By Securing To Garment Or Person Patents (Class 604/387)
  • Patent number: 7569041
    Abstract: The invention relates to a disposable diaper (2), used more particularly in the event of incontinence, comprising a hip band (10) forming a hip opening in the diaper which is closed in the direction of the periphery whereby said hip band can be opened in at least one place and can be closed, also comprising a front area, a rear area and a main diaper part (4) which has a crotch area located there between and which comprises an absorbing body (6) for liquids. The main part (4) of the diaper can be detachably fixed to the hip band using the longitudinal end of the front area or rear area, by means of first closing means (34) such that a user can place the main part (4) of the diaper between his/her legs when the hip band is worn (10) and can detachably fix the free longitudinal end of the main part (4) of the diaper to the hip band (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Paul Hartmann AG
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Stupperich, Wolfgang Roehrl, Matthias Bandorf
  • Patent number: 7547299
    Abstract: A disposable wearing article has front and rear waist regions, a crotch region extending between these waist regions and a pair of engagement members respectively to inner surfaces of transversely opposite side edge portions of the rear waist region. In the article, each of the engagement members has a fixed portion permanently bonded to the associated side portion of the rear waist region and a first free portion extending inward from the fixed portion in a transverse direction of the rear waist region wherein the first free portion is formed on its inner surface with a fastening means so that the side edge portions of the rear waist region may be releasably engaged with inner or outer surface of the front waist region by means of the engagement members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Toshifumi Otsubo, Tomoko Sugita
  • Patent number: 7534237
    Abstract: An absorbent article includes attachment panels extending transversely outward from the absorbent assembly in one waist region and mechanical fastening components in an opposite waist region. The attachment panels cover the side hips of the wearer and define inner attachment surfaces that are adapted to refastenably engage the fastening components to maintain the absorbent article in a pant configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Peter Olson, Lisa Ann Dimitrijevs
  • Publication number: 20090118691
    Abstract: A body-attachable sanitary napkin including a fluid-pervious cover layer, a fluid-retaining assembly; and a barrier layer having a body-contactable adhesive disposed on at least first portions thereof. The sanitary napkin according to the invention remains securely attached to the body during use, moves with the body during use, yet at the same time enables the user to selectively remove the napkin in a pain free manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventor: Leonard G. Rosenfeld
  • Publication number: 20090118692
    Abstract: A body-attachable sanitary napkin including a fluid-pervious cover layer, a fluid-retaining assembly; and a barrier layer having a body-contactable adhesive disposed on at least first portions thereof. The sanitary napkin according to the invention remains securely attached to the body during use, moves with the body during use, yet at the same time enables the user to selectively remove the napkin in a pain free manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventor: Leonard G. Rosenfeld
  • Publication number: 20090105677
    Abstract: In a disposable absorbent article such as a disposable diaper including fastener elements by means of which front and rear waist regions are releasably connected with each other, the fastener elements are not affected by contraction of elastic members arranged in these waist regions. In this absorbent article, the front waist region and/or the rear waist region is or are divided into an elasticized intermediate zone provided with the elastic members and inelasticized transversely opposite side edge zones contigious to transversely opposite side edges of the intermediate zone. The fastener elements are provided in the transversely opposite side edge zones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: UNI-CHARM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshifumi OTSUBO, Hiroki YAMAMOTO, Tomoko SUGITO
  • Patent number: 7503912
    Abstract: A disposable wearing article includes elastic members interposed between inner and outer sheets and attached in a stretched state to these inner and outer sheets. A base sheet constituting a component of a hook part of a mechanical fastener is oriented to extend across the elastic members and attached to the outer sheet. Of the outer sheet, a region in which the outer sheet is attached to the base sheet and peripheral regions having dimensions m, n as measured from side edges of the base sheet in a width direction of the article are attached neither to the elastic members nor to the inner sheet. The outer sheet is attached to the inner sheet in regions defined outside those peripheral regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Toshifumi Otsubo, Tomoko Sugito
  • Publication number: 20090069780
    Abstract: In a feminine care absorbent article and method for donning the same, an absorbent structure is configured for disposition adjacent a female wearer's vaginal region. A shell supports the absorbent structure at the vaginal region and has an adhesive thereon for adhering the shell directly to the wearer. The article has a peripheral edge defined at least in part by the shell and the absorbent structure is attached to the shell. At least one removal tab is attached to at least one of the absorbent structure and the shell and extends outward beyond the peripheral edge of the article. The article may also have adhesive on its garment-facing surface for attaching the article to a wearer's undergarment for use in placing the article on the wearer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Devany Plentovich, Renee Sue Booms, Katie Ann Boland, Dean Martom Wydeven, Deborah Snell Hannah, Carmen Lira, Adrienne Rae Loyd, Channon Lee Barteman
  • Publication number: 20090069777
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes an embodiment wherein a fastenable disposable wearable absorbent article comprises a first half, a second half, an absorbent core area, a side, a side ear, and an anchoring subsystem. The side ear is connected to the first half and includes a fastener. The side anchoring subsystem includes a first side anchoring member with a first middle, disposed along a first pathway, and a second side anchoring member with a second middle, disposed along a second pathway. The first side anchoring member includes a first end disposed in the side ear, outside of the absorbent core area, and a second end disposed in the second half. The second side anchoring member includes a third end disposed in the side ear, and a fourth end disposed in the second half. Portions of the middles are coextensive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Andrew James Sauer, Michael Dale Trennepohl
  • Publication number: 20090069773
    Abstract: A disposable wearable absorbent article comprising an absorbent core area, a side, and an anchoring subsystem. The anchoring subsystem includes exactly one side anchoring member. The side anchoring member has a pathway with a front end, a back end, and a middle. The front end, the back end, or both ends are disposed outside of the absorbent core area. The front end is disposed at a front end longitudinally outboard distance. The back end is disposed at a back end longitudinally outboard distance. The middle is disposed at a middle longitudinally outboard distance. The middle longitudinally outboard distance is greater than the front end longitudinally outboard distance and greater than the back end longitudinally outboard distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Andrew James Sauer, Michael Dale Trennepohl
  • Publication number: 20090069778
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes an embodiment wherein a disposable wearable absorbent article comprises an absorbent core and a side with a side anchoring subsystem. The side anchoring subsystem is configured to indirectly anchor the absorbent core to a wearer of the article. The side includes a first portion, in which substantially all of the side anchoring subsystem is integral with the side, and a second portion, outside of the first portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Andrew James Sauer, Michael Dale Trennepohl
  • Publication number: 20090069772
    Abstract: A disposable wearable absorbent article comprising an absorbent core area, a side, and an anchoring subsystem. The anchoring subsystem includes exactly one side anchoring member. The side anchoring member has a pathway with a front end, a back end, and a middle. The front end, the back end, or both ends are disposed outside of the absorbent core area. The front end is disposed at a front end longitudinally outboard distance. The back end is disposed at a back end longitudinally outboard distance. The middle is disposed at a middle longitudinally outboard distance. The front end longitudinally outboard distance is less than the back end longitudinally outboard distance. The back end longitudinally outboard distance is about equal to the middle longitudinally outboard distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Andrew James Sauer, Michael Dale Trennepohl
  • Publication number: 20090069774
    Abstract: A pant-type disposable wearable absorbent article comprising an absorbent core area, a side, and an anchoring subsystem. The anchoring subsystem includes exactly one side anchoring member. The side anchoring member has a pathway with a front end and a back end. The front end, the back end, or both ends are disposed outside of the absorbent core area. The front end is disposed at a front end longitudinally outboard distance. The back end is disposed at a back end longitudinally outboard distance. The front end longitudinally outboard distance is about equal to the back end longitudinally outboard distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Andrew James Sauer, Michael Dale Trennepohl
  • Publication number: 20090069771
    Abstract: In a body adhering absorbent article, an absorbent structure is configured for disposition adjacent a female wearer's vaginal region to absorb bodily fluids discharged by the wearer. A shell supports the absorbent structure at the vaginal region and has an adhesive on a body-facing surface thereof for adhering the shell directly to the wearer. A placement aid is disposed on at least one of the absorbent structure and the shell, and is configured for sensory perception by a wearer of the article upon placement of the article on the wearer to facilitate positive alignment of the absorbent article in a target placement region of the wearer with the absorbent structure disposed adjacent the wearer's vaginal region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Lisha Yu, Candace Dyan Krautkramer, Suzanne K. Vanderloop, Kristin Ann Goerg-Wood, David John Enz, Adrienne Rae Loyd, Carmen Lira
  • Publication number: 20090069775
    Abstract: A pant-type disposable wearable absorbent article comprising an absorbent core area, a side, and an anchoring subsystem. The anchoring subsystem includes exactly one side anchoring member. The side anchoring member has a pathway with a front end, a back end, and a middle. The front end, the back end, or both ends are disposed outside of the absorbent core area. The front end is disposed at a front end longitudinally outboard distance. The back end is disposed at a back end longitudinally outboard distance. The middle is disposed at a middle longitudinally outboard distance. The front end longitudinally outboard distance is greater than the middle longitudinally outboard distance, which is greater than the back end longitudinally outboard distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Andrew James Sauer, Michael Dale Trennepohl
  • Publication number: 20090069779
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes an embodiment wherein a disposable wearable absorbent article comprises a side and an anchoring subsystem. The anchoring subsystem includes a first side anchoring member with a first middle, disposed along a first pathway, and a second side anchoring member with a second middle, disposed along a second pathway. At least a portion of the first middle is coextensive with at least a portion of the second middle, and at least a portion of the first pathway is distinct from at least a portion of the second pathway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Andrew James Sauer, Michael Dale Trennepohl
  • Patent number: 7497851
    Abstract: An absorbent article such as infant training pants is provided with a mechanical hook-and-loop type fastening system in which at least the loop fastener component is made of an elastomeric substrate and a high bond point non-woven loop material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Mathew L. Koele, Robert L. Popp, William M. Lynch
  • Patent number: 7497852
    Abstract: A disposable diaper includes a front panel and a rear panel connected to each other, tear-apart zones provided at side edges of a waist region, in which the front and rear panels can be disconnected from each other, fastening members provided on the side of inner surface of the rear panel in a vicinity of the respective tear-apart zones and adapted to reconnect the disconnected front and rear panels to each other and cover members provided on the side of the inner surface of the rear panel so as to cover the tear-apart zones as well as the fastening members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventor: Yusuke Kawakami
  • Publication number: 20080319411
    Abstract: An adhesive undergarment to be worn when panties are not worn. Embodiments of an adhesive undergarment may have an adhesive-backed panel for placement inside a garment. An exemplary adhesive undergarment provides a level of protection to the private area of a woman from the interior seams of pants or other similar clothing when being worn without panties. This clothing accessory is in the nature of a removable, disposable, adhesive-backed panel for placing inside the crotch area of a garment that replaces a need for a panty. An adhesive undergarment may have a strengthened area or a stiffened area to minimize the drooping, flopping or wilting of the adhesive undergarment while being installed in the crotch area of a pair of pants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: ADVANCED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: WILLIAM MORTENSEN, CELINDA SOLANO, KRISTIN AARON
  • Publication number: 20080312616
    Abstract: A moisture absorbent under-breast pad provides absorption of moisture between the breast and rib cage. The pad is made from 100 percent cotton cloth and is held in place by the weight of the breasts without adhesives or straps. The pad is comfortable to wear and provides relief from yeast infections, rashes, perspiration odor, and itching.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventor: Theresa Nixon
  • Patent number: 7462172
    Abstract: An elastic composite is provided in a disposable absorbent garment such as a diaper or training pants. The elastic composite has a base layer, a top layer, and an elastic construction disposed therebetween. The elastic construction includes a plurality of spaced apart (e.g. generally equally spaced apart) elastic elements (e.g. strands or threads) that are aligned in a generally cross machine direction and in generally parallel relation. Further, the top and base layers define a first longitudinally extending side edge and a second longitudinally extending side edge between which, the elastic construction is disposed. The elastic composite further includes an elasticized region, wherein the elastic construction is disposed, a first non-elasticized region disposed between the first side edge and the elasticized region, and a second non-elasticized region disposed between the second side edge and the elasticized region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: DSG Technology Holdings Ltd.
    Inventors: Andrew Christopher Wright, Kuo-Shu Edward Chang, Patrick King Yu Tsang, Anne Smid
  • Patent number: 7455665
    Abstract: A hygiene article has a fluid permeable protective layer, a rear, fluid impermeable layer and an absorbing body arranged between the layers. The article has a first longitudinal direction and a second transverse direction. Fastening elements are provided for removably fastening the hygiene article when worn by a user. The fastening elements include a clip which cooperates with an application zone of the hygiene article. Each fastening element has a first zone, by means of which the fastening element can be attached to the hygiene article, and a second zone, arranged at a distance from the first zone in the transverse direction and in which the clip is provided. Each fastening element is folded in a zigzag manner along folding lines extending in the longitudinal direction. The second zone provided with the clip is arranged outside of the zigzag folded configuration in the transverse direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Paul-Hartmann AG
    Inventors: Carsten Wendelstorf, Rainer Mangold
  • Publication number: 20080287904
    Abstract: An absorbent article and a method for manufacturing the absorbent article, wherein the article includes a backsheet covered at least partly by a topsheet and delimited by a first and a second longitudinally extending side edge and a first and a second opposing laterally extending short edge. The backsheet includes a first flap portion extending at least partly along the first side edge and folded over the first side edge and over parts of the topsheet. The backsheet further includes a second flap portion extending at least partly along the second side edge and folded over the second side edge and over parts of the topsheet, wherein the first and second flap portions are at least partly covered with an adherent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: SCA HYGIENE PRODUCTS AB
    Inventors: Solgun Drevik, Chatrine Stridfeldt
  • Patent number: 7449014
    Abstract: A disposable wearing article is provided with leg elastic elements. The leg elastic elements include first leg elastic elements extending from transversely opposite margins of a front waist region to a front half of a crotch region and second leg elastic elements extending from transversely opposite margins of a rear waist region toward a rear half of the crotch region across a rear half of the crotch region. The first elastic elements extend generally in a transverse direction while the second elastic elements extend in a direction orthogonal to a transverse center line in such a manner that these elastic elements get nearer to a longitudinal center line as these elastic element extend from the rear waist region toward the crotch region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Toru Oba, Takanori Matsuo
  • Publication number: 20080275413
    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: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Kyeng Im Lee
  • Patent number: 7444722
    Abstract: A male component of a mechanical fastening system, such as a hook and loop fastener, that can remain fastened to a female component under high levels of shear force. The male component has a backing material with protrusions extending from the backing material at an angle toward the direction of fastener force. The combination of the male component with a female loop component results in a secure fastening system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Mary Lou McDaniel, Nadezhda Efremova, Joseph Earl Pierce, Lisha Yu, Brian Van Benschoten, Wallace L. Kurtz, Jr., Ernesto S. Tachauer
  • Publication number: 20080269707
    Abstract: A lateral flow device for testing a bodily fluid, such as urine, blood, mucous, saliva, etc., is provided. The lateral flow device is configured to be attached to an absorbent article via an attachment mechanism located on the lateral flow device or the absorbent article. The lateral flow device includes a chromatographic medium (e.g., porous membrane) that defines a detection zone that provides a signal indicative of the presence or absence of the analyte. The device may also include a control zone that provides a signal indicative of whether a sufficient amount of bodily fluid has been provided and tested. Regardless of its specific configuration, the lateral flow device is configured to be attached onto the absorbent article to provide a user or caregiver with rapid information about a health condition. For example, the device may be attached onto a diaper to provide information about the presence of enzymes or other compounds often encountered with a patient having a urinary tract infection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Xuedong Song
  • Patent number: 7438708
    Abstract: Disclosed is a sanitary napkin having extensions, parts of which are to be folded back and fixed on an undergarment in use. The sanitary napkin includes: a liquid-permeable topsheet disposed on one side of the sanitary napkin to cover a central region thereof; a backsheet; an absorbent layer disposed therebetween; and leakage preventing portions disposed on laterally opposed side portions of the topsheet and extending in a longitudinal direction of the sanitary napkin. Joints between the respective leakage preventing portions and the topsheet are formed to extend in the longitudinal direction. The extensions are portions of the sanitary napkin extending laterally outwardly beyond the joints. Each extension includes a flexible region for facilitating folding thereof, which is spaced laterally outwardly apart from corresponding one of the joints and has a stiffness lower than that of a region between the flexible region and the corresponding joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiro Kashiwagi, Wataru Yoshimasa, Etsuko Tagami
  • Publication number: 20080234647
    Abstract: A disposable, integrated diaper product is provided for use with a human. The product comprises a diaper assembly, a pair of opposing lateral tabs, a fastening section, a premoistened textile component, and a liquid impermeable component. The liquid impermeable component can releasably adhesively mate against the exterior component of the diaper assembly. The liquid impermeable sheet element can be disposed along a substantially straight line intermediate the opposing lateral tabs in a waist section of the exterior component in order to prevent interference with the attachment of the opposing lateral tabs in the fastening section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventor: Misty Arterburn
  • Publication number: 20080208152
    Abstract: An absorbent incontinence product with a main piece formed of a front section, a back section and a crotch section which lies in a longitudinal direction between the front and the back sections and is intended to be placed between the legs of a user. The main part has an absorbent body and first material sections which are attached to the back section and/or to the front section and extend in the transverse direction over first longitudinal side edges of the main piece and second material sections which are attached to the back section and/or to the front section and extend in the transverse direction over second longitudinal side edges of the main part. The first and second material sections connect the front section to the back section when the product is applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2006
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: PAUL HARTMANN AG
    Inventors: Axel Eckstein, Rudolf Groener, Ruediger Kesselmeier, Christian Koch
  • Patent number: 7416545
    Abstract: The present invention provides an article to be worn about a wearer including a surface fastening system having a primary direction of load bearing. The surface fastening system has a first surface fastening element and a second surface fastening element. The first fastening element is joined to the article, and the second fastening element is disposed so as to be generally in a face to face relationship with the first fastening element when the surface fastening system is in a fastened configuration. The surface fastening system has a peel resistance in a direction other than the primary direction of load bearing greater than or equal to about 1000 grams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Mark James Kline, George Christopher Dobrin, Raymond Scott Hamilton, George Bartol Glackin, III, Luke Robinson Magee, Miguel Alvaro Robles
  • Patent number: 7404812
    Abstract: A disposable wearing article includes first and second engagement members attached to the outer surface of a front waist region along transversely opposite side edge portions thereof so as to be spaced from each other by a given dimension in a longitudinal direction and third engagement members attached to in the inner surface of a rear waist region along transversely opposite side edge portions thereof. The first engagement embers are laid on the respective side edge portions in longitudinally upper zones, the second engagement members are laid on the side edge portions in longitudinally lower zones, the third engagement members are laid on the side edge portions in longitudinally intermediate zones and hooks are respectively formed on the outer surface of the first and second engagement members and on the inner surface of the third engagement members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Toshifumi Otsubo, Tomoko Sugita
  • Publication number: 20080140040
    Abstract: A breast milk absorbent pad includes elastically stretchable/contractible members arranged along transversely opposite side edges of the pad. Corners where one of the transversely opposite side edges and one of the longitudinally opposite end edges of a pad-chassis join are folded to a non-skin-contactable side. The breast milk absorbent pad is packed in a package with the corners folded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: UNI-CHARM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hikari Kawakami, Michiyo Fujikawa
  • Publication number: 20080114323
    Abstract: Disposable absorbent articles having a primary fastening system and a secondary fastening system, wherein the primary fastening system comprises at least a first component and at least a second component and the first component interlocks with the second component; and the secondary fastening system is located on at least a portion of the primary fastening system; wherein the secondary fastening system comprises a secondary fastening member having a first surface and a protective portion configured to cover at least a portion of the first surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: Mark James Kline, Jeromy Thomas Raycheck
  • Publication number: 20080114322
    Abstract: A body panel for an adjustable pant-like disposable absorbent undergarment is disclosed. The body panel includes first, second and third regions separated by first and second lines of weakness. A tear facilitation member is secured to one of the region. The tear facilitation member has at least one unattached portion of sufficient size to be grasped between a person's thumb and index finger. The body panel also has an attachment member being secured to one of the other regions and being removeably secured to the tear facilitation member. As the attachment member is opened, the unattached portion can be grasped and pulled in an opposite direction to break the respective line of weakness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: Suzanne Marie Schmoker, Jeffrey James Loritz, Stacy Nicole Markovich, Jeffery Michael Tabor
  • Publication number: 20080103474
    Abstract: A stacked absorbent article assembly including a top absorbent article, a bottom absorbent article, an adhesive arranged between the articles for selectively securing the top absorbent article to the bottom absorbent article, and an adhesive arranged on a bottom surface of the assembly for securing the absorbent article assembly to an undergarment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventor: Joseph M. Luizzi
  • Patent number: 7351236
    Abstract: The invention relates to an absorbent article (100) such as a diaper or an incontinence protector, which absorbent article is designed like underpants, with a first leg opening (120) and a second leg opening (130) and a waist opening (110), where the article comprises at least a first openable seal line (140) arranged at the first leg opening, and first (150?, 170?) and second (150, 170) opening and closing means arranged to be able to cooperate with one another when the openable seal line (140) is broken. The first (150?, 170?) and second (150, 170) closing means are situated on respective sides of the seal line (140) and are arranged on the surface of the underpants (100), the first closing means (150?, 170?) being arranged on the inside of the underpants and the second closing means (150, 170) being arranged on the outside of the underpants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products, AB
    Inventor: Tomas Gandemo
  • Patent number: 7347845
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article having a front part, a rear part, a crotch part extending between the front and rear part, and fasteners for fastening the side portions of the front and rear parts together in an overlapping relationship in order to give the absorbent article a pants-like configuration, the overlap between the side portions of the respective front and rear part being adjustable. At least one of the side portions of the front or rear parts have at least one tension indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventor: Peter Zajaczkowski
  • Patent number: 7344525
    Abstract: An absorbent article includes a pair of front ear regions as part of a front waist region, a pair of back ear portions including a mechanical fastener as part of a back waist region, a crotch region connecting the front waist region and the back waist region, and a landing zone including a base material and a first discrete fastener element group embedded in the base material. The first discrete fastener element group includes at least one first discrete fastener element having a profile height. The base material has a profile height that is greater than the profile height of the first discrete fastener element. The landing zone may be associated with the outer cover in the front waist region between the front ear regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Means Linker, III, Duane Girard Uitenbroek, Thomas Harold Roessler
  • Patent number: 7341579
    Abstract: A sanitary napkin includes an elongated main body having a liquid absorbent layer for absorbing and retaining liquid and rear flaps projecting laterally in opposite directions from a rear part of the main body. The sanitary napkin is adapted to be worn with the rear flaps kept in an unfolded state on an inner side of an undergarment. Each rear flap included a first sheet with corrugated regions and a longitudinally-extending strip-shaped or linear smooth region defined between adjacent corrugated regions. Each corrugated region has hills and valleys which extend laterally and alternate with each other longitudinally. The smooth region is free of the hills and valleys or has a smaller difference in level between hills and valleys than the corrugated region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Masataka Kinoshita, Takuya Miyama
  • Patent number: 7326191
    Abstract: A fastening element for absorbent sanitary products having first and second parts that are symmetrical with respect to an intermediate plane, each part including a base branch configured to connect to the first part, and a distal branch configured to connect to the second part. The base branch and the distal branch are connected together according to a general book-like configuration. A dorsal part of the book-like configuration for connection between the base and the distal branches is set at a distance from said intermediate plane, the base branch connects the two parts to form a single body, each of which can connect mutually facing edges of the end parts of an absorbent sanitary product and to ensure the fastening of the flaps set on the sides. The fastening element can enable releasing and refastening the product and/or adjusting the fit of the product to the wearer's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Fameccanica.Data.S.p.A
    Inventor: Carlo Bianco
  • Patent number: 7322968
    Abstract: A disposable wearing article is provided on its garment facing surface with tape fasteners. The tape member forming each of the tape fastener has a fixed end portion and a free end portion adapted to be taken between the fingers longitudinally opposed to each other. The free end portion at least partially extend beyond the lateral edge of the wearing article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Nariaki Shimoe
  • Patent number: 7322966
    Abstract: A washable, reusable garment for retention of body fluids when worn on a person's lower body part. The garment has a crotch portion and a body portion. The crotch portion has an absorbent composite, and a pocket adapted for receiving a removable absorbent pad. The body portion has a waist opening and is seamless except where attached to the crotch portion. The body portion and the crotch portion together form first and second leg openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Inventor: Robert F. Deerin
  • Publication number: 20070287973
    Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent article having longitudinal direction, a lateral direction, a second portion and a first portion. This absorbent article has a topsheet which has a first major surface that forms a body-facing surface. In addition, the absorbent article has a backsheet which has a second major surface disposed distally from the first major surface. The second major surface of the backsheet forms a garment facing surface of the absorbent article. On the second portion of the top sheet on the first major surface, a body adhesive is applied. In the first portion of the absorbent article, a garment attachment device for attaching the absorbent article to an undergarment of a user is present.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Bliss Elizabeth Cohen, Stephen Michael Campbell, Garry Roland Woltman
  • Patent number: 7300426
    Abstract: An absorbent article and method are disclosed for providing side leakage protection for an undergarment and absorbent article positioning guidance for proper placement on the undergarment. An absorbent configured to fit the pudendal region of a woman and a liquid-impermeable baffle are provided with a pair of garment-attachment adjustable scroll members for receiving a crotch portion of an undergarment. In one aspect, arcuately shaped curled folds on a lateral side surface of the absorbent article form the adjustable scroll members. In one aspect, a stiffening insert in the adjustable scroll member provide superior curling and holding capability. In one aspect, a friction-enhancing material reduces the sliding of the panty elastic or fabric in the adjustable scroll, thereby to reduce twisting and shifting of the undergarment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Wanda W. Jackson
  • Patent number: 7300427
    Abstract: A disposable wearing article includes connector sheet strips used to connect front and rear waist regions of the article which respectively includes proximal sections and flap-like sections. The proximal sections are fixed to the rear waist region on its inner surface along zones immediately adjacent to transversely opposite side edges of the rear waist region and the flap-like sections extend from the respective zones to the inside of the article in a circumferential direction. The flap-like sections are formed with folding guide means facilitating the flap-like sections to be folded so that these flap-like sections may extend from the inside toward the outside of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoko Sugito, Yoshio Ono
  • Patent number: 7297139
    Abstract: A refastenable absorbent garment comprises a body panel comprising a non-woven material, and preferably a non-woven spunbond material having a pattern of discrete bonded areas. The body panel has a non-elasticized area. A hook-type fastener member comprises a high-density array of hooks with a hook density of at least about 60 hooks per square centimeter. At least a portion of the array of hooks is engaged with the non-woven material at the non-elasticized area of the body panel. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, between about 5% and 25% of the non-woven spunbond material comprises the bonded area. In another preferred embodiment, the non-woven spunbond material has a basis weight of between about 0.3 osy and about 2.0 osy. A method for making the absorbent garment, and for securing the absorbent garment to a user, also are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Cindy L. Price, Suzanne M. Schmoker, Lori S. Schutkoske, Paul T. Van Gompel, Jesse Paul Sorenson, Jerome S. Veith
  • Patent number: 7291136
    Abstract: The invention relates to an absorbent article intended for use in a thong garment, and having a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction and comprising a liquid-permeable cover sheet (109), a liquid-tight cover sheet (110), and an absorption body (111) enclosed between the two cover sheets (109, 110), the liquid-permeable cover sheet (109) being intended to be directed towards the user's body during use and the liquid-tight cover sheet (110) being intended to be directed towards the thong garment during use, an adhesive fastening means (514, 614, 714, 814) being arranged on the liquid-tight cover sheet (110), and the article moreover having, in its longitudinal direction, a front portion (106), a rear portion (107), two side edges (102, 103), and a front edge (104) and a rear edge (105). The article has a portion which is arranged centrally between the longitudinal side edges (102, 103) and which is free of the adhesive fastening means (514, 614, 714, 814).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products, A.B.
    Inventors: Solgun Drevik, Anita Skeppstedt
  • Patent number: 7288081
    Abstract: In a disposable wearing article, connector sheet strips for connecting front and rear waist regions of the article have proximal sections and flap-like sections. The proximal sections are fixed to the rear waist region on its inner surface along zones contiguous to transversely opposite side edges of the rear waist region. Flexural rigidity of the flap-like sections as measured in a transverse direction of the article is higher than that of the article as measured in regions lying immediately inside the respective zones which are, in turn, contiguous to the respective side edges, so that a direction in which the connector sheet strips extend can be easily reversed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoko Sugito, Yoshio Ono
  • Patent number: 7278988
    Abstract: A pantiliner has a periphery and at least one fold line. The fold line allows the pantiliner to be adjusted in size by folding the pantiliner along the fold line(s). The product is thus convertible and may be used with conventional “hourglass” shaped panties or folded along the fold lines to fit thong panties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Horacio Jorge Molas, Franz Aschenbrenner, Holger Gerlach, Melanie Hufnagel