features in different parts of the outer cover. The outer cover with zones of varying properties may provide competing or contradictory functionalities for improved comfort, fit, leakage protection, and aesthetic appeal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Donald Carroll Roe, Elaine Mary Wiggins
  • Patent number: 9060899
    Abstract: To provide an underpants type disposable diaper that can be formed such that the edges of the leg openings fit the groin and gluteal portions of a wearer with no or less trim loss than conventional diapers The above problem is solved by that the ventral side outer sheet 12F and the back side outer sheet 12B each have a separated portion 12S formed by a slit or an elongated opening so as to extend in a width direction at a lengthwise middle section in a widthwise central region, a connecting member 12M connects the both outer sheets 12F, 12B at widthwise middle portions on the crotch side with respect to the separated portions, and the both outer sheets 12F, 12B are pulled up toward the waist side at entire widthwise sections on the waist side with respect to the separated portions 12S while being deformed with increased longitudinal separation distances of the separated portions 12S, and are diagonally pulled up toward the waist side at sections on the crotch side with respect to the separated portions 12S an
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Daio Paper Corporation
    Inventor: Yosuke Mori
  • Publication number: 20150133883
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a sanitary napkin that is thin, highly absorbent and has resiliency properties that are selected to provide good comfort potential and at the same time reduce the likelihood of deformation and breaking. In a specific example, the sanitary napkin comprises a cover layer, an absorbent system and a barrier layer. The absorbent system includes an absorbent core and a reinforcement layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Jeannine Cardin, Mélanie Farley, Helmut Georgi
  • Publication number: 20150105743
    Abstract: An absorbent article for wearing about the lower torso of a wearer includes a topsheet, a backsheet joined to at least a portion of the topsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent core includes a first layer and a second layer, wherein the first layer is disposed in fluid communication with the second layer. The first layer has a first shape and the second layer has a second shape. The first shape is different from the second shape. Each of the first layer and second layer comprise less than about 20 percent airfelt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: John Peter Lankhof, Yukio Heki, Masahiro Kondo, Niels Hollenberg, Steven Stuart Bullock, Toshiyuki Iwata
  • Patent number: 9000253
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article that includes an elastic film material. The elastic film resists the growth of a tear and include an SEEPS block copolymer having a Tm of between about 10° C. and about 20° C. The film has a time-to-fail of greater than 1 hour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Todd Leon Mansfield
  • Publication number: 20150065978
    Abstract: The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an absorbent article in which a reduction in liquid absorbency caused by the hydrophobicity of thermoplastic resin fiber is prevented through the use of thermoplastic resin fiber that includes unsaturated carboxylic acid, unsaturated carboxylic acid anhydride, or a mixture of these as a monomer component. The present invention solves this problem by providing a sanitary napkin provided with a top sheet, a back sheet, and an absorbent body disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet. The absorbent body has an absorbent material layer that contains a cellulose-based hydrophilic fiber and a thermoplastic resin fiber that includes unsaturated carboxylic acid, unsaturated carboxylic acid anhydride, or a mixture of these as a monomer component in a mass ratio of 90:10 to 50:50. The top sheet has an integrated section that is heat-treated together with the absorbent material layer so as to be integrated with the absorbent material layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Masashi Uda, Takashi Maruyama, Kenji Oba, Ko Detani, Noritomo Kameda
  • Publication number: 20150065979
    Abstract: A diaper assembly including a diaper including hook fasteners positioned beneath and concealed by covers constructed from resiliently stretchable material, and a pocketed sling configured to removably attach to the diaper, the pocketed sling including loop fasteners arranged to removably attach to the hook fasteners concealed beneath the covers, thereby concealing attachment points between the diaper and the pocketed sling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Fredrica V. Coates
  • Publication number: 20150038929
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorbent structure, preferably for use in absorbent articles as used in the personal hygiene industry such as feminine hygiene garments, baby diapers and pants or adult incontinence garments. The present invention also relates to an absorbent article comprising such absorbent structure and to a method of manufacturing the absorbent structure. The absorbent structures comprise a carrier layer, an auxiliary layer and an absorbent material there between wherein substantially permanent primary attachments and substantially temporary secondary attachments join the carrier layer and auxiliary layer at least partially together, whereby the substantially temporary secondary attachments are loosened as a result of exposing the absorbent structure to a liquid whereas the substantially permanent primary attachments remain substantially intact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: VYNKA BVBA
    Inventor: Bart Van Malderen
  • Patent number: 8937211
    Abstract: Low basis weight films having a heat capacity×density value of greater than about 970,000 Ws/m3K, as measured by the method described herein, the films having a basis weight of less than about 16 gsm and comprising at least about 10% polypropylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Terra Louise Dent, Joseph Leslie Grolmes, Jeffrey Richard Holley, Yoshihiko Tachibana, Terrill Alan Young
  • Patent number: 8921641
    Abstract: An absorbent article such as disposable diaper, training pant, and adult incontinence undergarment comprising superabsorbent polymer particles able to absorb and contain body exudates having improved absorption properties and, therefore, reduce leakage, especially at the first gush, i.e. when the article starts to be wetted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Bruno Johannes Ehrnsperger, Marc Jennewein, Marion Michnacs, Andrea Peri, Maike Thomann
  • Publication number: 20140378925
    Abstract: In a dot pattern, both sufficient strength during the use of a diaper and the ease of tearing can be achieved, while inhibiting sticking of fiber waste of a non-woven fabric in the sealing device. The problems can be solved by the underpants-type disposable diaper characterized by a side seal section 13 is formed in a dot pattern in which a plurality of rows of dot-shaped welded parts 13s, 13b, disposed with intervals in a vertical direction, are disposed in a transverse direction, and non-welded parts 13n, disposed all over in the transverse direction, are disposed on both sides of each welded part 13s, 13b, in the vertical direction; the side seal section 13 has at least partly in the vertical direction a non-densely welded region LD and a densely welded region HD; and each welded part 13b in the densely welded region HD is larger in area than each welded part 13s in the non-densely welded region LD.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: DAIO PAPER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Keita Mizobuchi, Nobuyuki Okada, Ryoichi Ochi, Terumasa Kamioka
  • Publication number: 20140358103
    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: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Pietro Febo, Luigi Marinelli
  • Publication number: 20140343523
    Abstract: A hydroentangled fibrous structure. The hydroentangled fibrous structure can be incorporated into an absorbent article. Methods of forming a hydroentangled fibrous structure are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Gerard A. Viens, Christine R. Dodge, Matthias Hunnius
  • Patent number: 8889945
    Abstract: A film that contains a thermoplastic composition having a substantial portion of a renewable, natural starch polymer, and yet is elastic and exhibits good strength properties, is provided. Although starch is normally chemically incompatible with most elastomeric polymers due to their different polarities, the present inventors have discovered that phase separation may be minimized by selectively controlling certain aspects of the film, such as the nature of the elastomeric polymer and the starch polymer, and other film components, the relative amount of the film components, and the process for making the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: James H. Wang, Bo Shi
  • Patent number: 8841505
    Abstract: A process is provided for making a bond between a first, relative hydrophilic nonwoven and a second relatively less hydrophilic nonwoven by use of a construction adhesive, by applying the adhesive only to the first more hydrophilic nonwoven; also provided are absorbent cores for absorbent article comprising such bonded nonwovens, and such absorbent articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Stefan Floeter, Saif Hasan, Gabriele Stiehl, Joseph Leslie Grolmes
  • Publication number: 20140276515
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to disposable absorbent articles comprising a structured fibrous web, the structured fibrous web comprising thermally stable, hydrophilic fibers that are thermally bonded together using heat producing a base substrate that is thermally stable. The base substrate is textured via mechanical treatment to increase its thickness and optionally modified via over bonding to improve its mechanical and fluid handling properties. The structured fibrous web provides optimal fluid wicking and fluid acquisition capabilities and is directed toward fluid management applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Eric Bryan BOND, Carola Elke Beatrice KRIPPNER, John Brian STRUBE
  • Patent number: 8835709
    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: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Olaf Erik Alexander Isele, Rajeev Chhabra
  • Publication number: 20140257223
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a particulate absorbent polymer material having: i) a maximum APCi×10 sec value ?1.6) for at least one number i selected from the group of integers from 2 to 12 (=APCmax); or ii) a value ?12 for the sum total of all APCi×10 sec values for all numbers i from the group of integers from 2 to 12 (=APCsum); wherein the APCi×10 sec value is: APCi×10 sec=QIi×10 secvalue2×PIi×10 secvalue where the QIi×10 sec value is the swell index and i×10 seconds after adding the 0.9% by weight NaCl solution, and the PIi×10 sec value is the permeability index and i×10 seconds after adding the 0.9% by weight NaCl solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: EVONIK DEGUSSA GMBH
    Inventors: Markus Henn, Laurent Wattebled, Peter Herbe, Jorg Harren, Christoph Loick
  • Patent number: 8827974
    Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent tampon having a mass of an absorbent composite compressed into a generally cylindrical shape. The absorbent composite used in the tampon of the present invention has at least a first layer and a second layer wherein the second layer is adjacent the first layer. The first layer is prepared from a first absorbent material having a first physical property and the second layer is prepared from a second absorbent material having a second physical property, wherein the first physical property is the same physical property as the second physical property, but the value of the second physical property is different from the first physical property. By providing layers in the absorbent composite different physical properties, the tampons of the present invention can have different properties at various locations of the tampon to provide a tampon having desirable features, such as improve leakage protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Alexander M. Schmidt-Forst
  • Patent number: 8791319
    Abstract: The invention relates to absorbent cores having high amounts of superabsorbent polymer material which are immobilized by adhesive. The absorbent cores have reduced peak force when subjected to the Laminate Compression Extension Test Method and also exhibit reduced delamination upon swelling of the superabsorbent polymer material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Maike Thomann, Bruno Johannes Ehrnsperger, Alessandra Massa, Manuel Laso, Birgit Wirtz, Roland Engel