Removable Pad Patents (Class 604/385.14)
  • Patent number: 7686792
    Abstract: An absorbent article (20) includes a first pad section (26), and a smaller second pad section (28) which is operatively joined to the first pad section. The first pad section (26) includes a first body-side cover (30), a first backsheet (32), a first absorbent body (34) located between the first cover and the first backsheet, and a first garment-attachment mechanism (36) located on a garment-side surface of the first backsheet (32). The second pad section (28) includes a second body-side cover (38), a second backsheet (40), a second absorbent body (42) located between the second cover and the second backsheet, and a second garment-attachment mechanism (44) located on the garment-side surface of the second backsheet (40). In a desired arrangement, the first pad section (26) can overlap at least a portion of the second pad section (28), and at least a portion of the first garment-attachment mechanism (36) can operatively attach the first pad section (26) to the second pad section (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth Ellen Bell, Emily Jean Baum, Carmen Judith Dietz
  • Patent number: 7670324
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article adapted to be worn about a lower torso of a human body and having a chassis, a non-removable absorbent core component disposed in a crotch region of the chassis, and a replaceable absorbent core component disposed in capillary liquid communication with the non-removable absorbent core component and having longitudinally disposed regions of liquid permeability and liquid impermeability on the same surface. The replaceable absorbent core component may be removed and a like component may be substituted without the removal of the absorbent article from the wearer. The replaceable absorbent core component may be disposed inside an openable chassis pocket, with access for its removal and replacement provided by an aperture in a backsheet, an openable end of an external pocket, or an openable end of an internal pocket formed at an area of a waist end edge where the backsheet and a topsheet may be separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: The Procter and Gamble Company
    Inventors: Gary Dean LaVon, Theodora Beck, Gerald Alfred Young, Stephen Lebeuf Hardie, Thomas Henrich, Edward John Milbrada
  • Publication number: 20100036354
    Abstract: The invention provides an absorbent article that is small and that can be easily worn by a user and a method for producing the absorbent article. The absorbent article that is used in abutment against a user's body includes: an absorbent body for absorbing fluid; and an absorbent-article main body whose face on a side close to the user's body in use is joined to the absorbent body. The absorbent body has a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction. One end section of the absorbent body in the longitudinal direction is undetachably joined to the absorbent-article main body, and another end section of the absorbent body in the longitudinal direction is detachably joined to a portion inside an outer edge of the absorbent-article main body. The absorbent body has a non-joined section that is not joined to the absorbent-article main body, between the joined section on a side close to the other end section and the outer edge of the absorbent-article main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: UNI-CHARM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jun Kudo, Hideyuki Kinoshita, Akira Hashino
  • Patent number: 7658732
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in structure of disposable garments. The disposable garments of the invention may include an outer layer and an elastic inner layer. The elastic inner layer has an elastic inner layer perimeter and defines an opening, which may be in the form of a slit or aperture, located in an internal position to the elastic inner layer perimeter. The elastic inner layer perimeter may be bonded to the outer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul T. Van Gompel, Georgia L. Zehner
  • Publication number: 20100005570
    Abstract: A semi-disposable sanitary panty to be used by women comprising a supportive portion that can be wear more then one time and from an attached and removable portion includes pad with absorbent materials, that can be replaced and thrown after one time use. The semi-disposable sanitary panty is designed to answer the women need to be comfortable, feminine, and attractive, and still be disposable and thrown a way after being used one or more times. The supportive portion is specially designed to fit the user's waist by hook members that are capable of being removably hooked onto each other for the purpose of opening and closing the supportive portion from at least one side of the supportive portion on the user's waist. A system for marketing the semi-disposable sanitary panty is to sell packages were each package contains at least one supportive portion and few different pads that can be attached and after use removed and thrown away.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventor: Sharon-Or Rachman
  • Patent number: 7629501
    Abstract: A reusable diaper generally includes an inner layer configured to wick moisture from a diaper wearer's body and an outer layer configured to be substantially liquid-impervious. At least one pocket is defined generally by a space between the inner and outer layers. The at least one pocket is configured to receive at least one liquid-absorbent insert therein. The diaper also includes at least one slit in the inner layer that provides access into the space between the inner and outer layers defining the at least one pocket. At least one flap is provided that is positionable in an open configuration in which the at least one slit is exposed and allows access into the at least one pocket, and a closed configuration in which the at least one flap substantially covers the at least one slit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Inventors: Jennifer Lynn Labit, James Andrew Labit
  • Publication number: 20090299311
    Abstract: A washable, reusable garment for retention of body fluids when worn on a person's lower body part. The garment has a crotch portion and a body portion. The crotch portion has an absorbent composite, and a pocket adapted for receiving a removable absorbent pad. The body portion has a waist opening and is seamless except where attached to the crotch portion. The body portion and the crotch portion together form first and second leg openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventor: Robert F. Deerin
  • Patent number: 7601145
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article adapted to be worn about a lower torso of a human body and having a chassis, a non-removable absorbent core component disposed in a crotch region of the chassis, and one or more replaceable absorbent core component or components disposed in capillary liquid communication with the non-removable absorbent core component. The replaceable absorbent core component may be removed and a like component may be substituted in place of the removed component without the removal of the absorbent article from the wearer. The replaceable absorbent core component may be disposed inside an openable chassis pocket, with access for its removal and replacement provided by an aperture in a garment-facing layer, an openable end of an external pocket, or an openable end of an internal pocket formed at an area of a waist end edge where the garment-facing layer and a wearer-facing layer may be separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Gary Dean LaVon, Gerald Alfred Young, Theodora Beck
  • Publication number: 20090216209
    Abstract: A double gusset cloth diaper including an inner surface and an outer surface forming an hourglass shape, having a groin area proximate a center line of the reusable diaper and defining at least one recess therebetween. A fluid absorbent material is removably located in the recess through the opening. A first gusset is attached to the reusable diaper to form a first seal between the inner surface and the legs of the user. A second gusset is attached to the reusable diaper proximate the first gusset. The gussets are formed of an elastic material attached to the wrong side of the inner surface in a channel formed by stitching the inner surface to form channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: KANGA CARE, LLC
    Inventor: Julie Ekstrom
  • Patent number: 7572250
    Abstract: An absorbent product has a fluid permeable top sheet, a fluid impermeable backing sheet, and an absorbent core having an upper side, a bottom side, two longitudinally running sides and two laterally running sides. The product further has two longitudinally running barrier flaps at the longitudinally running sides of the absorbent core. The top sheet covers the upper side of the absorbent core. The top sheet, with the upper side of the absorbent core, also covers the longitudinally running sides of the absorbent core and part of the bottom side of the absorbent core, the top sheet extending between at least a portion of the bottom side of the absorbent core and the backing sheet. The top sheet is connected to the backing sheet at the bottom side of the absorbent core. The barrier flaps are connected to the backing sheet at the longitudinally running sides of the absorbent core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Urban Widlund, Eva Simmons, Anders Gustafsson
  • Patent number: 7553303
    Abstract: A garment for the lower torso adapted to contain absorbent pads in the crotch region within the garment includes at least one laterally-oriented aperture therein for extraction or insertion of the pads and also for providing access for cleansing the soiled areas. The aperture can be either in the front or the rear of the garment, or both. The garment can support multiple pads in the crotch region in a stacked arrangement. The aperture is preferably either trapezoidal or formed from an arc-shaped cut and is constructed as a cut-out flap for selective access to the aperture. The novel aperture advantageously allows an absorbent pad to be extracted or inserted by the wearer or caregiver without removal of the undergarment or repositioning of the wearer from a prone or seated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Inventor: Jane Speak
  • Publication number: 20090149827
    Abstract: A disposable incontinent underwear product can comprise areas having different stretch characteristics and thereby fit persons of varying body shape in a more comfortable and/or visually appealing manner. Additionally, in some embodiments, the different areas of stretch can aid in positioning absorbent components, such as an absorbent insert or core that is included in the undergarment to absorb body exudates. For example, a garment may feature at vertical stretch in an area above the crotch and below the waist while featuring horizontal stretch at the hip areas at its front and back sides. As another example, a garment may feature horizontal stretch across the front of the garment and vertical stretch across the back of the garment in areas above the crotch and below the waist. In some embodiments, the crotch also features horizontal, vertical, or biaxial stretch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph Andrew Mlinar, Wendy L. Hamilton, Julie A. Paveletzke, Mary F. Kutchenriter
  • Publication number: 20090112176
    Abstract: A stacked absorbent article assembly including a top absorbent article, a bottom absorbent article, an adhesive arranged between the articles for selectively securing the top absorbent article to the bottom absorbent article, and an adhesive arranged on a bottom surface of the assembly for securing the absorbent article assembly to an undergarment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: Jennifer Austin, Jpseph M. Luizzi, Jessica G. Tylicki
  • Patent number: 7503911
    Abstract: A disposable wearing article includes a holder member which is composed of a front waist region, a rear waist region and a crotch region and a bodily discharge receiving member. The holder member is formed with a through-hole in the crotch region while the receiving member has a protrusion adapted to be inserted into the through-hole from the outer side of the wearing article and to define a concavity which can receive and retain bodily discharges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Mishima, Taiji Shimakawa, Kaiyo Nakajima, Tomoko Sugito
  • Patent number: 7494483
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article adapted to be worn about a lower torso of a human body and having a chassis, a non-removable absorbent core component disposed in a crotch region of the chassis, and a replaceable absorbent core component disposed in capillary liquid communication with the non-removable absorbent core component. The replaceable absorbent core component may be removed and a like component may be substituted in place of the removed component without the removal of the absorbent article from the wearer. The replaceable absorbent core component may be disposed inside an openable chassis pocket, with access for its removal and replacement provided by an aperture in a backsheet, an openable end of an external pocket, or an openable end of an internal pocket formed at an area of a waist end edge where the backsheet and a topsheet may be separated. Additional replaceable absorbent core components may also be incorporated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: The Procter and Gamble Company
    Inventors: Theodora Beck, Gary Dean LaVon, Stephen Lebeuf Hardie, Monica Jean Mohlenkamp, Janet Madge Roller, Donald Carroll Roe
  • Publication number: 20090024102
    Abstract: The present invention provides a wearing article for absorbing bodily substance discharge from mouth or nose. The article is formed from a material which is capable of receiving a holding bodily substance device and which is simply retained on the forearm or elbow of the user. The invention also provides a wearing article for delivering medicinal substance to mouth or nose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventor: Wendy P. Piret
  • Publication number: 20080312626
    Abstract: A disposable diaper comprising a liquid permeable topsheet 2, a liquid impermeable backsheet 3, and a liquid retentive absorbent member 4 and having a substantially oblong shape, the absorbent member 4 in the crotch portion having a middle absorbent portion 42 which occupies the middle 3/7 of the width of the absorbent member 4 and side absorbent portions 43 which each occupy the outermost 1/7 of the width of the absorbent member 4, wherein each side absorbent portion 43 has a larger unit absorption capacity than the middle absorbent portion 42, hydrophobic sheets 3 and 21 are disposed on the lateral outer edge of each side absorbent portion 43 to cover from the upper to lower surfaces of the edge, and an elastic member 71 is disposed in the part having each side absorbent portion 43 in the longitudinal direction of the side absorbent portion 43.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventors: Takao KOYAMA, Hidekazu Ito, Hiroshi Inada, Takahiro Arimura
  • Patent number: 7431716
    Abstract: A disposable diaper having a diaper body including an inner lining comprising a liquid-absorbent material and a removable core shaped to engage a portion of the inner lining. The removable core is temporarily secured to the diaper body and is removable therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Inventor: Rhonda Tracy
  • Publication number: 20080215027
    Abstract: A reusable diaper may include an inner layer to wick moisture and an outer layer substantially impervious to liquids. A waist portion may include a corner region for securing the diaper in a desired position. The corner region may be resiliently stretchable and substantially impervious to liquids, and may include first and second layers coupled to the respective inner and outer layers. The coupled first layer and inner layer define a first seam allowance, and the coupled second layer and outer layer define a second seam allowance. The first and second seam allowances may be positioned within the corner region to help inhibit wicking of liquid through the seam allowances into the corner region. And a fluid-resistant region may be provided to help resist wicking of moisture through the inner layer past the fluid-resistant region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventors: Jennifer Lynn Labit, James Andrew Labit
  • Publication number: 20080183148
    Abstract: A reusable diaper may include an inner layer and an outer layer. A fluid-absorbing insert may be coupled to the inner layer for use in absorbing fluids. The inner layer may be disposed generally between the outer layer and the fluid-absorbing insert such that both the fluid-absorbing insert and the inner layer are in position for absorbing fluids. The fluid-absorbing insert may be adjustable relative to the inner layer for accommodating use by a male and/or a female. The reusable diaper may also include forward and rearward waist portions generally defined by the inner and outer layers. Liquid-resistant regions may be disposed adjacent the waist portions, generally between the waist portions and the fluid-absorbing insert, for resisting movement of fluid from the fluid-absorbing insert to the waist portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Jennifer Lynn Labit, James Andrew Labit
  • Patent number: 7396349
    Abstract: In an absorbent structure for an absorbent article, a non-woven absorbent core extends from one longitudinal end region of the absorbent structure through a central region thereof to an opposite longitudinal end region of the absorbent structure. The absorbent core has a first face, a second face opposite the first face, and laterally opposite side edges. A liquid permeable wrapsheet is wrapped about the first face, the laterally opposite side edges and at least a portion of the second face of the absorbent core to define a wrapped configuration of the wrapsheet. Tbe wrapsheet is constructed of a non-woven material and is secured in its wrapped configuration about the absorbent core at at least one securement region having a length substantially less than the length of the absorbent structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: James George Van Himbergen, Mark Scott Lancaster, Michael Barth Venturino
  • Patent number: 7387620
    Abstract: A wearing article includes pants having a supporting sheet extending between front and rear waist regions and a body waste absorbing pad formed in its upper surface with a first opening and releasably attached to the inner side of the pants. The supporting sheet is formed with a slit through which a rear zone of the pad can be inserted. The pad is provided on its upper surface with a joined sheet having a second opening. A front zone and an intermediate zone of the pad are placed on the upper surface of the supporting sheet, the rear zone of the pad is inserted into the slit so as to be interposed between the pants and the supporting sheet, free front and rear zones are fastened to the upper surface of the supporting sheet and thereby the pad is attached to the pants by means of the supporting sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Maki Watanabe, Ichiro Wada
  • Patent number: 7381202
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article adapted to be worn about a lower torso of a human body and having a chassis, a non-removable absorbent core component disposed in a crotch region of the chassis, and one or more replaceable absorbent core component or components disposed in capillary liquid communication with the non-removable absorbent core component. The replaceable absorbent core component may be removed and a like component may be substituted in place of the removed component without the removal of the absorbent article from the wearer. The replaceable absorbent core component may be disposed inside an openable chassis pocket, with access for its removal and replacement provided at an openable end of the pocket, such as at an area of a waist end edge where the garment-facing layer and a wearer-facing layer may be separated for access into the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Gary Dean LaVon, Gerald Alfred Young, Theodora Beck
  • Publication number: 20080103472
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve new methods for using disposable absorbent articles having replaceable absorbent core components as a training pant. Non-removable absorbent core components may be disposed in a chassis of the disposable absorbent article. The absorbent article may also include one or more replaceable absorbent core components selectively disposed in capillary liquid communication with the non-removable absorbent core component. Embodiments of such absorbent articles can be configured for use as a training pant by removing the replaceable absorbent core component. As discussed below, removal of the replaceable core component can be done without having to remove the absorbent article from the wearer. In addition, embodiments of the absorbent articles can be reconfigured for use as a high absorbency diaper by reinstalling a replaceable absorbent core component without having to remove the absorbent article from the wearer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventor: Gary Dean LaVon
  • Publication number: 20080103471
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve new methods for using disposable absorbent articles having replaceable absorbent core components as a swim pant. Non-removable absorbent core components may be disposed in a chassis of the disposable absorbent article. The absorbent article may also include replaceable absorbent core components adapted to be selectively disposed in capillary liquid communication with the non-removable absorbent core component. Embodiments of such absorbent articles can be configured for use as a swim pant or diaper with relatively low absorbency by removing the replaceable absorbent core component. Removal of the replaceable core component may be done without having to remove the absorbent article from the wearer. In addition, embodiments of the absorbent articles can be reconfigured for use as a high absorbency diaper by reinstalling a replaceable absorbent core component without having to remove the absorbent article from the wearer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: Gary Dean LaVon, Thomas Henrich
  • Publication number: 20080065039
    Abstract: According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are provided of reusable diapers. In one exemplary embodiment, a reusable diaper generally includes an inner layer configured to wick moisture from the diaper wearer's body and an outer layer configured to be substantially liquid-impervious. At least one pocket is defined generally by a space between the inner and outer layers. The at least one pocket is configured to receive at least one liquid-absorbent insert therein. The diaper also includes at least one slit in the inner layer that provides access into the space between the inner and outer layers defining the at least one pocket. At least one flap is provided that is positionable in an open configuration in which the at least one slit is exposed and allows access into the at least one pocket, and a closed configuration in which the at least one flap substantially covers the at least one slit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventors: Jennifer Lynn Labit, James Andrew Labit
  • Patent number: 7341580
    Abstract: A protective liner 10 which is adapted to be selectively and removably placed within a garment 100 and which is effective to absorb waste materials emanating from a wearer of the underwear 100, having a pair of substantially identical elastic ribs 120 and a pair of substantially identical “grip tabs” 20, 22, and which obviates the need for a diaper or diaper-like product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Inventor: Colette Hamilton-Vance
  • Patent number: 7322966
    Abstract: A washable, reusable garment for retention of body fluids when worn on a person's lower body part. The garment has a crotch portion and a body portion. The crotch portion has an absorbent composite, and a pocket adapted for receiving a removable absorbent pad. The body portion has a waist opening and is seamless except where attached to the crotch portion. The body portion and the crotch portion together form first and second leg openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Inventor: Robert F. Deerin
  • Patent number: 7294121
    Abstract: Here is disclosed a pad being relatively large in its longitudinal direction and comprising a liquid-pervious topsheet, a liquid-impervious backsheet, a liquid-absorbent core interposed between these top- and backsheets and an cover sheet lying outside the backsheet and extending from an intermediate region to a rear region of the pad. The cover sheet has fixed side edge portions fixed to transversely opposite side edges of the pad, a fixed end portion fixed to a rear end portion of the pad and a free portion extending between the fixed side edge portions and the fixed end portion and let free from the pad so that a pocket opening from the side of the front region toward the side of the rear region is defined between the backsheet and the cover sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Hikari Kawata, Masashi Nakashita, Kaori Yamauchi
  • Patent number: 7291137
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article adapted to be worn about a lower torso of a human body and having a chassis, a non-removable absorbent core component disposed in a crotch region of the chassis, and one or more replaceable absorbent core component or components disposed in capillary liquid communication with the non-removable absorbent core component. The replaceable absorbent core component may be removed and a like component may be substituted in place of the removed component without the removal of the absorbent article from the wearer. The replaceable absorbent core component may be disposed inside an openable chassis pocket, with access for its removal and replacement provided by an aperture in a garment-facing layer, an openable end of an external pocket, or an openable end of an internal pocket formed at an area of a waist end edge where the garment-facing layer and a wearer-facing layer may be separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Gary Dean LaVon, Gerald Alfred Young, Theodora Beck
  • Patent number: 7264615
    Abstract: An absorbent insert for use with an absorbent garment has a body-facing outer surface and a garment-facing outer surface. The garment-facing outer surface is at least partially permeable to fluids. The insert also includes one or more absorbent layers and one or more delay layer(s) adapted to substantially affect the flow of fluid through the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Earle Harry Sherrod, Stephen Bradford Cook, David Arthur Fell, Cornelis Jacobus Bosselaar, Courtney M. Nelson, Paul Joseph Datta, Mary Anne Bruemmer-Prestley
  • Patent number: 7175613
    Abstract: An absorptive product comprising a front region, a rear region, a crotch region, a waist opening, a pair of leg openings, and a liquid-impermeable back sheet. Disposed interiorly of the back sheet are a front absorber and a rear absorber. An access port is provided for taking out and/or replacing at least one of these absorbers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Sugiyama, Rie Kuwabara, Migaku Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7166095
    Abstract: A protective undergarment having an outer layer of fluid-resistant material shaped to conform to the buttock and leg region of a user, and an elongated sling of material connected to the outer layer. Opposite sides of the sling are bowed inward and joined together at a first end of the sling to form a first pocket part for retaining one end of a fluid absorbent pad. A cuff is connected between the first end of the sling and the outer layer. The second end of the sling is connected to the outer layer, and an intermediate portion of the sling between the first and second ends of the sling is folded longitudinally into an S-shape so as to provide three plies of the material establishing a second pocket part for retaining an opposite end of the fluid absorbent pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Tailored Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Fredrica V. Coates
  • Patent number: 7160278
    Abstract: The present invention concerns an auxiliary pad for absorbent article that can prevent body fluid from leaking along with the dislocation of an absorbent article such as sanitary napkin, and provides a hygienic article that can reduce the occurrence of body fluid leak, even when the dislocation of fitting happens, all the way securing a sufficient adhesion to the inside of the thigh. An auxiliary pad for absorbent article (2), comprising an absorbent sheet body (5) adhered to the inside of the thigh of the wearer for absorbing body fluid, a linkage stem body (9) for linking the absorbent sheet body and an junction sheet body (7), and the junction sheet body (7) to which an adhesive (6) is applied, is attached to a sanitary napkin (10) to constitute a sanitary article (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Mizutani, Koichi Yamaki, Yuki Noda
  • Patent number: 7150733
    Abstract: A diaper is provided in a transverse middle of a crotch region with a pad seat formed from top- and backsheets. The pad seat has a pair of extensions bifurcated from a rear end of the pad seat toward respective tape fasteners. In the course of wearing the diaper as well as during use of the diaper, a tensile force functioning to pull side flaps outward as viewed in a transverse direction of the article is transmitted to the respective extensions and pulls the pad seat so that the pad seat may be tightened so as to press a pad laid in the pad seat against the wearer's skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Shie Yamakawa, Yusuke Kawakami
  • Patent number: 7090666
    Abstract: A moisture management incontinence pad is adapted for placement within an undergarment worn by a user. The fabric composite includes a plurality of overlying absorbent layers having respective first and second opposing end edges and first and second opposing side edges. The adsorbent layers are substantially unattached to one another along at least one of respective first and second side edges and first and second end edges to promote circulation between the layers during laundering. A liquid impermeable jacket resides adjacent an outside major surface of the fabric composite, and covers the opposing end edges and opposing side edges of the absorbent layers. The jacket is adapted for trapping moisture within the composite, and forms a moisture barrier between the composite and the undergarment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Inventor: Mark Miskie
  • Patent number: 7090665
    Abstract: A disposable diaper that includes a cover member and a body fluid absorbent member attached to an inner side of the cover member. The absorbent member is composed of a liquid-pervious topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core member disposed therebetween. The absorbent member is formed on a side adjacent the backsheet with at least one first groove concaved in a direction from the backsheet toward the topsheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Naoto Ohashi, Yoshio Ono, Toru Oba
  • Patent number: 6989006
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article adapted to be worn about a lower torso of a human body and having a chassis, a non-removable absorbent core component disposed in a crotch region of the chassis, and one or more replaceable absorbent core component or components disposed in capillary liquid communication with the non-removable absorbent core component. The replaceable absorbent core component may be removed and a like component may be substituted in place of the removed component without the removal of the absorbent article from the wearer. The replaceable absorbent core component may be disposed inside an openable chassis pocket, with access for its removal and replacement provided by an aperture in a garment-facing layer, an openable end of an external pocket, or an openable end of an internal pocket formed at an area of a waist end edge where the garment-facing layer and a wearer-facing layer may be separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: The Procter and Gamble Company
    Inventors: Gary Dean Lavon, Gerald Alfred Young, Theodora Beck
  • Patent number: 6989005
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article suitable for absorbing and retaining aqueous body fluids includes a backsheet that is substantially liquid impervious except at a discontinuity therein and an absorbent core between the backsheet and a topsheet. The absorbent core includes a non-removable component and a removable and replaceable component in fluid communication with the non-removable component. Access for the removal and replacement of the removable component is provided by the discontinuity in the backsheet. The replaceable absorbent core component may be removed and a like component may be substituted in place of the removed component without removal of the absorbent article from the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Gary Dean LaVon, Gerald Alfred Young, Theodora Beck
  • Patent number: 6932800
    Abstract: Disclosed are absorbent cores for inclusion in articles such as diapers, incontinent briefs, training pants, diaper holders and liners, feminine hygiene garments, and the like, designed to provide improved fit and comfort for the wearer while adequately containing body exudates. The absorbent core is designed so as to retain low levels of fluid in the crotch region, relative to the other core regions, even when the core absorbs significant amounts of fluid during use. To achieve this, the absorbent core is designed such that fluid is moved substantially from the crotch region to the front and/or rear ends of the article. In particular, the absorbent core comprises in its crotch region a material having significant vertical wicking absorbent capacities. The absorbent core also preferably comprises a non-removable absorbent core component in the crotch region, and removable absorbent core components in the front or rear regions of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Gary Dean LaVon, Gerald Alfred Young, Gregory Wade Taylor, Theodora Beck
  • Patent number: 6926705
    Abstract: A reusable infant or adult diaper with an inner anchored pocketed sling structure adjoining an outer shell or pant-type garment. The outer shell or garment fits the wearer's torso and legs, and the inner anchored sling fits and conforms to the wearer's pubic region. Included are mechanisms to fasten and remove the anchored sling from underwear and to stabilize and/or anchor the sling when retrofitted to conventional underwear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Tailored Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Fredrica V. Coates
  • Patent number: 6840926
    Abstract: A multi-layer feminine hygienic pad comprising a laminate of two or more composite absorption sheets in which an upper composite absorption sheet which comprises an upper backing sheet laminated to a back side thereof is laid on top of a lower composite absorption sheet comprising a lower backing sheet laminated to a back side thereof such that the back side of the upper composite absorption sheet is placed downward and peripheral parts of the lower backing sheet and the upper backing sheet are temporarily attached together by a high pressure pressing without using an adhesive and, a back side of a lowest backing sheet of a lowest composite absorption sheet is capable of being attachable to underwear. The composite absorption sheet and the backing sheet are approximately the same size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventors: Mica Nukina, Mitsuru Uchiyama, Mitsuko Uchiyama, Mitsuo Ohtani, Atsushi Uchiyama
  • Patent number: 6793649
    Abstract: An absorbent article for wear inside of another absorbent article, which has a liquid-permeable facing layer that faces the wearer, and a backing layer that faces another absorbent article. The backing layer is formed from a liquid-impermeable sheet and as at least one opening. Alternatively, the backing layer is formed from a liquid-permeable sheet, and an absorbent core is interposed between the liquid-permeable facing layer and the backing layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihisa Fujioka, Ichiro Wada, Satoshi Nozaki, Takashi Maeno
  • Patent number: 6764477
    Abstract: A composite absorbent article comprises a reusable frame member for shaping and leakage control onto which a single-use absorbent device can be detachably connected and repeatedly replaced without the need to replace the reusable frame member. A low-cost, high-performance composite absorbent article can thus be provided from low-cost single-use absorbent devices by virtue of the reusable frame member. A wicking barrier lining a central void or depression helps provide leakage containment for the overall composite absorbent article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Fung-jou Chen, Jeffrey Dean Lindsay, Julie Marie Bednarz, Margaret Gwyn Latimer, Joseph DiPalma, Teresa Marie Zander
  • Publication number: 20040122401
    Abstract: A disposable undergarment includes a body chassis member elongatable in at least a first direction between at least a first condition and second condition. The body chassis member has a greater elongation when in the second condition than when in the first condition. The disposable undergarment further includes a crotch member detachably connected to the body chassis member at at least one attachment location. At least a portion of the at least one attachment location is detached as the body chassis member is elongated between the first and second conditions. In one preferred embodiment, the crotch member includes an absorbent component. Methods of using the undergarment and of instructing a user about the use of the garment are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Paul T. Van Gompel, Russell E. Thorson
  • Patent number: 6747186
    Abstract: Provided is an absorbent article which includes a backsheet, a liquid-pervious topsheet and an absorbent core sandwiched between the backsheet and the topsheet. At least the backsheet is made from a water-decomposable material. The backsheet is formed of a fibrous sheet that contains water-dispersible fibers and water-insoluble carboxymethyl cellulose. The water-insoluble carboxymethyl cellulose has a degree of etherification (D.S.) falling between 0.3 and 0.6, and is modified so that the hydrogens of at least 95% of carboxylic acids therein are substituted with metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventor: Jyoji Shimizu
  • Publication number: 20040078017
    Abstract: A disposable diaper comprising a liquid permeable topsheet 2, a liquid impermeable backsheet 3, and a liquid retentive absorbent member 4 and having a substantially oblong shape, the absorbent member 4 in the crotch portion having a middle absorbent portion 42 which occupies the middle {fraction (3/7)} of the width of the absorbent member 4 and side absorbent portions 43 which each occupy the outermost {fraction (1/7)} of the width of the absorbent member 4, wherein each side absorbent portion 43 has a larger unit absorption capacity than the middle absorbent portion 42, hydrophobic sheets 3 and 21 are disposed on the lateral outer edge of each side absorbent portion 43 to cover from the upper to lower surfaces of the edge, and an elastic member 71 is disposed in the part having each side absorbent portion 43 in the longitudinal direction of the side absorbent portion 43.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Takao Koyama, Hidekazu Ito, Hiroshi Inada, Takahiro Arimura
  • Publication number: 20040073180
    Abstract: A pants-shaped absorbent product, such as incontinence pants or pull-ups, intended for males, has a front section, a rear section, a crotch section, an elastic waist region, an absorbent element intended to cover the penis of the user, and a liquid-tight outer layer. The front section has an elastic member, which enables the front section of the product to be pulled down during use, counter to the action of the elastic member, to a position in which the upper limit edge of the front section is situated below the penis of the user. The absorbent element is configured with one or more deformation zones, which enable parts of the absorbent element to be drawn along when the front section of the product is pulled down. The front section of the product and the absorbent element are arranged to be returned by the elastic member to their original usage position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: Kenneth Strannemalm
  • Patent number: 6689114
    Abstract: A method of collecting bodily substances from a subject, comprising the steps of (a) positioning a member in an undergarment; (b) collecting at least one bodily substance from the genital, anal, or urinary regions from the subject on the sampling strip; and (c) removing the sampling strip from the member for analysis of the bodily substances collected thereon. The member comprises a sleeve, a sampling strip, and an absorbent layer. The sleeve comprises upper and lower sheets and is at least partially open ended at one longitudinal end. The upper sheet of the sleeve at least partially comprises a receiving surface, and the lower sheet has an impermeable outer surface with an adhesive thereon for securing the member to the subject's undergarments. The sampling strip is between the absorbant layer and the receiving surface and is removable from the sleeve through the opening at one longitudinal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Ezy-Detek (EDI, Inc.)
    Inventors: CĂ©line Bouchard, Carol Morin, Michel Fortier
  • Publication number: 20030199844
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article adapted to be worn about a lower torso of a human body and having a chassis, a non-removable absorbent core component disposed in a crotch region of the chassis, and a replaceable absorbent core component disposed in capillary liquid communication with the non-removable absorbent core component. The replaceable absorbent core component may be removed and a like component may be substituted in place of the removed component without the removal of the absorbent article from the wearer. The replaceable absorbent core component may be disposed inside an openable chassis pocket, with access for its removal and replacement provided by an aperture in a backsheet, an openable end of an external pocket, or an openable end of an internal pocket formed at an area of a waist end edge where the backsheet and a topsheet may be separated. Additional replaceable absorbent core components may also be incorporated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventors: Gary Dean LaVon, Theodora Beck, Gerald Alfred Young, Stephen Lebeuf Hardie, Thomas Henrich, Mark James Kline, Edward John Milbrada