Extendable Pad Patents (Class 604/385.16)
  • Publication number: 20140155856
    Abstract: An absorbent article includes a belt placed around the waist of the wearer and an absorbent pad attached to the belt, wherein the pad includes a chassis having a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core, wherein the absorbent pad is attached to a surface of the belt attaching arrangements provided on each corner of the front portion and the rear portion of the pad, wherein the waist elastic is provided at the waist portion of at least one of the front and rear portion and is movable between a contracted condition in which the topsheet and/or backsheet exhibit(s) pleats and a fully stretched condition in which the pleats of the topsheet and/or backsheet are fully stretched out, wherein the elastic force from said waist elastic is within the range of from 2 N to 7 N when the elastic is in the fully stretched condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Peter Rönnberg, Kenneth Strannemalm
  • Patent number: 8740870
    Abstract: Absorbent articles having a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between said topsheet and said backsheet are disclosed. The absorbent articles include a plasto-elastic material joined to or disposed on at least one of component of the absorbent article to impart sizing or shaping capabilities to the article. The plasto-elastic material has substantially plastic properties when said absorbent article is subjected to an initial strain cycle, for example, when the article is placed on a wearer, and has substantially elastic properties when subjected to a second strain cycle such as when the article is subsequently adjusted to conform to the size of the wearer. The absorbent article can be in the form of diapers, pull-on diapers, training pants, sanitary napkins, wipes, bibs, incontinence briefs or inserts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Jean-Philippe Marie Autran, Donald Carroll Roe, Fred Naval Desai
  • Patent number: 8728051
    Abstract: Laminates with a layer of bonded nonwoven material attached to a layer of film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Jonathan Aaron Lu, Robert Haines Turner, Lisa Marie Reynolds, Thomas Burkhart, Helmut Hartl, Deying Kong, David D. Newkirk
  • Publication number: 20140128829
    Abstract: Each side wall part on a main body part includes a strip-like pouch part and an elastic member. The pouch part includes a first strip part extending in the longitudinal direction, and a second strip part disposed between the first strip part and the main body part and having both its edges along the longitudinal direction connecting to both edges of the first strip part. The elastic member is bonded to the first strip part linearly in the longitudinal direction. A standing part is formed in the pouch part by contraction of the elastic member. In each end part of the pouch part, a state where the pouch part overlaps with the main body part is maintained. Therefore, the height of the standing part changes gradually in a boundary part between the end part and the central part, which allows the standing part to fit against the wearer's skin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventors: Hirofumi Miyake, Miyuki Okawa, Akiko Tatsukawa
  • Publication number: 20140128830
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article has front and back panels, each having an elastic film layer and each having first and second zones. The first zone of each panel is extensible and retractable and the second zone of each panel is non-extensible and non-retractable. Each of the front and back panels has first and second side edges. An absorbent assembly is secured to the front and back panels. The absorbent assembly has a first end secured to the second zone of the front panel and a second end secured to the second zone of the back panel. A pair of seams join the front and back panels together at the first and second side edges to form a disposable absorbent article having a waist opening and a pair of leg openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerome Steven Veith, Paul T. VanGompel
  • Publication number: 20140088538
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent garment can include a waistband assembly that is configured to be worn about a waist of a subject, and an absorbent panel assembly having first and second ends that are coupled to the waistband assembly. The absorbent panel assembly can include a liquid-pervious body-side layer, a liquid impervious external layer, and an absorbent core positioned between the body-side and external layers. At least one of the absorbent panel assembly or the waistband assembly includes a contraction region, such as near the absorbent core, that is configured to be extensible and retractable along a longitudinal axis of the absorbent core. The longitudinal axis can be substantially parallel to a vertical or height axis of a wearer when the absorbent garment is worn by an upright or standing individual.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: Presto Absorbent Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Ricardo Borrero, Michael Wayne Harris
  • Publication number: 20140081229
    Abstract: Absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders, training pants and the like, having elastomeric ear panels and a fastening system that provides the user with different options as to how the absorbent article may be fitted to and removed from the wearer. The absorbent articles allow the wearer to choose between conventional and pull-on diaper configurations, or combinations thereof, and properly and comfortably fit a large range of wearer sizes. Further, the absorbent articles can be pulled on and/or off as a pant. This feature is provided by the ear panels which maintain sufficient tension to hold the diaper on the wearer throughout the period of use without harming the wearer's skin, while providing enough stretch to allow the diaper to be pulled up or down over the wearer's hips. The fastening system is refastenable for convenience yet strong enough to maintain the diaper in a fastened configuration without becoming detached if the diaper is pulled on or off the wearer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Mark James Kline, Miguel Alvaro Robles
  • Patent number: 8668975
    Abstract: An in situ compositionally modulated meltspun fabric and method for making the same. The meltspun fabric has at least one layer comprising a plurality of discrete regions of fiber. At least two discrete regions of fiber are inelastic or extensible and at least one discrete region of fiber is elastic or extensible. The layer is compositionally modulated in the cross direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventor: Alistair D. Westwood
  • Publication number: 20140025030
    Abstract: An absorbent article comprises a lateral axis defining a front portion and a back portion in the absorbent article, a topsheet, and a backsheet. The absorbent article further comprises an absorbent core positioned at least partially intermediate the topsheet and the backsheet. The backsheet comprises a first backsheet zone positioned at least partially in the front portion, and a second backsheet zone positioned in the back portion. The first and second backsheet zones differ from each other in at least one physical property. The physical property is basis weight, thickness, density, and/or tensile modulus. The second backsheet zone overlaps a portion of the absorbent core in the back portion. The second backsheet zone is not bonded to the absorbent core in the area of overlap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Mark Joseph KLINE, Jeromy Thomas RAYCHECK, Donald Carroll ROE, Pankaj NIGAM, Carl Louis BERGMAN
  • Publication number: 20140018764
    Abstract: A method for providing a containment system includes providing a permanently closed containment pant and providing a discrete absorbent insert. The containment pant includes an elastically extensible chassis and a sling positioned within the chassis that includes a fluid-impervious pouch. The pouch has a first end section maximum width of at least 145 mm, a central section maximum width of less than 115 mm, and a second end section maximum width of at least 145 mm. The containment pant is substantially devoid of an integrated absorbent core. The absorbent insert includes an absorbent core with a first end section maximum width of at least 120 mm, a central section maximum width of less than 100 mm, and a second end section maximum width of at least 120 mm. The absorbent insert is devoid of a fluid-impervious layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventors: Angela Ann Johnston, Paula Katherine De Bruin, Stacy Elaine Evenson, Katherine Carol Shaw, Kevin Michael Jauquet, Kevin Leon LaBerge, Connie May McMorrow, Brooke Ann Robaidek, Gay Lynn Wolf, Marcille Faye Ruman, Nicole Minotti, Stephen Carl Baumgartner
  • Publication number: 20130324957
    Abstract: In an incontinence article in pant form, a longitudinal extent of respective lateral seams is 100-170 mm, a ratio between this extent and an extent of the incontinence article between a waist border and a transverse center axis of the incontinence article is at most 0.42, wherein first elastifying means have a distance to one another which is at least 20% greater than a distance between second elastifying means to one another defined in the lateral seam region of the incontinence article, wherein the first elastifying means have a thread strength which is at least 20% greater than a thread strength of the second elastifying means, wherein the first and second elastifying means are fixed in the stomach section and in the back section with a pre-tension, and wherein the pre-tension of the first elastifying means is at least 10% greater than the pretension of the second elastifying means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: PAUL HARTMANN AG
    Inventors: Oliver Gassner, Andreas Beyrle, Rüdiger Kesselmeier, Krysztof D. Malowaniec
  • Publication number: 20130317468
    Abstract: A disposable pull-on diaper having a central inelastic region in at least one of a front waist region and a rear waist region, and a method for manufacturing the same. Front and rear waist regions of a disposable pull-on diaper are respectively of an elastically non-stretchable exterior sheet and elastically stretchable interior sheets. In lateral elastic regions of this waist region, the interior sheets are attached under tension to an interior surface of the exterior sheet and, in a central inelastic region, the interior sheets are spaced apart from each other in a transverse direction and regions of the interior sheets are in an elastically contracted and relaxed state in vicinities of the lateral elastic regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: Unicharm Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiyasu Yoshioka, Seiichi Kuwano
  • Patent number: 8591490
    Abstract: To provide an absorbent article that is small and can effectively absorb fluid. The absorbent article includes: an absorbent body having a fluid-absorbent member for absorbing fluid; and an absorbent article main body on which the absorbent body is overlapped with along a longitudinal direction, in which the fluid-absorbent member of the absorbent body is projected in the longitudinal direction from an outer circumferential edge of the absorbent article main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Jun Kudo, Hideyuki Kinoshita, Akira Hashino
  • Publication number: 20130253463
    Abstract: A stretch laminate includes a first layer including an elastomer film, the first layer having a surface, and a second layer including a nonwoven material, the second layer having a surface that is attached to the surface of the first layer. The tensile behavior in the transverse direction of the stretch laminate is within about 2.5 N/cm of the tensile behavior in the transverse direction of the film at an engineering strain of about 1.5, and exists independent of mechanical activation. A method of making the stretch laminate and an absorbent article having at least one region defined by the stretch laminate are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Todd Leon MANSFIELD
  • Patent number: 8475424
    Abstract: The disposable pull-on garment has a longitudinal centerline, a front region, a crotch region, and a back region. The front and back regions are joined at seams to form a waist opening and leg openings. The pull-on garment comprises a main portion, a side portion, and a waist portion. The side portion is disposed transversely outboard of the main portion. The waist portion comprises a center waist portion, an outer side waist portion, and an inner side waist portion. The contraction rate of the inner side waist portion is less than that of the center waist portion, and the contraction rate of the side portion longitudinally inboard of the inner side waist portion is greater than that of the inner side waist portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Kenji Fujimoto, Haruko Sato, Masato Higaki, Toshiyuki Matsuda, Hiroshi Nakahata
  • Publication number: 20130165890
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent product extends along a longitudinal dimension and a width dimension. The absorbent product has a backsheet, a topsheet overlaying the backsheet, and an absorbent core that is disposed between the backsheet and the topsheet for absorbing and retaining fluid secreted by a wearer of the absorbent product. The absorbent product also has a first multidirectional stretch material layer, adjacent the backsheet, that defines a first contoured leg opening of the absorbent product adapted to fit around a first leg of the wearer of the absorbent product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Frank Steven Glaug, Joshua Daniel Carney, Sue Uner
  • Patent number: 8460265
    Abstract: A washable female undergarment is designed for comfort and for alleviating leakage. The undergarment comprises an outer layer of a stretchable fabric, an inner layer of an absorbent fabric, and a main absorbent layer positioned between the inner and outer layers in the crotch area. The three layers are permanently secured together to form a reusable reliant undergarment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventor: Vida Langdon Calender
  • Patent number: 8449516
    Abstract: A stretchable absorbent core (10) includes a stretchable base sheet (20), and a plurality of separate and independent absorbers (30) disposed at least on one side of the base sheet (20). The absorbers (30) are fixed to the base sheet (20) through respective fixing points (33) in such a design that the shape of each absorber is not deformed upon stretch of the base sheet (20). The stretchable absorbent core (10) exhibits stretchability between the fixing points (33). It is preferable that the stretchable absorbent core (10) does not exhibit stretchability at the fixing points (33).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Takuya Kouta, Masashi Kawazoe, Takeshi Miyamura
  • Patent number: 8444618
    Abstract: An absorbent article adapted to be worn on a body includes an absorbent article main body having a longitudinal direction, a width direction perpendicular thereto, and a thickness direction perpendicular thereto; and an absorbent body overlapping the absorbent article main body along the longitudinal direction. One end section in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body is undetachably joined to the absorbent article main body, and another end section in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body is detachably joined to the absorbent article main body. A section of the absorbent body on a wearer-facing side that is positioned on a body side in use and that does not oppose the absorbent article main body is easier to elongate in the width direction than a section of the absorbent body on an non-wearer-facing side that opposes the absorbent article main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Jun Kudo, Hideyuki Kinoshita, Akira Hashino
  • Publication number: 20130123734
    Abstract: An outer cover for a disposable absorbent article. The outer cover includes an elastic material joined to an extensible material to form a laminate. At least two different areas of the laminate are simultaneously activated in different directions by a single pair of intermeshing activation rolls. At least a portion of the two different areas of activation on the outer cover are spatially separated by a buffer zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY
    Inventor: THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY
  • Patent number: 8439886
    Abstract: An absorbent article adapted to be worn by a user includes a main body section and an absorbent body that has an absorbent member for absorbing fluid, that has a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction, that is superposed on a face of the main body section on a user side. The absorbent body further has one end section in the longitudinal direction joined to the main body section on a first joined section, and another end section in the longitudinal direction joined to the main body section on a second joined section. A length of the absorbent body between the first joined section and the second joined section is equal to or more than a length of the main body section between the first joined section and the second joined section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Hashino, Jun Kudo, Hideyuki Kinoshita
  • Patent number: 8439887
    Abstract: The invention, a reusable adjustable diaper, includes: a multi-ply member having a first curvilinear portion connecting by a medial portion to a second curvilinear portion; a first elastomeric member connected to a first curved segment of multi-ply member and having a first plurality of fastening areas; a second elastomeric member connected to a second curved segment of multi-ply member and having a second plurality of fastening areas; a first plurality of fasteners connected to first curvilinear portion; a second plurality of fasteners connected to second curvilinear portion and disengagably fastenable with first plurality of fasteners; a third fastener connected to multi-ply member and disengagably fastenable with first elastomeric member at each of first plurality of fastening areas; and a fourth fastener connected to multi-ply member and disengagably fastenable with second elastomeric member at each of second plurality of fastening areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Stacee M. Magee
  • Publication number: 20130110073
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable worn article, including: an absorbent body 2 including an absorbent core 24 which absorbs body fluid laminated between a liquid-permeable top sheet 26 and a liquid-impermeable back sheet 27; a pair of front flaps Ff extending in a girth direction X to be continuous with a front portion 20 of the absorbent body 2 that covers a front surface of a torso of a wearer; and a pair of back flaps Fb extending in the girth direction to be continuous with a back portion 21 of the absorbent body 2 that covers a back surface of the torso of the wearer, wherein: the front and back flaps Ff and Fb include a stretchable non-woven fabric 31 that stretches in the girth direction X; and an entire area of the absorbent core 24 is not essentially covered by the stretchable non-woven fabric 31.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: ZUIKO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Toyoshi Umebayashi
  • Publication number: 20130102982
    Abstract: Provided is an underpants-type disposable diaper that is improved in a fit to a part from the intergluteal cleft to the crotch of a wearer and less prone to give a wearer a puffy and discomfort feeling at a crotch portion during wearing. In order to solve the above problem, provided is an underpants-type disposable diaper, wherein the back body part B has at an intergluteal cleft facing portion a bending fit portion 40 which is bent so as to enter into the intergluteal cleft of a wearer, the outer sheet 20 has at each of the front and back body parts F, B a lifting elastic member 26 - - - , 28 - - - which exerts a contraction force of a vertical component to lift a crotch portion toward a waist side, and a tensile stress on the front body part F undergoing vertical elastic deformation is larger than a tensile stress on the back body part B undergoing vertical elastic deformation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: DAIO PAPER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuki Nakano, Asami Kobori
  • Patent number: 8377022
    Abstract: An elongated absorbent article including: an absorbent article body having at least: (a) a top sheet part which is at least partially liquid permeable and arranged on a first side in a thickness direction of the absorbent article; and (b) a liquid retainable absorber part arranged on a second side in the thickness direction of the absorbent article body; a cover member arranged on the second side in the thickness direction of the absorbent article body; an extensible belt-shaped member disposed between the absorbent article body and the cover member, a first end portion of the belt-shaped member being connected to the absorbent article body; an engaging part arranged at a second end portion of the belt-shaped member on a surface thereof on which the cover member is disposed; a peelable sheet arranged along a surface of the engaging part; and a fixing part for connecting and fixing the peelable sheet to the cover member; the fixing part being formed so that an end portion thereof in a direction of elongation o
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Yuki Noda, Kenichiro Kuroda, Kumiko Nishikawa
  • Publication number: 20130041339
    Abstract: Panty pads are new innovative disposable underwear worn by women and girls during their menstrual cycles. It contains therapeutic heat to help relieve symptoms of PMS. Panty Pads eliminate the need for women and girls to soil or ruin expensive underwear worn during their menstrual cycles. This all in one disposable undergarment provides comfort and reliability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventor: Tamara Taylor
  • Patent number: 8353889
    Abstract: A hygienic article having side panels extending outward in a lateral direction from either of said front or back waist region. Each side panel comprises at least two material segments which are connected to each other by a lap seam wherein said material segments define a distal segment and a proximal segment in the lateral direction. On the distal edge of each side panel a fastening member is placed which is capable of securing said side panels to the front or back waist region such that the hygienic article assumes a pant like shape. The material segments which form the side panels are attached to each other by the lap seam in such a way that when the side panels are folded back towards the longitudinal centerline of the hygienic article, the materials are attached to each other in the lap seam such that the most distal material segment is placed closer towards the inner or outer surface of the hygienic article than the more proximal material segment attached to said most distal segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Lucas Bäck, Paulina Halleröd (neé Ljungberg)
  • Patent number: 8343124
    Abstract: An absorbent article including an absorbent article main body which is extended in a longitude direction and having a front end portion and a rear end portion, and which includes an absorber of liquid-retaining, a topsheet of liquid-permeable covering a surface of the absorber, and a backsheet of liquid-nonpermeable supporting the absorber from a back surface of the absorber, the absorbent article includes: a belt-shaped member extended in the longitude direction of the absorbent article main body, including a base end portion fixed to any one of the absorber and the backsheet and a tip portion not fixed, and being stretchable in the longitude direction; and an attaching sheet provided on a back surface of the belt-shaped member and configured to be attached to clothing, wherein the attaching sheet is extended in a width direction of the belt-shaped member and both end portions of the attaching sheet are fixed to the belt-shaped member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Unicharm Corporation
    Inventors: Yuki Noda, Kenichiro Kuroda
  • Publication number: 20120302984
    Abstract: An absorbent article providing improved body fit. The absorbent article includes an extensible fluid permeable facing layer and a first absorbent layer joined to the facing layer. Each zone of extensibility is a region of the first absorbent layer of relatively higher extensibility than regions of first absorbent layer adjacent to the zone of extensibility. A liquid impermeable backsheet is joined to the facing layer at the periphery. The liquid impermeable backsheet has a garment facing surface. A fastening means is disposed on at least a portion of the garment facing surface of the liquid impermeable backsheet. The fastening means defines attachment zones. At least a portion of the first absorbent layer is decoupled from the attachment zones of the fluid impermeable backsheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventor: Bruce William Lavash
  • Publication number: 20120296293
    Abstract: A disposable, absorbent type-style diaper for bariatric incontinent users includes a non-woven top sheet, an absorbent core containing fluff and super absorbent polymer, a fluid-impervious backsheet (microporous) that covers at minimal the absorbent core at it's widest point, a non-woven backsheet layer that is glued to the fluid-impervious backsheet and the overlaying non-woven top sheet. The diaper will also contain standing leg-cuffs and elastomeric side panels (air-permeable). The design of the diaper is such that the rise of the diaper is significantly longer than normal diapers. This feature allows the diaper to fit bariatric wearers higher in the front belly area and maintains acceptable coverage on the backside. The non-woven top sheet and the non-woven backsheet are coated with an antimicrobial/anti-fungal compound that inhibits bacterial/fungi to grow on the surfaces of the diaper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: Alan A. Clifford, Andrew J. Szypka
  • Publication number: 20120296305
    Abstract: A hygienic article for personal wear by a male, the hygienic article includes an elongate, liquid permeable, and at least uni-directionally stretchable fabric sleeve having a first end, and a longitudinally opposite second end. A central passage extends longitudinally between the first and second ends of the sleeve, the first end of the sleeve being open to the central passage to permit a wearer's penis to extend through the open first end into the central passage of the sleeve. The second end of the sleeve is permanently affixed to an absorbent cap, either bonded to an end of the sleeve or contained within a closed end of the sleeve, which absorbent cap controls leakage of liquid at the tip of the user's penis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: Maria F. Barraza Khaled, Lazlo Belmont, Veronica Cowan-Ros, Juan D. Garces, Esteban Meléndez Vega, Eduardo A. Poppe, Patricia E. Riquelme, Percy Silva
  • Publication number: 20120271265
    Abstract: A stretch laminate having enhanced features is disclosed. The laminate may include a first layer of nonwoven, a second layer of an elastomeric material, a third layer of a polyethylene and/or ductile polymeric film, and optionally, a fourth layer which may also be a nonwoven. The third layer may be bonded to the second layer in a pattern that includes bonded and unbonded areas. Following lamination the laminate may be activated to impart stretchability in a stretch direction. Activation causes plastic deformation/elongation of the third layer along the stretch direction, and upon elastic contraction of the second layer the deformed/elongated third layer gathers in the unbonded areas, creating desirable visual and tactile effects. The laminate has other advantages and may be provided with other features for enhancement of visual and/or tactile effects. The laminate may be used to form components of absorbent articles such as disposable diapers and training pants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventor: Frederick Michael Langdon
  • Publication number: 20120245548
    Abstract: A disposable diaper includes a side flap and a tape fastener. The tape fastener includes a tape attaching part attached to the side flap and exposed at an outer side face of the side flap. The side flap includes a leg periphery side region positioned closer to a leg of a wearer than the tape attaching part. The leg periphery side region is foldable upwardly to cover at least partially an end portion of the tape attaching part adjacent the leg of the wearer in response to a stress generated when the tape fastener is engaged, while being pulled, with the other end portion of the inner part in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: UNICHARM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hideki Matsushima, Satoru Sakaguchi, Tomomi Oku
  • Publication number: 20120238987
    Abstract: Front and rear waist regions of a diaper having a waist-hole of which a peripheral edge is elastically stretchable in a circumferential direction respectively include covering zones and elastic zones adapted to be stretchable beyond lengths of the covering zones in the circumferential direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: UNI-CHARM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshinori Kumasaka
  • Patent number: 8267910
    Abstract: An absorbing article, in particular an absorbing structure has at least one layer that can be used with advantage as a surface layer or in combination with a surface layer. The aforementioned layer has deformable fibers which are deformed and shrink when they become wet. The aforementioned layer thus constitutes a deformation layer and has at least one distinct admission passage. The admission passage is deformed and dilated when it becomes wet. In addition to improved admission in conjunction with repeated wetting, the article also offers a solution to the problem of feces handling in combination with repeated wetting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventor: Robert Perneborn
  • Patent number: 8246594
    Abstract: An absorbent article generally has a longitudinal axis, a lateral axis, a front waist region, a back waist region, and a crotch region extending longitudinally between and interconnecting said front and back waist regions. The article comprises an outer cover stretchable in at least the lateral direction and a liner in opposed relationship with the outer cover and stretchable in at least the lateral direction. An absorbent structure is disposed between the liner and the outer cover and extends from the crotch region to at least one of the front waist region and the back waist region of the article. The article has an attachment zone and at least one non-attachment zone laterally adjacent the attachment zone. The absorbent structure is configured for improved lateral stretch distribution of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Sperl, Davis Dang Hoang Hhan
  • Patent number: 8246593
    Abstract: An absorbent article providing improved body fit. The absorbent article includes an extensible fluid permeable facing layer and a first absorbent layer joined to the facing layer. The first absorbent layer includes zones of extensibility. Each zone of extensibility is a region of the first absorbent layer of relatively higher extensibility than regions of first absorbent layer adjacent to the zone of extensibility. A liquid impermeable backsheet is joined to the facing layer at the periphery. The liquid impermeable backsheet has a garment facing surface. A fastening means is disposed on at least a portion of the garment facing surface of the liquid impermeable backsheet. The fastening means defines attachment zones. At least a portion of the first absorbent layer is decoupled from the attachment zones of the fluid impermeable backsheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Bruce William Lavash
  • Publication number: 20120209230
    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: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventor: Todd Leon Mansfield
  • Patent number: 8216201
    Abstract: A washable diaper having an outer article with an inner liner system detachably coupled to the outer article. The outer article has front and back ends, with opposing side edges connecting the ends, and inner and outer surfaces, with at least one fastening mechanism on the inner surface proximate to at least one of the ends. The inner liner system has first and second ends and includes at least one washable article, so that when assembled with the outer article, the first and second ends of the inner liner system align with the front and back ends of the outer article to be detachably coupled. The inner liner system may also include a liner member and/or at least one absorbent pad, configured to be placed within the washable article. A method of assembly of the washable diaper having an outer article and inner lining system is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Inventor: Sandra C. Beck
  • Publication number: 20120157953
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent pant having single-section side stretch panels is disclosed. The pant may have features including seams of overlapping configuration or sandwiched configuration, or a belt configuration. A seam of overlapping configuration may be formed by bonds with features that provide for tensile strength in a lateral direction, while providing enhanced tearability for convenient removal, and may include additional features including indicia of a tearing location, a tear-inducing notch, and structure to grasp for tearing. A seam of sandwiched configuration may provide a finished outward appearance. A belt configuration provides counterbalancing of lateral tension forces and reduces demand for structural robustness in backsheet materials, seams and bonds. Sandwiched and belt configurations allow for extended lateral width of side panels and increased stretch, without extending overall hoop circumference at risk of unduly loose fit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Gregory Ashton, Masaharu Nishikawa, Michael Dale Trennepohl
  • Publication number: 20120157955
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent pant having single-section side stretch panels is disclosed. The pant may have features including seams of overlapping configuration or sandwiched configuration, or a belt configuration. A seam of overlapping configuration may be formed by bonds with features that provide for tensile strength in a lateral direction, while providing enhanced tearability for convenient removal, and may include additional features including indicia of a tearing location, a tear-inducing notch, and structure to grasp for tearing. A seam of sandwiched configuration may provide a finished outward appearance. A belt configuration provides counterbalancing of lateral tension forces and reduces demand for structural robustness in backsheet materials, seams and bonds. Sandwiched and belt configurations allow for extended lateral width of side panels and increased stretch, without extending overall hoop circumference at risk of unduly loose fit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Gregory Ashton, Masaharu Nishikawa, Michael Dale Trennepohl
  • Publication number: 20120157954
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent pant having single-section side stretch panels is disclosed. The pant may have features including seams of overlapping configuration or sandwiched configuration, or a belt configuration. A seam of overlapping configuration may be formed by bonds with features that provide for tensile strength in a lateral direction, while providing enhanced tearability for convenient removal, and may include additional features including indicia of a tearing location, a tear-inducing notch, and structure to grasp for tearing. A seam of sandwiched configuration may provide a finished outward appearance. A belt configuration provides counterbalancing of lateral tension forces and reduces demand for structural robustness in backsheet materials, seams and bonds. Sandwiched and belt configurations allow for extended lateral width of side panels and increased stretch, without extending overall hoop circumference at risk of unduly loose fit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Gregory Ashton, Masaharu Nishikawa, Michael Dale Trennepohl
  • Publication number: 20120157957
    Abstract: A wearable absorbent article comprises an outer cover and an absorbent core assembly. At least a portion of the outer cover is joined to the absorbent core assembly over at least a first attachment area and a second attachment area. The overall lateral width of the second attachment area is less than the overall lateral width of the first attachment area. At least a portion of the second attachment area is disposed in a hip region of the article. The first attachment area is disposed longitudinally outboard from the second attachment area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Mark James Kline, Nezam Malakouti, John Glasgow Burns, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120157956
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article has front and back panels, each having an elastic film layer and each having first and second zones. The first zone of each panel is extensible and retractable and the second zone of each panel is non-extensible and non-retractable. Each of the front and back panels has first and second side edges. An absorbent assembly is secured to the front and back panels. The absorbent assembly has a first end secured to the second zone of the front panel and a second end secured to the second zone of the back panel. A pair of seams join the front and back panels together at the first and second side edges to form a disposable absorbent article having a waist opening and a pair of leg openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Jerome Steven Veith, Paul VanGompel
  • Publication number: 20120136331
    Abstract: Absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders, training pants and the like, having elastomeric flaps and a fastening system that provides the user with options as to how the absorbent article may be fitted to and removed from the wearer. The absorbent articles can be pulled on and/or off as a pant. This feature is provided by the ear panels which maintain sufficient tension to hold the diaper on the wearer throughout the period of use without harming the wearer's skin, while providing enough stretch to allow the diaper to be pulled up or down over the wearer's hips. The fastening system is refastenable for convenience yet strong enough to maintain the diaper in a fastened configuration without becoming detached if the diaper is pulled on or off the wearer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventors: Mark James Kline, Miguel Alvaro Robles
  • Publication number: 20120136332
    Abstract: Absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders, training pants and the like, having elastomeric flaps and a fastening system that provides the user with options as to how the absorbent article may be fitted to and removed from the wearer. The absorbent articles can be pulled on and/or off as a pant. This feature is provided by the ear panels which maintain sufficient tension to hold the diaper on the wearer throughout the period of use without harming the wearer's skin, while providing enough stretch to allow the diaper to be pulled up or down over the wearer's hips. The fastening system is refastenable for convenience yet strong enough to maintain the diaper in a fastened configuration without becoming detached if the diaper is pulled on or off the wearer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventors: Mark James Kline, Miguel Alvaro Robles
  • Publication number: 20120130334
    Abstract: Absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders, training pants and the like, having elastomeric flaps and a fastening system that provides the user with options as to how the absorbent article may be fitted to and removed from the wearer. The absorbent articles can be pulled on and/or off as a pant. This feature is provided by the ear panels which maintain sufficient tension to hold the diaper on the wearer throughout the period of use without harming the wearer's skin, while providing enough stretch to allow the diaper to be pulled up or down over the wearer's hips. The fastening system is refastenable for convenience yet strong enough to maintain the diaper in a fastened configuration without becoming detached if the diaper is pulled on or off the wearer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Mark James KLINE, Miguel Alvaro ROBLES
  • Publication number: 20120101466
    Abstract: An absorbent article includes: a belly waistline portion to be fitted to a belly waistline of a wearer; a rear waistline portion to be fitted to a rear waistline of the wearer; a crotch portion to be fitted to a crotch of the wearer; a central portion in a width direction of the absorbent article. The central portion includes an absorber; and a lateral portion located outside the central portion in the width direction of the absorbent article. The backsheet includes a stretched portion stretched by stretch processing in the width direction of the absorbent article perpendicular to a belly-to-rear direction extending from the belly waistline portion to the rear waistline portion, and a unstretched portion not stretched by the stretch processing. The stretched portion includes a central stretched portion located in at least part of the central portion within the crotch portion, and a lateral stretched portion located in at least part of the lateral portion within the crotch portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: UNICHARM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tomomi Oku, Satoru Sakaguchi
  • Publication number: 20120095429
    Abstract: A pull-on absorbent article including a front outer cover to be worn around a wearer's front side, a rear outer cover to be worn around the wearer's rear side, and an absorbent assembly fixed to the front and the rear outer cover so as to bridge them and having a pair of side seals. The length of each of the front and the outer cover in the longitudinal direction of the article is uniform in the lateral direction and larger than that of the side seals so that the front and the outer cover have extension portions that extend downward from the side seals. The extension portions of the front and/or the rear outer cover have an elasticized region extensible in the lateral direction in a region located laterally outward of each side edge of the absorbent assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventors: Kenji Kobayashi, Ryoichi Yamamoto, Kenji Ando, Takuo Yanashima, Akio Morita
  • Patent number: 8157779
    Abstract: A contoured and shaped feminine sanitary device (10) comprising a substantially fluid-impermeable bottom layer (26), a substantially fluid-absorbent core (24), and a substantially fluid-permeable top layer (28), with at least one raised area (18) and at least one of back or front extensions (14,16) for facilitating and enhancing fluid absorption in certain areas and during certain activities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: Jacquelyn Lowden Williams