Specific Garment, Holder, Or Support For Absorbent Pad Patents (Class 604/393)
  • Patent number: 5716351
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an absorbent article having adjustable absorbent assemblies. The absorbent article includes a chassis having a urine collection zone disposed in at least a portion of the front waist region and a feces collection zone disposed in at least a portion of the rear waist region. The chassis includes a first absorbent assembly, at least a portion of which is located in the urine collection zone. The chassis also includes a second absorbent assembly, at least a portion of which is located in the feces collection zone. The chassis further comprises an adjustment member adjustably joining said first absorbent assembly and said second absorbent assembly such that said first absorbent assembly and said second absorbent assembly are moveable relative to each other in at least a direction parallel to said longitudinal centerline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Donald C. Roe, Carl L. Bergman
  • Patent number: 5706524
    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: August 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Inventors: Robert M. Herrin, John Tharpe
  • Patent number: 5704931
    Abstract: An absorbent article is provided having an apparatus attached to its garment facing side which allows the article to be attached to, and yet float on, an undergarment and which also serves to distribute the forces imposed on the article by the user's body over a large portion of the article and to transmit the forces to the undergarment, thereby increasing the geometric stability and shape maintenance of the article. The apparatus comprises a semi-rigid elastic frame formed from a thin plastic sheet and having two longitudinally extending members connected by at least one transversely extending member. Inwardly extending tabs for attaching the article to an undergarment are disposed at the mid-point of each longitudinally extending member. The longitudinally and transversely extending members may be pre-formed to give the article an arcuate shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis C. Holtman, Michael J. Menard
  • Patent number: 5693038
    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. The article to which the present invention is directed includes both the diaper and the sanitary napkin and, hence, as the main body, either of one taking the form of underpants when worn, which has a size enough to cover the wearer's entire waist portion, and of a relatively small one which covers only the wearer's crotch portion is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Japan Absorbent Technology Institute
    Inventors: Migaku Suzuki, Hiroaki Fukui
  • Patent number: 5690626
    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. The article to which the present invention is directed includes both the diaper and the sanitary napkin and, hence, as the main body, either of one taking the form of underpants when worn, which has a size enough to cover the wearer's entire waist portion, and of a relatively small one which covers only the wearer's crotch portion is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Japan Absorbent Technology Institute
    Inventors: Migaku Suzuki, Hiroaki Fukui
  • Patent number: 5688258
    Abstract: A disposable cover which, when used with an absorbent material, such as a pad of woven cloth, provides an absorbent article, such as a catamenial pad is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the disposable cover comprises a liquid pervious rewet barrier and an anti-stain barrier joined thereto. Preferably, the rewet barrier comprises a material having capillaries which allow bodily liquids to rapidly penetrate therethrough and the anti-stain barrier is provided in two portions, one of which is joined to each longitudinal edge of the fewer barrier. The disposable cover can also be provided with absorbent attachment means for securing the cover to the absorbent material and with garment attachment means for securing the assembly of the disposable cover and the absorbent material to a user's undergarment. Alternative embodiments of the invention can assume a pouch configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Digvijay Rawat, Carlos Jose Barroso, Letha Margie Hines, Peter Morris, Robb Eric Olsen, J. Alvaro Restrepo, Nona Jane Redwine, Mark Donovan Seymour, Hiroaki Shikata
  • Patent number: 5681297
    Abstract: A device for disposing excrement, comprising a diaper cup (1) having a main body (101) for encompassing a human body's hip and buttocks, a washing water sending hose (105) connected to the main body (101) for passing washing water to an interior of the diaper cup (1), and a human waste sucking hose (104) connected to the main body (101) for sucking washing water and waste from the interior of the diaper cup (1). A front cover (103) is mounted to the main body (101) of the diaper cup (1) through bellows joints (102) so that the front cover (103) can be freely bent. A sensor coupler (107) is electrically connected to a bowel movement perceiving sensor (109) mounted to the main body (101) of the diaper cup (1). The washing water sending hose (105), human waste sucking hose (104), and sensor coupler (107) are bundled together into a single hose unit (123) to facilitate attachment and removal of the hoses and sensor coupler from the main body (101) of the diaper cup (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Niles Parts Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeo Hashimoto, Kimio Sato
  • Patent number: 5669897
    Abstract: Absorbent articles such as diapers, incontinent briefs, training pants, diaper holders and liners, feminine hygiene garments, and the like, designed to provide sustained dynamic fit about the wearer during use as well as to improve the containment of body exudates and wearer comfort/mobility. Such an absorbent article has an absorbent core preferably designed to fit within the low motion zone of the wearer so that dynamic forces imparted by movements of the wearer on the absorbent core are minimized. The absorbent article is also provided with a closure system for anchoring the absorbent article on the wearer to sustain the dynamic fit of the absorbent article throughout wearing. The closure system is designed so that a primary line of tension, fitting at an angle to the body, is formed to secure the absorbent article on a wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Gary Dean Lavon, Thomas Allen Desmarais
  • Patent number: 5669900
    Abstract: A loop material for a hook and loop fastening system composed of: 1) a backing material; and 2) a layer of a nonwoven spunbond web attached to the backing material, the nonwoven spunbond web comprising a plurality of continuous intertwined filaments, each having a diameter of about 25 to about 100 microns, the plurality of filaments laid randomly to define a plurality of intertwined loop springs, each having a diameter of about 0.5 to about 3 millimeters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Paul Bullwinkel, Leon Eugene Chambers, Jr., Robert Gillette Geer, Jay Sheldon Shultz
  • Patent number: 5662637
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article such as a disposable diaper including first stretchable side flaps extending over transversely opposite outer zones of the diaper and second stretchable side flaps functioning as liquid-barriers each having a proximal edge and a distal edge arranged so as to define an exposed zone of a topsheet along each of transversely opposite side edge surfaces of a liquid-absorbent core and thereby, if a quantity of liquid excretions gets over the distal edge of the second side flaps, it can be absorbed by the liquid-absorbent core through the exposed zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Hideaki Kitaoka, Isamu Yamazaki, Makoto Suekane
  • Patent number: 5643243
    Abstract: A disposable garment having unitary elasticized leg cuffs disposed on the interior surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Drypers Corporation
    Inventor: Walter V. Klemp
  • Patent number: 5628737
    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: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: George C. Dobrin, Karen M. Davis
  • Patent number: 5626573
    Abstract: A pants type disposable diaper having elastic ribbons around a waist-portion and a pair of leg-portions of said diaper, respectively, is provided on a transversely central zone of a crotch section on a front or rear side of said diaper, respectively, with a vertically extending fastening tape having an adhesive section provisionally bonded to the outer surface of a backsheet of said diaper and an upper end or a lower end permanently bonded to the outer surface of said backsheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Takamitsu Igaue, Tohru Sasaki, Hiroyuki Soga
  • Patent number: 5624425
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article that effectively prevents the leakage of body fluids beyond its confines. The article of the present invention comprises a body having a fluid-impermeable backsheet, an intermediate, fluid-absorbing core, and a fluid-permeable topsheet. A pair of leg cuff assemblies is attached to the body. Each assembly comprises a cuff standing portion and a cuff base portion. The assemblies are composed of two hydrophobic nonwoven layers. A first layer is composed of a spunbonded web and a second layer is composed of a meltblown fiber. The first layer extends from the free, unattached end of the cuff standing portion to the distal edge of the article defining the leg opening. The second layer is provided where needed and in weights as needed to provide maximum assembly hydrophobicity with a minimum use of material. This construction allows the cuff assemblies to form fluid-impermeable dams which prevent passage of body fluid beyond the article along its leg hole sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Brian F. Gray, Pietro Cecchetto
  • Patent number: 5624428
    Abstract: Disclosed is a distinctive absorbent article which includes a pair of fastening means which are located along the longitudinal side portions of the absorbent article. The fastening means are configured to releasably connect the rear portion of the absorbent article to the front portion of the absorbent article to encircle the waist of the wearer and create a waist opening. At least one of the fastening means includes a primary fastener and a secondary fastener. The primary fastener is configured to releasably connect the rear portion of the absorbent article with the front portion of the absorbent article to maintain the absorbent article in a close conforming fit about a waist of a wearer when in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventor: Barbara O. Sauer
  • Patent number: 5615691
    Abstract: A non-contacting shield for use in the perineal area, comprising a main body maintained a distance from the perineal area by two lateral panels which fold generally perpendicularly relative to the main body. The lateral panels, preferably expanded or padded along the outer portion, are positioned adjacent the inner thighs and occupy the pockets formed by the juncture of the thighs and pelvis. The lateral panels are arcuate and the main body is composed of a flexible material to allow it to conform to the shape of the perineal area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Inventor: Mary Huffman
  • Patent number: 5613964
    Abstract: A sanitary napkin assembly comprises a plurality of thin, substantially planar, individual sanitary napkin units which are arranged in a stack so that their planar faces are adjacent. Each individual napkin unit is removably attached to the one or two individual, units which are adjacent to it. Each individual napkin unit comprises a sheet or layer for receiving, absorbing, and containing; body fluids secreted by the user, and a water-proof barrier sheet or layer for precluding, leakage of absorbed fluids to adjacent units or to the user's clothing. Thin adhesive-tape strips (or other suitable attachment media) are used to permanently attach the fluid-receiving layer to the barrier layer. Similar tape strips (or other suitable attachment media) are used to removably attach individual napkin units to adjacent units, and to removably attach the assembly to an interior portion of the user's undergarment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Inventor: Dyandra Grenier
  • Patent number: 5607416
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent pad comprising a pad member adapted to present a boat-shape under the contractile force of elastic members contained in side flaps, and an elastic support member; longitudinally opposite of the pad member are connected to front and rear sides of the support member by end flaps each comprising top-and backsheets of the pad member and divided in a pair of end flap halves by a slit so as to function as a suspending strap; and the end flap halves are set apart in a V-shape with the slit therebetween as the support member is stretched and contribute to suspend the pad member with high stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Masamitsu Yamamoto, Rumi Yamaki, Hideaki Kitaoka
  • Patent number: 5601545
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article having improved containment at the waist portion thereof comprises an absorbent layer and a surge layer in liquid communication therewith, and a liquid impermeable baffle layer overlying portions of the absorbent layer and the surge layer. The front edge of the absorbent structure is spaced from the back edge of a waist elastic member by a selected separation distance, thereby enhancing the gasketing effect of the waist elastic member on the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Frank S. Glaug, Robert L. Popp, Richard H. Thiessen
  • Patent number: 5601547
    Abstract: The present invention provides a child's disposable absorbent training pant having an improved waist elastic system. The waist elastic system has a selected average maximum rate of change of modulus of elasticity over the first three cycles within a specified extension range, thereby providing a substantially uniform low tension over a wide size range, a more comfortable fit, and improved ease of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Margaret A. Kato, Frank S. Glaug
  • Patent number: 5601544
    Abstract: A child's training pant includes a pant body having a waist opening and a pair of leg openings, and an elasticized shaped absorbent composite having elasticized absorbent side portions. Elasticized side flaps are formed from a liquid impermeable material situated between the absorbent composite and the pant body. A method is also provided for making a training pant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Frank S. Glaug, Richard H. Thiessen, Robert L. Popp, Shirlee A. Weber, Richard T. Wehrle
  • Patent number: 5591155
    Abstract: The present invention provides a disposable training pant having an improved elasticized side panel which gives improved fit and comfort. The disposable diaper has an absorbent core chassis (30) and a pair of elasticized side panels (50) connected to the longitudinal sides of the chassis, where each side panel is formed of two elasticized laminate members (10), joined by a side seam along a non-elasticized outboard edge (52) of each member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Masaharu Nishikawa, Keith W. Rollag, David M. Sageser, Jiro Yamada
  • Patent number: 5571096
    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: September 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: George C. Dobrin, Karen M. Davis, David M. Weirich
  • Patent number: 5562648
    Abstract: An improved reusable adult incontinent absorbent undergarment involving an outer panty with elastic waist band and leg holes and an inner hour-glass shaped insert stitched or attached by the use of VELCRO fasteners to the back and front of the panty without stitching in the crotch. By employing a novel combination of multiple layers of highly absorbent, antimicrobial fabric with an open knit polyester making contact with the skin forming a pad that is free floating in the crotch and an outer non-woven layer of urethane coated stretch fabric as a waterproof liner that is separately free floating and elasticly gathered in the crotch, the propensity for fluid leakage during use is dramatically reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: Robert H. Peterson
  • Patent number: 5545158
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent garment comprises a pair of elastic side sections, front and back sections, and a continuous, selectively elasticized waistband operatively joined thereto. The waistband does not substantially inhibit the elasticity of the elastic side sections, and provides the same or different elasticity to the front and back sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventor: James L. Jessup
  • Patent number: 5531732
    Abstract: A disposable training pant is provided with a mechanical fastening tab permanently sealed to a fibrous web in the side panel portion at a first end. The second end of the mechanical fastening tab is free to adhere to the same or another fibrous web for adjustment of fit and disposability. The first end of the mechanical fastening tab is heat sealed, interlocking the male mechanical fastening element to the fibers of the fibrous web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Leigh E. Wood
  • Patent number: 5520675
    Abstract: A unique feminine hygiene pad includes a tail that extends rearwardly from a main portion of the pad to be received within the buttocks of a wearer. The tail insures that there will be no leakage flow rearwardly into the buttocks of the wearer, as has typically occurred with prior art pads. In addition, a positioning point is formed on a main absorbent portion of the pad which properly positions the pad relative to the vagina of a wearer. In this way, it can be assured that the pad is properly positioned, and a minimum sized pad can be utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Inventor: Annette Knox-Sigh
  • Patent number: 5507735
    Abstract: A sanitary napkin assembly is disclosed having a second absorbent pad that is superposed over and movably secured to a first absorbent pad. Each absorbent pad has a centrally positioned, longitudinal axis. The securement device securing the second absorbent pad to the first absorbent pad allows the second absorbent pad to move along one of the longitudinal axes and preferably permits the second absorbent pad to rotate through an angle of about 90 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas P. Van Iten, Frederich O. Lassen
  • Patent number: 5501679
    Abstract: Microtextured elastomeric laminates comprising at least one elastomeric layer and at least one thin skin layer is preferably prepared by coextrusion of the layers followed by stretching the laminate past the elastic limit of the skin layers and then allowing the laminate to recover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Dennis L. Krueger, Joseph T. Bartusiak, Thomas P. Hanschen, Karen M. Capik
  • Patent number: 5491846
    Abstract: Warp knitted briefs are produced of two congruent lengths of knitted material. The lengths are knitted together transversely to their direction of production across the width of the material, with a distance therebetween, forming side seams. In the center of the briefs, between two side seams, starting from one of the longitudinal material edges, the layers are knitted together to form a gusset region. In the vicinity of the side seams, additional connecting areas are provided between the two lengths of knitted material, which form the front and the back of the briefs. The connecting areas are tearable under a predetermined tensile load without damaging the knitted lengths of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Inventor: Peter Muller
  • Patent number: 5476458
    Abstract: An absorbent garment includes a three-dimensional pant body defining a waist opening, two leg openings, and a crotch region. A containment trough formed of liquid,impermeable material has a base portion bonded to the crotch region and integral retaining walls positioned transversely outward from the base portion. The retaining walls are freestanding from the pant body and include elastic members so as to define freestanding, elasticized flaps. An absorbent structure and liner are disposed between the elasticized flaps. To retard liquid movement away from the absorbent structure, the liner is wrapped around the side edges and partly beneath the absorbent structure. Further, an inwardly-directed face of each flap has a first Wicking Value while the liner has a second Wicking Value that is at least 2 times greater than the first Wicking Value on a gram per gram basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Frank S. Glaug, David A. Kuen, Robert L. Popp
  • Patent number: 5451217
    Abstract: A disposable diaper comprising front and rear bodies separately formed and welded together along only respective lower ends of a crotch zone, and a breathability of said front body being different from that of said rear body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihisa Fujioka, Hirotomo Mukai
  • Patent number: 5439457
    Abstract: A multifunctional device for use in an endoscopically performed operative procedure of the type where a narrow portal is established through the skin to provide access to an operative site and the multifunctional device is introduced to the operative site through the narrow portal. The multifunctional device is formed of an absorbent material, preferably expandable, having a substantially rigid dry state prior to introduction to the operative site and a soft, flexible wet state after absorbing fluids. The absorbent material can be formed with a spine therein of either a continuous or a discontinuous, segmented construction, and the spine can be branched and tubular or solid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Inventor: InBae Yoon
  • Patent number: 5435014
    Abstract: A garment having a moisture management suspended panel attached at one end thereof to a front waist area of the garment, and attached at a second end thereof to a back seat area of the garment. The suspended panel includes inner, intermediate, and outer fabric layers. The inner fabric layer is constructed of moisture wicking fibers for residing in skin contact during garment wear. The intermediate fabric layer resides adjacent to the inner fabric layer, and is formed of one or more fabrics for receiving and dispersing moisture wicked outwardly by the inner fabric layer. The intermediate fabric layer transports the moisture upwardly away from a lower crotch area of the garment and outwardly away from the skin of the wearer. The outer fabric layer includes a liquid impermeable, vapor permeable shield for providing a leak-proof barrier which prevents passage of liquid but permits dissipation of moisture in vapor form through the fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: Intelpro Corporation
    Inventors: Herbert L. Moretz, Daniel L. Brier
  • Patent number: 5429631
    Abstract: A sanitary napkin assembly comprises a plurality of thin, substantially planar, individual sanitary napkin units which are arranged in a stack so that their planar faces are adjacent. Each individual napkin unit is removably attached to the one or two individual units which are adjacent to it. Each individual napkin unit comprises a sheet or layer for receiving, absorbing, and containing body fluids secreted by the user, and a water-proof barrier sheet or layer for precluding leakage of absorbed fluids to adjacent units or to the user's clothing. Thin adhesive-tape strips (or other suitable attachment media) are used to permanently attach the fluid-receiving layer to the barrier layer. Similar tape strips (or other suitable attachment media) are used to removably attach individual napkin units to adjacent units, and to removably attach the assembly to an interior portion of the user's undergarment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Inventor: Dyandra Grenier
  • Patent number: 5429627
    Abstract: Reusable, washable feminine napkins and panty liners have multiple absorbent layers encasing a fluid imperiable layer. The napkin has a side opening pocket for an extra absorbent filler pad. Both the napkin and the panty liner employ a centrally located mounting device which is not connected to the fluid imperiable layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: Lotus Trading Company
    Inventors: Stacey A. Johnson, Kirk A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5414870
    Abstract: A moisture management component incorporated in a garment for moving moisture away from the skin of a wearer. The moisture management component includes a first and second fabric. The first fabric comprises a moisture wicking panel carried by the garment for moving moisture away from the skin. The moisture wicking panel has a skin-side surface and an obverse surface, and an opening therethrough from the skin-side surface to the obverse surface. The second fabric comprises a moisture transport insert extending through the opening in the moisture wicking panel to move moisture from the skin of the wearer to the outer fabric layers of the garment for dispersal and evaporation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: Intelpro Corporation
    Inventors: Herbert L. Moretz, Daniel L. Brier
  • Patent number: 5415650
    Abstract: An attachment system and a method of attaching an absorbent article to an undergarment is disclosed. The attachment system includes an absorbent article having an absorbent, a liquid permeable cover and a liquid-permeable baffle. The cover and baffle cooperate to enclose the absorbent and form a pad having a garment facing surface, at least a portion of which is coated with a first cohesive-adhesive. The attachment system also includes an undergarment which is designed to be worn about the torso of a human body. The undergarment has a crotch portion which is at least partially coated with a second cohesive-adhesive. The absorbent article is positioned on and held secure to the crotch portion of the undergarment by cohering the first cohesive-adhesive to the second cohesive-adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventor: Wayne C. Sigl
  • Patent number: 5413568
    Abstract: An individual absorbent article package, such as a sanitary napkin wrapper and an adhesive fastening system for such a wrapper are disclosed. The adhesive fastening system comprises a tape tab having an adhesive for releasably securing the wrapper and sanitary napkin in a folded configuration prior to and after use. The adhesive is adhered to a landing surface such as a portion of the sanitary napkin wrapper that forms part of the package body. The landing surface need not be reinforced to prevent tearing upon opening of the package. The fastening system provides bond security while at the same time making the fastening system easy to open without tearing by carefully matching of the properties of the adhesive, the tape tab, and the landing surface. The surface characteristics, elasticity modulus, and caliper of the landing surface are specified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Jennifer A. Roach, Douglas Toms, Ted L. Blaney, M. Elizabeth P. Chisholm
  • Patent number: 5407438
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a casing intended for an absorbent article, such as a disposable diaper, incontinence guard or like article. The casing (1) includes a front-part (5), a rear-part (10) and an intermediate crotch-part (22) made of flexible casing material. According to the invention, an elastic band (14, 15) is provided on each outer edge of the casing sides, at least within the crotch-part of the casing. The elastic band is attached, in a stretched state, to that side of the casing which lies nearest the skin of the user when the absorbent article is worn, by means of a narrow, elongated join. The elastic bands also include parts which extend transversely in relation to respective joins, in a direction from the joins in towards the central part of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: Molnlycke AB
    Inventors: Gunilla Hedlund, Ing-Britt Magnusson
  • Patent number: 5403303
    Abstract: A diaper configured with an inner panty enclosed within an outer panty, the inner panty having an absorbent pad inserted in an opening in the inner panty. The inner panty holds the absorbent pad snugly between the legs of the wearer but in spaced relationship to the outer panty. The outer panty is secured around its periphery to the inner panty and encloses both the absorbent pad and inner panty in spaced relationship. The spaced relationship forms an overflow reservoir beneath the absorbent pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Inventor: Douglas K. Beplate
  • Patent number: 5395355
    Abstract: A disposable diaper comprises an absorbent non-woven polypropylene material shaped to be located in use over the crotch between the legs of the user to substantially cover the front and rear of the lower torso, the outer surface of the material being treated to form a smooth surface of bonded material which will inhibit the passage of liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignee: Little Feet Limited
    Inventor: Alexis A. F. Wadman
  • Patent number: 5392467
    Abstract: A moisture-management garment and support garment including a moisture-management panel which extends from an upper crotch area of the garment to a lower crotch area of the garment. The panel includes an inner fabric layer, intermediate fabric layer, and an outer fabric layer. The inner fabric layer is constructed of wicking yarns for residing in skin contact during garment wear. The intermediate fabric layer comprises one or more moisture transport inserts which reside adjacent to the inner fabric layer for transporting moisture away from the inner fabric layer and away from the skin of the wearer. An outer fabric layer resides adjacent the intermediate fabric layer for receiving and dispersing moisture wicked outwardly from the inner and intermediate fabric layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignee: Intelpro Corporation
    Inventors: Herbert L. Moretz, Daniel L. Brier
  • Patent number: 5388275
    Abstract: A protective device primarily intended for female water skiers inhibits flow of water into the female reproductive organs. In the preferred embodiment, the lower portion of a swimsuit includes a pocket in the crotch region and a slit on the interior wall of the crotch for providing access to the pocket. In an alternate embodiment, the swimsuit includes a region of hook or loop fasteners disposed on the interior wall of the crotch region. In the preferred embodiment, a deflector which comprises outer layers of a soft, resilient material and a thin inner layer of more rigid, fluid impervious material is placed either in the pocket or secured by complementary hook and loop fasteners. An alternate embodiment comprehends a generally hourglass shaped sponge which is fabricated of open or preferably closed cell foam and which is placed in the pocket or includes complementary hook and loop fasteners for securing to the crotch region of the swimsuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Inventor: Stephen W. Oram
  • Patent number: 5387210
    Abstract: A sanitary napkin is provided with flaps including wings formed on laterally opposite sides thereof. Top surfaces of the flaps are formed by liquid barrier sheets of which the inner areas form together with the topsheet pockets therebetween to receive menstrual fluid. The pockets are opened as the wings are folded onto the outer sides of a crotch zone of user's underpants to fix the napkin thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaki Murakami
  • Patent number: 5383871
    Abstract: A closure system for anchoring the absorbent article on the wearer. The closure system provides a primary line of tension around the wearer that fits predominantly within the low motion zone to enhance the dynamic fit and to anchor the absorbent core in place so that it will not slip/slide during use. The primary line of tension established by the closure system is disposed at an angle on the wearer. In preferred embodiments, the closure system is provided with tape tabs of a specified design, to allow the wearer to easily form the "angled" primary line of tension about the wearer. The closure system is also provided with a landing member designed to enhance the opportunity for the user to establish this primary line of tension equally each time the closure system is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Edward P. Carlin, Kenneth B. Buell, Gary D. Lavon, Dean J. Daniels
  • Patent number: 5370634
    Abstract: In an underpants type disposable diaper comprising a liquid permeable top sheet, a liquid impermeable back sheet, an absorbent member disposed therebetween, an elastic expansible member for forming a gather each to a pair of leg portions and front and rear waist body portions formed around the absorbent member, the front and rear waist body portions being connected and fixed together at both sides to form a waist opening portion and a pair of leg opening portions, respectively, at least a part of each area formed between the waist opening portions and the pair of leg opening portions at both side portions of the waist portion is provided with a vertical split portion, respectively and connection means are provided to each of the side portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Kenji Ando, Mitsue Ushiwata
  • Patent number: 5368584
    Abstract: Absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders, training pants and the like, that have an elastic leg feature that provides dynamic fit around the leg of the wearer. Such absorbent articles comprise a liquid previous topsheet; a liquid impervious backsheet; an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; and an elastic leg feature comprising an elasticized leg cuff and elasticized thigh panels. The elasticized leg cuff is positioned in at least the center leg zone of the elastic leg feature, and comprises one or more elastic members operatively associated in an elastically contractible condition so that the leg cuff is elastically contractible in generally the longitudinal direction. The elasticized thigh panels comprise a stretch laminate that is mechanically stretched so that the elasticized thigh panel is capable of expanding beyond the original planar state of the absorbent article in at least one direction at an angle from the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Sandra H. Clear, Miguel A. Robles, Kimberly A. Dreier
  • Patent number: 5368585
    Abstract: A diaper set consisting of a gas permeable, water impervious outer cover and a water absorbent reusable pad. The pad and cover have mating hook and loop fasteners to secure the pad to the cover. The cover has fastening means for connecting the cover around the waist of the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Inventor: Glenda K. Dokken
  • Patent number: RE35687
    Abstract: Disposable garments of pants type having a waist-opening with a first elastic member, a pair of leg-openings with second elastic members and a pair of cuff members with third elastic members which are inwardly spaced from said second elastic members, respectively and thereby said leg-openings are provided with double elastically stretchable seal structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Takamitsu Igaue, Hironori Nomura, Taiji Shimakawa, Tohru Sasaki