With Release Means Associated With Tab Fastner Patents (Class 604/390)
  • Patent number: 6235011
    Abstract: A three-piece tape landing zone is provided which allows repeated fastening and unfastening of the tape tabs for inspection of the diaper. The three-piece TLZ is located at the front waist portion of the diaper. A center TLZ piece is positioned between and overlaps or underlaps the edges of the two outer TLZ pieces. The center TLZ piece has release characteristics different from that of the outer two pieces such that the tape tabs do not adhere securely to the center TLZ piece. This arrangement ensures correct alignment of the tape tabs on the outer TLZ surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Paragon Trade Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Susan L. O'Connell
  • Patent number: 6221483
    Abstract: A reversibly extensible polymeric film is hot formed, as by coextrusion, using selected polymeric materials that provide discrete areas of elastic and inelastic polymeric materials arranged in laterally spaced and longitudinally elongated lanes or stripes connected by integrally formed joints therebetween. The elastic materials comprise block polymers selected from tetrablock, triblock and diblock polymers, and the inelastic material is selected from polyolefins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, poly(ethylene-propylene), poly(ethylene-vinyl acetate), poly(styrene-butadiene), or copolymers or blends thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: Michael D. Hilston, Beverly S. Braun, Robert A. Wanska
  • Patent number: 6213993
    Abstract: An absorbent article is provided having an adhesive on the bodyfacing surface for securement of the article to the wearer. The adhesive has a rheological property tan &dgr; at 20° C. ranging from about 0.01 to about 0.6 at a frequency of about 0.1 radian per second and a tan &dgr; ranging from about 0.1 to about 1.7 at a frequency of about 1000 radians per second. Preferably the adhesive is a hot melt adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Duane Kenneth Zacharias, Yung Hsiang Huang, Frank Gerald Druecke
  • Patent number: 6210388
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an absorbent article in the form of a pants diaper or a sanitary panty starts from a flat blank which includes an elongated absorbent body (5) enclosed between two casing sheets (2, 9) which at opposing front and rear end parts of the absorbent body have side parts which extend laterally beyond the body on opposite sides thereof. The method includes the step of folding the blank about a transverse axis so that the end edges of the side parts lie edge-to-edge. The front and rear side parts of the blank which oppose one another in the folded state of the blank are joined together by a releasable and refastenable fastener (20). A pants diaper can be manufactured in accordance with this method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Urban Widlund, Anders Gustafsson
  • Patent number: 6210389
    Abstract: An article (10) has a lengthwise longitudinal direction (26), a lateral cross-direction (24), a first article portion (12), a second article portion (14), and a fastener (36) for securing the first article portion (12) to the second article portion (14). The fastener (36) includes at least one first fastener component (70) attached to a lateral side section (86) of the first article portion (12), and a cooperating, second fastener component (72) attached to the second article portion (14). The first fastener component includes an engagement substrate (56) having an appointed lift region (54), and a plurality of engagement members (40), such as the representatively shown hook members, which are operably attached to extend away from the engagement substrate. The lift region (54) is disposed along at least a longitudinally extending, outboard edge of the engagement substrate (56), and the lift region contains a plurality of engagement members which have been substantially deactivated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Mark Long, Patrick Robert Lord, Brian Keith Nortman, Paula Kay Zoromski, Richard John Schmidt, Mari-Pat Yvonne Von Feldt
  • Patent number: 6210390
    Abstract: An absorbent garment such as an incontinence diaper includes a belt and an absorption unit, the rear short side of which is preferably releasably joined with the belt. The opposite short side of the absorption unit, situated at the front of a user, has two end parts, each situated at one end of the short side, which each by their hook and loop fasteners are releasably connectable with the waist belt in a plurality of positions in relation thereto. Each fastener has a piece of first hook and loop material non-releasably connected with one of the casing layers within the respective end parts, and a therewith cooperating piece of second, complementary hook and loop material which on its side facing away from the hook and loop devices is provided with an adhesive layer which in the unused state of the fasteners is covered by a protective layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventor: Katharina Karlsson
  • Patent number: 6191055
    Abstract: A diaper construction is provided with an external porous reinforcement strip at the front part of the outside of the diaper, which strip provides reinforcement against an adhesive fastening tab and provides an oil contamination tolerant adhesion surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Charles E. Boyer, III, Robert J. Kinney, Ramsis Gobran, Ruben E. Velasquez Urey, Roland R. Midgley
  • Patent number: 6074376
    Abstract: An individually packaged absorbent article having side flaps with fasteners, such as adhesive fasteners thereon, is disclosed. The wrapper for individual packaging the absorbent article has a flap adhesive cover joined thereto. The flap adhesive cover protects the fasteners located on the side flaps of the absorbent article and maintains the flaps in a position which protects an absorbent side of the absorbent article from contamination until the article is ready for use. The wrapper overlays one major surface of the absorbent article and by folding the article and sealing the wrapper in that folded orientation, an individually packaged disposable absorbent article is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Sue Ann Mills
  • Patent number: 6063466
    Abstract: A prelaminated composite tape in a stable roll from which a composite adhesive closure tape tab (20) for disposable articles can be cut, which comprises a support sheet (21) and a mechanical fastener (30), wherein the support sheet (21) has a fastening surface (22) with a bonding layer (24) and a back side surface (23) that is provided with means for increasing the static friction, whereby a first axial extending section (25) of the support sheet (21) has a patch (26) comprising a mechanical fastener (30) disposed on the bonding layer (24), and a second axial extending section (31) of the support sheet has an exposed bonding layer which is attached to the edge portion (14) of the disposable article (10) in the production process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Joerg Otto Paul Tuschy, Axel Johannes Victor Dahm
  • Patent number: 6024732
    Abstract: A packaging for a sanitary napkin (1) or like article, wherein the outer surface of the sanitary napkin is at least partially adhesive and the napkin is folded so that the adhesive outer surface thereof faces towards the packaging material. The packaging material presents a relatively small surface area for contact with the outer surface of the sanitary napkin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: SCA Molnlycke AB
    Inventor: Ann Samuelsson
  • Patent number: 6017621
    Abstract: An adhesive strip is described which comprises(A) a polymer backing sheet material;(B) a controlled adhesion coating on one surface of said sheet material, said coating comprising a radiation-cured mixture comprising(B-1) a major amount of at least one acrylate oligomer selected from amine acrylate oligomers, epoxy acrylate oligomers, urethane acrylate oligomers and acrylic acrylate oligomers, and(B-2) a minor amount of at least one monomer selected from monofunctional acrylate monomers and polyfunctional acrylate monomers, and(C) an adhesive on the other surface of said sheet material.Articles such as disposable diapers also are described which utilize the strip as a target strip or landing zone for pressure-sensitive adhesive fastening tabs when the diaper is fastened around the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: Michael D. Hilston, Thanh V. Nguyen, Richard A. Huskey
  • Patent number: 6004308
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a pressure sensitive positioning adhesive for absorbent articles which can be used without release paper. The positioning adhesive has non-tacky irregularly shaped particles on its surface thereby rendering the adhesive non-tacky. Upon the application of pressure during use, i.e., when attaching the napkin to the undergarment, the particles are rearranged, exposing adhesive to the undergarment, thereby facilitating attachment of the napkin to the undergarment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.
    Inventor: Teresa Haddock
  • Patent number: 5972473
    Abstract: A separator or a packaging material is provided, comprising a thermoplastic plastic film at least one surface of which is a matte surface or an embossed surface having a surface roughness (Ra) of not larger than 1/2 of the thickness of the film. The thermoplastic film may have a release treatment layer on the whole or part of a surface. The separator or packaging material is useful as a separator for pressure-sensitive adhesive articles and disposable articles or as a packaging material for packing foods, pressure-sensitive adhesive articles and sanitary articles. In particular, the separator is suitably used as a separator for a disposable diaper and a sanitary napkin, and also the packaging material is suitably used as a package for a sanitary napkin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Masaaki Arakawa, Teiji Sakashita
  • Patent number: 5968030
    Abstract: A disposable diaper provided with a pair of tape fasteners each having a proximal end section secured to a side portion of a rear waist region of the diaper and a distal end section folded back onto an inner surface of the diaper, a part of the distal end section is releasably welded to the inner surface of the diaper and thereby to facilitate handling of the diaper when it is put on the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Shingo Shimizu, Yoshitaka Mishima
  • Patent number: 5944707
    Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent article having an adjustment system optimally placed on the backsheet and/or the topsheet to provide the absorbent article with an adjustable fit. Once the absorbent article is fitted about a wearer, the adjustment system may be adjusted to securely fit the absorbent article about a wearer's waist and legs, thus reducing the opportunities for leakage of bodily fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Karl P. Ronn
  • Patent number: 5919180
    Abstract: The invention developed is a nursing pad assembly suitable for absorbing lacteal fluid which is conformable to the human breast. It includes a conformable casing comprising a central area and a plurality of outwardly extending fingers, the central area possessing a pocket having a front opening and a rear opening; an absorbent padding material located in the pocket and capable of being removed through the front opening; and adhesively attaching the outwardly extending fingers to an area surrounding the nipple in such fashion that the nipple will contact the absorbent padding material through the rear opening. When the absorbent padding material is removed from the pocket, the nipple will be exposed through the front opening to enable nursing without requiring removal of the entire pad assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Rick Raimondo
  • Patent number: 5868727
    Abstract: A sanitary napkin with laterally projecting positioning tabs. The adhesive securement system of the sanitary napkin includes three adhesive zones in a spaced apart relationship, namely one zone on the main body of the sanitary napkin and one zone on the undergarment facing surface of each positioning tab. A quick-remove peelable protective layer covers the adhesive zones when the sanitary napkin is not in use. The protective layer includes a primary release strip extending longitudinally on the sanitary napkin to cover the adhesive zone on the main body and a transverse secondary release strip overlaying the adhesive zones on the positioning tabs. This arrangement allows removal of entire protective layer in a single peel-off stroke. The invention also relates to a method and apparatus for folding a positioning tab of the sanitary napkin over its main body during a packaging operation that inserts the sanitary napkin in a disposable pouch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Barr, Marc Alary, Henri Brisebois, Paul Lefebvre, Anita Dupressoir
  • Patent number: 5860964
    Abstract: A diaper is provided with an adhesive fastening tab of the Y-configuration type which includes a welded joinder at the branching point between the fastening tape and release tape portions of the tab, the welded joinder being free of the diaper. The welded joinder comprises a direct weld between the substrates of the fastening tape and release tape portions of the tab, or welds between each of those two substrates and an intermediate junction substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: J. Willekens, J. Van de Water, F. Coumans, P. Dhondt
  • Patent number: 5860965
    Abstract: An absorbent article having a main body portion, a pair of flaps joined to the main body portion, and an adhesive patch joined to each flap. Each adhesive patch comprises a first half and a second half releasably secured to the first half. The first half has adhesive zones and release zones, and the second half has adhesive zones and release zones which are removably securable to the release zones and adhesive zones of the first half.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Bruce William Lavash, Charles John Berg, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5851205
    Abstract: A disposable undergarment having a tape fastener for releasably joining front and rear regions of the undergarment to each other is disclosed. The tape fastener includes a relatively soft base panel member extending laterally outward from a transverse side edge of the undergarment, relatively rigid fastening panel members provided at longitudinally spaced apart locations of the base panel member and an adhesive region provided between the fastening panel members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichi Hisada, Tsutomu Kido, Yoshitaka Mishima
  • Patent number: 5830206
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorbent article in the form of a pants-type diaper or sanitary panty, which includes an elongated absorbent body (1) enclosed between two casing sheets (2, 3) which include side parts (7-10) which at opposing front and rear end parts of the absorbent body extend laterally beyond the body on both sides thereof. According to the invention, opposing front and rear side parts (7, 9 and 8, 10 respectively) are joined together by a fastener element (11) which is attached to one of the mutually opposing side parts by a first, strong join (12) and releasably and refastenably joined to the other side part by means of a second join (13) which is weaker than the first join.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Molnlycke AB
    Inventor: Bjorn Larsson
  • Patent number: 5827261
    Abstract: The female protection system of the present invention includes a menstrual short having an outer protective layer and an inner gusset layer. A catamenial pad assembly is connectable to the menstrual short and includes front and rear ends. The catamenial pad assembly includes an absorbent member for absorbing menses and a cinch for biasing the absorbent member into the gluteal groove and against the perineum of the female when worn. A first fastener is provided on the front end of the catamenial pad assembly for attaching the catamenial pad assembly to a first mating surface that is provided at a front attachment location on at least one of the inner gusset layer and the outer protective layer. A second fastener is provided on the rear end of the catamenial pad assembly for attaching the catamenial pad assembly to a second mating surface that is provided at a rear attachment location on at least one of the inner gusset layer and the outer protective layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Inventors: Thomas Ward Osborn, III, Deborah Catherine Schmitz, Nona Jane Redwine
  • Patent number: 5800654
    Abstract: Disclosed is a sanitary napkin having flaps folded over the topsheet. This arrangement helps to maintain the topsheet in a sanitary condition and is more convenient for the wearer than a configuration having the flaps folded over the backsheet. The flaps may be maintained in this folded arrangement by a unitary release strip which bridges the flaps and covers any adhesive used to attach the flaps to the undergarment. If desired, the release paper may further wrap the longitudinal side margins of the sanitary napkin to additionally cover adhesive disposed on the central portion of the backsheet. If desired, the flaps may be folded over the topsheet, overlap each other and be adhesively joined to the other flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Elizabeth Jean Davis, Thomas Ward Osborn, III
  • Patent number: 5795350
    Abstract: An absorbent article is comprised of two hook-type fastening members and a loop member for mechanically engaging with the hook-type members. The easily manufactured landing member, a section of the backsheet, is of low bulk and can be elastically contracted and extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Christoph Johann Schmitz
  • Patent number: 5792131
    Abstract: An individually wrapped sanitary napkin comprising a sanitary napkin folded with a back surface thereof lying outside and with one of longitudinally opposite ends underlying the other end thereof and a wrapping sheet folded so as to wrap the napkin with one of longitudinally opposite ends underlying the other end thereof. A portion of the wrapping sheet is integrally fastened at a predetermined region to an outer surface of a releasable sheet protectively covering an adhesive zone on the back surface of the napkin. The longitudinal one end of the wrapping sheet is releasably fastened to an outer surface of the portion of the wrapping sheet which has been integrally fastened to the releasable sheet. Such a feature allows the longitudinal one end of the wrapping sheet to stand repeated manipulations of stripping away from and fastening to the outer surface of the integrally fastened portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventor: Satoshi Mizutani
  • Patent number: 5769837
    Abstract: Absorbent articles such as panty liners, thin full-sized sanitary napkins and the like having a garment facing side and a body facing side are provided which may be stored in a folded configuration prior to use. Means of attachment and means of release, most preferably silicone, are created on the garment facing side of the article. The patterns in which the attachment and release means are chosen such that when the article is folded, the adhesive means contact the release means, eliminating the need for release paper, but allowing the article to be unfolded and used. Other embodiments using barrier films affixed to the garment facing side of the article are also disclosed. The barrier films are used in place of an outer wrapper member to protect the body-facing side of the napkins from being soiled prior to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.
    Inventor: Deborah Jean Parr
  • Patent number: 5743897
    Abstract: An absorbent article having a main body portion, a pair of flaps joined to the main body portion, and an adhesive patch joined to each flap. Each adhesive patch comprises a first half and a second half releasably secured to the first half. The first half comprises an adhesive and the second half comprises an adhesive which is releasably securable to the adhesive of the first half.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: The Procter and Gamble Company
    Inventors: Kaoru Niihara, Charles John Berg, Jr., Bruce William Lavash
  • Patent number: 5730739
    Abstract: An absorbent article having a main body portion, a pair of flaps joined to the main body portion, and a unitary release material joined to a portion of each of the flaps such that the unitary release material superposes the flap adhesive when the flap is folded along a fold line. Each of the flaps form an included angle of about 180.degree. to about 270.degree. relative to the perpendicular axis of the main body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Bruce William Lavash, Thomas Ward Osborn, III, Kaoru Niihara
  • Patent number: 5725714
    Abstract: A disposable undergarment such as a diaper is provided at side edges of side sheets thereof with fastening regions and laterally projecting tabs facilitating the fastening regions to be operated. Simultaneously with obtaining the side sheets having a series of alternating concave and convex edge portions by longitudinally cutting a continuous web along a concave-convex cutting line, second concave and convex edge portions which are alternately repeated and smaller than the first-mentioned concave and convex edge portions are provided utilizing the same cutting line. Of these second concave and convex edge portions, the latter define the tabs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihisa Fujioka, Yasushi Sayama
  • Patent number: 5722969
    Abstract: A disposable diaper (1) includes a liquid permeable topsheet (2); a liquid impermeable back sheet (3); an absorbent member (4) interposed between the topsheet and bottom sheet; a fastening tape (10) for securing the diaper (1); and a release tape (30) to which an adhesive surface of the fastening tape is to be adhered. A tensile load of the back sheet (3) at 3% elongation in the transverse direction of the diaper falls within the range of 100 to 300 g/cm. A bulk softness of the back sheet (3) is 55 g or less. A peel strength required to peel the fastening tape (10) from the back sheet at 180.degree. is 400 g/cm or less. The time required until the fastening tape (10) and the back sheet (3) are peeled from each other under a load of 500 g is 10 minutes or longer. An outer surface of the back sheet (3) is not provided with a target tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Kao Corp.
    Inventors: Taketo Ito, Souiti Fujita, Toshiyasu Tanaami, Taiki Uchiyama
  • Patent number: 5720739
    Abstract: An adhesive strip is described which comprises(A) a polymer backing sheet material;(B) a controlled adhesion coating on one surface of said sheet material, said coating comprising a radiation-cured mixture comprising(B-1) a major amount of at least one acrylate oligomer selected from amine acrylate oligomers, epoxy acrylate oligomers, urethane acrylate oligomers and acrylic acrylate oligomers, and(B-2) a minor amount of at least one monomer selected from monofunctional acrylate monomers and polyfunctional acrylate monomers, and(C) an adhesive on the other surface of said sheet material. Articles such as disposable diapers also are described which utilize the strip as a target strip or landing zone for pressure-sensitive adhesive fastening tabs when the diaper is fastened around the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: Michael D. Hilston, Thanh V. Nguyen, Richard A. Huskey
  • Patent number: 5720738
    Abstract: A multilayered absorbent feminine hygiene product which is configured for releasable attachment to an user's garment has a plurality of absorbent pads. Each of the absorbent pads has an absorbent layer to contain absorbed fluid and a barrier layer to prevent absorbed fluid from leaking completely through the individual pad. The pads are releasably attached along at least a portion of their lateral edges with a protective material. The protective material protects unexposed absorbent pad layers from soiling by fluid runoff from the exposed pad layer, and it contributes to the attachment strength between the layers during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.
    Inventor: Tracey A. Clark
  • Patent number: 5713886
    Abstract: A sanitary napkin or panty liner especially for use with G-string and thong type undergarments. The panty liner includes an absorbent core having first and second portions. The opposed sides of the second portion flare continuously from the sides of the first portion so that the second portion has, at all points along its length, a transverse width greater than that of the first portion. A casing surrounds the absorbent core. One flap extends laterally from the casing adjacent the first portion of the absorbent core. Another flap extends laterally from the casing adjacent each of the opposed sides of the second portion of the absorbent core. An adhesive strip is secured to each of the flaps for attachment to an undergarment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Inventor: David P. Sturino
  • Patent number: 5690628
    Abstract: A refastenable diaper is provided with a securing zone on the diaper outer cover of a peak strength of less than 2750 grams/inch. A refastenable adhesive taping system for the diaper includes an adhesive fastening tape comprising a flexible backing and a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive permanently combined to said flexible backing and adapted to be applied to and released from the securing zone to fasten and open the diaper. The adhesive exhibits a 180.degree. peel adhesion of the tape to the securing zone that is less than the peak strength of the securing zone. The adhesive is selected to be within a specified rheological window, that is, have a maximum tan delta, or (tan delta).sub.max, of from 1.5 to 2.5 at 20.degree. C., reached at a frequency, or (w).sub.max, of greater than 500 rad/sec.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Huskey, Eng-Pi Chang, Carol A. Caldwell, Gary A. Avalon, Yung-Hsiang Huang, Dave A. Soerens, Ruth A. Lachapell
  • Patent number: 5683377
    Abstract: An individually wrapped sanitary napkin in which a napkin includes a napkin body and a pair of wings extending from transversely opposite side edges of the napkin body. The napkin body is folded longitudinally thereof in a three layer overlapping relationship and the wings are also folded onto a top surface of the napkin body. Release sheets are releasably bonded onto adhesive zones provided on back surfaces of the napkin body and the wings, respectively. A wrapping sheet is also folded together with the napkin body so as to wrap the napkin body as well as the wings, wherein the respective release sheets are fixedly bonded to an inner surface of the wrapping sheet so that the wrapping sheet and the release sheet can be peeled off in the form of an integrated strip-like sheet from the napkin when removing the napkin from the wrapping sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventor: Satoshi Mizutani
  • Patent number: 5681306
    Abstract: Reduced cost absorbent articles comprising improved tape tabs. A preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a one-piece tape tab joined to each of the ear flaps of the absorbent article. At least a portion of the absorbent article adjacent the end of the tape tab which is permanently joined to the ear flap is mechanically manipulated so as to provide a release surface for storing the fastening end of the tape tab. This embodiment eliminates the need for an added release agent or material, and thus, reduces the overall cost of manufacturing the absorbent article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: David J. K. Goulait, David W. Cabell, Michael T. Huber, Karl P. Ronn
  • Patent number: 5681305
    Abstract: Absorbent products and components for use in absorbent products are disclosed. These absorbent products comprise pressure-sensitive adhesive microfibers and thermoplastic polymer microfibers, that when incorporated into absorbent products provide good liquid transport properties, resiliency, and attachment systems; and further mask odors associated with bodily fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.
    Inventor: Ralf Korpman
  • Patent number: 5674341
    Abstract: A disposable panty shield has a thin, highly absorbent pad having a body-contacting surface, an absorbent layer, a liquid barrier, an adhesive layer, and a release layer to protect the positioning adhesive prior to use wherein the panty shield has been densified by fusing all pad layers together in a manner such that the interstitial space between the individual fibers in the densified areas is not sufficient to readily allow fluid to flow through, and the liquid barrier has a contoured surface. The adhesive layer is attached to the liquid barrier such that the adhesive follows the contour of the liquid barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony C. Ng
  • Patent number: 5670004
    Abstract: Absorbent articles such as panty liners, thin full-sized sanitary napkins and the like having a garment facing side and a body facing side are provided which may be stored in a folded configuration prior to use. Means of attachment and means of release, most preferably silicone, are created on the garment facing side of the article. The patterns in which the attachment and release means are chosen such that when the article is folded, the adhesive means contact the release means, eliminating the need for release paper, but allowing the article to be unfolded and used. Other embodiments using barrier films affixed to the garment facing side of the article are also disclosed. Methods of making and packaging the articles disclosed are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.
    Inventor: William B. Mattingly, III
  • Patent number: 5669770
    Abstract: A dental bib adhesively secured to a patient in the use of which the adhesive is uncovered incident to use by being unfolded from the bib so that after its use the folding back covers the adhesive so that during disposal there is no inadvertent attachment to a trash container wall, or to trash therein, or like interferences with proper disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Inventors: Sheldon Fisher, Paul Allen Orofino, Richard Allen Orofino
  • Patent number: 5669899
    Abstract: A sanitary napkin having an improved release liner. The sanitary napkin includes a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet joined to the topsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. The backsheet has an inner surface and an outer surface. A pressure sensitive adhesive is positioned on the outer surface of the backsheet for securing the sanitary napkin in the crotch portion of a user's panty or undergarment. A release liner is releasably affixed to the adhesive in order to keep the adhesive from adhering to a surface other than the crotch portion of the panty prior to use. The release liner is a microapertured polymeric web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Thomas W. Osborn, III
  • Patent number: 5665084
    Abstract: A device for use in association with a diaper is provided. The diaper has a central extent positionable between legs of a child. A horizontal forward edge and a horizontal rearward upper edge are positionable in front of and behind the child. Upper front sides and upper rear sides are joined on each side of the child. An adhesive tab is secured to each upper front side of the diaper. A pair of diaper extenders are provided. One diaper extender is positioned over one upper rear side of the diaper. Each of the extenders includes a generally inextensible planar sheet which has parallel upper and lower edges with a longitudinal axis centrally therebetween and parallel front and rear edges therebetween. A planar adhesive strip has long upper and lower horizontal parallel edges with a longitudinal axis centrally therebetween. The adhesive strip has adhesive on one surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Inventor: Luke T. Richmond
  • Patent number: 5662639
    Abstract: A sanitary napkin has a pair of wings extending outward from transversely opposite side edges of the napkin. The wings are folded back onto a top surface of the napkin and provided on lower surfaces of the wings with first and second adhesive zones, respectively. The first and second adhesive zones are covered with a strip of separator having first and second end portions. The first end portion is folded back onto an inner surface of the separator, an outer surface of the folded first end portion being peelably applied to the first adhesive zone, the second end portion being peelably applied to the second adhesive zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: UNI-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Tanaka, Takaaki Shimada, Wataru Yoshimasa
  • Patent number: 5660659
    Abstract: Tabless adhesive fasteners are provided for diapers. In one aspect of the invention, one face of each adhesive fastener is permanently bonded to the diaper assembly proper at an associated permanent-bond area of the diaper assembly proper at one of the two lateral sides of the diaper assembly proper and adjacent the periphery of the diaper assembly proper. The other face of each adhesive fastener is releasably carried by liner or tape protective means carried on an area of the diaper assembly proper which is offset from such associated permanent-bond area. In another aspect of the invention, the adhesive fasteners include an adhesive layer which penetrates the water-permeable inner layer of the diaper assembly proper and adhesively interacts with the water-impermeable outer layer of the diaper assembly proper, whereby such adhesive layer and inner and outer diaper layers cooperate to provide a reinforced fastener base. Each adhesive fastener may comprise two adhesive layers with a carrier layer between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventor: Carol A. Caldwell
  • Patent number: 5649921
    Abstract: A freely peelable release part structure is disclosed. The tape or a like part associated with the structure is difficult to separate when it should be kept fixed. On the other hand, noise-free peeling thereof is easy when it should be peeled away. In particular, a release part structure useful for the fastening of diapers is provided. It contains a structure of a release part whose interfacial boundary is constituted by a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer (4) and a silicone-based release layer (2), characterized in that the adhesive layer comprises a tacky substance containing a rubber as a major component and the release layer comprises a silicone-based release agent containing a three-dimensional structure organopolysiloxane in an amount of 1-80% by weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Masaaki Arakawa, Katsumi Hori
  • Patent number: 5629063
    Abstract: A pressure-sensitive adhesive closure system for a disposable diaper, or the like, in which a pressure-sensitive adhesive fastening tab releasably attaches to a non-blocking thin diaper backsheet which has been treated to raise the surface energy and pattern printed, preferably in a polar solvent, in a discrete area with a release material. The release material prevents the backsheet from blocking in roll form and allows the pressure-sensitive adhesive fastening tab to be removed from the backsheet without destruction of the backsheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Ramsis Gobran
  • Patent number: 5620432
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article comprising: a topsheet; a backsheet joined with said topsheet; an absorbent core disposed between said topsheet and said backsheet; and a two-piece tape tab comprising: a backing substrate having a first surface, a second surface, a first edge and a second edge; a pressure-sensitive adhesive disposed on said first surface of said backing substrate; a construction adhesive disposed on said first surface of said backing substrate spaced inwardly from said second edge of said backing substrate a distance greater than or equal to about 0.5 mm, said construction adhesive joining said backing substrate with said backsheet; a release substrate having a release surface, an adhesive surface, a first end and a second end; and a permanent adhesive disposed between said adhesive surface of said release substrate and said topsheet, said permanent adhesive joining said release substrate to said topsheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: David J. K. Goulait, David W. Cabell
  • Patent number: 5618283
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sanitary napkin which includes a side barrier incorporating an elastic member disposed on each side of the sanitary napkin, and a separate wing portion disposed outwardly of each side barrier, so that the wing portions can be folded onto the outer side of the crotch portion of an undergarment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventor: Masamitsu Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 5616385
    Abstract: A multi-cycle refastenable tape closure system is disclosed. The tape closure system comprises a fastener tape component having double-coated surfaces of pressure sensitive adhesive having the same or substantially similar pressure sensitive adhesive properties and preferably also a release tape component having opposing surfaces of pressure sensitive adhesive and a low adhesion release layer. The fastener tape component and the release tape component are capable of firmly adhering to opposing body coverings or along opposing edges of one body covering and capable of releasably adhering to each other to provide a multi-cycle refastenable contact of opposing body coverings or closure of the body covering opposing seams in an overlapping, low profile manner. A method of using a multi-cycle refastenable tape closure system is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Rothrum, Linda C. Chaffee, Kelly T. McGurran
  • Patent number: RE36868
    Abstract: A dental bib adhesively secured to a patient in the use of which the adhesive is uncovered incident to use by being unfolded from the bib so that after its use the folding back covers the adhesive so that during disposal there is no inadvertent attachment to a trash container wall, or to trash therein, or like interferences with proper disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Inventors: Sheldon Fisher, Paul Allen Orofino, Richard Allen Orofino