Elastic Type Edge Patents (Class 604/385.24)
  • Publication number: 20080188822
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include disposable wearable absorbent articles with anchoring systems. In an embodiment, a disposable wearable absorbent article includes an absorbent core, an outer cover, and an anchoring system configured to anchor the absorbent core to a wearer, wherein at least part of the anchoring system is structurally associated with the outer cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventors: Richard Worthington Lodge, Fred Naval Desai, Donald Carroll Roe, Frederick Michael Langdon, Luke Robinson Magee
  • Publication number: 20080183149
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article including a chassis and an absorbent assembly in combination with a support element that extends circumferentially around the waist of the wearer. The support element includes hip stretch panels. The chassis includes a water-impermeable backsheet that may be 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 chassis may include an extensible formed web material. The absorbent assembly may be attached in a cruciform pattern to the chassis to allow unattached portions of the chassis to extend laterally. Frangible tear lines and/or tear locator lines may be formed to facilitate removal of the article from the wearer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Gary Dean LaVon, Kevin Michael Smith
  • Publication number: 20080167635
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventors: Mark James Kline, Henry William McCusker, Ronald Joseph Zink, Sarah Marie Young
  • Patent number: 7396350
    Abstract: A diaper is provided on its inner side with a tufted sheet strip assembly. The assembly includes a plurality of sheet strips, a sheet-like base member to which fixed end zones of the respective sheet strips are permanently bonded, and elastically biasing element adapted to space a transversely intermediate zone of the sheet-like base member from the inner side of the diaper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Mishima, Yuko Matsuda
  • Publication number: 20080161765
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article has a stretchable multilayer chassis having a longitudinal axis, a lateral axis, an inner surface, and an outer surface. The chassis is stretchable at least laterally. An absorbent body has an inner surface, an outer surface facing the inner surface of the chassis, and terminal edges. The absorbent body is affixed along at least a portion of its outer surface to the inner surface of the chassis whereby the inner surface of the absorbent body lies against a wearer of the article during use. The inner surface of the absorbent body is uncovered at the terminal edges thereof to permit contact of the absorbent body with the wearer of the article at the terminal edges of the absorbent body. The absorbent body is sized relative to the chassis such that a portion of the chassis is uncovered by the absorbent body to permit contact of the inner surface of the chassis with the wearer of the article. The chassis is stretchable about the wearer independent of the absorbent body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael T. Morman, Thomas H. Roessler
  • Publication number: 20080161768
    Abstract: An absorbent article includes a chassis, an absorbent structure placed on the chassis and elastic elements attached under tension to the chassis so as to extend across an absorbent structure region of the chassis occupied by the absorbent structure and to extend outward beyond opposite side edges of the absorbent structure. An elongation percentage of the elastic elements 6 is relatively low in the absorbent structure region as well as in first side regions outside opposite side edges of the absorbent structure and the elongation percentage is relatively high in second side regions outside the first side region and gradually increases as the elastic elements draw away from the first side regions toward the second side regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Toshimitsu Baba, Takanori Matsuo, Hiroyuko Soga, Junichi Noguchi
  • Publication number: 20080161767
    Abstract: A pant shaped garment having a rear portion, a front portion, and a crotch portion, a waist opening with a waist edge and two leg openings bordered by a leg edge having a front part located generally on the front portion and a rear part located generally on the rear portion and on the crotch portion. Front and rear portions are mutually connected in two side joins which run from the waist opening to each leg opening. An elongated elastic element is pre-stretched along the rear part of the leg edge of each leg opening. The front portion comprises an elastically extensible material and the elongated elastic element constricts the rear part of the leg edge, thereby stretching the elastic material along the front part of the leg edge. The side joins exhibit a curvature in a direction towards the rear portion that increases in a direction from the waist opening towards the leg opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Cecile Sandin, Katarina Eriksson, Sofia Hermansson, Catarina Linner
  • Publication number: 20080154223
    Abstract: The present invention provides disposable pants capable of preventing adhesive pieces from undesirably adhering to those places other than a specified position when the adhesive pieces are not used. The disposable pants (1) have functions of both pants and a diaper, and a left front abdominal part (2a) and a right front abdominal part (2b) can be expanded to the left and right by breaking left and right breaking parts (17a, 17b). The left front abdominal part (2a) and right front abdominal part (2b) are provided with adhesive pieces (22a, 22b) to be attached/detached to/from an adhesive part (23) of a central front abdominal part (2c). In the adhesive pieces (22a, 22b), projections (25, 26) provided with adhesive parts to be attached to the adhesive part (23) are folded at pleats (29) to the skin-facing side to be temporarily fixed. When the adhesive pieces (22a, 22b) are used, temporarily fixing parts are peeled to expand the adhesive pieces (22a, 22b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: LIVEDO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masaru Fujioka
  • Publication number: 20080147025
    Abstract: A disposable garment for wearing about the lower torso employs pleats or folds in the waist region of the garment allowing the hip region to expand. The pleats are secured in a bond zone at the waist. An absorbent assembly is attached at the waist region and is free to expand at the hip region of the garment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Paul T. Van Gompel, LuAnn M. Beckman, Eric John R. Gilgenbach, John T. Hahn
  • Publication number: 20080140042
    Abstract: The absorbent article includes a chassis, a crotch region, an absorbent body, and an elastic member arranged along a side edge in width direction of the crotch region. The oblong absorbent body arranged in the crotch region includes a first narrow width section, a second narrow width section, a center low rigidity section formed along a center line that halves the absorbent article in the width direction and a pair of lateral low rigidity sections provided at both sides of the center low rigidity section in the width direction with a substantially equal interval. Skin contacting face-side sheets and non-skin contacting face-side sheets 6 and 10 are arranged in the crotch region. The initial tensile strength of the skin contacting face-side sheets is lower than that of the non-skin contacting face-side sheets or that of the chassis 2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Hirotomo Mukai, Akiyoshi Kinoshita, Tomoko Tsuji, Norihiko Ishikawa, Tatsuya Hashimoto
  • Publication number: 20080132872
    Abstract: An absorbent article may comprise a first zone comprising graphics and a second zone comprising graphics, wherein the first and second zones have different elastic properties. Further, the absorbent article may comprise a first absorbent article component and a second absorbent article component having substantially different elastic properties, wherein the first absorbent article component comprises an elastomer. Additionally, the absorbent article may comprise a third absorbent article component overlapping the first and second absorbent article components, wherein the third absorbent article component comprises graphics on at least the portions which overlap the first and second absorbent article components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Michael Dale Trennepohl, Andrew James Sauer, Donald Carroll Roe
  • Publication number: 20080132863
    Abstract: Absorbent articles suitable for use as diapers or other hygiene products are provided. The absorbent articles have one or more closure system features including dual elasticity, rear closure, and the use of co-adhesives for the fasteners. Products according to the invention may provide any of several benefits, including a high level of comfort in use, resistance to tampering by the wearer, and relatively quiet attachment and detachment of the closures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Andrew Waksmundzki, Carol Erdman, Frank S. Glaug
  • Publication number: 20080132871
    Abstract: An absorbent wearing article including an air permeable and liquid-impervious backsheet and a liquid-retentive absorbent structure placed on the backsheet. An outer sheet has having elastic members is placed on and bonded to a surface of the backsheet opposed to its surface bonded to the absorbent structure. The outer sheet has the elastic members intermittently bonded under tension thereto, and is formed in a region thereof facing the absorbent structure with an opening. The elastic members extend laterally under tension from a peripheral edge of the opening beyond the absorbent structure and the first backsheet is exposed through the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventor: Toshifumi Otsubo
  • Publication number: 20080132870
    Abstract: A combined disposable panty and sanitary pad undergarment includes a panty body having a front part, a rear part forming in combination with the front part a top edge of the panty body, and a crotch part joining the rear and front part and forming a pair of leg openings. An absorption pad is overlaid over and secured to the crotch part and a lower portion of each front and rear part. The absorption pad has a fluid-permeable human body facing layer, a fluid-impermeable panty body engaging layer and an absorbent layer disposed intermediate the fluid-permeable and the fluid-impermeable layers. A front end of the absorption pad is positioned above external genital organs of a wearer and a rear end thereof is positioned in close proximity to an anus. The side edges of the absorption pad are tapered to follow contour and style of the panty body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventor: Edith Nelson
  • Publication number: 20080132867
    Abstract: An absorbent article is disclosed including a fluid and vapor pervious combination sheet having a shape defining a longitudinal axis, a minimum lateral dimension and a maximum lateral dimension, and a containment assembly having a shape defining a maximum lateral dimension which is less than the maximum lateral dimension of the combination sheet. The containment assembly includes a central, fluid permeable portion of the combination sheet; a fluid impermeable backing film disposed beneath the combination sheet; and an absorbent core sandwiched between the central portion of the combination sheet and the backing film. The containment assembly is integrally attached to the combination sheet along the longitudinal axis, and the combination sheet forms a plurality of breathable regions laterally disposed beyond the containment assembly. The backing film forms at least a portion of a stay away zone that resists engagement by the laterally disposed breathable regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Babak Damaghi, Hamzeh Karami
  • Patent number: 7381203
    Abstract: A disposable diaper (1) comprising a liquid permeable topsheet (2), a liquid impermeable backsheet (3), and liquid retentive absorbent members (41), (42), and (43) interposed between the two sheets, wherein the absorbent members (41) (42), and (43) are disposed in series in the direction of from the rear portion (B), through the crotch portion (A), to the front portion (C), an elastic member is disposed in its stretched state on both sides of the series of the absorbent members, and the absorbent members (41), (42), and (43) are arranged such that a gap is produced between any adjacent two of them when the diaper is stretched flat and that any adjacent two of the absorbent members come into close contact when the diaper is worn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventor: Takao Kasai
  • Publication number: 20080125738
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoko Tsuji, Hirotomo MUKAI, Kenichi SASAYAMA, Tatsuya HASHIMOTO, Kei WAKASUGI
  • Patent number: 7377914
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article includes two laterally opposing longitudinally extending backsheet strips attached to an exterior surface of an absorbent assembly in laterally opposing attachment zones. Each backsheet strip may include a water-impermeable layer and may be extensible. The absorbent assembly includes laterally opposing side flaps which may be formed by folding portions of the absorbent assembly laterally inward. A longitudinally extending elastic gathering member is attached to each side flap adjacent to its proximal edge. When the article is worn, the elastic gathering members contract and raise the side flaps 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 backsheet strip attachment zones may be extensible and may include a water-impermeable layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Gary Dean LaVon
  • Publication number: 20080119813
    Abstract: A diaper for holding an absorbent article in close bodily contact in the crotch region of the wearer. The diaper comprises a front region, a crotch region having a specified Crotch Holding Force, and a rear region. The crotch region of the diaper typically is elastically extensible in both the longitudinal and lateral directions. The diaper provides an upward holding force against the absorbent article in the crotch region to hold the article in close bodily contact. A system comprising the diaper and an absorbent article for use therewith, and a method for holding such an article in close bodily contact by wearing the diaper, is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventor: JERRY EDWARD CARSTENS
  • Publication number: 20080119814
    Abstract: A diaper for holding an absorbent article in close bodily contact in the crotch region of the wearer. The diaper comprises a front region, a crotch region having a specified Crotch Holding Force, and a rear region. The crotch region of the diaper typically is elastically extensible in both the longitudinal and lateral directions. The diaper provides an upward holding force against the absorbent article in the crotch region to hold the article in close bodily contact. A system comprising the diaper and an absorbent article for use therewith, and a method for holding such an article in close bodily contact by wearing the diaper, is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventor: JERRY EDWARD CARSTENS
  • Publication number: 20080119816
    Abstract: A diaper for holding an absorbent article in close bodily contact in the crotch region of the wearer. The diaper comprises a front region, a crotch region having a specified Crotch Holding Force, and a rear region. The crotch region of the diaper typically is elastically extensible in both the longitudinal and lateral directions. The diaper provides an upward holding force against the absorbent article in the crotch region to hold the article in close bodily contact. A system comprising the diaper and an absorbent article for use therewith, and a method for holding such an article in close bodily contact by wearing the diaper, is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventor: JERRY EDWARD CARSTENS
  • Publication number: 20080119815
    Abstract: A diaper for holding an absorbent article in close bodily contact in the crotch region of the wearer. The diaper comprises a front region, a crotch region having a specified Crotch Holding Force, and a rear region. The crotch region of the diaper typically is elastically extensible in both the longitudinal and lateral directions. The diaper provides an upward holding force against the absorbent article in the crotch region to hold the article in close bodily contact. A system comprising the diaper and an absorbent article for use therewith, and a method for holding such an article in close bodily contact by wearing the diaper, is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventor: JERRY EDWARD CARSTENS
  • Publication number: 20080097367
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an expandable diaper. The present invention provide a new type of diaper which minimizes the area to be in contact with skin of a wearer, maximizes the absorption of excrement, and preventing the excrement from sticking to the skin of the wearer, by forming a portion of the diaper to be expandable or forming a wrinkled portion on the diaper, thus preventing various skin diseases even though the wearer puts on the diaper for a long time, and protecting the skin of the wearer from various skin troubles due to the excrement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Jeong Wook Jeon
  • Publication number: 20080087569
    Abstract: A kit of one or more disposable absorbent articles and a package, and in another embodiment, a package suitable for disposable absorbent articles are claimed, said package comprising secondary information, conveying to the wearer or caregiver how to apply the article and showing said article, and said article of the kit and shown on the package comprising at least primary serviceable indicium to aid the wearer or caregiver with the application of said article and to ensure proper use and optimal performance of the article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventors: Ekaterina Anatolyevna Ponomarenko, Cornelia Beate Martynus, Kara Marie Cain, Sarah Innes, Ekow Mensah
  • Patent number: 7344523
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in structure of disposable garments. The disposable garments of the invention may include an outer layer and an elastic inner layer. The elastic inner layer has an elastic inner layer perimeter and defines an opening, which may be in the form of a slit or aperture, located in an internal position to the elastic inner layer perimeter. The elastic inner layer perimeter may be bonded to the outer layer. The elastic inner layer may include a front piece, a back piece and a crotch piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul T. Van Gompel, Georgia L. Zehner
  • Publication number: 20080065036
    Abstract: A disposable diaper including, a covering chassis having front and rear waist regions, and a crotch region; a body fluid absorbent structure disposed at least in the crotch region; and an elastic isolating sheet covering at least the absorbent structure. The elastic isolating sheet has a front opening and a rear opening. The absorbent structure is provided on a bottom thereof with an elastic panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Applicant: UNI-CHARM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hironao Minato, Kaiyo Nakajima, Naoko Takada
  • Patent number: 7338479
    Abstract: A bondable innermost edge e? of a hot melt adhesive to be applied to a base end 4a of each of a pair of raisable flaps 4 is disposed outside away from an inner edge 4d of the base end 4a in a state that each raisable flap 4 is folded into a multi-layered manner in bonding the base ends 4a of the raisable flaps 4 to an outer sheet at the opposite sides of an absorbent member 3 with the hot melt adhesive. This arrangement eliminates the likelihood that a free end 4b of each raisable flap 4 may be adhered to the base end 4a by an excessively and extensively applied adhesive portion even if the adhesive is excessively and extensively applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Livedo Corporation
    Inventors: Masaru Fujioka, Kenji Nakaoka, Kazuyo Mori, Taichiro Suzuki, Sayaka Sato
  • Patent number: 7329245
    Abstract: A disposable diaper having an absorbent, a waist opening and right and left leg openings which are formed when the diaper is in use, and many stretchable members which are provided along the peripheral direction of the diaper at least in a girth area having a lengthwise range extending from said waist opening's edge to said leg openings' start ends and which are spaced at intervals in the lengthwise direction of the diaper. In at least a front body, said stretchable members are provided discontinuously in part of or in the whole of a lengthwise range where said absorbent is located, in an area extending from a joint on one side to a joint on the other side of the diaper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignees: Daio Paper Corporation, Daio Paper Converting Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keiji Torigoshi, Sadanao Manabe, Yosuke Mori
  • Patent number: 7329244
    Abstract: A pull-on disposable diaper has a body fluid absorbing component folded inward in a transverse direction of the diaper so that a width of the body fluid absorbing component may be reduced in a crotch covering region. In vicinities of leg-holes, elastic members intersect transversely opposite side edges of the body fluid absorbing component above points X, Y at which the side edges of the body fluid absorbing component intersect folding guides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshifumi Otsubo, Nariaki Shimoe
  • Patent number: 7329794
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in structure of disposable garments. The disposable garments of the invention may include an outer layer and an elastic inner layer. The elastic inner layer has an elastic inner layer perimeter and defines an opening, which may be in the form of a slit or aperture, located in an internal position to the elastic inner layer perimeter. The elastic inner layer perimeter may be bonded to the outer layer. The elastic inner layer may include a fastener on an inner surface in a back waist region of the garment and the outer layer may include a fastener on an outer surface in a front waist region of the garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, INc.
    Inventors: Paul T. Van Gompel, Georgia L. Zehner
  • Patent number: 7326192
    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: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Mishima, Hironao Minato, Nariaki Shimoe
  • Patent number: 7318820
    Abstract: A simple disposable absorbent article including an absorbent assembly attached to a chassis. The absorbent assembly includes an absorbent core that may contain superabsorbent particles, which may be contained inside pockets. The absorbent assembly is folded laterally inward at both of its side edges to form laterally opposing side flaps. Each side flap is attached to an interior surface of the absorbent assembly adjacent to its end edges. A longitudinally extending elastic gathering member is attached to each side flap adjacent to its proximal edge. When the article is worn, the elastic gathering members contract and raise the side flaps to form breathable side barriers. The chassis includes a water-impermeable sheet and may be extensible. The absorbent assembly may be attached in a cruciform pattern such that portions of the chassis that lie outside the attachment pattern are not restrained by attachment to the absorbent assembly and therefore remain extensible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Gary Dean LaVon, Pankaj Nigam
  • Patent number: 7309332
    Abstract: Here is disclosed a wearing article made of an elastically stretchable chassis defining a front waist region, a rear waist region and a crotch region. This sheet is composed of a first elastic segment extending, substantially in parallel to peripheral portions destined to form leg-holes, from a transversely middle zone of the crotch region to lateral portions of the front and rear waist regions, and a second elastic segment defined by the remaining portion except for the first elastic segment wherein the first elastic segment has a stretch stress higher than that of the second elastic segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoko Sugito, Yoshitaka Mishima, Kaiyo Nakajima
  • Patent number: 7294121
    Abstract: Here is disclosed a pad being relatively large in its longitudinal direction and comprising a liquid-pervious topsheet, a liquid-impervious backsheet, a liquid-absorbent core interposed between these top- and backsheets and an cover sheet lying outside the backsheet and extending from an intermediate region to a rear region of the pad. The cover sheet has fixed side edge portions fixed to transversely opposite side edges of the pad, a fixed end portion fixed to a rear end portion of the pad and a free portion extending between the fixed side edge portions and the fixed end portion and let free from the pad so that a pocket opening from the side of the front region toward the side of the rear region is defined between the backsheet and the cover sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Hikari Kawata, Masashi Nakashita, Kaori Yamauchi
  • Patent number: 7291138
    Abstract: A rear elastic area formed by a rear waist region with rear waist elastic members stretchable laterally across the rear waist region. A front elastic area formed by a front waist region with front waist elastic members stretchable laterally across the front waist region. The rear waist region and the front waist region are capable of stretching or contracting in unison. A greater number of rear waist elastic members than front waist elastic members are provided. The rear elastic area is broader than the front elastic area with respect to the longitudinal direction of the diaper body. The body-hugging capability of the diaper body at the rear waist side of the wearer is increased so that the diaper body is prevented from slipping down. This configuration reduces constructive feeling by ensuring that the diaper body is not excessively tight at the front waist side of the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Hakujuji Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Minoru Hoshino, Fumiko Aoki, Terumasa Kondo
  • Patent number: 7273476
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable absorbent article, e.g. a diaper, having a backsheet, an absorbent core and a topsheet, said absorbent article having a length L, said topsheet having an opening and primary elasticated areas and secondary elasticated areas, the latter being curved or angled, having an overall curvature with a radius of from 0.3 L to 3.2L, wherein the average transverse distance between a primary elasticated area and a secondary elasticated area of a crotch side portion is preferably at least 15 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Joerg Mueller, Cornelia Beate Martynus, Anja Hoffmann, Mattias Schmidt, John Costello, Ann Sullivan, Gregg Flender
  • Patent number: 7255688
    Abstract: A pull-on disposable wearing article has a first waist region and a second waist region. The first waist region is elastically stretch- and contractible in the transverse direction. The second waist region is formed with a pair of finger-grip zones which are non-stretchable in the transverse direction and an elastically stretch- and contractible middle zone. The finger-grip zones respectively have a dimension in a range of 10 to 100 mm as measured in the transverse direction and extend from a peripheral edge of the waist-hole to peripheral edges of the respective leg-holes, along a pair of bonded zones where transversely opposite side edges of the waist regions are bonded together. The middle zone extends between the finger-grip zones is elastically stretch- and contractible in the transverse direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Toru Sasaki, Yoshio Ono, Satoru Sakaguchi, Tomoko Sugito
  • Patent number: 7252658
    Abstract: A diaper has two pairs of means adapted to connect transversely opposite side edge portions of a front waist region and a rear waist region. These connecting means are elastically stretchable in a transverse direction of the diaper and the connecting means lying at a lower portion of the side edge portions have a stretch stress a great as that of the connecting means lying at a upper portion of the side edge portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventor: Yasushi Sayama
  • Patent number: 7252657
    Abstract: In a disposable wearing article, and area of a rear waist region in which a core is present is divided into a first area and a second area. The second area is formed in its transversely middle zone with a through-hole extending through the core. A transverse fiexural stiffness of the core lying in the second area is lower than a transverse flexural stiffness of the core lying in the crotch region and the first area. Proximal portions of leak-barrier sheets and longitudinal ends of elastic members are in the first area. The first area lies above the crotch region in a thickness direction of the article and the second area forms a barrier and a pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Mishima, Kaiyo Nakajima, Kyo Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 7247152
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article is disclosed that is partially defined by a pair of longitudinally extending side edges and a pair of end edges extending between the side edges, and includes a topsheet layer, a backsheet layer, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The disposable absorbent article also has a pair of side wall structures each having a pair of oppositely positioned end portions. A first side wall structure extends generally longitudinally between the core and one of the side edges and the other side wall structure extends generally longitudinal between the core and the other side edge. Further, an end strip constructed from an elastic material is positioned substantially adjacent each one of the end edges, and extends laterally between the side edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Associated Hygienic Products LLC
    Inventors: Walter V. Klemp, Paul M. Ducker, Daniel D. Gardner, Jr., Scott W. Sneed
  • Patent number: 7238175
    Abstract: A disposable diaper includes a basic absorbent batt structure and a supplementary absorbent batt structure placed thereon. An elastic member is provided between the two batt structures so as to transversely cross them. Contraction of the elastic member causes opposite side edge regions of the two batt structures to be pulled nearer to a longitudinal center line thereof. This results in a zone of the former batt structure underlying a distal end portion of the latter batt structure to curving downward with respect to a lower surface of the latter batt structure while the distal end portion of the latter batt structure curves upward with respect to a body facing surface of the basic absorbent batt structure. The curving of the batt structures forms a pocket opening from a front waist region toward a crotch region of the disposable diaper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuaki Onishi, Yasushi Sayama, Hiroyuki Tanji
  • Patent number: 7223261
    Abstract: The invention relates to an absorbent, disposable article, preferably a diaper, having a backsheet and a topsheet comprising a first waist region, a second waist region, and a crotch region interposed there between, a longitudinal axis, and an opening, which provides a passageway to a primary void space for receiving bodily exudates therein, positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet; whereby the opening is positioned in at least the crotch region along the longitudinal axis; whereby the topsheet is elasticated; and whereby the article has a shortened article portion, as defined herein, which has a shortened article length L, a stretched shortened article length Ls and a contacted shortened article length Lc, whereby the article and/or its topsheet has an specific elastic profile and/or a specific ratio of Lc to Ls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Joerg Müeller, Lars Westerheide, Mattias Schmidt, Frederick Michael Langdon, Michael Divo
  • Patent number: 7217260
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Co.
    Inventors: John C. Molander, Larry K. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7189219
    Abstract: An absorbent article comprises a liquid-permeable topsheet, a liquid-impermeable backsheet and a liquid-retentive absorbent core interposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent article is substantially vertically elongated and has an upstanding gather. The topsheet has a liquid shut-off region in a line shape and adapted to prohibit migration of a liquid in the topsheet. The liquid shut-off region is formed at a region outside a peripheral edge portion but other than a joined section between the topsheet and a sheet material for forming the upstanding gather.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Takao Kasai, Kazuyuki Maeda, Taketo Itoh
  • Patent number: 7172584
    Abstract: A disposable sanitary absorbent article such as an absorbent pad (e.g., male guard) is provided which is defined by opposed lateral sides and opposed longitudinal sides extending between said lateral side, comprising a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core disposed therebetween having opposed lateral sides and opposed longitudinal sides extending between said lateral sides of said absorbent core, an adhesive layer attached to said backsheet and a release paper strip covering the adhesive layer. The longitudinal sides or edges of the pad define side flaps outwardly relative to the longitudinal sides of the absorbent core, and at least two spaced apart elastic members are secured along each longitudinal side flap, with each elastic member having two active ends, at least one of which is located outwardly relative to the corresponding end of the adhesive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: First Quality Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Hamzeh Karami
  • Patent number: 7172582
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article partially defined by a pair of longitudinally extending side edges and a pair of end edges extending between the side edges, includes a topsheet layer, a backsheet layer, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The disposable absorbent article also has a pair of side wall structures each having a pair of oppositely positioned end portions. A first side wall structure extends generally longitudinally between the core and one of the side edges and the other side wall structure extends generally longitudinally between the core and the other side edge. Further, an end strip constructed from an elastic material is positioned substantially adjacent each one of the end edges, and extends laterally between the side edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Associated Hygienic Products LLC
    Inventors: Walter V. Klemp, Paul M. Ducker, Daniel D. Gardner, Scott W. Sneed
  • Patent number: 7169137
    Abstract: An absorbent article includes a chassis defining front and rear waist regions, an absorbent panel laid on the inner surface of the chassis and a decorative element adapted to be seen through the chassis and interposed between an intermediate zone of the chassis and the absorbent panel. An optical transmittance exhibited by the intermediate zone of the chassis in which the decorative element is laid is higher than an optical transmittance exhibited by opposite lateral zones of the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takaaki Shimada
  • Patent number: 7160282
    Abstract: A disposable wearing article includes a liquid-pervious topsheet, a liquid-impervious backsheet, a liquid-absorbent base panel interposed between these two sheets, a pair of side flaps lying outside transversely opposite side edges of the base panel so as to extend in a longitudinal direction, a pair of leak-barrier cuffs attached to the respective side flaps, elastic members secured to distal side edge portions of the cuffs. The article further includes a pair of liquid-absorbent side panels attached to opposed surfaces of the leak-barrier cuffs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventor: Yasushi Sayama
  • Patent number: 7156830
    Abstract: A disposable diaper comprising a fluid-permeable topsheet, a fluid-impermeable backsheet and a fluid-retentive absorbent core interposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, the disposable diaper being formed in a substantially vertically elongated configuration and having a stomach side, a back side and a crotch region positioned between the stomach side and the back side, wherein a second absorbent core is disposed at an outside region of each opposite side edge of the absorbent core at the crotch region along a longitudinal direction of the diaper, and an elastic member is disposed at the region where the second absorbent core is disposed along a longitudinal direction of the diaper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Takao Koyama, Hidekazu Ito, Ken Nemoto, Kenji Ishiguro
  • Patent number: 7156829
    Abstract: A disposable diaper is provided with elastically stretchable waist areas extending in a transverse direction along respective end portions of front and rear waist regions and a pair of elastically stretchable wing areas extending outward in the transverse direction from the side edge portions of the rear waist region. The side edge portions of the rear waist region are respectively interposed between the stretchable waist area and the stretchable wing areas. The stretchable wing areas have a transverse stretch stress higher than a transverse stretch stress of the stretchable waist area, so the tensile force exerted on the stretchable wing areas is segmentalized and restrained by the side edge portions of the rear waist region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Hironao Minato, Masaki Yoshida, Koichiro Mitsui