Extendable Pad Patents (Class 604/385.16)
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Patent number: 8157778Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article including: a first sheet leak preventer; a second sheet leak preventer present above and in a rear part of the first leak preventer; and an absorbent containing a super absorbent polymer, capable of absorbing a body fluid, and provided above the first leak preventer extending from a front part of the first leak preventer beneath the second leak preventer in at least one layer. The absorbent article of the present invention can separate urine and feces efficiently in use and having high urine absorption capacity.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2005Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Daio Paper CorporationInventors: Reiko Moriya, Migaku Suzuki
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Publication number: 20120071851Abstract: A disposable absorbent article having at least one barrier at least one barrier extending along at least a longitudinal side of the crotch portion having a proximal end being connected to the remains of the article and a distal end forming a longitudinally extending free edge. At least one of the front and rear portion have a side portion extending transversely outwardly of the proximal end of the barrier to a side portion end for fastening to the other of the front and rear portion, so as to form a closed position of the article defining a leg opening. A connecting member connects the barrier with the side portion, and extends between a first connection where the connection member is connected to the barrier and a second connection where the connection member is connected to the side portion, such that when the side portion is subject to a traction force, the traction force will be at least partially transferred to the barrier via the connecting member.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2009Publication date: March 22, 2012Applicant: SCA HYGIENE PRODUCTS ABInventor: Dragorad Vasic
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Publication number: 20120041409Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include disposable wearable absorbent articles with extensible sides. In an embodiment of the present disclosure a disposable wearable absorbent article includes a front, a back, and an extensible side configured to connect the front and the back, wherein the extensible side has a substantially laterally extensible area, which includes a first area, bounded in part by at least a portion of a longitudinally outboard side edge. An overall lateral extensibility of the first area is substantially less than an overall lateral extensibility of the substantially laterally extensible area.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2011Publication date: February 16, 2012Inventors: Mark James Kline, Henry William McCusker, III, Ronald Joseph Zink, II, Sarah Marie Young
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Publication number: 20120035573Abstract: A disposable diaper configured to restrict development of gaps between a pair of leakage-barrier cuffs formed on respective sides of a crotch region and the wearer's skin. The disposable diaper has a pair of cuffs extending in a longitudinal direction and being stretchable and contractible along respective sides thereof. One cuff of the paired cuffs includes a first elastic member attached to an outer edge of this cuff. The other cuff of the paired cuffs includes a proximal edge fixed to an inner side thereof and a second elastic member attached to a free edge thereof. At least one of the paired cuffs additionally includes a third elastic member attached thereto in the vicinity of the zone in which the proximal edge is fixed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2010Publication date: February 9, 2012Applicant: UNI-CHARM CORPORATIONInventors: Seiichi Kuwano, Yoshio Ono
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Publication number: 20120035574Abstract: A fastening member used for, e.g., a disposable absorbent article is disclosed. The fastening member extends in a longitudinal direction and in a lateral direction and has a lateral centerline. The fastening member comprises a base panel and a shaped tab extending laterally from the base panel. The shaped tab has a longitudinal centerline, a lateral centerline, a distal portion and a proximal portion. The shaped tab has a contour edge comprising a shaped upper edge and a shaped lower edge. The shaped upper edge and the shaped lower edge are symmetric with respect to the longitudinal centerline of the shaped tab when relatively shifted in the longitudinal direction and are asymmetric with respect to the lateral centerline of the fastening member.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2011Publication date: February 9, 2012Inventors: Kouichi (NMN) Miyamoto, Joseph Bernard Kraimer, David Randall Knaub, Jason Arthur Hilbourne, Henry Young Chin
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Patent number: 8105302Abstract: A single adjustable sanitary napkin or panty liner includes both folding panels and tear-away panels to adjust the width and/or the length to a particular woman or outfit. The panels may be folded and/or torn away to adjust the shape and the size of the sanitary napkin or panty liner. Adhesive strips may be provided to retain folded panels. Thus a single sanitary napkin or panty liner fits the needs of a variety of women and outfits.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2007Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Inventor: Ilse Rubio
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Patent number: 8105303Abstract: A high-density region-containing sheet having a high-density region and a low-density region, a sheet member produced by joining the high-density region of the high-density region-containing sheet to an elastic member, and a disposable diaper using the sheet member as its chassis are provided. A sheet in a soft state by imparting preheat is pressed between a pair of opposed shaping rolls and having a toothed region and rotatable. Thus, a high-density region-containing sheet where high-density regions and low-density regions are formed is produced. Such two high-density region-containing sheets are joined through an extended elastic member to form a projection/recess pattern. In such a way, a high-density region-containing sheet can be produced. A sheet member in which at least one of two sheets is a high-density region-containing sheet, the high-density regions are joined through an extended elastic member, and a projection/recess pattern can be formed when the elastic member is contracted is produced.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2007Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Uni-Charm CorporationInventor: Satoru Sakaguchi
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Publication number: 20120022486Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent article having a composite sheet with a plurality of gathers on an inner surface facing a wearer's body, which fits and adheres comfortably to the wearer's skin. The composite sheet is provided which includes a stretchable non-woven fabric which expands and contracts in at least one direction, a non-stretchable non-woven fabric, a junction which binds intermittently the stretchable non-woven fabric to the non-stretchable non-woven fabric in the stretching direction, and a plurality of gathers which is formed by loosening a unbounded area of the non-stretchable non-woven fabric in a contracted state, and is arranged along a direction intersecting the stretching direction, in which an apex of each gather does not reach the neighboring gather when the gathers lean to one side of the stretchable direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2011Publication date: January 26, 2012Applicant: c/o Technical Center, Uni-Charm CorporationInventors: Tomoko TSUJI, Hirotomo Mukai, Kenichi Sasayama, Tatsuya Hashimoto, Kei Wakasugi
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Publication number: 20120016333Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2011Publication date: January 19, 2012Inventors: Jennifer Lynn Labit, James Andrew Labit
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Publication number: 20110319850Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2011Publication date: December 29, 2011Inventors: Mark James Kline, Miguel Alvaro Robles
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Publication number: 20110301561Abstract: A diaper sheath having a shell with an inner panel and an outer panel forming a front edge, a back edge, a first side edge and a second side edge. The diaper sheath also includes a first intermediate pocket and a second intermediate pocket set along the first side edge and the second side edge respectively, each intermediate pocket having at least one opening. The diaper sheath further includes a first intermediate strip and a second intermediate strip set inside each of the first and second intermediate pockets respectively, the first and second intermediate strips each having an anchor portion attached to an attachment ring, and an elongated portion having a loop formed through a slide, the loop passing through the attachment ring and having a continuously adjustable length selected by moving the slide to a desired position along the elongated portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2011Publication date: December 8, 2011Inventor: Gaëlle Tournier
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Publication number: 20110257619Abstract: The sanitary napkin with extendable absorbency pad is a sanitary napkin having a pad that can optionally be extended into the intergluteal crevice to absorb any menstrual fluids. The napkin includes a movable pad normally disposed in a folded position on the bottom surface of the napkin. A string is attached at the free end of the movable pad, whereby the pad can be extended into the intergluteal crevice when desired.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2010Publication date: October 20, 2011Inventors: Carmen L. Tosado, Andres Tosado
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Publication number: 20110251576Abstract: A wearing article (1) of the invention has edge sections (leg edge sections and waist edge section) configured including sheets. On the sheets in the edge sections, elastic members (6, 7, 8) are disposed in their stretched state along the edge sections. Draw-processed sections (P1, P2) are formed by performing draw processing, in the stretching direction of the elastic members (6, 7, 8), on the disposition sections of the sheets where the elastic members (6, 7, 8) have been disposed. Furthermore, a draw-processed section (P3) is formed by performing draw processing, in the stretching direction of an elastic member (5), on the disposition section of a band-shaped sheet (15), which configures three-dimensional gathers (18), where the elastic member (5) has been disposed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2009Publication date: October 13, 2011Applicant: KAO CORPORATIONInventors: Kenji Ando, Yasuhiro Umeki, Toshiaki Ichimata
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Patent number: 8016804Abstract: Disclosed herein are a hygienic band having a three-dimensional structure and a manufacturing method thereof. The hygienic band is inserted naturally along a corresponding curved surface of a user's body to be in close contact with the body, thus improving her dressing style without affecting her health, and preventing menstrual blood from leaking along the curved surface of the body. The hygienic band has a pad having an absorbent layer and a cover. A rear folded part is provided at a central region on a rear portion of the pad, and has first and second folded surfaces, each having the shape of a triangle which is inclined such that a rear portion thereof is higher. When she wears the hygienic band, the rear folded part protrudes inwards in the shape of a triangular pyramid and is inserted to be in close contact with a curved surface of her body.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2006Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Inventor: Kyeng Im Lee
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Publication number: 20110208149Abstract: An absorbent article, in particular a diaper. The rear portion thereof includes a pair of elastic side panels attached to opposing longitudinal edges thereof. The front portion of the article includes at least two landing zones upon which the elastic side panels overlap when the article is fastened. An area of the front portion located at least around each landing zone includes a plurality of first indicia in a first pattern. Each of said elastic side panels also includes a plurality of second indicia in a second pattern. The distance between adjacent second indicia including the second pattern increases as the elastic side panel is stretched. When the elastic side panels are stretched by a predetermined force, the second pattern on the elastic side panels matches the first pattern around each landing zone.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2008Publication date: August 25, 2011Applicant: SCA HYGIENE PRODUCTS ABInventors: Eva Vastag, Karl Nyström, Pernilla Lundahl
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Publication number: 20110184368Abstract: An absorptive article (1A) has a rear region (S1), a crotch region (S2), and a belly region (S3) which are arranged in this order in the longitudinal direction (L) from the rear side (Ba) to the belly side (Fr). The absorptive article (1A) is provided with an absorptive article body (2), a pair of side flaps (10), and a pair of waist flaps (20) provided in the rear region (S1) so as to extend outward from the side flaps (10) in the lateral direction (W) of the absorptive article body. Each of the pair of waist flaps (20) has formed thereon an waist stretchable region (23) extended so as to reach that edge of the waist flap (20) which is on the belly side (Fr).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2009Publication date: July 28, 2011Applicant: UNI-CHARM CORPORATIONInventors: Tomomi Oku, Satoru Sakaguchi
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Publication number: 20110160690Abstract: An incontinence brief for an adult wearer has an absorbent body having a fluid-permeable inner side, a fluid-tight outer side, and an absorbent liner therebetween. The body is subdivided into a central part adapted to fit in a crotch region of the wearer, a rear part connected to the central part and adapted to fit against a rear waist region of the wearer, and a front part adapted to fit against a front waist region of the wearer. Two fastening straps adapted to fit around respective sides of a waist of the wearer each have a rear end secured to the rear part and a front part. At least one of the fasteners is provided between its respective front and rear ends with an elastic layer forming an elastically stretchable region, and each of the fasteners has an outer layer formed by a water-jet consolidated fleece.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 26, 2010Publication date: June 30, 2011Inventor: Marcus SCHOENBECK
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Publication number: 20110118690Abstract: An absorptive article according to the present invention includes: a main absorber including at least a liquid-permeable top sheet, liquid-impermeable back sheet, and an absorber disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet, absorbing and retaining fluid, and including a back-side region, a crotch region, and a belly-side region arranged in the longitudinal direction from the back side to the belly side in a state of wearing; and a left-and-right pair of side-flap portions provided on both sides in the width direction of the main absorber. A belly-side stretched region extended in the around-the-waist direction provided in the belly-side region of each side-flap portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2009Publication date: May 19, 2011Applicant: UNI-CHARM CORPORATIONInventors: Tomomi Oku, Satoru Sakaguchi
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Publication number: 20110106041Abstract: A pull-on wearable article includes a main portion including an outer cover, the main portion defining a front waist region, a rear waist region, and a crotch region extending between and connecting the front and rear waist regions. First and second extendable side panels extend between and connect the main portion front waist region and the main portion rear waist region to form the article in a closed waist configuration, at least a portion of each side panel being extendable between a relaxed state and an extended state. The article defines first and second side regions, each side region including one of the first and second side panels and a transverse region of the main portion bordering the respective side panel. An informational image is disposed in at least the first side region. The article may further include a texture feature formed in an outer surface of the article and positioned proximate to the informational image to form a composite image.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2011Publication date: May 5, 2011Inventors: Donald Carroll Roe, Melanie D. Allen, Kathleen Quinlan Ames-Ooten, Mark John Ciesko, Barry Robert Feist, Eiro Fukuda, George Bartol Glackin
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Patent number: 7931635Abstract: Oversized adult diapers are made on converting machinery designed for handling only components no greater than a maximum component width, while utilizing as an outer layer component of the diapers an elongate sheet-like web having a width exceeding the maximum component width of the machinery. The web is pre-formed with at least one folded pleat along a laterally outward margin of the web, such that the pleat reduces the width of the web to less than the maximum component width. The pleat is temporarily tacked to retain the pleat against unfolding while the web is handled by the machinery, but is yieldable to unfold when a diaper made with the web is donned for wearing. The pre-formed pleated web is delivered to the machinery, which is then operated in normal manner to incorporate the web into a plurality of diapers.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2009Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: Attends Healthcare Products, Inc.Inventor: William W. Gaston
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Patent number: 7914507Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 10, 2008Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Inventor: Stacee M. Magee
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Publication number: 20110040276Abstract: A disposable absorbent article to be worn about the lower torso of a wearer that facilitates an easy, intuitive change is provided. The disposable absorbent article includes at least one serviceable indicium that facilitates an easy change by providing alignment of the article relative to an anatomical feature of the wearer or by externally highlighting one or more components of the article thereby indicating alignment and fit about the wearer's lower torso.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2010Publication date: February 17, 2011Inventors: Luke R. Magee, George B. Glackin, III, Christopher J. Hosmer, Naomi S. Korn, James D. Wilson, Mark C. Bates, Mattias Schmidt, Eva Susanne Dominique Thurnay, Joerg Mueller, John C. Costello, Ann M. Sullivan, Gregg A. Flender, Donald C. Roe, Mark J. Kline, Kenneth Edwin Jewell
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Patent number: 7857797Abstract: Disclosed is a sanitary napkin including a liquid absorbent layer and a liquid-permeable topsheet covering a body surface of the liquid absorbent layer. The topsheet is joined to the liquid absorbent layer in a specific pattern. The pattern includes longitudinal join lines which extend longitudinally and are laterally spaced from each other and a connecting join line which connects the longitudinal join lines. The liquid absorbent layer has a low stiffness portion in a region enclosed by the longitudinal join lines and the connecting join line. The liquid absorbent layer has a lower stiffness in the low stiffness portion than in portions outside the longitudinal join lines.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2005Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: Uni-Charm CorporationInventors: Jun Kudo, Takuya Miyama
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Publication number: 20100324520Abstract: A pull-on wearable article includes a main portion with an outer cover, the main portion defining a front waist region, a rear waist region, and a crotch region extending between and connecting the front and rear waist regions. First and second extendable side panels extend between and connect the main portion front waist region and the main portion rear waist region to form the article in a closed waist configuration, wherein at least a portion of each side panel is extendable between a relaxed state and an extended state. The article defines first and second side regions, each side region including one of the first and second side panels and a transverse region of the main portion bordering the respective side panel. An informational image is disposed in at least the first side region, wherein the informational image is legible when the first and second side panels are substantially in the relaxed state.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2010Publication date: December 23, 2010Inventors: Donald Carroll Roe, Melanie D. Allen, Kathleen Quinlan Ames-Ooten, Mark John Ciesko, Barry Robert Feist, Eiro Fukuda, George Bartol Glackin
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Publication number: 20100312217Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2008Publication date: December 9, 2010Applicant: Kao CorporationInventors: Takuya Kouta, Masashi Kawazoe, Takeshi Miyamura
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Patent number: 7842019Abstract: In an absorbent product such as a diaper comprising a back sheet, an absorber, and a skin contact sheet, the skin contact sheet is disposed on the absorber as the uppermost layer which comes in contact with the skin of the wearer and has openings which allow the passage of excretions. The absorber and the skin contact sheet are joined only at both ends of the absorbent product in the longitudinal directions.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2007Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignees: Oji Paper Co., Ltd., Japan Absorbent Technology InstituteInventors: Katsuhiko Sugiyama, Yoshiaki Takamatsu, Rie Kuwabara, Masaru Tsubata, Migaku Suzuki
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Patent number: 7833209Abstract: 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 oType: GrantFiled: June 1, 2007Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Uni-Charm CorporationInventors: Yuki Noda, Kenichiro Kuroda, Kumiko Nishikawa
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Publication number: 20100280478Abstract: An absorbent article comprising a chassis formed by a web comprising at least one continuous layer that forms a portion of a backsheet and a portion of laterally opposing side flaps. The web may be folded laterally inward to form the side flaps and side edges of the chassis. A portion of the chassis at or immediately adjacent the side edges may comprise laterally oriented alternating ridges and valleys while other portions of the chassis may comprise longitudinally oriented alternating ridges and valleys.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2010Publication date: November 4, 2010Inventors: Gary Dean LaVon, Luke Nogales, John Strube
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Patent number: 7819852Abstract: An absorbent article capable of reliably achieving an improved body-fitting profile. The absorbent article includes a fluid permeable facing layer having a first elastic modulus and an absorbent core joined to the facing layer, the absorbent core having a second elastic modulus, wherein at equal strain from about 1% to about 5% the first elastic modulus is greater than the second elastic modulus, and a fluid impermeable backsheet joined to the facing layer.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2003Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Bryan Keith Feller, Matthew Joseph Macura
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Publication number: 20100262112Abstract: 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 centreline 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: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2007Publication date: October 14, 2010Applicant: SCA Hygiene Products ABInventors: Lucas Bäck, Paulina Halleröd (neé Ljungberg)
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Patent number: 7811271Abstract: An absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin, adult incontinence device, or the like. The absorbent article has a pair of flaps for securing the absorbent article. The flaps extend laterally outward from the main body portion of the article. The flaps are associated with the main body portion at a juncture along the longitudinal edges of the main body portion. The flaps have a notch. The flaps have at least one first zone of anisotropic stiffness contiguous with the notch. The first zone of anisotropic stiffness has a relatively stiffer direction and a relatively less stiff direction. The first zone of anisotropic stiffness can be made of corrugated or ring-rolled portions of the absorbent article.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2006Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Marco Digiacomantonio, Giovanni Carlucci
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Patent number: 7807861Abstract: Absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders, training pants, and the like, that provide dynamic fit about the wearer by the use of extensible, outwardly extending side panels. The side panel includes at least one discontinuity for dividing the tensile force extending the side panel into a waist-directing force and a leg-directing force. The waist-directing force is transmitted by the side panel to the waist area of the article to maintain the waist area in a snug, but comfortable, fit against the waist of the wearer. The leg-directing force is transmitted by the side panel to the leg cuff area of the article to prevent leakage between the leg cuff and the wearer's leg.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2007Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: John Carroll Molander, Larry Kenneth Johnson
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Publication number: 20100217219Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2010Publication date: August 26, 2010Inventors: Mark James Kline, Miguel Alvaro Robles
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Patent number: 7749211Abstract: An absorbent garment includes a chassis having first and second layers and an elastic core sandwiched therebetween. The chassis defines front and rear body panels each having elastic regions exhibiting a substantially permanent deformation of at least about 10% when elongated 80% for a period of 30 minutes at 37° C. and 60% relative humidity and then allowed to relax under a zero applied force. An absorbent composite is coupled to the chassis.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2002Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Paul T. Van Gompel, Jacqueline A. Gross, Yung H. Huang
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Patent number: 7736351Abstract: A simple disposable absorbent article including a chassis and an absorbent assembly. The chassis includes a water-impermeable sheet folded laterally inward at both of its side edges to form opposing side flaps. Each side flap is attached to the interior surface of the chassis adjacent to its end edges. Each side flap has a longitudinally extending elastic gathering member attached adjacent to its proximal edge. The absorbent assembly is smaller in width and in length than the chassis. The side edges and end edges of the absorbent assembly may be disposed proximally relative to the respective side edges and end edges of the chassis. The absorbent assembly includes an absorbent core that may contain superabsorbent particles, which may be contained inside pockets. The chassis may be extensible. The absorbent assembly may be attached in a cruciform pattern to the chassis to allow portions of the chassis to extend laterally.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2004Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Pankaj Nigam, Gary Dean LaVon, Theodora Beck
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Patent number: 7727211Abstract: Absorbent articles such as diapers, incontinent briefs, training pants, diaper holders and liners, and the like, designed to provide improved fit and comfort for the wearer while adequately containing body exudates. The absorbent article includes an absorbent core 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. The absorbent core has 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: GrantFiled: June 2, 2005Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Gary Dean LaVon, Gerald Alfred Young, Theodora Beck
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Patent number: 7727218Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 29, 2007Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Gary Dean Lavon, Theodora Beck, Gerald Alfred Young, Stephen Lebeuf Hardie, Thomas Henrich
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Publication number: 20100130955Abstract: The invention is a reusable, absorbent article, such as a diaper. The article comprises a main article assemblage and extensible hip panels attached to opposite sides of the posterior end of the assemblage. The assemblage further comprises: an impermeable exterior layer; a moisture transmitting, skin facing, layer; and, one or more layers of absorbent material secured between the exterior layer and the skin facing layer. The impermeable exterior layer is joined to the skin facing layer along the entire perimeter of the layer. A portion of the perimeter is joined with a groin contouring elastic member along each lateral edge of the central portion of the assemblage. The hip panels each further comprise a strip of woven material and a cut panel edge, together with a plurality of substantially parallel and evenly spaced strands of elastic thread, which are secured in place by corresponding stitching, and an edge stabilizing elastic member.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2009Publication date: May 27, 2010Inventor: Renee J. Tice
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Patent number: 7722589Abstract: A stretch activated disposable article, such as a wipe or mitt, includes an upper material layer, and a lower material layer joined to the upper material layer such that a space is defined between the material layers. A functional element, for example a fluid composition, is stored in the space between the upper and lower material layers and becomes functional upon being exposed through the upper material layer with use of the article. The upper material layer includes a plurality of materially weakened positions along the surface thereof that are configured to part or separate upon stretching of the upper material layer to expose the functional element through the upper material layer.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2005Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: James R. Fitts, Jr., Janis W. Hughes, Bryon P. Day, Ann L. McCormack, Wing-Chak Ng, Varunesh Sharma
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Publication number: 20100125263Abstract: A disposable absorbent article includes two laterally opposing longitudinally extending barrier cuff strips attached to an absorbent assembly in laterally opposing attachment zones. Each barrier cuff strip includes an upper layer and a lower layer at least between its proximal edge and the attachment zones. A longitudinally extending elastic gathering member is attached to each barrier cuff strip adjacent to its proximal edge. When the article is worn, the elastic gathering members contract and raise the barrier cuff strips to form side barriers. The absorbent assembly includes an absorbent core that may contain superabsorbent particles, which may be contained inside pockets. A portion of the absorbent assembly such as the portion that lies between the barrier cuff strip attachment zones may be extensible and may include a water-impermeable layer. The laterally opposing attachment zones may act as dams preventing a lateral flow of liquid bodily waste.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2010Publication date: May 20, 2010Inventors: Gary Dean LaVon, Kevin Michael Smith
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Patent number: 7686792Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 9, 2003Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Elizabeth Ellen Bell, Emily Jean Baum, Carmen Judith Dietz
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Publication number: 20100057035Abstract: A disposable absorbent article includes an absorbent assembly having a bodyside liner, an outer cover, an absorbent structure, a first waist region, a second waist region, a crotch region, longitudinally opposite ends, and laterally opposite side edges. A pair of hip panels releaseably secures the first and second waist regions together. One of the hip panels extends laterally outward from one of the side edges in one of the first and second waist regions and the other hip panel extends laterally outward from the opposite side edge in the one of the first and second waist regions. Each of the hip panels has an upper edge, a lower edge, a fixed and a free end. Each of the upper and lower edges has a length and is curved along at least a portion of its length. The curved portions of the upper and lower edges are substantially identical.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2008Publication date: March 4, 2010Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.Inventors: Melissa Christine Putzer, Gary Lee Travis
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Patent number: 7670324Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 3, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: The Procter and Gamble CompanyInventors: Gary Dean LaVon, Theodora Beck, Gerald Alfred Young, Stephen Lebeuf Hardie, Thomas Henrich, Edward John Milbrada
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Patent number: 7608069Abstract: An absorbent article having a leg elastic member captured between a biaxially extensible outer cover and a biaxially extensible bodyside liner.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2001Date of Patent: October 27, 2009Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Georgia Lynn Zehner, Duane Girard Uitenbroek, John Philip Vukos
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Patent number: 7594906Abstract: An absorbent structure and method for making the absorbent structure including an absorbent core made from a matrix of fibers, wherein the matrix is reinforced with a stretchable reinforcing member, such as scrim. The absorbent matrix may be secured to the web of scrim with the scrim in a stretched condition. When the web of scrim is in an unstretched condition, the web of scrim partially gathers the absorbent core to form rugosities on the core. The reinforcing member can have a non-uniform transverse width to conform to the shape of the absorbent core. The absorbent structure can have multiple layers of reinforcing members. The reinforcing member has strands arranged in a pattern to facilitate stretching. A first set of strands can cross a second set of strands at junction in a non-orthogonal relationship.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2003Date of Patent: September 29, 2009Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Karen Hargett Bean, Sandra Marie Rogers, David L. Zenker, Dale Arthur Peterson, James Martin Kaun, Paul Windsor Estey
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Patent number: 7591810Abstract: An absorbent garment includes a front body panel having a terminal waist edge and a terminal crotch edge and a rear body panel having a terminal waist edge and a terminal crotch edge. The terminal crotch edge of the rear body panel is longitudinally spaced from and forms a gap with the terminal crotch edge of the front body panel. An absorbent composite bridges the gap between the front and rear body panels with first and second terminal edges overlying and connected to the front and rear body panels respectively. In one embodiment, the terminal edges of the absorbent composite are the only portion of the absorbent composite connected to the front and rear body panels. In another embodiment, the absorbent composite is further connected to the front and rear body panels at first and second attachment locations proximate a longitudinally extending centerline of the absorbent composite and longitudinally spaced from the first and second terminal edges. Methods of using the absorbent garments are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2002Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Michael T. Morman, James M. Carr, Yung H. Huang, Eric D. Johnson, Jennifer L. Marvin, Mary Jo Meyer, Thomas H. Roessler, Paul T. Van Gompel
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Patent number: 7569040Abstract: An absorbent article comprising a stretchable fastening member is disclosed. The absorbent article comprises a chassis and a stretchable fastening member. The chassis extends longitudinally and laterally and comprises a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet and an absorbent core disposed therebetween. The stretchable fastening member comprises a fixed portion permanently joined to the chassis, a distal portion provided with a fastening material and a stretchable panel positioned between the fixed portion and the distal portion. The stretchable fastening member is joined to the chassis such that the distal portion is positioned laterally outwardly from the fixed portion in the flat-out configuration of the stretchable fastening member. The stretchable panel of the stretchable fastening member comprises a first stretchable zone and a second stretchable zone disposed in the lateral direction.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2007Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Hiroshi Nakahata, Yasuhisa Minemoto
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Publication number: 20090131901Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2008Publication date: May 21, 2009Inventors: Fred Naval Desai, Fred Michael Langdon, Khalid Qureshi
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Patent number: 7479129Abstract: An interlabial pad can maintain a state of constant contact with the inner walls of the labia and prevent leakage and falling away, regardless of changes in the position of the wearer. According to an interlabial pad having a pair of strip-shaped areas extending toward the side-edges along the center axis from the center axis and a low flexural rigidity part in the region including at least the side-edge out of the strip-shaped area, a state of constant contact with the inner walls of the labia can be maintained and leakage and falling away can be prevented, regardless of changes in position of the wearer.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2005Date of Patent: January 20, 2009Assignee: Uni-Charm CorporationInventors: Megumi Tokumoto, Satoshi Mizutani, Wataru Yoshimasa
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Publication number: 20080312620Abstract: A disposable absorbent article includes an absorbent core that is substantially cellulose free and a chassis that includes a topsheet and a backsheet, with the absorbent core located between the topsheet and the backsheet. The chassis may include a pair of side panels joined with the chassis, the side panels extending laterally outwardly beyond the longitudinal edges, each side panel having at least one zone extensible in a direction having a vector component in the lateral direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2008Publication date: December 18, 2008Inventors: Gregory Ashton, Harald Hermann Hundorf, Holger Beruda, Horst Blessing, Peter Dziezok, Axel Krause, Mattias Schmidt, Lutz Stelzig