Hourglass Shape Patents (Class 604/385.21)
  • Patent number: 11606994
    Abstract: An article including one or more moisture wicking layers and one or more fibrous layers. The fibrous layers may have generally vertically oriented fibers, which may be oriented generally perpendicularly to a surface having or producing moisture. The article may be adapted to remove moisture form the surface having or producing moisture. The article may be breathable. The article may be quick drying. The article may provide cushioning. The article may be a wearable item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: ZEPHYROS, INC.
    Inventors: Greg Thompson, Marc Engel, Christophe Chaut
  • Patent number: 11116676
    Abstract: The present invention is intended to make the deformation of the absorber at the crotch portion less prone to influence the waist side of the absorber and allow the waist side of the absorber to be easily rounded along the surface of the wearer's body. The foregoing issue is solved by a disposable diaper including an absorber in a crotch portion, a ventral-side portion, and a dorsal-side portion, wherein the absorber is divided in a front-back direction by width-direction slits continuing in the width direction provided on both front and back sides of the crotch portion, and concave portions recessed toward the waist side are formed in width-direction centers of waist-side edges of the width-direction slits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: DAIO PAPER CORPORATION
    Inventor: Satoko Konawa
  • Patent number: 10918533
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a disposable absorbent article. The disposable absorbent article has a longitudinal centerline, a lateral centerline, an outer surface and an inner surface. The absorbent article is folded before use along the lateral direction. The disposable absorbent article comprises a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, an absorbent core disposed therebetween, and an elasticized outer leg cuff. The elasticized outer leg cuff is disposed adjacent to a longitudinal side edge of the absorbent article. The elasticized outer leg cuff has a base and a gasket cuff supported by the base at a joint of the base to the gasket cuff. The gasket cuff is provided with elasticity and has a top gasket cuff surface, an inner cuff extending laterally inwardly from the joint and an outer cuff extending laterally outwardly from the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Kouichi Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 9943450
    Abstract: The invention relates to a diaper closing strip (1), comprising a substrate (2) and a plurality of mechanical closing elements (3) arranged thereon, which mechanical closing elements have a front-side engaging surface and a rear-side fastening surface, wherein an adhesive element (6) is arranged between the substrate (1) and the rear-side fastening surface of each mechanical closing element (3), which adhesive element does not completely cover the rear-side fastening surface of the mechanical closing element (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: LOHMANN-KOESTER GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Ivica Kolic, Tobias Grüner, Florian Hartung
  • Patent number: 9889051
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article may comprise a chassis and an ear. The chassis comprises a liquid permeable topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and backsheet. The ear comprises an elastomeric material and a first substrate joined to the elastomeric material. The ear has a first void region adjacent the proximal edge of the ear. The ear is joined to the chassis by at least one mechanical bond that engages the elastomeric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Joseph Hung Lam, Michael Irwin Lawson, Egon Loeffler, Douglas Michael Graham, Kaneeta Kimble
  • Patent number: 9713555
    Abstract: A disposable diaper 10 has sheet-like leg hole stretch units 100 that extend in a product lengthwise direction L in an area where leg hole concave units 35 are formed and are at least partially stretchable along a product lengthwise direction L. End edges in a product widthwise direction W of the leg hole stretch units 100 meander in the product lengthwise direction L. Distances between the end edges in the product widthwise direction W of the leg hole stretch units 100 and a center line CL change from a front waistline unit 20 toward a rear waistline unit 30. Provided are a plurality of inflection points where an amount of change in the distance starts decreasing instead of increasing and a plurality of inflection points where an amount of change in the distance starts increasing instead of decreasing, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: UNICHARM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Satoru Sakaguchi, Kana Sawa, Yasuhiro Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 9579239
    Abstract: Disposable wearing articles having a liquid-absorbent structure which is sufficiently thin to ensure a comfortable wear feeling and adapted to eliminate the possibility that the appearance of the absorbing region after absorption of the bodily fluids might be visually recognized from the outside. A liquid-absorbent structure including absorbent materials is attached to a chassis by means of a liquid-absorbent structure bonding region formed on a skin-facing side. The liquid-absorbent structure bonding region includes opposite end bonding zones serving to fix first and second end segments of the liquid-absorbent structure and opposite lateral bonding zones serving to fix opposite lateral segments of the liquid-absorbent structure and a central non-bonding region is defined by a region surrounded by the opposite end bonding zones and the opposite lateral bonding zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: UNICHARM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenichi Sasayama, Makoto Ichikawa, Kunihiko Katsuragawa
  • Patent number: 9439811
    Abstract: An absorbent article includes a chassis having a substantially rectangular shape a first portion, a second portion and a crotch portion extending between the first and second portion, a portion of the chassis being configured to absorb fluids. The absorbent article includes a first securement portion operatively coupled to the first portion of the chassis. The absorbent article includes a second securement portion operatively coupled to the second portion of the chassis and configured to releasably attach to the first securement portion. The chassis is configured to include one of a first chassis length or a second chassis length. When the chassis includes the first length, the chassis includes a first width and the first securement portion includes a second width, and when the chassis includes the second length, the chassis includes the first width and the first securement portion includes a third width, greater than the second width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Medline Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel B. Love, Amin Setoodeh, Bridget Donovan
  • Patent number: 9078790
    Abstract: An absorbent article 200 has an improved ability to prevent the sacral part and coccygeal part being soiled by urine. The absorbent article 200 has a lower layer absorbent part 10 and, positioned above this, an upper layer absorbent part 20. Within the upper layer absorbent part 20, an upper layer front side portion 20F constituting the front side with respect to a coccyx facing portion TP is formed by a left side portion 30 and a right side portion 40. Their side edges facing the center in the width direction are configured to align with or come close to each other at a back rear end portion, extend forward from the back rear end portion with an increasing separation distance therebetween. The left side portion and the right side portion rise toward the skin of a wearer by contractile action of the tip-portion resilient and elastic member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Daio Paper Corporation
    Inventor: Mina Takaishi
  • Publication number: 20150148768
    Abstract: A diaper includes front and rear waist panels respectively defining front and rear waist regions, a crotch panel defining a crotch region, and an absorbent structure extending in a longitudinal direction. The crotch panel has a base sheet and a pair of leg sheets attached to both lateral edge portions of the base sheet. In vicinities of front and rear end portions of the crotch panel, first joint regions extending in a transverse direction from the base sheet beyond outer lateral edge portions of the respective leg sheets are formed. Through these joint regions, the crotch panel is joined to the front and rear waist panels. Cover sheets adapted to cover the front and rear end portions are joined to an interior crotch sheet of the crotch panel through second joint regions. The cover sheets extend outwardly in the transverse direction beyond the first joint regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Jun Fukasawa, Tatsuya Hashimoto
  • Publication number: 20150119841
    Abstract: A disposable diaper includes a skin-surface side sheet; a non-skin surface side sheet; an absorber; and a waistline retaining unit. Leg stretching units are arranged in the inner side in a longitudinal direction from diaper ends that configure the outer circumference of the disposable diaper or the inner side in a widthwise direction from the diaper ends. A part of the waistline retaining unit is arranged in at least one of a first region in an outer side in the longitudinal direction from the ends of the leg stretching units, and a second region in an outer side in the widthwise direction from the ends of the leg stretching units. A joint region where the skin-surface side and non-skin surface side sheets are joined is provided along the diaper ends in at least one of a first region and a second region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Satoru Sakaguchi, Yasuhiro Yamanaka
  • Publication number: 20150088087
    Abstract: A wearing article including a region in which the wearer's skin is not seen-through other than the existence region of the absorbent structure even when an area of the absorbent structure is relatively small so that the existence region of the absorbent structure may be un noticeable from the outside.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: UNICHARM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yusuke Kawakami, Kazuya Fujimoto
  • Publication number: 20150057633
    Abstract: An absorber of a disposable diaper includes a first region arranged partially in the crotch region; a second region arranged adjacent to the first region and having a lower bending rigidity than that of the first region; and a third region arranged adjacent to the second region and having a higher bending rigidity than that of the second region. A boundary between the first and second regions is arranged in a narrow region. A boundary between the second and third regions is arranged at the side of the crotch region from an end at the crotch region side of a waistline retaining unit in the front waistline region. An end at the front waistline region side of the third region is arranged at the side of the front waistline region from the end at the crotch region side of the waistline retaining unit in the front waistline region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: UNICHARM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Satoru Sakaguchi
  • Publication number: 20150045756
    Abstract: An absorbent core composite is disclosed for incorporation into a disposable absorbent article. The composite includes a first material layer and a second material layer (preferably nonwoven) partially secured to the first material layer to define at least one pocket therebetween. Preferably, multiple pockets are defined, except in the case of where a generally uniform layer or bed of absorbent is preferred or better suited fro the application. The pocket is said have a fixed initial volume. Further, an aggregate of absorbent particles is provided in the pocket(s) to occupy a portion of the fixed initial volume. The absorbent particles are preferably SAP particles and is characterized by a dry volume associated with a dry state and a swell volume associated with a liquid saturation state. In respect to or for the pocket, the aggregate is characterized by a collective dry volume and a collective swell volume, wherein the pocket has an initial configuration that retains the aggregate therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Andrew Wright, Eugenio Varona, Anne Smid, Dennis Smid
  • Publication number: 20150045758
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article worn about the lower torso of a wearer includes at least one serviceable indicium that facilitates the process of fitting the absorbent article to the wearer by providing an apparent visual and physical indication when the article is not properly fitted. The apparent visual and physical indication includes a detectable distortion of the waist opening, the leg openings or both the waist opening and the leg openings. The detectable distortion includes at least one serviceable indicium disposed on a portion of the waist opening or leg opening or both that becomes flipped in towards an inner surface of the article or flipped out towards the outer surface of the article when the article is not properly fitted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Lisa Jane GOODLANDER, Donald Carroll ROE
  • Publication number: 20150032072
    Abstract: A disposable wearing article includes an annular elastic waist panel having a front waist panel and a rear waist panel joined to each other and a crotch panel provided with an absorbent structure and connected to the elastic waist panels. Respective inner end edges of the front and rear waist panels cooperate with lateral edges of the crotch panel extending in a longitudinal direction to form a pair of leg-openings' peripheries. The crotch panel includes a pair of leg sheets connected to both lateral edges of the absorbent structure. The respective leg sheets include inner regions adjoining to the absorbent structure and outer regions adjoining the inner regions so that the inner regions rise above the absorbent structure along both lateral edges of the absorbent structure to define the leg-openings' peripheries and the outer regions are bent outwardly in the transverse direction so as to define the leg-openings' peripheries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Tatsuya Hashimoto, Toshifumi Otsubo, Tetsuo Okubo
  • Publication number: 20150005730
    Abstract: A disposable diaper 10 includes a sheet-like elastic element 100 provided in a rear waistline portion 30. The sheet-like elastic element 100 has a stretching portion 105 that can be stretched in a product width direction W. An absorber 40 includes a low rigidity portion 110, where the basis weight is lower than those in the other parts of the absorber 40 or an absorber core 40a does not exist, and a non-stretching portion 45 that is unstretchable in the product width direction W. The non-stretching portion 45 is provided at a crotch portion side from the stretching portion 105, and the stretching portion 105 overlaps at least a part of the low rigidity portion 110 in the plan view of the disposable diaper 10, and the width of the low rigidity portion 110 in the product width direction W widens towards the end at the side of the rear waistline portion 30 in a product longitudinal direction L.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: Satoru Sakaguchi
  • Publication number: 20140378931
    Abstract: An article may include a chassis including an absorbent core that may extend from the front region to the back region. The article may also include a front panel and a back panel extending laterally outward beyond side edges of the chassis. The front panel and the back panel may abut to form a first seam and a second seam. At least one of the panels may comprise an elastic member. Further, at least a first outer nonwoven layer of the front panel and at least a second outer nonwoven layer of the back panel may be folded to form an upper edge in the front and back regions such that a distal end of each of the first and second outer nonwoven layer may be disposed between the upper edge and the front and back end edges of the absorbent core, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Gregory Ashton, Eiro Fukuda, Eric Patton Weinberger, Daniel Clark Buchner
  • Publication number: 20140378930
    Abstract: An article including a front region, a back region, and a chassis. The chassis may include an absorbent core having a front end edge and a back end edge. The front region and the back region may extend laterally outward beyond side edges of the chassis. The front region and the back region may abut to form a first seam and a second seam. At least one of the front region and the back region may include an elastic member. A first outer nonwoven layer of the front region and a second outer nonwoven layer of the back region may be folded to form an upper edge in the front and back regions such that a distal end of each of the first and second outer nonwoven layer may be disposed between the upper edge and the front and back end edges of the absorbent core, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Gregory Ashton, Eiro Fukuda, Eric Patton Weinberger, Daniel Clark Buchner
  • Patent number: 8905990
    Abstract: The invention relates to an incontinence article (2) in the form of underpants, wherein the crotch segment (8) overlaps the belly segment (4) in a front overlapping area (36) and the crotch segment (8) overlaps with the back segment (6) in a rear overlapping area (38), wherein the outside (86) of the crotch segment (8) is inseparably joined to the inside (41) of the belly segment (4) in a front connecting area (306) and the outside (86) of the crotch segment (8) is inseparably joined to the inside (41) of the back segment (6) in a rear connecting area (308), wherein the connecting area (306, 308) of the belly segment (4) and the rear segment (6) each comprise a first joining area (310), 312) and second joining areas (314a, 314b, 316a, 316b), wherein the first joining area (310, 312) extends at least in segment below the absorption body (7), and wherein the second joining areas (314a, 314b, 316a, 316b) are provided in an area (320a, 320b, 322a, 322b) crossing each longitudinal edge (48) of the crotch segment (
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Paul Hartmann AG
    Inventor: Krzysztof D. Malowaniec
  • Publication number: 20140350507
    Abstract: A mechanical fastener is disclosed that includes a thermoplastic backing and multiple, upstanding fastening elements that have a post with a proximal end attached to the thermoplastic backing and a distal end comprising a cap larger in area than a cross-sectional area of the post. The basis weight of the mechanical fastener is in a range from 25 grams per square meter to 75 grams per square meter, and the height of the multiple, upstanding fastening elements is up to 300 micrometers. Fastening systems and disposable absorbent articles including the mechanical fastener are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Timothy P. Pariseau, Michael R. Gorman, Shin Katoh, Tadato Oritani, Zhiqun Zhang, Neelakandan Chandrasekaran
  • Patent number: 8821980
    Abstract: A patterned layer is intended to be used in an absorbent article, and has a pattern, for example in the form of a text or an image, which appears clearly legible or interpretable for an observer at a certain distance. The pattern can be formed by a number of dots which, when the layer is in a first state, have a first surface density which forms the legible or interpretable pattern and which, when the layer is in a second and then expanded state, have a second surface density which is lower than the first surface density in the first state, the pattern becoming in the second state essentially illegible or uninterpretable for the observer at the given distance on account of the lower surface density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventor: Michael Linder
  • Patent number: 8777918
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent wearing article constructed with an absorbent core that may be deformed to form absorbent barriers against body waste and thereby an absorbent chassis that includes the absorbent core may be kept in contact with the wearer's torso with good fitness to improve appearance of the article put on the wearer's body and to prevent leak of body waste. The disposable absorbent wearing article comprising an absorbent chassis and an annular elasticized waist panel wherein the absorbent core of the absorbent chassis is formed with deformation guides so that at least opposite lateral regions of said absorbent core may be deformed along the deformation guides toward the wearer's torso under elastic contraction of at least a front waist panel constituting the annular waist panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Unicharm Corporation
    Inventors: Seiichi Kuwano, Yoshio Ono
  • Patent number: 8777914
    Abstract: An absorbent member 10 having dissimilarly shaped ends 14, 16 which integrally terminate into a middle portion 18 and which cooperatively allow for the selective absorption of menstrual cycle discharge material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Kimberly Reaume
  • Publication number: 20140188065
    Abstract: A contoured absorbent pad for a diaper comprising a liquid permeable inner layer, impermeable outer layer, and a moulded absorbent core. The inner and outer layers are adhered together with the moulded absorbent core located between the inner and outer layers. The absorbent core includes fibers and superabsorbent materials and is moulded in a shape that is contoured to complement the human anatomy in the area of the upper buttocks and lower back.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Inventors: STEPHEN DEFRANCESCO, Megan DeFrancesco
  • Patent number: 8753466
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of making disposable absorbent garments includes providing an outer cover web having front and back waist edges; attaching elastomeric front and back body panel webs to the outer cover web. The front and back body panel webs comprise an elastomeric film laminate. Portions of the outer cover web are removed to define a series of spaced apart holes. The elastomeric front body panel web defines a front body panel web width that extends at least 50% of a shortest distance extending from the front waist edge to each hole, and the elastomeric back body panel web defines a back body panel width that extends at least 50% of a shortest distance extending from the back waist edge to each hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Russell E. Thorson
  • Publication number: 20140142531
    Abstract: Disposable wearing articles having a liquid-absorbent structure which is sufficiently thin to ensure a comfortable wear feeling and adapted to eliminate the possibility that the appearance of the absorbing region after absorption of the bodily fluids might be visually recognized from the outside. A liquid-absorbent structure including absorbent materials is attached to a chassis by means of a liquid-absorbent structure bonding region formed on a skin-facing side. The liquid-absorbent structure bonding region includes opposite end bonding zones serving to fix first and second end segments of the liquid-absorbent structure and opposite lateral bonding zones serving to fix opposite lateral segments of the liquid-absorbent structure and a central non-bonding region is defined by a region surrounded by the opposite end bonding zones and the opposite lateral bonding zones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: UNICHARM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenichi Sasayama, Makoto Ichikawa, Kunihiko Katsuragawa
  • Patent number: 8702671
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article has a central body defining a first waist end region including a first end edge, a second waist end region spaced longitudinally from the first waist end region and including a second end edge, and a crotch region positioned therebetween. An absorbent core is situated between the end edges, and includes a plurality of elastics incorporated therewith such that the core is substantially laterally contracted in a narrowed region about the elastics. The absorbent core includes at least one end region that is substantially non-elasticized and has a lateral width substantially wider than that of the narrowed region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: DSG Technology Holdings Ltd.
    Inventors: Patrick King Yu Tsang, Anne Smid, Andrew C. Wright, Eugenio G. Varona
  • Publication number: 20130261419
    Abstract: A urine shield comprises an elongate base and side walls connected to the base. At least one of the sides and base is absorbent. The shield further comprises at least one attachment tab for releasably attaching the shield to a user's skin The shield has an hourglass shaped cross-section. A method and device for the collection of a urine sample from an individual is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2011
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventor: Angela Davidson
  • Patent number: 8486040
    Abstract: A wearing article includes front and rear waist regions joined together. A joint strength of joint arrays along the front and rear waist regions is generally uniformed. A chassis is formed along front waist region's side edges and rear waist region's side edges with the joint arrays. A liquid-absorbent structure includes front and rear ends opposed to each other in a longitudinal direction and extending in a transverse direction. The front end is covered with a front waist sheet and the rear end is covered with a rear waist sheet. Along the respective joint arrays, the front and rear waist sheets are spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventor: Toshifumi Otsubo
  • 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: 8414551
    Abstract: A personal feminine hygiene device includes a curvilinear frame. The curvilinear frame can include a plurality of disk members disposed around and extending from the curvilinear frame, wherein the larger diameter or radius disks can be disposed around an approximate midpoint of the curvilinear frame, and wherein the diameter or radius of the disks gradually decreases moving from the midpoint to the terminal ends of the curvilinear frame. The device can further include a bowl-shaped member extending from one end of the curvilinear frame and can include a series of slats formed therein. The bowl-shaped member can further include a cap at its anterior end terminating at a convex shaped tip especially configured to access the crease adjacent to the cervix where debris, e.g., mucous, tends to pool, while the slats and the disks assist in removing and containing debris from the vaginal and cervical walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Better Ways for Woman
    Inventors: Allysa Siniawski, Evan Morowitz
  • Patent number: 8366696
    Abstract: An absorbent article comprises an absorbent interposed between a liquid-permeable surface sheet and a back sheet. The absorbent is constituted of a set of left and right absorbent elements arranged substantially along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article. The absorbent element of one side is formed as a dogleg to the right in a top plan view whereas the absorbent element of the other side is formed as a dogleg to the left in a top plan view, so that the absorbent elements have an intersecting portion intersecting in at least the region containing the portion corresponding to the blood discharge opening of the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: DAIO Paper Corporation
    Inventor: Satoko Konawa
  • Patent number: 8343118
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes an enclosure with an aperture which is adapted for being placed in communication with an anus for the purpose of directing fecal matter into the enclosure. In one embodiment, the enclosure may include a polyethylene material with a thickness of less than 50 microns. In another embodiment, the enclosure may include an air hole formed therein for remaining open to allow air to escape therefrom upon the receipt of the fecal matter into the enclosure. In still yet another embodiment, the aperture may be circular and the enclosure may include a flexibility sufficient to allow the enclosure to be placed on an intended wearer in any orientation about an axis defined by the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventor: Joseph Eugene Davis
  • Patent number: 8334424
    Abstract: An animal incontinence device comprises a base layer of a liquid-impervious polymer film, an intermediate absorbent layer comprising superabsorbent polymer particles intermediate a plurality of layers of tissue, and a top layer comprising a porous, hydrophilic, woven or non-woven polymer fiber mat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Principle Business Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew J Szypka
  • Publication number: 20120316534
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent incontinence diaper (2) has a main part (4), with a front area (6), a rear area (8) and a crotch area (10) as well as rear side sections (20) joined on both sides to the rear area (8) and front side sections (22) joined on both sides to the front area (6) and extending in a transverse direction (30) past lateral front and rear longitudinal edges (42, 41) of the main part (4) to connect the front area (6) and the rear area (8) when the disposable incontinence diaper has been applied. The article is shaped by one single respective separating process and holding forces between closing elements (32) and the outer side of the first front side sections (22) are larger than holding forces between the closing elements and the outer side of the main part (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventors: Krzysztof D. Malowaniec, Wolfgang Ostertag
  • Patent number: 8323257
    Abstract: An absorbent article may comprise a topsheet, a backsheet joined with the topsheet, an absorbent core interposed between the topsheet and backsheet; and a slow recovery stretch laminate. The slow recovery stretch laminate may be joined to one or more article elements selected from the group consisting of the topsheet, the backsheet, the core, an anal cuff, an elasticized topsheet, a fastening system, a leg cuff, a waist elastic feature, a side panel, an ear, and combinations thereof. The slow recovery stretch laminate may exhibit an unload force at 37° C. of about 0.16 N/(g/m) or greater and a percent of initial strain after 15 seconds of recovery at 22° C. of about 10% or greater. And, the slow recovery stretch laminate may comprise an elastic member that was pretreated prior to and/or during draw down of the elastic member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: David Harry Melik, Janet Neton
  • Patent number: 8282615
    Abstract: An absorbent article includes a front region (2), a back region (3) and a crotch region (4) there between. The article further includes substantially longitudinally extending inner (12) and outer (13) leak barriers alongside each side of the absorbent core (9). The inner and outer leak barriers are spaced from each other in the transverse direction (x) of the article. The inner leak barriers (12) extend at least along the part of the crotch region (4) having the narrowest width (w1) in the transverse direction (x), and along a length (b) of at least 5 cm, and the outer leak barriers (13) extend along at least a part of the front region (2) and/or back region (3) of the article, while at least a part of the crotch region (4) along which said inner leak barriers (12) extend is free from raised outer leak barriers (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Hans Een, Jan Wästlund-Karlsson, Ulrika Carlson, Sue Uner
  • Patent number: 8282616
    Abstract: A pant-type absorbent article including a chassis structure including a front panel having a front end edge and first and second side edges, a back panel having a back end edge and first and second side edges and a crotch panel arranged between the front and back panels at least one of said front and back panels including an elastic nonwoven/film laminate, and a core being integrated with the chassis structure, the first and second side edges of the front panel being joined by side seams to the corresponding first and second side edges of the back panel. Each side seam is formed at least in part in a weldable connecting member, the connecting member including a first part being secured to a side edge on the front panel and a second part being secured to a corresponding side edge on the back panel, said first and second parts of said connecting member being joined by thermowelding to form said side seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Marcus Lehto, Lars Melin
  • Patent number: 8247637
    Abstract: A mini pad is provided with a chilled skim milk additive which is useful for reducing vulvar inflammation and lowering the acidity of a female's vulva which result from vaginal secretions which leak onto the tissue of the vulva. The mini pad can be provided with a self-contained cooling component which can be frozen or, when compressed and ruptured, will lower the temperature of the mini pad to provide the soothing cold. The skim milk can be incorporated into the mini pad in several different ways. The mini pad is useful for soothing and healing vulvar irritation, and it is mobile and can be easily used during normal daily activities without any problems whatsoever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Femaceuticals, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen M. Renzin, William Schmitt
  • Patent number: 8147470
    Abstract: The present invention provides a disposable pants-type diaper including on a crotch region thereof a separator adapted to prevent feces from coming in contact with the wearer's skin. A basic structure has the crotch region, which is provided with a folded sheet piece attached thereto so as to form the separator. The folded sheet piece is obtained by folding back the sheet piece along a first transverse center line thereof to define a first half and a second half placed upon each other and bonding end edges of these two halves to each other at responsive middles of these end edges in a transverse direction. With the first transverse center line brought close to a second transverse center line, the folded sheet piece is placed upon the crotch region and the lateral edges of the first half are bonded to the crotch region while a region of the first half defined by the lateral edges is kept to be spaced from the crotch region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventor: Toshifumi Otsubo
  • Patent number: 8016804
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: Kyeng Im Lee
  • Patent number: 7938813
    Abstract: An absorbent article includes a stretchable substrate layer and an absorbent core formed directly on the substrate layer, and adhesively attached to the substrate layer. The absorbent core includes about 40-99% by weight superabsorbent particles and about 1-60% by weight adhesive fibers. The absorbent core does not prevent the substrate layer or absorbent article from stretching. The absorbent article can be a personal care absorbent article or a medical absorbent article, and is suitably stretchable or elastic in at least one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: James H. Wang, Peter R. Elliker, Stacy A. Mundschau, James M. Kaun, Theodore T. Tower
  • Patent number: 7922706
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a standing gather structure having skin-contact planar portions formed into a planer shape, which brings the entire skin-contact planar portions into tight contact with the user's skin, and provides the cushioning properties to soften a contact to the user's skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Daio Paper Corporation
    Inventor: Satoko Konawa
  • Patent number: 7905872
    Abstract: An absorbent article may comprise a topsheet, a backsheet joined with the topsheet, an absorbent core interposed between the topsheet and backsheet; and one or more article elements selected from the group consisting of an anal cuff, an elasticized topsheet, a fastening system, a leg cuff, a waist elastic feature, a side panel, an ear, and combinations thereof. The article elements may comprise a slow recovery stretch laminate exhibiting an unload force at 37° C. of about 0.16 N/(g/m) or greater and a percent of initial strain after 15 seconds of recovery at 22° C. of about 10% or greater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Robin Lynn McKiernan, Bryn Hird, Edward Joseph Urankar, Janet Neton
  • Publication number: 20110060306
    Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a pants type disposable diaper free from noticeable gathers formed on the innermost side of the crotch region. In the crotch region of the pants type disposable diaper, the bodily fluid-absorbent core is sandwiched between the liquid-permeable inner sheet and the liquid-impermeable outer sheet. Further inside the inner sheet, the innermost sheet is provided and this innermost sheet prevents the inner sheet from coming in contact with the wearer's skin. The innermost sheet is joined, in the regions extending in the vicinity of the ends thereof opposite in the front-back direction A, to at least one of the inner sheet and the outer sheet. The innermost sheet includes, in its region defined on the transverse center line P of the diaper, the tuck extending downward toward the inner sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: UNI-CHARM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Toshifumi Otsubo
  • Patent number: 7851666
    Abstract: The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles including one or more discrete components. Representative discrete components include the nonwoven layer of the outer cover, the absorbent core, the bodyside liner, fasteners, ears and attachment panels. The discrete components include a material having a Surface Topographic Variance value of 30 micrometers or greater. The material includes a printed block having a Printed Block Sensor Value that is about three times greater than a Sensor Value for the area of the material outside of the printed block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Russell Belau, Robert David Forrester, Michael John Flattum, Paula Cardinahl Winkel, Bernhardt Edward Kressner
  • Patent number: 7763004
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article including a chassis and an absorbent assembly. The chassis is folded laterally inward and outward in a zigzag pattern to form laterally opposing layered containment pockets and laterally opposing side flaps interiorly of the layered containment pockets. Each side flap has a longitudinally extending elastic gathering member attached adjacent to its distal edge. The absorbent assembly includes an absorbent core that may contain superabsorbent particles, which may be contained inside pockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Theodora Beck, Gary Dean LaVon
  • Patent number: 7749210
    Abstract: A disposable diaper has a through-hole formed in an inner sheet destined to come in contact with a wearer's skin so that this through-hole may communicate with a pocket for receiving feces. The inner sheet is formed with an elastic area extending in a longitudinal direction along transversely opposite side edges of the through-hole. In a crotch region of the diaper, a stiffening sheet strips are attached to the inner sheet between the transversely opposite side edges of the diaper and the transversely opposite side edges so that the respective stiffening sheet strips extend in a transverse direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Mishima, Hironao Minato, Nariaki Shimoe
  • Patent number: 7749212
    Abstract: A back region having extensibility in a waist direction and provided with stopper members at both ends in the waist direction, an abdominal region provided with flap portions at both ends in the waist direction, and an absorber that bridges between the back region and the abdominal region are provided. It is set in such a manner that a length of the back region in the waist direction when it is stretched is longer than a length of the abdominal region in the waist direction, and a length of the back region in the waist direction when no force is applied from the outside is almost equal to the length of the abdominal region in the waist direction or shorter than the length in the waist direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Zuiko Corporation
    Inventor: Takao Wada