Needled Or Punched Layer Patents (Class 604/383)
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Patent number: 6599612Abstract: A process of forming a soft and resilient web (10) exhibiting a substantially continuous pattern of debossments or apertures is disclosed. The process comprises locally heating process to melt predetermined points of the web.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2000Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventor: Brian Francis Gray
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Patent number: 6596920Abstract: An absorbent swimwear garment having a fluid draining mechanism included in the layers of the garment. The swimwear garment includes a body side liner, an outer cover, and an absorbent assembly between the body side liner and the outer cover. Between the absorbent assembly and the outer cover is a layer of water-dispersible material, such as a film or a nonwoven web, coated on a surface facing the absorbent assembly with a barrier coating. During initial product use, the absorbent swimwear garment is able to contain urine and bowel movements, similar to ordinary diapers and training pants. When the swimwear garment is submersed in swim water, such as pool or lake water, the water-dispersible material becomes soluble and allows swim water, but not bowel movements, to drain out through the outer cover of the garment.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2000Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Jason K. Wehner, John E. Kerins
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Patent number: 6589632Abstract: A liquid-impervious backsheet for body fluids disposal article having upper and lower surfaces made of thermoplastic synthetic resin, the sheet includes a plurality of independent concave zones depressed downward from the lower surface and a smooth zone extending around these concave zones, each of the concave zones being formed in its region except its peripheral edge with at least one micropore.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2000Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Uni-Charm CorporationInventors: Toru Sugimura, Takamitsu Igaue, Shigeo Imai
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Patent number: 6590138Abstract: A sanitary article having a multi-layered absorbent member includes a panel stacked in two layers each having a plurality of openings extending through this member in its thickness direction and a plurality of fibrous assembly regions extending between each pair of the adjacent openings, the openings in the upper layer of the panel are out of alignment with the corresponding openings in the lower layer of the panel and each of the openings in the upper layer of the panel is divided in two or more sections by the fibrous assembly regions in the lower layer of the panel.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2001Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Uni-Charm Corp.Inventor: Kazuaki Onishi
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Publication number: 20030125687Abstract: The invention provides an apertured web comprising multiple, discrete zones comprising arrangements of land areas and at least two apertures.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2002Publication date: July 3, 2003Inventors: David Gubernick, William G.F. Kelly
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Publication number: 20030125688Abstract: An absorbent structure that includes: (1) a liquid permeable cover made up of a matrix of fibrous materials where the matrix has upper and lower surfaces and a plurality individual exposed fiber surfaces at or adjacent with each surface of the matrix; (2) at least one layer of at least one liquid management material having a upper and lower surface; and (3) an adhesive system that joins at least a portion of the lower surface of the liquid permeable cover and the upper surface of the liquid management material.. The continuous layer of adhesive overlaying the permeable cover material desirably has a basis weight of 7.5 gsm or less. For example, layer of adhesive may have a basis weight of 4 gsm or 1.0 gsm or less .The absorbent structure may be mechanically post-treated. For example, the absorbent structure may be introduced into a nip and/or subjected to mechanical post treatments such as, for example, embossing, perforating, brushing, creping, aperturing and the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2002Publication date: July 3, 2003Inventors: James M. Keane, Andrew M. Lake, Steven J. Nielsen, Shelley R. Rasmussen
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Publication number: 20030120238Abstract: An absorbent article having a first liquid permeable surface layer, a essentially liquid impermeable backing layer and, located between said liquid permeable surface layer and said liquid impermeable backing layer, an absorbent body having at least one layer. The absorbent article has cavities which are essentially cone-shaped and extend at least through part of the absorbent body, said cavities having a tip part and a base, the tip part being located towards or in the liquid permeable surface layer and the base being located away from the liquid permeable surface layer. A method of production of an absorbent article with cone-shaped cavities is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2002Publication date: June 26, 2003Inventors: Anette Gustavsson, Solgun Drevik
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Patent number: 6582798Abstract: A vacuum formed film that delivers desirable rewet properties and possesses a desirable silky tactile impression or silky feel to a user. The vacuum formed film may have a plurality of cells, wherein the cells are ellipse shaped, each having a major axis and minor axis. The cells may also be boat shaped, wherein the ends of the cell on each end of the major axis are rounded off. The cells may also be oval shaped. Major axes of the cells are aligned in the stroking direction of the vacuum formed film. The cells define stroking direction lands and transverse direction lands in areas between the cells. The stroking direction lands may also be raised with respect to the transverse direction lands. Micro-ridges may be formed on the lands for imparting a silky feel to the vacuum formed film. The various film aspects, above, each contribute to the silky tactile impression of the film. Some or all of the various aspects described above may be combined to achieve a further improved silky tactile impression.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Tredegar Film Products CorporationInventor: Paul E. Thomas
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Publication number: 20030114820Abstract: A method for forming a launderable fluid containment textile structure composite of stitch bonded construction such as is useful in an incontinence pad or diaper and a textile composite formed by such method. The textile composite includes a fluid retention layer of non-woven batting formed from a plurality of intermingled textile fibers. A plurality of bonding yarns extend in a repeating stitch bonding pattern through the fluid retention layer such that the bonding yarns form a user contact surface over the fluid retention layer. The stitch bonding pattern is characterized by a relatively low stitch density. Enhanced bulkiness and dimensional stability against laundering induced shrinkage is imparted by introduction of mechanically induced compressive shrinkage.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2001Publication date: June 19, 2003Inventor: Martin Wildeman
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Publication number: 20030114821Abstract: A disposable absorbent article comprises a liner, an outer cover and an absorbent body therebetween for absorbing liquid body waste penetrating the liner. In one embodiment, the absorbent body comprises an inner layer and an outer layer. The inner layer has a lower absorbent capacity per unit weight than the outer layer. A flow control layer between the inner layer and the outer layer at least retards the flow of liquid body waste from the inner layer to the outer layer to facilitate a prolonged feeling of wetness to the wearer. In another embodiment, a surge layer lies between the liner and an absorbent body. A flow control layer between the liner and the surge layer, or between the surge layer and the absorbent body, at least retards the flow of liquid body waste through the surge layer toward the absorbent body.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2001Publication date: June 19, 2003Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Richard L. Underhill, Michael J. Niemeyer, Marianne K. Leick
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Patent number: 6572595Abstract: A disposable absorbent garment includes a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The topsheet, the backsheet, and the absorbent core form a layered assembly including a front region, a back region, and a crotch region disposed between the front region and the back region. The garment is characterized by a vertical longitudinal plane that extends substantially centrally through the front, back and crotch regions. Each of the front and back regions includes a pair of ear portions extending in substantially opposite lateral directions with respect to the longitudinal plane. Each ear portion is a breathable stretchable layer assembly having a plurality of vent sites. Further, each ear portion includes an outer layer that is an extension of the backsheet and which extends laterally to the side edge of the ear portion, and an inner layer that is an extension of the topsheet and which also extends laterally to the side edge of the ear portion.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2000Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Associated Hygienic ProductsInventors: Walter V. Klemp, Daniel D. Gardner, Jr.
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Patent number: 6570059Abstract: The present invention relates to breathable absorbent articles like baby diapers, adult incontinence articles and in particular to sanitary napkins or pantiliners. According to the present invention the articles are provided with an apertured backsheet for breathability. At least one of the breathable layers of the backsheet comprises a resilient, three dimensional web which consists of a liquid impervious polymeric film having apertures. The apertures form capillaries which are designed such that the backsheet provides an increased barrier to liquid passage out of the article and maintains water vapor permeability when the web is exposed to compressive pressure.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2001Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Giovanni Carlucci, Paolo Veglio, Amedeo Franco D'Incecco, Luigi Marinelli
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Patent number: 6570055Abstract: An apertured film cover for an absorbent article is disclosed. The cover has an additive combination comprising a hydrophilic agent and a lyophilic agent applied thereto. The additive combination provides surprisingly improved fluid transfer across the cover. It can also provide a benefit by reducing frictional forces during the manufacture of a tampon.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2000Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Assignee: McNeil-PPC, IncInventors: Ching-Yun Morris Yang, Dietmar Van Loyen, Anthony DiSalvo
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Publication number: 20030097113Abstract: An absorbent article having a substantially liquid impervious outer layer, a substantially liquid pervious inner layer overlaying and associated with the outer layer, an absorbent core disposed between the outer layer and inner layer, and an apertured film disposed between the inner layer and the absorbent core. The apertured film has a liquid impervious film surface with a plurality of protrusions extending therefrom towards the absorbent core. Each protrusion terminates at an aperture in the apertured film. The absorbent article has a 200 milliliter rewet under load of less than about 1.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2001Publication date: May 22, 2003Inventor: Kenneth John Molee
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Publication number: 20030097101Abstract: Absorbent article, wherein a liquid acquisition/distribution region comprises an evaporation barrier, such as an apertured film and thsu exhibits reduced evaporation away from the article in the direction towards the wearer.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2002Publication date: May 22, 2003Applicant: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Mattias Schmidt, Cornelia Sprengard-Eichel, Bruno Johannes Ehrnsperger
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Patent number: 6544625Abstract: A flexible sheet for disposable sanitary article includes a plurality of aperture-arrays each having a plurality of apertures, a plurality of plane regions arranged so that each pair of the adjacent plane regions have one of the aperture-arrays therebetween and a plurality of regions rising on the plane regions along their peripheral edges surrounding the respective apertures to form irregular undulations. The rising regions each defining on both sides, trough regions having a depth of at least 0.01 mm which are distributed over the flexible sheet at a density of at least 500/cm2.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2000Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Assignee: Uni-Charm CorporationInventors: Takayuki Hisanaka, Koichi Yamaki, Miou Suzuki, Hisashi Takai
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Publication number: 20030060792Abstract: A disposable absorbent article to trap and collect fluid waste products of a wearer. The pad includes a non-woven top sheet, a fluid acquisitions system, a core, and a polymer cover sheet. The top sheet includes a pair of elasticized flaps extending along its marginal sides, and which are secured in place at the respective ends of the pad, but which stand up on either side of the central portion of the pad so that the pad assumes a cup-like shape. The flaps prevent the egress of fluid laterally from the pad.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2001Publication date: March 27, 2003Applicant: Confab Services, AGInventors: John Harriz, Christa Bruce, Ruth Levy
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Patent number: 6534149Abstract: There is provided an intake/distribution layer for personal care products which is a co-apertured distribution layer and a transfer delay layer between them. The co-apertured distribution and transfer delay layer can serve to store liquid and release it to an absorbent core in a personal care product at a rate at which the core can absorb. This ability to accept irregular and large flow rates makes the layer of this invention particularly well suited for “gush” management. The distribution layer is preferably an airlaid fabric and the transfer delay layer is preferably a spunbond fabric and they are co-apertured using a pin density of preferably about 2.5 pins/cm2.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2000Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Michael Allen Daley, Yvette Lynn Hammonds, Tamara Lee Mace, David Michael Matela
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Publication number: 20030050618Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article elongated to have longitudinally opposed front and rear edges and transversely opposed left and right edges. The absorbent article includes a stack of: a backsheet having a liquid barrier effect; a liquid absorbent layer; a hydrophilic intermediate sheet including fibers; and a hydrophilic topsheet including fibers. The absorbent article has a central region of a predetermined width, which is spaced apart from the left and right edges and formed with a plurality of liquid passage holes continuously extending from the topsheet to the intermediate sheet.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2002Publication date: March 13, 2003Applicant: Uni-Charm CorporationInventors: Hideki Kondo, Jun Kudo
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Publication number: 20030045851Abstract: A absorbent article such as a nappy or an incontinence pad, with a liquid-permeable surface layer, a liquidtight surface layer, and a first absorbent body arranged between the surface layers and extending in longitudinal and transverse directions along the surface layers and also in a through-direction from the liquid-permeable surface layer towards the liquidtight surface layer. The first absorbent body has openings which extend in the through-direction. A second absorbent structure is arranged on that side of the first absorbent body facing away from the liquid-permeable surface layer. The liquid-permeable surface layer is attached to the second absorbent structure through the openings.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2002Publication date: March 6, 2003Inventor: Kent Vartiainen
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Patent number: 6525240Abstract: An unitary stratified composite composed of a first stratum and a second stratum integrally connected by a transition zone is disclosed. The first stratum serves as a liquid acquisition stratum that rapidly acquires and then transfers liquid to the second stratum. The second stratum serves to withdraw liquid from the first stratum and further serves as a temporary storage stratum. Methods for forming the unitary stratified composite are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2000Date of Patent: February 25, 2003Assignee: Weyerhaeuser CompanyInventors: Peter A. Graef, Colin Elston, Daniel T. Bunker, Fred B. Howard, Jeffrey D. Mathews, Shahrokh A. Naieni, Charles E. Miller
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Patent number: 6521812Abstract: A unitary stratified composite composed of a first stratum and a second stratum integrally connected by a transition zone is disclosed. The first stratum serves as a liquid acquisition stratum that rapidly acquires and then transfers liquid to the second stratum. The second stratum serves to withdraw liquid from the first stratum and further serves as a temporary storage stratum. Methods for forming the unitary stratified composite are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2000Date of Patent: February 18, 2003Assignee: Weyerhaeuser CompanyInventors: Peter A. Graef, Colin Elston, Daniel T. Bunker, Fred B. Howard, Jeffrey D. Mathews, Shahrokh A. Naieni, Charles E. Miller
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Patent number: 6518479Abstract: A unitary stratified composite composed of a first stratum and a second stratum integrally connected by a transition zone is disclosed. The first stratum serves as a liquid acquisition stratum that rapidly acquires and then transfers liquid to the second stratum. The second stratum serves to withdraw liquid from the first stratum and further serves as a temporary storage stratum. Methods for forming the unitary stratified composite are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2000Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Assignee: Weyerhaeuser CompanyInventors: Peter A. Graef, Colin Elston, Daniel T. Bunker, Fred B. Howard, Jeffrey D. Matthews, Shahrokh A. Naieni, Charles E. Miller
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Patent number: 6517925Abstract: A topsheet for a disposable absorbent article that includes a first plastic film layer, a second plastic film layer and a fibrous assembly layer disposed between these two layers. The first plastic film layer includes a plurality of first plane regions spaced apart from one another that extend parallel to one another in one direction and the second plastic film layer includes a plurality of second plane regions spaced apart from one another that extend parallel to one another in the one direction. Of the first and second plane regions, at least the first plane regions are formed with bridge-like regions and first rising regions.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2000Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Assignee: Uni-Charm CorporationInventors: Takayuki Hisanaka, Hisashi Takai
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Publication number: 20030028165Abstract: A laminate web comprising a first web, a second web joined to the first web at a plurality of discrete bond sites; and a third material disposed between at least a portion of the first and second nonwovens. The third material is apertured in regions adjacent the bond sites, such that the first and second nonwoven webs are joined through the apertures. In one embodiment an apertured laminate web is disclosed, having a first extensible web having a first elongation to break, and a second extensible web joined to the first extensible web at a plurality of bond sites, the second extensible web having elongation to break. A third web material is disposed between the first and second nonwovens, the third web material having a third elongation to break which is less than both of the first or second elongations to break.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2002Publication date: February 6, 2003Inventors: John J Curro, Douglas H Benson, John B Strube
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Patent number: 6515195Abstract: The invention provides a sanitary absorbent article, such as a feminine protection device, having a fibrous, liquid permeable body-facing cover layer, and an absorbent system, which exhibits particular rewet characteristics when subjected to mechanical stress. The sanitary absorbent article has a thickness of less than or equal to 5 mm, a capacity of at least 18 grams, a rewet potential of less than or equal to 0.8 grams, and a flexural resistance of less than 700 g.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2000Date of Patent: February 4, 2003Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Inc.Inventors: Christiane Lariviere, Roya Mohmad, Sylvain Mongeau, Zulfikar Murji, Vu Hien Nguyen, Leonard G. Rosenfeld
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Patent number: 6509513Abstract: A disposable absorbent article, e.g., a diaper, arranged to be worn by a wearer to trap and collect fluid waste products. The article has a flexible chassis made up of a top-sheet, a two layer fluid acquisition system, and a fluid absorbent core.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2001Date of Patent: January 21, 2003Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Retail Services AGInventors: Frank S. Glaug, William H. Cook, Joan Rodgers, Ruth Levy
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Patent number: 6506473Abstract: A topsheet for a disposable absorbent article that includes a first hydrophobic plastic film layer, a second hydrophobic plastic film layer and hydrophobic thermoplastic synthetic fibrous layer disposed between the two layers. The first hydrophobic plastic film layer includes a plurality of first plane regions spaced apart from one another that extend parallel to one another in one direction and the second hydrophobic plastic first layer includes a plurality of second plane regions spaced apart from one another that extend parallel to one another in the one direction. Of the first and second plane regions, at least the first plane regions are formed with bridge regions and first rising regions.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2000Date of Patent: January 14, 2003Assignee: Uni-Charm CorporationInventors: Takayuki Hisanaka, Hisashi Takai, Koichi Yamaki
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Patent number: 6503598Abstract: A composite sheet adapted to be used as a stock material for disposable garments comprises a film-like upper layer and a lower layer formed by a fibrous assembly. The upper layer is formed with a first surface region having plane zones and aperture arrays and a second surface region in the form of a depression. The lower layer has its density higher in a region immediately underlying the second surface region than in a region immediately underlying the first surface region. The composite sheet including such constituent features is suitable as stock material for disposable garments which require a soft touch and a rapid permeation of body fluids discharged on the garments.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2000Date of Patent: January 7, 2003Assignee: Uni-Charm CorporationInventors: Hiroki Goda, Takayuki Hisanaka
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Publication number: 20020198508Abstract: A comfortable water absorbent composite sheet which is a water absorbent sheet comprising a water absorbent layer, a water holding layer and a water impermeable layer successively arranged from the skin side, wherein the composite water absorbent sheet has a sufficient amount of water absorption with slight water-rewet to the skin by arranging a water-backflow preventing layer comprising a water impermeable sheet material having water penetrating holes between the water absorbent layer and the water holding layer and providing the total area ratio of the water penetrating holes accounting for 3% or above and below 40% of the whole area of the water-backflow preventing layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2001Publication date: December 26, 2002Inventors: Yoshikazu Takatera, Naoki Horikawa
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Publication number: 20020173759Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable menstrual fluid management device (10) including a bag (11) having an aperture (13) that is surrounded by an adhesively-faced flange (12) for releasable attachment to the uro-genital area of the wearer. An absorbent material (15) is contained within the bag. The device (10) effectively absorbs menstrual fluids while being comfortable and discrete to wear.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2002Publication date: November 21, 2002Applicant: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Vincenzo D'Acchioli, Gianfranco Palumbo
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Patent number: 6479130Abstract: A flexible sheet for a disposable garment includes a plastic sheet and a fibrous assembly joined to a lower surface of the plastic sheet, the plastic sheet includes a plurality of flat zones, a plurality of slit zones, bridge zones across the slit zones and rising zones rising on the upper surface of the plastic sheet repeating rise and fall substantially in saw-tooth-shape, and component fibers of the fibrous assembly partially extend upward in the slit zones.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2000Date of Patent: November 12, 2002Assignee: Uni-Charm CorporationInventors: Hisashi Takai, Takayuki Hisanaka, Koichi Yamaki
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Patent number: 6468626Abstract: A flexible sheet 1 includes a plastic sheet and a fibrous assembly bonded to the lower surface of the sheet. The sheet is formed with projections, ribbon-shaped regions, fine slits defined between each pair of adjacent ribbon-shaped regions, bridge-like regions connecting each pair of adjacent ribbon-shaped regions and rising regions extending upward from edges of the ribbon-shaped regions. The fibrous assembly are partially exposed within the respective fine slits.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2000Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Assignee: Uni-Charm CorporationInventors: Hisashi Takai, Miou Suzuki
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Patent number: 6465713Abstract: An absorbent tampon has improved ease of insertion into and removal from a body cavity. This is accomplished by covering at least a portion of the outer surface of the tampon with an apertured polymeric formed film. The apertured formed film provides a smooth land area on the outermost surface of the tampon for gentle, nondrying passage along the vaginal walls. The apertures in the film allow fluid to pass through the cover and into the absorbent core, where the fluid is held to prevent leakage.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 1998Date of Patent: October 15, 2002Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.Inventors: Carol Gell, Linda Pierson, Mary Yeganeh
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Patent number: 6455753Abstract: A disposable absorbent article, e.g., a diaper, arranged to be worn by a wearer to trap and collect fluid waste products, e.g., urine, of the wearer. The article has a flexible chassis and plural tabs for holding the diaper in place on the wearer. The chassis is made up of a top-sheet, a fluid acquisition system, and a fluid absorbent core. The top sheet is formed of a fluid pervious material, e.g., a fibrous material. The core includes fast acting fluid absorbing material, e.g., fluff, and a slow acting fluid absorbing and retaining material, e.g., SAP. The fluid acquisition system comprises a first fluid acquisition layer formed of apertured polymeric, e.g., three dimensional, film and a second fluid acquisition layer, e.g., a fibrous material, secured together and located between the top-sheet and the core, with the first fluid acquisition layer facing the top-sheet and the second fluid acquisition layer facing the core.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1999Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Retail Services AGInventors: Frank S. Glaug, William H. Cook, Joan Rodgers, Ruth Levy
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Publication number: 20020133132Abstract: A breathable absorbent article has at least one of a topsheet, an absorbent core, an optional distribution layer or a backsheet that comprises at least one to layer of a resilient, three dimensional liquid impervious polymeric film having apertures. The apertures form capillaries which are disposed at multiple directions, and/or have different diameters and lengths to create a response surface that is proportional to the pressure applied by the user's body, volume distribution of bodily fluid discharged by the user, the location of the discharge with respect to the position of the article, or a combination thereof, while the article is in use. The polymeric film can be formed by various processes, for example, vacuum forming or hydroforming methods.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2002Publication date: September 19, 2002Inventors: Marcelo S. Copat, Laurence T. Pearson, Kellina Jo Simon
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Patent number: 6452063Abstract: The present invention pertains to a porous, macroscopically-expanded, three-dimensional, elastomeric web suitable for use in disposable absorbent articles such as bandages, diapers and pull-up diaper training pants, as well as a method for making the web. In a preferred embodiment the web has a continuous first surface and a discontinuous second surface remote front first surface. In a preferred embodiment the elastomeric web exhibits a multiplicity of primary apertures in the first surface of the web, the primary apertures being defined in the plane of the first surface by a continuous network of interconnecting members. Each interconnecting member exhibits an upwardly concave-shaped cross-section along its length. The interconnecting members terminate substantially concurrently with one another to form a secondary aperture in the plane of the second surface of the web.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 1999Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: John Joseph Curro, Anneka M. Kaminski, Michele Ann Mansfield, George Christopher Dobrin, Jianbin Zhang
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Patent number: 6452064Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fluid permeable covering sheet (9) for an absorbent article such as a diaper, a sanitary napkin, an incontinence protector or the like, wherein heated needles (4) are brought to penetrate a sheet of textile material (1) comprising at least one thermoplastic component, whereby the thermoplastic component closest to the needles (4) melts, whereafter the needles (4) are removed and the heated material (1) is passed through at least one nip of rollers (7) so that the thermoplastic component closest around the apertures is smoothed out into a substantially smooth material surface around the apertures, whereafter the thermoplastic component is brought to solidify. The invention further pertains to an apertured covering sheet (201, 301) for an absorbent article manufactured in accordance with the method, and an absorbent article (300) provided with a covering sheet manufactured in accordance with the method.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 1999Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products ABInventors: Agneta Thoren, Bror-Inge Helmfridsson
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Patent number: 6450998Abstract: A disposable article for dealing with feces adapted to be used in conjunction with a disposable diaper or diaper cover. The article includes a feces receiving region that is provided in the form of a laminate that includes a top layer provided with at least one opening having an area of 20˜500 mm2, a feces holding layer in the form of a three-dimensional network structure underlying the top layer, a liquid-absorbent layer underlying the holding layer and a liquid-impervious back layer covering a lower surface of the absorbent layer. The laminate has its width progressively reduced toward a front end of the feces receiving pocket and a leakage barrier is formed along transversely opposite side edges of the top layer.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2000Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignee: Uni-Charm CorporationInventors: Toshifumi Otsubo, Hiroyuki Tanji, Yoshitaka Mishima, Naomi Suzuki, Kazuaki Onishi, Norihiko Ishikawa, Yoko Yabe
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Patent number: 6452062Abstract: Composite nonwoven material through which liquid can pass at a high speed and having an excellent resistance to rewetting and fluffing. The material comprises at least one first layer (2) of combed-type fibres and a second layer (3) of combed-type fibres, the fibres of the first layer having a denier greater than that of the fibres of the second layer, the layers being joined to one another by needling. Application to absorbent sanitary articles.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 1997Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products ABInventor: Jean-Pierre Koczab
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Disposable absorbent articles with improved skin dryness performance and with improved skin aeration
Patent number: 6448467Abstract: A disposable absorbent article aiming at improved skin aeration by combining the benefits of an absorbent core providing good rewet performance and of using backsheet materials, which, where covering the core area, provide high vapour permeability.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2000Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Mathias Kurt Herrlein, Muir Charles Robertson, Manfred Plischke -
Patent number: 6443933Abstract: A disposable body wastes absorbent article including a pair of barrier side flaps and a pair of barrier end flaps, each of these flaps having a lower portion folded in a sidewise U-shape such that an open end of the U-shape is opposed to an upper portion of the flap.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2000Date of Patent: September 3, 2002Assignee: Uni-Charm CorporationInventors: Naomi Suzuki, Yoshitaka Mishima
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Publication number: 20020115972Abstract: An absorbent article and a method for manufacturing an absorbent article are disclosed. The absorbent article is made from an inner core absorbent material, which is surrounded by an apertured film. The absorbent material is selected from rayon, cotton, wood pulp, polyester, polyamide, polyolefin, copolymers thereof, and combinations thereof. The absorbent article has a bottom layer, which is made of an apertured film oriented such that protuberances face the inside of the absorbent article. The absorbent article also has a top layer, which is made of an apertured film oriented such that the protuberances face the outside of the absorbent article. The absorbent article may be useful in various applications including sanitary protection and bandages.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2000Publication date: August 22, 2002Inventors: Shmuel Dabi, Robert L. Sun
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Patent number: 6429352Abstract: A disposable absorbent article aiming at improved skin aeration by combining the benefits of an absorbent core providing good rewet performance and of cloth-like backsheet materials, which provide high vapor permeability.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2000Date of Patent: August 6, 2002Assignee: The ProcteInventors: Mathias Kurt Herrlein, Muir Charles Robertson, Manfred Plischke
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Patent number: 6423883Abstract: A liquid reception device as a component, for example, of a personal care product such as a disposable diaper, an incontinent garment, or for other applications such as, for example, an industrial soaker pad or the like. The device includes liquid activated means to move a liquid insult from a target zone to a peripheral zone. The liquid activated transport means operated mechanically by suction created by compression or vacuum or by physical movement of a liquid container from the target zone to the peripheral zone. The disclosed device provides increased use of available liquid handling capacity.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 1999Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Michael Tod Morman, Bryan David Haynes, Thomas Harold Roessler
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Patent number: 6420625Abstract: A breathable, liquid-impermeable, apertured film/nonwoven laminate is provided for use as a backsheet on various absorbent articles such as diapers, sanitary napkins, incontinent garments, and the like. The laminate is formed from a nonporous, breathable polymeric film layer, an apertured film layer, and a nonwoven web layer. The layers may be attached in an arrangement where the breathable polymeric film layer is sandwiched between the nonwoven web layer and apertured film layer, or where the apertured film layer is sandwiched between the nonwoven web layer and the breathable film layer. A process for making the laminate is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 1997Date of Patent: July 16, 2002Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Billy R. Jones, Robert L. Shaffer, Mark B. Majors
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Patent number: 6420626Abstract: Disclosed is a unitary absorbent structure including a fluid acquisition stratum; a fluid distribution stratum; and a fluid storage stratum between the acquisition stratum and the distribution stratum. Each of the acquisition, distribution, and storage strata are in fluid communication with each other.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 1999Date of Patent: July 16, 2002Assignee: Buckeye Technologies Inc.Inventors: John P. Erspamer, Shiu-Kang Laurence Li, James Richard Gross, Samuel Charles Baer
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Publication number: 20020087136Abstract: Absorbent article such as a diaper, pant diaper, incontinence guard, sanitary napkin, wound dressing or the like comprising a layer of continuous fibers (9), so called tow, which is bonded in points, spots or lines in a bonding pattern (10), but where the fibers otherwise are substantially unbonded to each other. Said layer can either be used as a liquid acquisition layer (5) in the article under the topsheet (2), as a topsheet (12) or as a combined topsheet and liquid acquisition layer (22).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 1999Publication date: July 4, 2002Inventor: URBAN WIDLUND
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Publication number: 20020082575Abstract: A multiple layer water-absorbent core is described which is suitable for use in an absorbent article. The water-absorbent core comprises a water-absorbent layer and a water-management layer which acts to reduce the exposure of the core to the water. The water-management layer is preferably formed from the hydrophobic material. An absorbent article comprising a liquid pervious cover sheet, a liquid impervious backsheet and a multiple layer water-absorbent core of the invention is also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2002Publication date: June 27, 2002Inventors: Ervin Dan, Arthur Roger Shipley
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Publication number: 20020082576Abstract: The invention pertains to an absorbent product such as a sanitary napkin, a diaper, an incontinence pad or similar, comprising an absorbent body (3) comprises an absorbent layer (6) presenting a first surface (11) and an opposite second surface (13), as well as a first material layer that is arranged in contact with the first surface (11) of the absorbent layer (6) and a second material layer is arranged in contact with the second surface (13) of the absorbent layer. In accordance with the invention, there is at least one bend indication in the form of a through slit (14) or an elongated opening arranged in said absorbent layer (6), and one surface (13) of the absorbent layer (6) is mutually joined with the material layer in contact with this surface, within the region immediately surrounding said bend indication, on both sides thereof, whereas the absorbent layer's opposite surface (11) in said region is not joined to the material layer contacting this surface (11).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2002Publication date: June 27, 2002Inventors: Roy Hansson, Kerstin Johansson