Specific Garment, Holder, Or Support For Absorbent Pad Patents (Class 604/393)
  • Publication number: 20040138638
    Abstract: Here is disclosed a disposable wearing article comprising a holder member which is composed of a front waist region, a rear waist region and a crotch region and a bodily discharge receiving member. The holder member is formed with a through-hole in the crotch region while the receiving member has a protrusion adapted to be inserted into the through-hole from the outer side of the wearing article and to define a concavity which can receive and retain bodily discharges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Mishima, Taiji Shimakawa, Kaiyo Nakajima, Tomoko Sugito
  • Patent number: 6752796
    Abstract: A ready-to-wear pull-up type absorbent article such as a diaper is provided which has a waist region comprising a front waist region and a back waist region, and a pair of complimentary fasteners in the respective regions. The front waist region comprises a pair of loop fasteners and the back waist region comprises a pair of hook strips each aligned for releasable engagement with a corresponding loop strip in the front waist region. In lieu of hook strips, the back waist region may include one or more tape tabs each having one surface attached to the back waist region and an opposed hook surface for releasable engagement with a correspondingly aligned loop surface. A weakened line, e.g., a perforated line may be provided in the front waist region which can be readily torn away in order to inspect the diaper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: First Quality Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Hamzeh Karami
  • Publication number: 20040097899
    Abstract: My invention is a sanitary hygiene disposable product wherein the sanitary napkin (pad) and the underwear (panty product) is all in one. The length of the napkin varies and is sew, manufactured or interwoven into the crouch area of the underwear (panti) garment. The pad extends in the crouch area and varies in length: equally long, for both the front/back area of the underwear or vice versa for the short napkin and available as short in front and long in back or vice versa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Webelene Bethea
  • Publication number: 20040082933
    Abstract: A T-shaped diaper comprising two portions, a lateral portion (backwaist) having two lateral segments or wings for wrapping around the waist of a wearer of the diaper, and a second vertical portion or insert which is adapted to be passed under the crotch of the wearer and folded thereover. A uniquely designed tape tab located at the outer lateral end of one wing assures more perfect and comfortable fit. Tape tabs are also provided at the distal ends of vertical portion for engagement onto landing zones disposed on the surface of each wing. These tape tabs may have the same general construction as the tape tab on the diaper wing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: Hamzeh Karami
  • Patent number: 6716206
    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. In one embodiment, an absorbent cuff pad is configured to fit the pudendal region of a woman with cuffs for receiving a crotch portion of an undergarment. In one embodiment, an absorbent pad and liquid-impermeable baffle are provided with stiffening means for a pair of garment-attachment nesting ridges for receiving an arcuately shaped crotch portion of an undergarment. In one embodiment, an absorbent configured to fit the pudendal region of a woman, a liquid-impermeable baffle, and stiffening means for multiple pairs of garment-attachment nesting ridges receive and protect an arcuately shaped crotch portion of an undergarment. Arcuately shaped pleats on a bottom lateral side surface of the absorbent article form the nesting ridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Wanda W. Jackson
  • Patent number: 6689115
    Abstract: A pant-like absorbent garment adapted to the non-symmetrical nature and leakage demands of the anatomy of the human body has variable spacing and curvature among the elastic members bonded around the leg openings such that the spacing and/or curvature is asymmetrical with respect to the wearer's anterior and posterior sides. The spacing and curvature profiles of the elastic members are designed to accommodate various pressure demands around a wearer's legs during different activities. The resulting garment has optimized comfort, fit and containment about the leg openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Lee Popp, Robert Eugene Vogt, Joseph D. Coenen, Shawn A. Quereshi, Toan Thanh Le Minh
  • Patent number: 6682626
    Abstract: A method for assembling a refastenable absorbent garment includes moving a landing material in a machine direction, wherein the landing material has opposite lateral side edges, moving a fastener material in a machine direction, wherein the fastener material comprises a refastenable portion and a base portion, and removeably attaching the refastenable portion of the fastener material to at least one of the side edges of the landing material. The method preferably further includes successively cutting the landing material with the fastener material removeably attached thereto along a cross direction and thereby forming a plurality of landing members with a fastener member removeably attached thereto and successively rotating each of the plurality of landing members with the fastener members removeably attached thereto. The method further includes successively attaching each of the landing members to the base web and attaching the base portion of the fastener member to the base web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph A. Mlinar, Jesse P. Sorenson, Kenneth J. Wagner
  • Patent number: 6667085
    Abstract: A method of making a prefastened disposable absorbent article includes providing a continuous web of interconnected absorbent articles and releasably attaching a pair of opposed side panels to one of the waist regions on each of the absorbent articles. Each of the opposed side panels includes a primary fastener which releasably engages the one waist region to provide the releasable attachment. Each of the side panels also defines side portions which extend laterally outward beyond the side edges of the absorbent article in the one waist region. The continuous web is selectively cut into discrete absorbent articles which are then folded about a fold line extending in a lateral direction through the crotch region of the article thereby positioning the waist regions of the article in a facing relationship. The method further includes securing the side portions of the side panels to the side edges of the absorbent article in the opposite waist region to provide the prefastened absorbent article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick Sean McNichols
  • Patent number: 6651267
    Abstract: A toilet device, in particular for bedridden persons, includes a lower shell (20) whose top side has a support surface (45; 80, 82) surrounding an opening (30) to receive the stool and urine of a person on the lower shell, in such a way that there is a first sealing line portion between the person and lower shell, which first sealing line portion extends from the inside of one buttock over the coccyx or lower back region to the inside of the other buttock. An upper shell (22) can be mounted to the lower shell and is so formed that in a transitional region between the lower shell and the upper shell (22) connected thereto there are second and third sealing line portions, adjoining the first sealing line portion, in the region of the uppermost insides of the thighs or the lowermost trunk region, which are adjoined by a fourth sealing line portion which extends from one side of the lowermost trunk region over the pubic region or lower abdomen region to the other side of the lowermost trunk region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Helmut Utz
  • Patent number: 6616649
    Abstract: In combination an item of underwear (10) including a front part (11), a back part (12), a waist part (13) and a crotch part (14) which in use extends front to back between the legs of a wearer and a sanitary pad (30) of the kind having side wings (34) which carry an adhesive, characterised in that the item of underwear includes an inside lining part (20) which extends over at least a substantial portion of the crotch part (14) and has sides (25,26) which are unattached to the crotch part (14) over at least part of the front to back extent of the crotch part (14), and the side wings (34) of the pad are foldable into a position between the crotch part (14) of the item (10) and the inside lining part (20) with the adhesive adhered to the inside lining part (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Milords International Limited of Hamiliton House
    Inventor: Zubeir Ismail
  • Patent number: 6554817
    Abstract: A device for disposing excrement is provided which can feed air to an interior of a diaper cup main body 2. The diaper cup main body 2 forms a space A as a passage for feeding the air from an air feed hose to air blow ports 2e, 2f, 2g of the diaper cup main body. The space A is formed by joining together an upper cup 2a and a lower cup 2b. The upper cup 2a is adapted to be placed on a pelvic region of a human body and has the air blow ports 2e, 2f, 2g. The lower cup 2b has a connecting cylinder portion 2i to be connected to a wash-water feed hose 17, a connecting cylinder portion 2h to be connected to an excrement suction hose 16, and a connecting cylindrical portion 2j to be connected to an air feed hose 18.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Niles Parts Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuyoshi Oki, Syuei Tamura, Hiroshi Sakai, Kimio Sato
  • Patent number: 6530091
    Abstract: Support for attaching an absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin to an undergarment and disposed between a sanitary napkin and an inner surface of a crotch region of the undergarment. The support is formed by a first sheet and a second sheet overlying the first sheet. The first sheet 6 is elastically flexible and stretchable in its longitudinal direction and the second sheet has its longitudinally opposite end portions bonded to longitudinally opposite end portions of the first sheet and elastically stretchable at least in the longitudinal direction. The inner surface of the second sheet is formed so that the outer surface of the napkin may be fixed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Hisashi Takai, Miou Suzuki, Kaori Yamauchi, Maki Watanabe, Sachiyo Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20030045864
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device and material which assist in the coagulation and containment of blood from a wound produced as a result of medical procedures which require blood to be drawn, such as with a lancet or a needle or the like. The device is a compact, portable unit that dispenses an appropriate amount of absorbent material for the collection and coagulation of blood. The absorbent material comprises a nonabsorbent backing coupled with an absorbent top layer. The absorbent material may also contain medicaments that assist in the coagulation and wound healing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventor: Aaron John Luck
  • Patent number: 6527757
    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. In one embodiment, an absorbent cuff pad is configured to fit the pudendal region of a woman with cuffs for receiving a crotch portion of an undergarment. In one embodiment, an absorbent pad and liquid-impermeable baffle are provided with stiffening means for a pair of garment-attachment nesting ridges for receiving an loans arcuately shaped crotch portion of an undergarment. In one embodiment, an absorbent configured to fit the pudendal region of a woman, a liquid-impermeable baffle, and stiffening means for multiple pairs of garment-attachment nesting ridges receive and protect an arcuately shaped crotch portion of an undergarment. Arcuately shaped pleats on a bottom lateral side surface of the absorbent article form the nesting ridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Wanda W. Jackson
  • Patent number: 6514233
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article, e.g., a diaper, and a method of manufacturing plural such articles. Each diaper includes a front section, a rear section and an intermediate section. Each section is a generally planar member formed of a flexible material having a top edge, a bottom edge and an opposed pair of side edges. The bottom edge of the front section is somewhat concave, and the bottom edge of the rear section is somewhat convex. The intermediate section is formed of a fluid pervious cover-stock, a fluid impervious barrier layer, and an absorbent core interposed therebetween. The intermediate section is of generally rectangular shape having a pair of elasticized sides and an pair of end portion one of which is adhesively secured to the middle of the front section, while the other end portion is similarly secured to the middle of the rear section. The front and rear sections are arranged to be releasably secured to each other by fastening tapes to mount the diaper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Retail Services AG
    Inventor: Frank S. Glaug
  • Patent number: 6511467
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical garment. More specifically, to a drainage reservoir garment for supporting a drainage reservoir assembly including one or more drainage reservoirs. The garment comprises one or more sections of material or fabric, which includes one or more pockets for receiving, supporting and holding one or more drainage reservoirs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: La Vest, Inc.
    Inventor: Denise Reuss
  • Patent number: 6458116
    Abstract: Pants that include a pair of outer sheets, and an inner sheet folded along a transverse center line, and disposed between lower parts of the respective outer sheets. Each of the outer sheets has upper and lower end portions extending in a transverse direction and front and rear side edge portions extending in a longitudinal direction while the inner sheet has lower end portions extending below the transverse center line in the transverse direction and a panel in the vicinity of the transverse center line. The inner surfaces of the respective outer sheets are bonded to each other in the vicinity of upper portions of the front and rear side edge portions thereof while the inner surfaces of the respective outer sheets are bonded to the inner surface of the inner sheet in the vicinity of lower portions of the front and rear side edge portions as well as in the vicinity of the front and rear side edge portions of the inner sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Michiyo Matsushita
  • Patent number: 6443939
    Abstract: A device for disposing excrement is provided which prevents irritation of the skin of a sick person or the like wearing a diaper cup. The device for disposing excrement has a diaper cup main body 2 enclosing a pelvic region of a human body, a discharge port 2d to discharge the excrement excreted in the diaper cup main body 2, an anus wash nozzle to eject liquid for washing away the excrement, sensors 13, 14 to detect the excrement excreted in the diaper cup main body 2, and a changeable diaper 3 removably provided on the diaper cup main body 2. A buffer member 25 is interposed between the diaper cup main body 2 and the changeable diaper 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Niles Parts Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuyoshi Oki, Syuei Tamura, Hiroshi Sakai, Kimio Sato
  • Patent number: 6432099
    Abstract: A waist belt for supporting disposable-type absorbent articles (7), such as incontinence guards or diapers which comprise a front part, a rear part and an intermediate crotch part, wherein the belt can be fastened to the rear part of the article and when fastened to the rear part of the article comprises two front portions (3, 4) which project out laterally from mutually opposing side edges of the rear part of the article and which can be fastened together through the medium of mechanical fastener elements (12, 14) to form a waist band and which taper towards their respective ends over at least a substantial part of their lengths. Each of the front portions includes first fastener elements (12, 13) which are disposed on the outside of the belt, i.e. that side which faces outwardly in relation to the wearer's body in use, and which extend at least over essentially the whole of the tapering portions of the front portions (10, 11) along the longitudinal symmetry lines thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Peter Rönnberg
  • Publication number: 20020087137
    Abstract: A disposable, one-piece swimsuit for girls includes a bodice attached to a chassis. The bodice is designed to provide upper torso coverage while the chassis can include absorbent and containment features. The upper torso coverage contributes to social decency and also protects the wearer's skin against excessive exposure to the sun. The absorbent and containment features can either be integrated within the chassis or can be in the form of a separate, pant-like, absorbent garment covered by the chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventors: Sarah L. Christoffel, Catherine M. Hancock-Cooke, Marci E. Sojka, Laurie Couture-Dorschner, Louise C. Coe
  • Patent number: 6368313
    Abstract: A dog diaper system. Pants are adapted to be worn over the hindquarters of a dog. The pants have a lower panel with a front end of an enlarged size, a back end of a reduced size and with side edges between the front end and back end. The pants also have an upper panel with a front end of an enlarged size and a back end of a reduced size with side edges between the front end and back end. Coupling components join the side edges of the upper panel and the lower panel. Enlarged leg holes extend through the pants and are located essentially equally between the front panel and the rear panel adjacent to the rear end. A small aperture is formed in the panels at the bottom end for the passage of a dog's tail. A strap couples the front end of the pants to the neck of the dog. A pad is coupled to the pants on the interior surface of the lower panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventor: Sandra K. Howard
  • Publication number: 20020026173
    Abstract: A disposable diaper includes a pair of tape fasteners extending outward from transversely opposite side edge portions of a rear waist region and a target tape strip to which the tape fasteners are anchored and attached to a outer surface of a backsheet in a front waist region, and hook members are provided on surfaces of the respective tape fasteners facing the target tape strip and portions of the respective hook members defined in the vicinity of their inner side edges and lying in the vicinity of the transversely opposite side edge portions of the rear waist region are set free from the respective tape fasteners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventors: Koichiro Tani, Toshiyasu Yoshioka
  • Patent number: 6293936
    Abstract: A disposable pull-on diaper having of a briefs-type absorbent structure and a trunks-type cover adapted to conceal the absorbent structure. The cover comprises substantially a pair of sheets placed upon each other and at least one of these two sheets is formed with a pair of pleats extending in parallel to and symmetrically of a center line dividing a width of the diaper in two, the one of the pleats presenting a Z-shaped cross-section and the other presenting an inverted Z-shaped cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventor: Toshifumi Otsubo
  • Patent number: 6293937
    Abstract: Trunks-type disposable pants that include a pair of inner sheets and a pair of outer sheets. The inner sheets have cutouts depressed from the upper ends toward the lower ends and liquid-absorbent panels attached to opposed surfaces of the inner sheets in the vicinity of the respective cutouts. The opposed surfaces of the inner sheets may be bonded together by means of bond lines extending in parallel to the cutouts and partially extending below the liquid-absorbent panels. Opposed surfaces of the inner sheets and the outer sheets are bonded together along the front and rear side portions of these sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Michiyo Matsushita, Takeshi Hanajiri
  • Patent number: 6258077
    Abstract: Pull-on garments provided with a continuous belt in the front region and the back region to distribute the forces generated during use in order to better fit the pull-on garment on the wearer. In a preferred embodiment, the pull-on garment comprises a chassis layer comprising a continuous sheet that defines a front region, a back region, and a crotch region; a first belt layer joined to the chassis layer in the front region; a second belt layer joined to the chassis layer in the back region; elastic panel members positioned between the belt layers and the chassis layers which laminate is mechanically stretched to form elastically extensible stretch laminates in both the front region and the back region in the side panels; and seams joining the front region to the back region so as to form the leg openings and waist openings. The continuous chassis layer and belt layers thus form the continuous belt of the pull-on garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Kenneth Barclay Buell, Edward Paul Carlin
  • Patent number: 6063065
    Abstract: The invention refers to a prewrapped good, notably a prewrapped sanitary napkin, which requires less handling to open and apply to the user's underwear, allowing for less hand contact and therefore greater hygiene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Industria E. Comercio LTDA
    Inventor: Rogerio Costa
  • Patent number: 6027484
    Abstract: A pant diaper or a sanitary panty which includes a front part, a rear part, and an intermediate crotch part, which includes an absorbent body enclosed between an inner and an outer casing sheet. The front part is detachably joined to the rear part by means of a first fastening. A piece of flexible material extends over the front part and is joined thereto over a larger part of its surface by means of a first releasable fastening, which extends on both sides of a centrally located region of the piece of material, from the edges of the central region to the respective side edges of the front part. The piece of material is also joined to the rear part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventor: Anette Romare
  • Patent number: 5997521
    Abstract: Absorbent articles such as disposable training pants, pull-up diapers, incontinence briefs, diaper holders, feminine hygiene garments, and the like, having extensible side panel features that improve the dynamic fit of the diaper around the legs and waist of the wearer. Such absorbent articles include a containment assembly including a liquid pervious topsheet; a liquid impervious backsheet; an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; and extensible side panels, each including a waist panel and a thigh panel disposed along each longitudinal edge of the containment assembly in the first waist region. The waist panel and the thigh panel are operatively associated so that the waist panel has a primary direction of extensibility in one direction and the thigh panel has a primary direction of extensibility in a different direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Miguel A. Robles, Carl L. Bergman, Donald C. Roe, Kimberly A. Dreier, Gary D. Lavon, Thomas A. Desmarais
  • Patent number: 5944708
    Abstract: A protective menstrual panty (12) comprising a body portion (14) worn around a lower torso (16) of a female person (18) during menses. A liquid-proof elastic crotch portion (20) is provided. A facility (22) is for securing opposite ends (24) of the crotch portion (20) between front and rear lower segments (26), (28) of the body portion (14), so as to form two openings (30) for insertion of one of a pair of legs (32) of the female person (18) through each opening (30). A structure (34) is for holding a sanitary napkin (36) within the crotch portion (20) in a proper position, so that the sanitary napkin (36) will fit snugly against the inner thighs of the legs (32), and not tilt to leak from the sides thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Inventor: Tracey Philpott
  • Patent number: 5916206
    Abstract: In a diaper as one embodiment of a disposable absorbent undergarment according to the invention, the diaper is provided around a front region thereof with a plurality of elastic elements The number of the elastic elements arranged in an area defined by respective vertical widths of 10 mm above and below a front edge of an absorbent core disposed between top- and backsheets is greater than that of the elastic element in the remaining area of the front region. An elongation stress of the elastic elements in the area mentioned firstly is lower than that of the elastic elements in the area mentioned lastly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Toshifumi Otsubo, Hiroyuki Soga
  • Patent number: 5911713
    Abstract: Stretchable leg cuffs are put around the legs of a wearer with little gap therebetween, whereby liquid leakage around the legs can be substantially prevented. Elastic bodies are extended on side flaps formed of a backsheet along lengths of the side flaps. Stretchable leg cuffs for encircling the legs of a wearer extend outwardly from the side edges of the side flaps along the lengths of the side flaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Inventors: Jiro Yamada, Eiro Fukuda
  • Patent number: 5906604
    Abstract: The invention relates to a belt (1) of flexible material for use with absorbent garments, wherein the belt comprises attachment means (6, 9, 10, 11, 21, 22) securely attached at one end. The attachment means is in the form of a flexible strip of hook elements such as used for releasable hook and loop type connectors and is used for securing that one end to an outer surface of the belt. In order to provide greater comfort for the wearer the attachment means itself is located approximately centrally and extends with its greatest dimension (a) in the width direction of the belt where dimension (a) is between 25% to 75% of the belt width (z).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Peter Ronnberg, Olle Carlbark, Bjorn Larsson
  • Patent number: 5897545
    Abstract: Absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders, training pants and the like, having elastomeric ear panels and a fastening system that provides the user with different options as to how the absorbent article may be fitted to and removed from the wearer. The absorbent articles allow the wearer to choose between conventional and pull-on diaper configurations, or combinations thereof, and properly and comfortably fit a large range of wearer sizes. Further, the absorbent articles can be pulled on and/or off as a pant. This feature is provided by the ear panels which maintain sufficient tension to hold the diaper on the wearer throughout the period of use without harming the wearer's skin, while providing enough stretch to allow the diaper to be pulled up or down over the wearer's hips. The fastening system is refastenable for convenience yet strong enough to maintain the diaper in a fastened configuration without becoming detached if the diaper is pulled on or off the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Mark James Kline, Miguel Alvaro Robles, Thomas Henrich
  • Patent number: 5891122
    Abstract: A tailored diaper or diaper cover is constructed of a waterproof diaper shell enclosing an elongated sling of waterproof or non-waterproof material having its upper and lower ends attached to, and its opposite sides free and floating on, the shell. A fluid absorbent pad on the inner surface of the sling is circumscribed by the waterproof material of the sling so as to establish a channel to entrap and isolate fluid from the shell. The lines of attachment between the waterproof and fluid absorbent materials at the upper and lower ends of the sling are arcuate, and the periphery of the sling is covered by elastic trim, causing the sling and pad to cup the pubis of a user when the diaper is worn. Entrapment of fluid within the sling may be enhanced by different pad inserts. A washable pad of novel "butterfly" construction within the diaper or diaper cover enhances fluid absorption and drying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Tailored Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Fredrica Coates
  • Patent number: 5876394
    Abstract: A disposable waste containment article includes a waste containment structure that has an absorbent core which is positioned between a wearer and a backsheet and held in place by a primary elastic, and a cover joined to the waste containment structure. Methods are provided for making the waste containment article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Paulette Mary Rosch, Ingrid Christine Hollrah
  • Patent number: 5876395
    Abstract: A reusable, adjustable athletic support garment designed for wear with an absorbent material, such as an incontinence pad. The invention includes an adjustable waistband (12), a front panel (14), a rear panel (16), adjustable front panel support straps (18) and adjustable rear panel support straps (20). An absorbent material, such as an incontinence pad, is worn within the front panel (14) or within the rear panel (16), or within both. Connected to the front panel (14) are the front panel support straps (18) which extend downward from the groin region, rearward between a wearer's legs, and upward to the waistband (12) to which they are adjustably fastened. Connected to the rear panel (16) are the rear panel support straps (20) which extend downward from the buttocks region, forward between the wearer's legs, and upward to the waistband (12) to which they are adjustably fastened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Inventors: James E. Hart, Linda W. Hart
  • Patent number: 5870778
    Abstract: A disposable undergarment waistband and method of forming a waistband are provided which preferably include providing a first elongate layer of non-woven material having a first predetermined width and upper and lower surfaces. A plurality of elongate elastic strips are positioned to overlie a first portion of the upper surface of the first non-woven layer. A second elongate layer of non-woven material preferably is also provided having a second predetermined width and upper and lower surfaces. The lower surface of the second elongate layer is positioned to overlie the plurality of elastic strips and the upper surface of the first portion of said first non-woven elongate layer. The second predetermined width of the second non-woven layer preferably is narrower than the first predetermined width of the first non-woven layer. The upper surface of at least a second portion of the first elongate layer preferably is folded to overlie and to be secured to the upper surface of the second elongate layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Inventor: John M. Tharpe
  • Patent number: 5858013
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a disposable absorbent pant or diaper having a crotch portion and front and back portions adjacent thereto which are joined to form a waist portion surrounding the waist of the user. The waist portion is circumferentially elastic around the waist of the user. At least one cover layer extends from at least the front portion to the back portion and an absorbent body is disposed adjacent to the at least one cover layer. The absorbent body is held tightly against the body of the user by the elastic waist portion. At least portions of the surface of the waist portion facing the skin of the user are provided with a friction agent to form a friction increasing surface against the skin of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Molnlycke AB
    Inventor: Robert Kling
  • Patent number: 5855574
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an absorbent article, and an absorbent article, in the form of a pants-type diaper or a sanitary panty, starting from a flat blank which includes an elongated absorbent body enclosed between two casing sheets which at opposing front and rear end parts of the absorbent body have side parts which extend laterally beyond the body on both sides thereof. The method includes the step of folding the blank around a transverse axis so that the end edges of the side parts lie edge-to-edge. At least one folded band of flexible material is placed between each pair of front and rear side parts which lie opposite one another in the folded state of the blank, and the free ends of the bands are fastened to adjacent side parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Robert Kling, Urban Widlund, Gunilla Hedlund
  • Patent number: 5827260
    Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a sanitary article comprising a main body having a liquid-impermeable back sheet, a liquid-permeable front sheet and an absorbent material and leg holes having at the opposed edge portions of the main body, further comprising fixation means forming a flexible ring which are fitted closely over the entire circumference of the proximal portion of each of the wearer's legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Japan Absorbent Technology Institute
    Inventors: Migaku Suzuki, Hiroaki Fukui
  • 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: 5817087
    Abstract: A shorts type disposable diaper comprising an absorbent body which comprises a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet, and an absorbent member interposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, the absorbent body having a front waist body portion located on the stomach side of a diaper wearer when the diaper is worn and a rear waist body portion located on the back side of the wearer, the front and rear waist body portions being joined and sealed together at opposing lateral side edges thereof to form a waist opening portion and a pair of leg opening portions, characterized in that the topsheet and/or the backsheet have a mechanical strength of about 1,500 gf/50 mm or more in the longitudinal direction of the diaper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Keima Takabayashi, Shinobu Takei, Harumitsu Toyoda
  • Patent number: 5814037
    Abstract: A tailored diaper or diaper cover is constructed of a waterproof diaper shell enclosing an elongated sling of waterproof material having its upper and lower ends attached to, and its opposite sides free and floating on, the shell. A fluid absorbent pad on the inner surface of the sling is circumscribed by the waterproof material of the sling so as to establish a channel to entrap and isolate fluid from the shell. The lines of attachment between the waterproof and fluid absorbent materials at the upper and lower ends of the sling are arcuate, and the periphery of the sling is covered by elastic trim, causing the sling and pad to cup the pubis of a user when the diaper is worn. Entrapment of fluid within the sling may be enhanced by jell pad inserts. A washable pad of novel "butterfly" construction within the diaper or diaper cover enhances fluid absorption and drying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Tailored Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Fredrica V. Coates
  • Patent number: 5807365
    Abstract: A disposable panty shield comprising a thin, highly absorbent pad having a body-contacting surface, an absorbent layer, a liquid barrier, a positioning means for attaching the pad to an undergarment, and a release layer to protect the positioning means prior to use wherein the 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. Further, the densified areas are made contiguous such that fluid, when introduced or deposited on the pad, will be prevented or hindered from flowing to the edges of the pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Luceri
  • Patent number: 5807368
    Abstract: An elastic film is provided with non-elastic regions and elastic regions formed from a multi-layer film of an elastomeric layer and relatively inelastic layers(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Pamela E. Helmer
  • Patent number: 5772649
    Abstract: A panel attachment that extends the size of diapers, other absorbent undergarments or non-absorbent garments to be worn by growing infants. The panel attachment can be attached to a disposable or reusable diaper, detached when the diaper is soiled and reattached to a replacement diaper. The panel attachment can also be attached to a diaper cover or similar garment to extend its use for growing infants. The panel attachment comprises a sheet or sheets of material corresponding to the specific sizes of diapers or other similar garments on the market with a plurality of fasteners such as adhesive tabs hook and loop material and snap fasteners, corresponding to the fasteners of the diapers or other garments. The panel attachment can be made adjustable in size by extending the width of the panel or increasing its length. The panel also has indicia to indicate where to attach the diaper to the panel to achieve a specific increment in length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Inventor: Betty S. Siudzinski
  • Patent number: 5763041
    Abstract: A laminate suitable for use as the hook component of a hook-and-loop fastener. The laminate comprises a first extensible substantially non-elastic layer and a second layer comprising a nonwoven material. The nonwoven material is prebonded by a number of first spaced-apart bond sites to form first bonded and first unbonded areas. The second layer is attached to the first layer by a plurality of second spaced-apart bond sites to form a bulked laminate having a plurality of second bonded and second unbonded areas. The second bonded and second unbonded areas together define a surface area of said bulked laminate with said second bonded areas covering from about 5 to about 20 percent of the surface area. At least 50 percent of the second bonded areas have an area of less than about 4 square millimeters and have a density of greater than about 2 bonds per square centimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: A. Todd Leak, Mark Michael Mleziva, Duane Girard Uitenbroek, Monica Signoret Diaz, Lance James Garrett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5746730
    Abstract: An absorbent article comprising a main body having a waist hole and a pair of leg holes, an elastic waist portion disposed along the, waist hole and a leg gather disposed along each of the leg holes. The main body comprises a front section and a rear section joined to each other in a crotch region and side regions of the main body. The front section has at least one constituent element whose property is different from that of the corresponding element of the rear section. The absorbent article is fully responsive to a variety of article configurations or constructions which require the front and rear sections to function differently or individually. A method for manufacturing such an absorbent article is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Paragon Trade Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Migaku Suzuki, Hiroaki Fukui
  • Patent number: 5725518
    Abstract: A reusable infant or adult diaper comprises a fluid absorbent pad on the inner surface of a waterproof, hourglass-shaped, diaper shell. Extending from the rear corners of the diaper shell is a pair of fastener tabs carrying filamentary hook fastener material. Slightly larger strips of filamentary loop material on the inner surface of the diaper shell cover the fastener tabs during washing to protect the filamentary hook material from buildup of lint. Each fastener tab and its cover, assembled to the diaper shell by a single continuous line of stitching and turned to the inside of the diaper, presents a finished edge at a corner of the diaper shell. The diaper is fitted to the infant or adult by wrapping the shell around the pelvic region and coupling the fastener tabs to a pair of strips carrying filamentary loop material and arranged in a V-pattern on the front of the diaper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Tailored Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Fredrica Coates
  • Patent number: 5718698
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent articles having breathable side panels. The disposable absorbent article preferably comprises a containment assembly including a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent core has a pair of opposing longitudinal edges, an inner surface and an outer surface. The backsheet has a garment-facing surface, a body-facing surface, a central region and an outer region. The backsheet preferably further includes at least three distinct zones, a pair of apertured zones comprising apertures and a non-apertured zone. The apertured zones preferably include at least a portion of the outer region of the backsheet and extend laterally outwardly form each of the longitudinal edges. The non-apertured zone preferably comprises the central region and is juxtaposed the outer surface of the absorbent core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: George Christopher Dobrin, Karen Marie Davis