Pad Holding Or Suspending Device Patents (Class 604/402)
  • Patent number: 11911247
    Abstract: A thong-style absorbent article can have a waist region, a back extension extending from a back waist portion of the waist region, and a chassis extending between a front waist portion of the waist region and the back extension. The chassis can have a generally triangular shape and a pair of containment features positioned at the longitudinal direction side edges of the chassis. An exudate management system can be positioned between the pair of containment features and can have a first exudate management component and a second exudate management component. In various embodiments, the absorbent article can be adjustable in size and positioning about the wearer to provide for improved fit of the absorbent article and reduced leakage of exudate from the absorbent article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Heidi Bauerlein Hopkins, Suzanne Marie Schmoker
  • Patent number: 8926581
    Abstract: An intergluteal perspiration pad for wicking perspiration from a gluteal cleft including an absorbent pad having a convex top side configured to conform to a gluteal cleft, a pair of U-shaped first and second ends of the pad, an absorbent cover continuously disposed on the pad, and a pair of U-shaped clip attachment members slidingly disposed through the first and second ends to secure the combined pad and cover to the waistband of various garments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Cesar E. Acosta
  • Publication number: 20140163513
    Abstract: A diapering assistance system utilizes a diaper and a diaper holding member which retains the top end of the diaper and suspends its bottom end. A belt member attached to the diaper holding member, encircles the waist of the individual being diapered. The belt member has connection devices, such as hook and loop connectors, and constitutes the sole component used for attaching the system to the individual. The method of use includes securing the top end of the diaper to the diaper holding member, suspending the diaper therefrom and behind the individual to be diapered, encircling the individual with the belt element, and securing it around the individual's waist. The bottom end of the diaper is then lifted between the legs and to the front of the individual. The diaper is attached to the individual and the diaper holding member and belt member are removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventor: Amanda N. Schambon
  • Patent number: 8696643
    Abstract: A reusable sanitary garment is provided, having a three-part construction, incorporating an outer garment portion, a sling portion, and at least one pad, supported within the sling, which, in turn, is affixed to, and supported within, the outer garment. Both the outer garment portion and the sling portion are preferably fabricated, in an ecologically sustainable manner, from recycled plastics materials. The at least one pad may be fabricated as a reusable, washable article, or may be fabricated as a disposable article, preferably from recycled, and easily recyclable or biodegradable materials. The outer garment portion, the sling portion and/or the reusable pad may be fabricated to incorporate bamboo charcoal material, having enhanced antibacterial, deodorant, wicking and absorptive qualities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventors: Cher Anne Caylin Knightingale, Ellis Charles Hanna Knightingale
  • Patent number: 8562581
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article is disclosed having a wide breathable backsheet formed of a single layer of material, preferably in an hourglass configuration, and a narrow containment assembly attached to the backsheet along its longitudinal axis. The placement of the containment assembly creates two regions on either side of the backsheet which form wings which extend laterally beyond the margins of the containment assembly. Fasteners provided on the wings permit attachment of the wings together to form breathable side panels. The fasteners may be configured to engage limited areas of the backsheet and to resist engagement of other areas thereof. The containment assembly comprises a pervious topsheet and an impervious backing film sandwiching an absorbent core. The backing film is generally as narrow as the top sheet, maximizing the breathable area of the absorbent article, and minimizing the use of environmentally persistent plastic films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: First Quality Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Hamzeh Karami, Babak Damaghi
  • Patent number: 8506546
    Abstract: A diaper having a front portion with at least one line of weakness adapted to be torn and at least one umbilical cover defined in part by the at least one line of weakness. The at least one umbilical cover is moveable from a starting position to an anchored position upon tearing the at least one line of weakness. The diaper has at least one umbilical cover anchor adapted to maintain the at least one umbilical cover in the anchored position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Chantel Spring Buhrow, Kusum Gosain, Shannon Kathleen Melius, John Timothy Hahn, Vipula Jitendra Tailor, Earl David Brock
  • Patent number: 8475428
    Abstract: A belted absorbent article includes an absorbent structure extending about a first longitudinal axis, the absorbent structure including a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent batt disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, the absorbent structure having a transverse axis dividing the absorbent structure into a front panel terminating in a front end region and a rear panel terminating in a rear end region, the absorbent structure being delimited by opposed longitudinal edges and opposed transverse edges, and a pair of opposed belt halves including nonwoven material attached to the absorbent structure at the rear end region of the rear panel, each of the belt halves being attached by a respective joint, each belt half extending about a longitudinal axis of the belt such that each belt half extends outwardly from a respective longitudinal edge of the absorbent structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Christian Almberg, Lucas Bäck
  • Patent number: 8444619
    Abstract: A belted absorbent article (10) having an absorbent structure (16) and a pair of opposed belt halves (12, 14) attached to the absorbent structure (16) via a respective joint (50). The joint (50) between each belt half (12, 14) and the absorbent structure (16) is designed such that when each belt half is subjected to a tension force of 35 N acting along the belt half and the direction of applied tension creates an angle (?) to the transverse axis (T) of the absorbent structure, the following minimum average release times (t) of each belt half from the absorbent structure are attained: when ?=10°, t>>720 seconds; when ?=20°, t>>330 seconds; when ?=25°, t>>240 seconds; when ?=30°, t>>180 seconds; and when ?=40°, t>>75 seconds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Christian Almberg, Lucas Bäck
  • 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: 8343126
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include disposable wearable absorbent articles with anchoring systems. In an embodiment, a disposable wearable absorbent article includes an absorbent core and an anchoring system configured to anchor the absorbent core to a wearer, wherein the anchoring system includes a circumferential anchoring member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Richard Worthington Lodge, Fred Naval Desai, Donald Carroll Roe, Bruno Johannes Ehrnsperger, Frederick Michael Langdon, Luke Robinson Magee, Gary Dean Lavon
  • Patent number: 8262638
    Abstract: A diaper for holding an absorbent article in close bodily contact in the crotch region of the wearer. The diaper comprises a front region, a crotch region having a specified Crotch Holding Force, and a rear region. The crotch region of the diaper typically is elastically extensible in both the longitudinal and lateral directions. The diaper provides an upward holding force against the absorbent article in the crotch region to hold the article in close bodily contact. A system comprising the diaper and an absorbent article for use therewith, and a method for holding such an article in close bodily contact by wearing the diaper, is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: RUSL, LLC
    Inventor: Jerry Edward Carstens
  • Patent number: 8257335
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article including a chassis and an absorbent assembly in combination with a support element that extends circumferentially around the waist of the wearer. The support element includes hip stretch panels. The chassis includes a water-impermeable backsheet that may be folded laterally inward at both of its side edges to form opposing side flaps. Each side flap is attached to the interior surface of the chassis adjacent to its end edges. Each side flap has a longitudinally extending elastic gathering member attached adjacent to its proximal edge. The chassis may include an extensible formed web material. The absorbent assembly may be attached in a cruciform pattern to the chassis to allow unattached portions of the chassis to extend laterally. Frangible tear lines and/or tear locator lines may be formed to facilitate removal of the article from the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Gary Dean LaVon, Kevin Michael Smith
  • Patent number: 8235963
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include disposable wearable absorbent articles with anchoring systems. In an embodiment, a disposable wearable absorbent article includes an absorbent core and an anchoring system configured to anchor the absorbent core to a wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Richard Worthington Lodge, Fred Naval Desai, Donald Carroll Roe, Bruno Johannes Ehrnsperger, Anna Macura, Fred Langdon, Luke Magee
  • 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: 8043276
    Abstract: An absorbent article, including: a leak preventer in sheet form having a bottom surface part and a pair of side parts raised upward from both the right and left sides of the bottom surface part and forming an internal space by the bottom surface part and the pair of side parts; an absorber arranged in the internal space at least in one layer, containing a super absorbent polymer, and capable of absorbing body fluids; a pair of side edge stretchable bands provided to extend along edge parts of the pair of side parts; a waist band joined to a rear end of the leak preventer and extending in a lateral direction; and a pair of hip wrapping stretchable bands connected to the pair of side parts of the leak preventer and/or the pair of side edge stretchable bands and to the waist band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Japan Absorbent Technology Institute
    Inventors: Migaku Suzuki, Reiko Moriya
  • Patent number: 7993322
    Abstract: An absorbent garment having a garment-like outer shell and an absorbent assembly adapted for adjustable positioning therein is disclosed. In particular embodiments, the absorbent garment includes garment shell, at least one inner attachment member, and an absorbent assembly. The inner attachment member can be disposed at a waist region of the garment shell. The absorbent assembly can include a fastening component disposed at an end region, the first fastening component adapted for refastenable engagement to the inner attachment member. The inner attachment member can be configured such that a user may adjust a position of the refastenable engagement to the inner attachment member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Lynn Brud, Michael Faulks, Emily Tran
  • Patent number: 7976525
    Abstract: A personal care absorbent article has compound construction, a pad connected to an anchor. In use, the anchor is associated with a wearer's undergarment. The pad is attached to the anchor by a tether system, which allows the pad to at least partially decouple from the anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Mary Lou McDaniel
  • Patent number: 7887524
    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: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Gary Dean Lavon, Theodora Beck, Gerald Alfred Young
  • Patent number: 7875013
    Abstract: A Feminine Hygiene Pad Comprising having a wide forward portion which is at least one and half times the length of a narrow rear, tail-like portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Inventor: Ilse Rubio
  • Patent number: 7867213
    Abstract: A disposable diaper (2), in particular, for incontinent care, comprises a belt (10) having belt sections (101, 102), wherein at least one of the belt sections (101, 102) comprises a separating means (T, L) with which at least one terminal section (1011, 1021) may be separated to match the length of the belt to various hip sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Paul Hartmann AG
    Inventors: Matthias Bandorf, Markus Benning, Peter Halbauer
  • Patent number: 7837665
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent garment includes a front body panel having a first waist edge and a first crotch edge defining a first lobe having a first profile in plan view that extends outwardly relative to the first waist edge. The first lobe has a first maximum rise along a first direction at substantially a centerline of the front body panel. A rear body panel has a second waist edge and a second crotch edge defining a second lobe having a second profile in plan view that extends outwardly relative to the second waist edge. The second lobe has a second maximum rise along the first direction at substantially a centerline of the rear body panel. The first lobe of the front body panel is aligned with the second lobe of said rear body panel. A crotch member is aligned with and overlaps the first and second lobes of the front and rear body panels respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul T. Van Gompel, Russell E. Thorson, Jacqueline A. Gross
  • Patent number: 7815620
    Abstract: An adjustable absorbent article is provided according to exemplary aspects of this invention. The absorbent article includes a body portion configured to be positioned adjacent a wearer of the absorbent article. The absorbent article includes at least one belt having end portions, at least one of which end portions is configured to be engaged to the body portion. A first means is positioned on at least one of the end portions of the belt for releasable engagement of the end portion to the body portion, and a second means is positioned at a location spaced from the end portions of the belt for releasable engagement to the belt or the body portion to adjust the length of the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Inventors: Fredrica V. Coates, Donald A. Sheldon
  • 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
  • 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: 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: 7670324
    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 and having longitudinally disposed regions of liquid permeability and liquid impermeability on the same surface. The replaceable absorbent core component may be removed and a like component may be substituted 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: The Procter and Gamble Company
    Inventors: Gary Dean LaVon, Theodora Beck, Gerald Alfred Young, Stephen Lebeuf Hardie, Thomas Henrich, Edward John Milbrada
  • 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: 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: 7494483
    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: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: The Procter and Gamble Company
    Inventors: Theodora Beck, Gary Dean LaVon, Stephen Lebeuf Hardie, Monica Jean Mohlenkamp, Janet Madge Roller, Donald Carroll Roe
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20080039814
    Abstract: A disposable panty has a tampon-like element built thereinto. The panty also has two flaps that are releasably held together by hook-and-loop fastener material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventor: Bert Jean
  • Patent number: 7314465
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a disposable undergarment includes moving a web of body panel material in a longitudinal machine direction, forming a cross-machine direction slit in the web, and connecting a crotch member to the web. The crotch member extends in the cross-machine direction and covers the slit. A disposable undergarment having a slit, and a method for the use thereof, is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul T. Van Gompel, Russell E. Thorson, Yung H. Huang
  • Publication number: 20070287982
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include disposable wearable absorbent articles with anchoring systems. In an embodiment, a disposable wearable absorbent article includes an absorbent core and an anchoring system configured to anchor the absorbent core to a wearer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Richard Worthington Lodge, Fred Naval Desai, Donald Carroll Roe, Bruno Johannes Ehmsperger, Anna Macura, Fred Langdom, Luke Magee
  • Publication number: 20070287983
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article having a chassis defining a front waist region, a rear waist region, and a crotch region disposed between the front waist region and rear waist region. The article includes a topsheet, an outer cover, and a core assembly disposed therebetween. The article further includes an anchoring system that includes an anchoring band, which may assume the form of a circumferential anchoring member that is configured to engage the wearer's body. The anchoring system further includes a load distribution element connected between the core assembly and the anchoring band to transfer load forces from the core to the wearer's body through the anchoring band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Richard Worthington Lodge, Fred Naval Desai, Donald Carroll Roe, Bruno Johannes Ehrnsperger, Fred Langdon, Luke Magee
  • Patent number: 7258684
    Abstract: The present invention discloses and claims a system and method for disguising a personal care product. The personal care product includes a pattern that matches a design on an undergarment so that the personal care product blends into the background of the undergarment. The method for disguising the personal care product includes creating a pattern to match the design on the undergarment and placing the pattern on the personal care product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Kristi Bryant, Glory Alcantara, Mary L. McDaniel, Michelle Sroda, Susan Weyenberg, Katherine C. Wheeler, Teresa Zander
  • Patent number: 7240375
    Abstract: A women's waistless and seamless clothing adherable underwear includes an oval pad made of a soft absorbent material, wherein the pad has double sided strips of adhesive tape with removable peel-off cover strips to attach to the inside crotch area of low slung clothing pants, such as tight pants, leotards or dungaree jeans facing upward to the skin and crotch of the wearer. The material is preferably a soft, woven or non-woven, absorbent material. The underwear is particularly suited for women who wear tight pants, or low waist hip hugger pants, which widely reveal waist bands and seams of panty underwear, or expose underwear waist bands. The underwear is minimally intrusive and is attractive for women who like to wear jeans without underwear but who fear bacterial infection or exposure to clothing dyes or irritating stitching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: Christine Martz
  • 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: 7125401
    Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article including: a main body portion having an ability to absorb and retain a liquid; a front support member extending forward beyond a front edge of the main body portion; and a rear support member extending rearward beyond a rear edge of the main body portion. The individual front and rear support members produce an elastic contractive force in a stretched state. The individual front and rear support members are provided with a pressure sensitive adhesive layer for securing each support member to the skin of a wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventor: Wataru Yoshimasa
  • Patent number: 7090666
    Abstract: A moisture management incontinence pad is adapted for placement within an undergarment worn by a user. The fabric composite includes a plurality of overlying absorbent layers having respective first and second opposing end edges and first and second opposing side edges. The adsorbent layers are substantially unattached to one another along at least one of respective first and second side edges and first and second end edges to promote circulation between the layers during laundering. A liquid impermeable jacket resides adjacent an outside major surface of the fabric composite, and covers the opposing end edges and opposing side edges of the absorbent layers. The jacket is adapted for trapping moisture within the composite, and forms a moisture barrier between the composite and the undergarment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Inventor: Mark Miskie
  • Patent number: 7014632
    Abstract: A pants-type disposable wearing article has a holder means and an absorbent pad means. The absorbent pad means has a crotch region extending to a front and rear waist regions of the holder means and has longitudinal front and rear ends attached to the front and the rear waist regions. The absorbent pad means has a liquid absorbent core and is provided with leak-barrier flaps rising from side edges of the core and a ribbon-like suspenders attached to the top edges of the leak-barrier flaps. The extensions of the suspenders from the front and rear ends of the absorbent pad means are connecting the top edges of the leak-barrier flaps with the inner surface of the front and rear waist regions of the holder means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Shunsuke Takino, Toshifumi Otsubo
  • Patent number: 6991623
    Abstract: A disposable diaper includes a cover member having a front waist region, a back waist region, and a crotch region and a liquid-absorbent panel disposed inside the cover member. The panel is joined to the cover member on inner surfaces of the front and back waist regions by an elastic band which extends in an elastically contractible condition in a circumferential direction of a wearer's waist. At least a portion of a clearance existing between the cover member and the elastic band is closed by a sheet material having extensibility back and forth of the diaper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Tanaka, Hirotomo Mukai
  • Patent number: 6986762
    Abstract: Provided is a sanitary panty having a waist band in a waist part, leg bands in leg openings, and a napkin fitting portion in a crotch part. In a three-dimensionally shaped condition as worn, a dimensional ratio between a center front length from the crotch part to the waist part and a minimum total length from the leg opening to the waist part is in a range of 80 to 200 in the total length, as taking that the center front length is 100. In a back part, an elastic lifting member extending from the crotch part to the waist part is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuhiro Wada, Ayami Suga
  • Patent number: 6692480
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating urinary tract infections in females is described. The method includes inserting a urine control device into a vagina of a female; followed by having the female urinate; and followed by removing the urine control device from the vagina. Preferably, the urine control device includes an anti-microbial agent. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an absorptive device for absorbing bodily fluids, and an elongated member attached to the absorptive device for removing the absorptive device from a vagina. Preferably, the absorptive device includes an anti-microbial agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Irving M. Bush
  • Patent number: 6626883
    Abstract: Provided is a sanitary panty having a waist band in a waist part, leg bands in leg openings, and a napkin fitting portion in a crotch part. In a three-dimensionally shaped condition as worn, a dimensional ratio between a center front length from the crotch part to the waist part and a minimum total length from the leg opening to the waist part is in a range of 80 to 200 in the total length, as taking that the center front length is 100. In a back part, an elastic lifting member extending from the crotch part to the waist part is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuhiro Wada, Ayami Suga
  • 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: 6579273
    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: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Inventor: Tereson R. Dupuy
  • Patent number: 6558364
    Abstract: A sanitary undergarment which is usable with an absorbent pad having lateral extension wings thereon. The undergarment having a first and a second crotch portion between which the lateral extension wings can be inserted and held in a secure manner by adhesive. The undergarment can be boxer shorts or a panty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventors: Cathy D. Santa Cruz, Usha Mehta
  • Patent number: 6547774
    Abstract: An absorbent disposable undergarment includes an outer garment, such as pants, in combination with a detachable absorbent pad attached inside thereof. First suspending flaps hang down from an inner side of a stretchable waist-opening peripheral edge of the pants toward a crotch section of the pants. The first suspending flaps are provided with first fastener elements that are disposed remote from the waist opening of the pants. Second suspending flaps extend upwardly from longitudinally opposite ends of the absorbent pad. The second suspending flaps are provided with second fastener elements, that are adapted to mate with the first fastener elements, and are disposed remote from the core of the pad. These second fasteners are releasably engaged with the first fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshio Ono, Yoshihisa Fujioka, Yoshikazu Takigawa
  • Patent number: 6540730
    Abstract: A brief assembly with a full front panel opening and an inner elasticized support panel includes two half width segments superposed in overlapping relationship, with a portion of the overlapped central area between rear portions of the segments bonded to form a unitary rear panel. The other half of the overlap is left unbonded to provide the full opening in the front panel. The outer margin of the opening can be reinforced by enclosure within a V-folded strip. Portions of outer side margins on each segment are removed to form an hourglass-shape. Overlapped segments are held together by a releasable fastener means that joins the two front panel half width segments. Tensioned elastic strands are attached to a support panel at spaced intervals. The support panel is secured to the inner surface of the overlapped segments. Tapes or other fasteners protrude from the side margins and are used to complete the waist and leg apertures after the front half is folded upward around a user's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: William P. Niedermeyer
  • 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