Pad Support Or Holder Adjustable Relative To Body Crotch Area Patents (Class 604/400)
  • Patent number: 8753324
    Abstract: The present invention provides a body adhering absorbent article which is capable of absorbing bodily fluids. In this particular embodiment of the present invention, provided is an absorbent article which is specifically designed for attachment to a wearer's skin in the vulva region of the wearer's torso.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Vandenbogart, Adrienne R. Loyd, Garry R. Woltman, David J. Enz, Renee Sue Booms, Carmen Lira, Katie A. Boland, Ann Louise McCormack, Deborah S. Hannah, Mary McDaniel
  • Patent number: 8734415
    Abstract: A feminine care absorbent article includes an absorbent structure and a shell for supporting the absorbent structure at a vaginal region of a wearer. The absorbent structure has a body-facing surface and a garment-facing surface. The shell has a body-facing surface and a garment-facing surface. The body-facing surface has an adhesive thereon for adhering the shell directly to the wearer. The article has a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis, an anterior region, a posterior region, and a central region extending longitudinally between and interconnecting the anterior and posterior regions. At least a portion of the absorbent structure is releasably attachable to the shell for configuring the absorbent structure between an operative configuration in which the releasably attachable portion of the absorbent structure is attached to the shell and an inoperative position in which at least part of the releasably attachable portion of the absorbent structure is detached from the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Devany Plentovich, Renee Sue Booms, Katie Ann Boland, Dean Martin Wydeven, Deborah Snell Hannah, Carmen Lira, Adrienne Rae Loyd, Channon Lee B Arteman
  • Patent number: 8419703
    Abstract: An absorbent article is disclosed. The article includes a first portion having at least two target strips located on opposite ends of the first portion, at least one visual sizing indicator positioned on the first portion of the article between the at least two target strips, the visual sizing indicator including indicia for indicating that the article is too large for a wearer, a middle portion contoured inwards such that an hourglass shape is formed, and a second portion having at least two fasteners located on opposite edges of the second portion. The absorbent article is formed of several layers including a moisture-impervious outer layer, an inner layer substantially co-extensive with the outer layer, and a filler interposed between the inner layer and the outer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Medline Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew J. Mills
  • Patent number: 8419698
    Abstract: A guard is provided for intercepting urine discharging from an infant such as during diaper change, bathing or clothing change. The guard is configured to attach to a changing mat or diaper without attachment to the infant and lie over the groin of the infant to receive any urine being discharged from the infant. A shield portion of the guard is configured to cover the groin of the infant while elongated ends are releasably attached to the changing mat or diaper. The guard is formed from a completely washable or disposable material. The guard includes sheathed elastic that allows the elongated ends to stretch around and over the midsection of the baby to accommodate various sizes of infants. Various completely enclosable fastening end structures with optional removability may be used to allow attachment to the changing mat or diaper, while adjustable and/or removable side pads may be provided for infant comfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: Patricia A. Perry
  • Patent number: 8409163
    Abstract: A reusable diaper includes a forward waist portion, a rearward waist portion, and a crotch portion between the forward waist portion and the rearward waist portion. The diaper also includes first and second liquid-absorbent flaps. Each flap may have a fixed end portion coupled to the diaper and a free end portion opposite the fixed end portion, which is not coupled to the reusable diaper. The first and second liquid-absorbent flaps may be positionable in an overlapping manner along the crotch portion with one of the first and second liquid-absorbent flaps overlapped by the other one of said first and second liquid-absorbent flaps and slidable relative to each other when overlapped. In some embodiments, the first and second liquid-absorbent flaps may each include an at least partially hollow interior and an opening for allowing airflow into the hollow interior to facilitate drying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventor: Jennifer Lynn Labit
  • Patent number: 8353888
    Abstract: An article has a body facing engagement surface for contacting a wearer's tissue layer. The body facing engagement surface has a first state adapted to inhibit movement of the article with respect to the wearer's tissue layer, and a second state adapted to enhance movement of the article with respect to the tissue layer. The body facing engagement surface is adapted to transform from the first state to the second state upon application of a force greater than a threshold force. The body facing engagement surface has a gripping component that overlies a sliding component in the first state. The gripping component is disposed for engaging and gripping the tissue layer in the first state until a force greater than the threshold force is encountered which transforms the engagement surface to promote relative sliding motion between the engagement surface and the tissue layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Koenig, Wael R. Joseph
  • Patent number: 8240311
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a 3D ventilation device for separating body skin from clothes including an elastic meshed fabric, an elastic framework and a fixing device, wherein the 3D elastic framework which supports and holds the elastic meshed fabric, is fixed by the fixing device to locate between the skin and the clothes, so as to form a ventilative chamber for achieving the separation. Here, the elastic framework can be bent to adapt to different body shapes or portions and adjusted to provide most comfortable wearing angle, so that a proper air flowing can be achieved between the skin or the body portion and the clothes, thereby keeping the skin dry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Inventor: Tsan-Hsiung Cheng
  • Patent number: 8221372
    Abstract: Provided is a disposable diaper, in which fastening tapes are brought into direct engagement with the surface of an outer-face back sheet made of a nonwoven fabric. The disposable diaper is enabled to adjust its size slightly according to the body shape of a baby, by improving the force of the fastening tapes to engage with the outer-face back sheet and the force to join the outer-face back sheet and a leakage-preventing sheet. The disposable diaper has its outer-face back sheet made of a nonwoven fabric prepared by an air-through method, in which fibers are thermally melted to each other at the time of manufacturing the nonwoven fabric by feeding hot air in a drum transfer process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Daio Paper Corporation
    Inventors: Shinichi Kouno, Tsuyoshi Utsunomiya, Sadanao Manabe, Toshikazu Maeda, Yumiko Seike, Miyuke Ochi
  • Patent number: 8212102
    Abstract: A diaper having front and rear waist regions and a waist-hole, the waist hole having a peripheral edge that is elastically stretchable in a circumferential direction and includes covering zones and elastic zones in the front and rear waist regions, which peripheral edge is adapted to be stretchable beyond lengths of the covering zones in the circumferential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshinori Kumasaka
  • Patent number: 8092442
    Abstract: A pants type absorbing article (10) comprises an absorbing body (3) including an absorber (30), and an enclosure (2) equipped with a ventral portion (2a), a dorsal portion (2b) and a portion (2c) from the crotch to the cuff located therebetween and makes the absorbing body (3) adhere to the portion (2c) from the crotch to the cuff, wherein the enclosure (2) is provided, at a lower part of the ventral portion (2a), with an opening (5) having a cut (50) along the width direction and opening when the upper and lower parts of the cut (50) are pulled in the direction separating from each other, the absorbing body (3) is arranged across the opening (5) from the portion (2c) from the crotch to the cuff to the ventral portion (2a) of the enclosure (2) in the longitudinal direction, the portion below the opening (5) constitutes an adhering portion (3B) of the absorbing body (3) and the enclosure (2), the portion above the opening (5) constitutes a non-adhering portion (3A) of the absorbing body (3) and the enclosure (
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Daio Paper Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroto Sukegawa
  • Patent number: 7837663
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a visual indicating device and an article for controlling odors, in particular foot, garbage, basement, cooking, pet, tobacco, feces and urine odors. The article comprises a visual indicating agent that is color sensitive to the odor, and optionally, an odor absorbing agent. The visual indicating agent changes color when the article has been exposed to a sufficient amount of odor to saturate the article. The indicating agent may be applied in differing concentrations to two or more zones so as to indicate to a user of the article how much of the odor absorbing capacity has been used, or conversely, how much of the odor absorbing capacity remains. Suitable visual indicating agents that change color in response to odors are also described. The article for controlling odors may be a disposable odor absorbing sheet, air freshening product, diaper, undergarment pad, face mask, air filtration device, sanitary napkin, tampon, panty shield or incontinence pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: John Gavin MacDonald, RameshBabu Boga, Jaeho Kim, Bao Trong Do, Irene Kuznetsov
  • Patent number: 7799007
    Abstract: An absorbent article of pants shape includes an elastic waist portion, an absorbent element (5), and a liquid-impermeable outer layer (3). The elastic waist portion is made from an elastic first piece (1) which is rectangular and is intended to form the rear portion (8) and side portions (9, 10) of the article. A second piece (2) forms the front portion (11) and crotch portion (12) of the pants-like article. The second piece (2) is elongate, and the width thereof is, at least in the crotch portion (12), smaller than the length of the first piece (1). The absorbent element (5) is in its entirety arranged on the second piece (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Kent Hermansson, Berith Porsö
  • Publication number: 20100204668
    Abstract: A cloth diaper the size of which is adjustable is mainly made up with a surface layer cloth and a liner layer cloth and is provided with a waistline section. The cloth diaper further includes an adjusting unit provided with two buckling parts, and an adjusting surface opposite to the buckling parts. Thus, to adjust the cloth diaper to a determined size, only each of the buckling parts of the adjusting unit is buckled and fixed onto the adjusting surface to form a cloth diaper the size of which is properly adjustable. Thus, following the child and infant's figure, the cloth diaper may be adjusted randomly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventor: Jason Yang
  • Patent number: 7727211
    Abstract: Absorbent articles such as diapers, incontinent briefs, training pants, diaper holders and liners, and the like, designed to provide improved fit and comfort for the wearer while adequately containing body exudates. The absorbent article includes an absorbent core designed so as to retain low levels of fluid in the crotch region, relative to the other core regions, even when the core absorbs significant amounts of fluid during use. To achieve this, the absorbent core is designed such that fluid is moved substantially from the crotch region to the front and/or rear ends of the article. The absorbent core has a non-removable absorbent core component in the crotch region and removable absorbent core components in the front or rear regions of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Gary Dean LaVon, Gerald Alfred Young, Theodora Beck
  • Patent number: 7727218
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article adapted to be worn about a lower torso of a human body and having a chassis, a non-removable absorbent core component disposed in a crotch region of the chassis, and a replaceable absorbent core component disposed in capillary liquid communication with the non-removable absorbent core component. The replaceable absorbent core component may be removed and a like component may be substituted in place of the removed component without the removal of the absorbent article from the wearer. The replaceable absorbent core component may be disposed inside an openable chassis pocket, with access for its removal and replacement provided by an aperture in a backsheet, an openable end of an external pocket, or an openable end of an internal pocket formed at an area of a waist end edge where the backsheet and a topsheet may be separated. Additional replaceable absorbent core components may also be incorporated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Gary Dean Lavon, Theodora Beck, Gerald Alfred Young, Stephen Lebeuf Hardie, Thomas Henrich
  • Patent number: 7658732
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in structure of disposable garments. The disposable garments of the invention may include an outer layer and an elastic inner layer. The elastic inner layer has an elastic inner layer perimeter and defines an opening, which may be in the form of a slit or aperture, located in an internal position to the elastic inner layer perimeter. The elastic inner layer perimeter may be bonded to the outer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul T. Van Gompel, Georgia L. Zehner
  • Patent number: 7629501
    Abstract: A reusable diaper generally includes an inner layer configured to wick moisture from a diaper wearer's body and an outer layer configured to be substantially liquid-impervious. At least one pocket is defined generally by a space between the inner and outer layers. The at least one pocket is configured to receive at least one liquid-absorbent insert therein. The diaper also includes at least one slit in the inner layer that provides access into the space between the inner and outer layers defining the at least one pocket. At least one flap is provided that is positionable in an open configuration in which the at least one slit is exposed and allows access into the at least one pocket, and a closed configuration in which the at least one flap substantially covers the at least one slit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Inventors: Jennifer Lynn Labit, James Andrew Labit
  • Patent number: 7553303
    Abstract: A garment for the lower torso adapted to contain absorbent pads in the crotch region within the garment includes at least one laterally-oriented aperture therein for extraction or insertion of the pads and also for providing access for cleansing the soiled areas. The aperture can be either in the front or the rear of the garment, or both. The garment can support multiple pads in the crotch region in a stacked arrangement. The aperture is preferably either trapezoidal or formed from an arc-shaped cut and is constructed as a cut-out flap for selective access to the aperture. The novel aperture advantageously allows an absorbent pad to be extracted or inserted by the wearer or caregiver without removal of the undergarment or repositioning of the wearer from a prone or seated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Inventor: Jane Speak
  • Patent number: 7344526
    Abstract: An absorbent garment has an absorbent assembly disposed within a garment shell configured for encircling the wearer's waist. The garment shell comprises a front panel assembly having laterally opposite side margins, and a back panel assembly having laterally opposite side margins. The absorbent assembly is attached at a front waist region thereof to the garment shell generally at the side margins of the front panel assembly to together define front side margins of the absorbent garment. The absorbent assembly is further attached at a back waist region thereof to the garment shell generally at the side margins of the back panel assembly to together define back side margins of the absorbent garment. The front side margins and the back side margins of the absorbent garment are releasably attached to each other to removably secure the absorbent garment on the wearer's waist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Yee Yang, Lisa Nickel, Kristi J. Bryant, Mark S. Franke, Cynthia H. Hendren, Richard J. Kamps, David A. Kuen, Katherine C. Wheeler
  • Patent number: 7195622
    Abstract: An absorbent article has a fastening arrangement for fastening the absorbent article. The fastening arrangement is an extendable fastening arrangement formed by the material strip being folded in a Z along two transversely extending fold lines which divide the material strip into a first end portion at the first short end, a second end portion at the second short end, and a middle portion between the end portions. The first end portion of the material strip is secured to the middle portion by a first breakable attachment, and the second end portion of the material strip is secured to the middle portion by a second breakable attachment, and the fastening device is arranged on the second end portion on a surface directed away from the middle portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventor: Asa Lindström
  • Patent number: 7137972
    Abstract: A non-bulky, disposable undergarment primarily designed for male wearers who have minor urinary leakage such as from prostate surgery. The undergarment includes a soft, flexible base sheet of a non-woven material. The base sheet has a rectangular main panel which extends from the wearer's lower front trunk between the legs of the wearer to immediately rearward of the genital area to cover the person's genital area. A pair of left and right straps extend rearwardly from the main panel which are interconnected by a transverse connecting strap at a lower rear trunk of the wearer. The straps extend from the connecting strap leftward and rightward around the lower trunk of the wearer. The ends of the straps removably interconnect to the main panel and each other in overlapping fashion by pairs of interlockable hook and loop patches affixed to the main panel and the ends of the straps to securely hold the undergarment in place on the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Inventor: Flori A. Holberg
  • Patent number: 6899701
    Abstract: Highly efficient absorbent articles for wearing by a human female such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, and adult incontinence pads. In use, the absorbent articles preferably maintain contact with and cover at least a portion of the inside surfaces of the wearer's labia, the exterior surfaces of the wearer's labia, and the supporting garment. The absorbent articles are highly flexible, having flexure resistance of less than or equal to about 100 grams. The absorbent may be flat or cup-shaped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Jerry Edward Carstens, Letha Margie Hines, Nicholas Albert Ahr, Diane Dunn Farris, Nona Jane Redwine, Deborah Catherine Schmitz, Cynthia Lee Alvis, John Richard Noel, Ronald Ray McFall, Thomas Ward Osborn, III
  • Patent number: 6752797
    Abstract: A disposable pull-on undergarment including a front waist region and a rear waist region which together define a waist-opening at an upper end of the undergarment. First fastening zones are formed on the inner surface of the front waist region and extend from the vicinity of a lower end toward an upper end of the front waist region. A second fastening zone is formed on the inner surface of the rear waist region in the vicinity of its lower end. A third fastening zone is formed on the outer surface of the rear waist region and spaced apart from the second fastening zone toward the upper end. The second and third fastening zones are releasably engaged with the first fastening zones to form the undergarment with a pair of leg-openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventor: Toru Oba
  • Patent number: 6632211
    Abstract: A disposable diaper that includes a briefs-shaped cover member having an elastic stretchability in a vertical direction of the diaper, and an absorbent member that includes a topsheet and a backsheet both of which are not elastically stretchable at least in the vertical direction, and a liquid-absorbent core disposed therebetween. The absorbent member is suspended inside the cover member by suspender sheets that are elastically non-stretchable sheets, at least in the vertical direction, and have pleats which can be flattened out in a vertical direction of the diaper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventor: Toshifumi Otsubo
  • Patent number: 6478787
    Abstract: A combination of an absorbent article and a waist belt for supporting the article has coacting hook and loop fabric tape elements thereon by which the absorbent article and the waist belt are releasably secured to each other. The hook fabric tape elements are provided on one of the waist belt and the absorbent article, and the loop fabric tape elements are provided on the other of the waist belt and the absorbent article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Birgitta Ihrfelt, Terje Vigmo, Peter Rönnberg
  • Publication number: 20020143313
    Abstract: A disposable wearing article has a pad member provided a pair of elastic thigh-tightening bands lying on transversely opposite side edges thereof. Front ends of first free zones and rear ends of second free zones of the respective elastic thigh-tightening bands are connected to the transversely opposite side edges in the vicinity of a waist-hole of pant member so that middle zones and first and second free zones of these thigh-tightening bands extend generally parallel to the respective leg-holes so as to substantially form loops.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventors: Tomoko Tsuji, Takako Uosawa
  • Publication number: 20020010452
    Abstract: An adjustable, form fitted, reusable diaper for infants that includes a reusable or disposable pad insertable between a soft permeable inner panel and an impermeable outer panel laminated with either a soft pile or a waterproof breathable or non-breathable elastomeric non-woven material. The diaper, having an hourglass configuration when open, is provided with expandable leg openings and waistband and fitted with hidden snap closures uniquely arranged to provide waist adjustment independently of leg opening adjustment and vise-versa. The diaper's use of a high pile, permeable inner panel such as polar fleece wicks moisture quickly away from the infants body where it is absorbed by the washable, reusable pad located between the inner and outer panels. The pad is then easily removed and replaced with a clean and dry pad, often without removal of the diaper from the infant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventor: Tereson R. Dupuy
  • Publication number: 20010021839
    Abstract: There is disclosed an absorbent article including: a support body for confronting an external wear; a liquid absorbing member positioned on the liquid-receiving side of the support body; two side wall sheets disposed on two sides of the support body lying opposite one another in the widthwise direction, the side wall sheets being separated from one another in the widthwise direction and being longitudinally attached at their root ends to the support body; and a connecting sheet connecting the two side wall sheets. The side wall sheets are individually subjected to elastic shrinking forces in the longitudinal direction for shrinking to raise the free ends thereof from the support body to the liquid-receiving side, and the liquid absorbing member is supported by the connecting sheet so that the liquid absorbing member is movable over the support body while being unattached directly to the support body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Publication date: September 13, 2001
    Applicant: UNI-CHARM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masahiro Kashiwagi
  • Publication number: 20010016720
    Abstract: A disposable diaper includes a briefs-type cover component having an elastic stretchability in a vertical direction of the diaper, and an absorbent component including topsheet and backsheet both being not elastically stretchable and a liquid-absorbent core disposed therebetween. The absorbent component is suspended inside the cover component by suspender means made of non-stretchable sheets and having pleats adapted to be flattened out in a vertical direction of the diaper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Publication date: August 23, 2001
    Inventor: TOSHIFUMI OTSUBO
  • Publication number: 20010016723
    Abstract: A disposable diaper includes a cover member presenting an hourglass-shape and a separate liquid-absorbent member composed of a liquid-permeable topsheet, a liquid-impermeable backsheet and a liquid-absorbent core. The cover member has an elastic stretchability along the upper end of front or rear waist region and these front and rear waist regions are connected or connectable along transversely opposite side edges thereof. The liquid-absorbent member includes first and second elastically stretchable members circumferentially extending across portions of the front and rear trunk regions lying immediately above the crotch region. Longitudinally opposite ends of these elastically stretchable members are bonded to the transversely opposite side edges of the cover member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 1998
    Publication date: August 23, 2001
    Inventors: YASUSHI SAYAMA, TOSHIFUMI OTSUBO, YASUSHI INOUE
  • Patent number: 6179819
    Abstract: A device and method for the collection of umbilical cord blood during obstetrical delivery are disclosed. A pouch is attached to an obstetrical drape in a location convenient for filling with cord blood. The pouch includes a canal for the umbilical cord to be inserted into the pouch, and a sealing closure. The pouch may contain an anti-coagulant. One embodiment includes multiple compartments with various blood-treatment substances. After filling the pouch is closed and removed from the drape. The blood can be used for a variety of hematologic laboratory tests and for long term cryo-preservation for a stem cell transfusion to infants and adults.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: John N. Haswell
  • Patent number: 6132412
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to a disposable type of covering or shield, which primarily is contoured and for use in conjunction with the male, and to provide a covering device for use for overlying the male anatomy, and to provide for elimination of urinary discharges, particularly amongst elderly patients, or the male who is incontinent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Inventor: Rosemary N. Jones
  • 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: 5853401
    Abstract: A compound sanitary napkin including a primary absorbent member and a secondary absorbent member. The primary absorbent member has a length and a width. The secondary absorbent member has a length and a width. The primary absorbent member and the secondary absorbent member have a common length. The primary absorbent member preferably includes an absorbent core and a fluid pervious topsheet superposed on the absorbent core. The secondary absorbent member preferably includes a fluid pervious topsheet, a fluid impervious backsheet joined to the topsheet and an absorbent element positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. The primary absorbent member is affixed to the secondary absorbent member by union means. The width of the secondary absorbent member is at least 1.5 times the width of the primary absorbent member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Katherine Louise Mayer, Bruce William Lavash, John Lee Hammons, Thomas Ward Osborn, III
  • Patent number: 5695324
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a compound sanitary napkin. The compound sanitary napkin comprises a primary absorbent member including an absorbent core and an outer cover. The primary absorbent member has a second portion and an first portion; the first portion being vertically opposed to the second portion. The width of the first portion is greater than the width of the second portion. The compound sanitary napkin further comprises a secondary absorbent member that is joined with the primary absorbent member juxtaposed the second portion. The secondary absorbent member preferably comprises a liquid impervious backsheet and an absorbent material joined thereto. Optionally, the secondary absorbent member includes a backsheet, a topsheet joined to the backsheet and an absorbent core disposed between the backsheet and the top sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: David Michael Weirich
  • 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: 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: 5593400
    Abstract: An absorbent article embodied as a disposable diaper construction has been particularly configured for improved fit and comfort by providing an absorbent structure attached in a substantially free-floating suspended manner within the diaper. In the illustrated embodiments, the diaper includes an outer cover or back sheet and an absorbent structure or core which is supported within the outer cover by a supporting member which extends along a side of the absorbent structure and includes opposite ends which are secured to the outer cover. The supporting member suspends and supports the absorbent structure for substantially independent movement with respect to the outer cover so that the absorbent structure can conform to the wearer during use thus improving the fit and comfort to the wearer as well as inhibiting leakage from the diaper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Paragon Trade Brands
    Inventor: Audrey A. O'Leary
  • 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: 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: 5366453
    Abstract: A growth adjustable diaper for newborn babies is adjustable in length by use of a foldable absorbent panel at the front edge of the diaper and comprises an elastic member positioned between the foldable panel and a topsheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Georgia L. Zehner, Paulette M. Rosch, Thomas W. Odorzynski, Bruce M. Siebers, Timothy J. Blenke
  • Patent number: 5243974
    Abstract: A garment in the general form of an improved athletic supporter includes a genital pouch depending from and attached to a waist band. The pouch comprises a front panel and a rear panel, joined at the bottom to form an open-top pocket. The respective top portions of the front and rear panels are provided with releasable fastening means, preferably hook-and-loop fasteners, so that the pocket can be selectively closed and reopened. A packet containing a chilling medium, such as ice, and conforming to the pocket, is inserted into the pocket. When the garment is worn with the chilling medium packet installed in the pocket, the chilling medium is held in close proximity to a surgical site or a site of mild trauma in the scrotal or inguinal area, thereby affording a degree of relief from pain and inflammation. The pouch offers genital support and limits the movement of the genitals, thereby reducing strain that can exacerbate the pain and inflammation and inhibit healing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Inventor: Marcus W. Allen
  • Patent number: 5212839
    Abstract: A diaper holding device for a person in a body cast. The diaper holding device includes two T-shaped portions having VELCRO on a face surface so that the two T-shaped portions can surround the body cast with a portion between the legs of the body cast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Inventors: John M. Sliman, Donna M. Sliman
  • Patent number: 5209745
    Abstract: This invention relates to containers for the cryopreservation of mammalian cells and particularly for the long-term freezing of red blood cell. This invention also relates to methods of manufacturing such containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Inventors: Joseph D. Irr, John D. Walker, George F. Dunn, Jr., Viet X. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 5069672
    Abstract: There is provided a new and useful reusable diaper comprising inner and outer substantially rectangular layers of absorbent material, a liquid impervious layer between the inner and outer layers, and first and second pockets on the inner layer, and wherein the open sides of the first and second pockets are oriented toward each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
    Inventors: Heather Wippler, Leopole Nolet
  • Patent number: 4932950
    Abstract: The invention is a self-adjusting suspension system which is incorporated into the structure of a perineal shield. A flexible strand is provided at corner locations on the perimeter of the shield. A separate waistband portion has one or more elastic tensioning strips which are slidably connected by followers to the flexible strands at the corners. The follower divides the flexible strand into two directed segments, one to each side of the follower. Each directed segment is oriented towards the adjacent corner location on that side of the follower and secured to the perimeter of the shield. When tension is applied to the followers so that the flexible strands are also placed in tension, the followers slide along the strands until the tensions in the strands to each side of the followers are equal and the tension around the perimeter of the shield is approximately uniform. Substantially no tension is directed towards the midspan of the shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1990
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser Company
    Inventor: Russell L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 4681581
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a diaper adapter to fit adults as well as infants up to three years of age comprise absorbent material having an inner surface adapted to contact the user and an outer surface. Tabs carrying a filamentary type attachment material extend from the corners at one end of the diaper. At the opposite end, an elongated bar of a complementary filamentary type attachment material is on the inner surface of the diaper and parallel to the end. The bar, termed a "frontal movable fastening bar", is front folded onto the outer surface of the diaper and moved longitudinally toward the middle of the diaper until the proper length for the user is established. Side portions of the diaper are optionally folded to the proper width and the tabs are pulled around the waist and coupled to the bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1987
    Inventor: Fredrica V. Coates
  • Patent number: 4589878
    Abstract: A disposable diaper for incontinent adults comprising an absorbing pad covered by a liquid-impermeable external sheet (3) and a non-woven liquid-permeable inside sheet (4). This diaper is provided with four longitudinal folding lines, whereby it can be folded into several superposed levels (7a, 7b, 7c) when in the position of usage. Stretched elastic cords (13a) and (13b) are inserted between the sheets (3) and (4) near and parallel to the longitudinal edges. Prior to use two elastic belts (14a, 14b) are fixed on the same longitudinal edge (9a), one in the front zone (12) and the other in the rear zone (11) so as to clamp the cord (13a). The diaper has improved hermeticity and facilitates its emplacement by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1986
    Assignee: Beghin-Say S.A.
    Inventor: Sem Mitrani
  • Patent number: 4417935
    Abstract: A method of diaper manufacture whereby adhesive is applied directly to the moisture impervious web for attachment thereto of elastic ribbons to make a shirred diaper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1983
    Assignee: Paper Converting Machine Company
    Inventor: Harvey J. Spencer