Thermoplastic Patents (Class 604/366)
  • Patent number: 8702666
    Abstract: Absorbent articles comprising a low cold flow construction adhesive suitable for joining at least two absorbent article components together, wherein the adhesive comprises an ethylene-based polyolefin resin and a crystallization enhancer, wherein the adhesive is maintained at a temperature from about 100° C. to about 230° C. before application, and wherein the absorbent articles have an in-bag compression opening force of less than about 0.75 N. Also, a method for assembling such articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Jay Tao, Ebrahim Rezai
  • Publication number: 20140088535
    Abstract: An article having as a component a nonwoven material, which includes a layer of spunbond fibers. The fibers of the nonwoven material are made of a composition that includes a first polyolefin, a second polyolefin that is a propylene copolymer and is different from the first polyolefin and a softness enhancer additive. The layer of fibers also includes a plurality of calendering bonds with an aspect ratio of at least 2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Han Xu, Antonius Lambertus De Beer, Frantisek Klaska, Jiri Kummer, Zdenek Mecl, Pavlina Kasparkova, Jitka Pokorna, Jaroslav Kohut
  • Patent number: 8674170
    Abstract: An absorbent article, preferably a disposable absorbent article such as a diaper, is disclosed having an absorbent core which imparts increased wearing comfort to the article and makes it thin and dry. The absorbent core useful for an absorbent article comprises a substrate layer, a discontinuous layer of absorbent material, and a layer of thermoplastic material. A second surface of the discontinuous layer of absorbent material is in at least partial contact with a first surface of the substrate layer. Portions of a second surface of the layer of thermoplastic material are in direct contact with the first surface of the substrate layer and portions of said second surface of the layer of thermoplastic material are in direct contact with a first surface of the discontinuous layer of absorbent material. A process for providing a storage layer for an absorbent core useful in an absorbent article is further disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Ludwig Busam, Uwe Jurgen Becker, Michael Divo, Bruno Johannes Ehrnsperger, Roland Engel, Torsten Lindner, Siegfried Link, Volker Maier, Sanaul Kabir Siddiquee, Gabriele Stiehl, Thomas Tombuelt
  • Patent number: 8669410
    Abstract: The present invention relates to fluid-absorbent articles, comprising an upper liquid-pervious layer, a lower liquid-impervious layer, a fluid-absorbent core, wherein the fluid-absorbent core comprises a fibrous material and 10 to 95% by weight of spherical fluid-absorbent polymer particles, and an acquisition distribution layer, wherein the acquisition distribution layer comprises a fibrous material and 0 to 20% by weight of spherical fluid-absorbent polymer particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Matthias Weismantel, Rüdiger Funk, Ulrich Schröder, Marco Krüger, John Joseph Louden
  • Patent number: 8641695
    Abstract: An absorbent article such as a diaper, pant diaper, a sanitary pant or incontinence garment has at least one first elastic web material which is ultrasonically welded to at least one second web material along at least one weld seam. The second web material is different to the first elastic web material and the second web material has a degree of elasticity which is different to the elasticity of the first elastic web material. The ultrasonic weld seam between the first elastic web material and the second web material is reinforced to have a weld strength in a direction transverse to the weld seam which is at least 5N/25.4 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Kerstin Edwall, Margareta Wennebäck, Elisabeth Lakso
  • Publication number: 20140005622
    Abstract: An absorbent article including a wearer-facing topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, characterized in that the absorbent core includes: a first absorbent layer comprising a first substrate, a layer of first superabsorbent polymer particles deposited on the first substrate, and a fibrous layer of thermoplastic adhesive material covering the layer of first superabsorbent polymer particles; a second absorbent layer, the second absorbent layer comprising a second substrate and a mixed layer deposited on the second substrate, the mixed layer comprising a mixture of second superabsorbent particles and cellulosic fibers, the first absorbent layer and the second absorbent layer being combined together such that at least a portion of the fibrous layer of thermoplastic adhesive material of the first absorbent layer contacts at least a portion of the mixed layer of the second absorbent layer, and wherein the first absorbent layer is placed closer to the topsheet tha
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventors: Birgit Wirtz, Walter Pieter Hendrik Laurentius Van Der Klugt, Rodrigo Rosati, Ernesto G. Bianchi, Aniruddha Chatterjee, Carsten Heinrich Kreuzer, Holger Beruda
  • Publication number: 20140005623
    Abstract: An absorbent article comprising a wearer-facing topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, characterized in that the absorbent core comprises: a first absorbent layer comprising a first substrate, a layer of first superabsorbent polymer particles deposited on the first substrate, and a fibrous layer of thermoplastic adhesive material covering the layer of first superabsorbent polymer particles; a second absorbent layer, the second absorbent layer comprising a second substrate and a mixed layer deposited on the second substrate, the mixed layer comprising a mixture of second superabsorbent particles and cellulosic fibers, the first absorbent layer and the second absorbent layer being combined together such that at least a portion of the fibrous layer of thermoplastic adhesive material of the first absorbent layer contacts at least a portion of the mixed layer of the second absorbent layer, and wherein the first absorbent layer is placed closer to the topshee
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventors: Birgit Wirtz, Walter Pieter Hendrik Laurentius Van Der Klugt, Rodrigo Rosati, Ernesto G. Bianchi, Aniruddha Chatterjee, Carsten Heinrich Kreuzer, Holger Beruda
  • Patent number: 8618349
    Abstract: An absorbent article of the present invention may comprise a backsheet and a wetness indicator composition. The wetness indicator composition may comprise a stabilizer, a colorant, and a matrix. And, a wetness indicator sample, according to the Wetness Indicator Sample Test (Phosphate), may have a phosphate content of 10% or less. Further, the wetness indicator sample, according to the Wetness Indicator Sample Test (Nitrogen), may have a nitrogen content of 3% or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Thomas James Klofta
  • Publication number: 20130338619
    Abstract: A disposable diaper is disclosed. The diaper includes a colored topsheet. The topsheet has a basis weight of from 12 to 18 gsm and comprises a plurality of bonded points. Each of the bonded points has a surface area of from 2 mm2 to 5 mm2 and the cumulated surface area of the plurality of bonded points is from 10 to 25% of the total surface area of the topsheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Thorsten Rinnert, Manuela Schneider, Nicole Anja Reichardt, Bettina Kruse
  • Publication number: 20130331806
    Abstract: An absorbent core suitable for use in an absorbent article comprising: a first absorbent layer, the first absorbent layer comprising a first substrate, and a layer of cross-linked cellulose fibers deposited on said first substrate, a second absorbent layer, the second absorbent layer comprising a second substrate, a layer of superabsorbent polymer particles deposited on said second substrate and a fibrous layer of thermoplastic adhesive material covering the layer of superabsorbent polymer particles. The first and second absorbent layers being combined together such that at least a portion of said fibrous layer of thermoplastic adhesive material contacts at least a portion of the layer of cross-linked cellulose fibers of said first absorbent layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Rodrigo Rosati, Holger Beruda, Hans Adolf Jackels, Juliane Kampus
  • Patent number: 8604129
    Abstract: A sheet material that includes an elastic component or material (e.g., film, nonwoven web laminated to the elastic component, etc.) is provided. The elastic component is formed from a styrenic block copolymer composition containing from about 10 wt. % to about 90 wt. % of styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer; and from about 10 wt % to about 90 wt. % of styrene-isoprene/butadiene-styrene block copolymer. The styrenic block copolymer composition has good viscosity stability during extrusion and thus may be readily formed into an elastic sheet material. The elastic sheet material may be subsequently crosslinked to achieve the desired elastic and mechanical properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Oomman P. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20130281950
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a color printed liquid permeable laminated structure comprising a first liquid permeable layer and a second liquid permeable layer, the first layer is color printed on at least one of its surfaces prior to being laminated to the second layer and stabilizing the laminated structure with a bonding means. These color printed laminated structures are particularly suitable for use in disposable absorbent articles for feminine protection, typically as so called ‘secondary’ topsheet in face to face relation with so called ‘primary’ topsheet, through which they are visible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Marco Digiacomantonio, Carlo Toro, Glovanni Carlucci, Remo Bellucci
  • Publication number: 20130267922
    Abstract: Absorbent core for disposable absorbent articles, particularly for the absorption of menses or blood.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Giovanni Carlucci, Maurizio Tamburro, Alessandro Gagliardini, Evelina Toro, Pancrazio Veronese
  • Publication number: 20130237939
    Abstract: Novel solid benzoate ester compositions are mixtures comprising the trans- and cis-structural isomers of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol dibenzoate wherein the trans isomer constitutes from 1 to 66 or from 72 to 99 weight percent of the mixture. The properties imparted to a variety of polymer compositions, including hot melt adhesives, cannot be achieved using the commercially available mixture of these isomers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: Eastman Specialties Holdings Corporation
    Inventors: William D. Arendt, Makarand V. Joshi, Yvonne Aileen Berry-Walker, Paul Steven Lakomiak, Mirnahini Jeganathan
  • Patent number: 8530721
    Abstract: A method of making a resilient tampon includes the steps of providing binder fibers having an average fiber length of at least 35 mm; combining the binder fibers to form a loose fleece; activating the binder fibers; and compressing a portion of the loose fleece into a pledget after activating the binder fibers. A resilient tampon includes 70 wt % to 95 wt % absorbent fibers and 5 wt % to 30 wt % bicomponent binder fibers. The binder fibers have an average fiber length greater than 35 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: David Martin Jackson, Clifford Jackson Ellis, Candace Dyan Krautkramer
  • Patent number: 8530722
    Abstract: A disposable diaper is disclosed. The diaper includes a colored topsheet. The topsheet has a basis weight of from 12 to 18 gsm and comprises a plurality of bonded points. Each of the bonded points has a surface area of from 2 mm2 to 5 mm2 and the cumulated surface area of the plurality of bonded points is from 10 to 25% of the total surface area of the topsheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Thorsten Rinnert, Manuela Schneider, Nicole Anja Reichardt, Bettina Kruse
  • Patent number: 8524355
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article includes an absorbent mat provided between a liquid-permeable top sheet and a liquid-impermeable back sheet. Herein, the absorbent mat includes a sheet-like water-absorbent layer that contains a water-absorbent resin powder but that does not contain pulp fibers, and a fiber assembly layer that contains both the water-absorbent resin powder and the pulp fibers, the sheet-like water-absorbent layer and the fiber assembly layer arranged sequentially in this order from a top sheet side. The fiber assembly layer includes a fiber presence region in which both the pulp fibers and the water-absorbent resin powder are present, and a fiber absence region in which both the pulp fibers and the water-absorbent resin powder are absent, the fiber presence region and the fiber absence region formed to be adjacent with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Livedo Corporation
    Inventor: Kenji Nakaoka
  • Publication number: 20130226119
    Abstract: An absorbent article is formed by interposing superabsorbent polymer particles between overlapping two sheets. The pad-shaped absorbent article is composed of superabsorbent polymer particles bonded to the sheet with a hot melt adhesive, absorbing areas where the sheets are not bonded and sealing areas where the sheets are bonded together and surrounding the absorbing areas. Opposed two adjacent bonding areas of the absorbing areas have the sealing areas in between and facing edges which has the sealing areas in between. One of the facing edges is defined by a wavy line having crest and trough portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: UNICHARM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kunihiko Katsuragawa, Kenichi Sasayama, Makoto Ichikawa
  • Publication number: 20130218114
    Abstract: Absorbent articles comprising a low cold flow construction adhesive suitable for joining at least two absorbent article components together, wherein the adhesive comprises an ethylene-based polyolefin resin and a crystallization enhancer, wherein the adhesive is maintained at a temperature from about 100° C. to about 230° C. before application, and wherein the absorbent articles have an in-bag compression opening force of less than about 0.75N. Also, a method for assembling such articles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: The Procter & Gamble Company
  • Publication number: 20130218115
    Abstract: An absorbent article having a pad configuration, including superabsorbent polymer particles. Superabsorbent polymer particles are interposed between opposed surfaces of first and second layers overlapping with each other to form an absorbent article. The article includes an absorbing region and a sealing region. In the absorbing region, the superabsorbent polymer particles are bonded to the second layer with a hot melt adhesive. In the sealing region, the first layer and the second layer are joined to each other to surround the absorbing region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: UNICHARM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kunihiko Katsuragawa, Kenichi Sasayama, Makoto Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 8502012
    Abstract: An absorbent layer containing water-absorbing polymeric particles that are surface-treated and that are immobilized by a matrix, formed from a thermoplastic adhesive component, including a thermoplastic polymers and a specific plasticizer, and being free of low weight average molecular weight (e.g. below 1000, or below 2000 or even below 3000 g/mole) tackifiers and plasticizers. The absorbent articles may for example be adult incontinence articles, infant (e.g. baby, toddler) diapers, including training pants, and feminine hygiene articles, such as sanitary napkins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Axel Meyer, Robin McKiernan, Jean-Philippe Autran, Gabriele Stiehl
  • Publication number: 20130172841
    Abstract: Disclosed is a disposable pants-type wearing article improved to prevent panels joined to one another from being peeled off from each other. A disposable pants-type wearing article includes a front panel 7, a rear panel 8 and a intermediate panel 6 joined to respective outer surfaces of these two panels 7, 8. Opposite lateral portions 34 of the intermediate panel 6 are formed by joining a pair of sheets together with a second hot melt adhesive 62. Zones coated with the second hot melt adhesive 62 include high density coated zones 72 formed by relatively large application quantity per 1 m2 and low density coated zones 71 formed by relatively small application quantity per 1 m2. Opposite end regions 36, 37 of the intermediate panel 6 joined to the front panel 7 and the rear panel 8 are at least partially formed with the high density coated zones 72.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: UNICHARM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Makoto Ichikawa, Kenichi Sasayama, Hiroki Yamamoto, Kazuo Ukegawa, Akihide Ninomiya
  • Patent number: 8430856
    Abstract: Absorbent articles comprising a low cold flow construction adhesive suitable for joining at least two absorbent article components together, wherein the adhesive comprises an ethylene-based polyolefin resin and certain crystallization enhancers, and wherein the absorbent articles have an in-bag compression opening force of less than about 0.75N. Also, a method for assembling such articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Shunketsu Sue, Ebrahim Rezai
  • Patent number: 8426669
    Abstract: An absorbent article comprises a signal composite comprising a carrier substrate layer, a first stimulation layer, a second stimulation layer, a first thermoplastic adhesive layer and a second thermoplastic adhesive layer. The carrier substrate layer is disposed as a bottom layer of the signal composite. The first stimulation layer comprises a first stimulation material and is disposed above and adjacent to the carrier substrate layer. The second stimulation layer comprises a second stimulation material and is disposed above and adjacent to the first stimulation layer to provide the body-facing surface of the signal composite. The first thermoplastic adhesive layer is liquid permeable or water-soluble and is disposed between and adjacent to the carrier substrate layer and the first stimulation layer. The second thermoplastic adhesive layer is liquid permeable or water-soluble and is disposed between the first stimulation layer and the second stimulation layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide Inc.
    Inventors: Peiguang Zhou, Andrew Mark Long, Dave Allen Soerens, Kaiyuan Yang, Davis-Dang Hoang Nhan, Jun G. Zhang
  • Publication number: 20130066290
    Abstract: A bodily fluid absorbent structure adapted to be stably secured in a state in which a liquid-absorbent core is wrapped with a core wrapping sheet and ensuring a high workability for a process of manufacturing the bodily fluid absorbent structure. A bodily fluid absorbent structure has a first surface and a second surface wherein, on the side of the first surface, a core wrapping sheet and a liquid-absorbent core are bonded to each other by the intermediary of a bond region defined by hot melt adhesive intermittently applied to substantially entire opposite surfaces of the core wrapping sheet and the liquid-absorbent core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: UNICHARM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yusuke Kawakami, Hitomi Nakao
  • Publication number: 20130060215
    Abstract: A hot melt adhesive composition includes at least a semi-crystalline copolymer of propylene and a polyethylene wax having a Brookfield viscosity of about 20 cP to 500 cP at 140° C., a density of about 0.95 g/cm3 to 0.99 g/cm3 between 23° C. and 25° C., and a Mettler drop point of about 110° C. to 135° C., wherein the composition is characterized by a effective set time of about 0.1 second to 5 seconds. Articles including the composition and methods of making articles including the composition are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: ADHERENT LABORATORIES, INC.
    Inventors: Keith C. Knutson, Thomas H. Quinn, William L. Bunnelle
  • Patent number: 8388594
    Abstract: A stretchable laminate, a process of making a stretchable laminate and a disposable absorbent article that includes a stretchable laminate are disclosed. The stretchable laminate includes a nonwoven web and a web of elastomeric material. The nonwoven web includes three layers of spunbond fibers and two layers of meltblown fibers. The side of the nonwoven web that includes two layers of spunbond fibers is attached to the elastomeric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Robert Haines Turner, Donald Zgoda, Walter Douglas Daniels, Jim Thomas Bader, Erika Fabiola Galvis
  • Patent number: 8383877
    Abstract: An absorbent composite includes a water-insoluble fibrous matrix, a superabsorbent polymer composition that has an initial absorbent capacity of at least about 5 grams of saline per gram of superabsorbent polymer composition; and a first triggering mechanism having a first release time of between about 5 and 60 minutes, where the superabsorbent polymer composition has a second absorbent capacity that is at least about 25 % greater than the first absorbent capacity as measured by the mCRC Test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Arvinder P. Singh Kainth, Richard N. Dodge, II, David L. Zenker
  • Publication number: 20130006205
    Abstract: An absorbent structure comprising absorbent polymer particles supported by a substrate layer and immobilized on this substrate layer by a thermoplastic adhesive material and further comprising a component sorbing oily substances that may migrate from the thermoplastic adhesive material is disclosed. The absorbent structure can be suitably incorporated in a disposable absorbent article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Robin Lynn McKiernan, Axel Meyer, Gabriele Stiehl, Carolyn Ann Spitzmueller
  • Publication number: 20120323195
    Abstract: An absorbent article such as disposable diaper, training pant, and adult incontinence undergarment comprising superabsorbent polymer particles able to absorb and contain body exudates having improved absorption properties and, therefore, reduce leakage, especially at the first gush, i.e. when the article starts to be wetted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventors: Bruno Johannes Ehrnsperger, Marc Jennewein, Marion Michnacs, Andrea Peri, Maike Thomann
  • Publication number: 20120316529
    Abstract: Absorbent cores for disposable absorbent articles are provided. The absorbent cores each comprise at least two absorbent structures comprising a substrate layer and an absorbent layer, of which one absorbent structure comprises channels and one is free of channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventors: Carsten Heinrich Kreuzer, Rodrigo Rosati, Blanca Arizti, Hans Adolf Jackels, Ernesto G. Bianchi, Donald Carroll Roe
  • Publication number: 20120316527
    Abstract: Absorbent structures for diapers are provided, comprising, immobilized onto a supporting sheet, an absorbent layer with absorbent material containing superabsorbent polymer particles and therein, in the front region, a first and a second substantially longitudinal channel, each being free of said superabsorbent polymeric particles, for improved fit and/or performance throughout the use thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Rodrigo Rosati, Carsten Heinrich Kreuzer, Hans Adolf Jackels, Blanca Arizti, Ernesto G. Bianchi, Donald Carroll Roe
  • Publication number: 20120316526
    Abstract: Absorbent structure (13)s for absorbent articles are provided, comprising an absorbent layer (17) with absorbent material (50) containing superabsorbent polymer particles supported by a supporting sheet (16), and having first and a second substantially longitudinal channel (26) that are free of said superabsorbent polymeric particles, and that comprises one or more adhesive material to immobilize said absorbent material (50). The channels can provide improved fit and/or liquid acquisition/transportation, and/or improved performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Rodrigo Rosati, Carsten Heinrich KREUZER, Hans Adolf JACKELS, Blanca ARIZTI, Ernesto G. BIANCHI, Donald Carroll ROE
  • Publication number: 20120316530
    Abstract: An absorbent core for disposable absorbent articles comprising absorbent material having a basis weight that varies across the absorbent core is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Peter Armstrong-Ostle, Harald Hundorf, Brigit Wirtz, Torsten Frings, Bruno Johannes Ehrnsperger, Maike Thomann
  • Publication number: 20120316531
    Abstract: Absorbent core for disposable absorbent articles, particularly for the absorption of menses or blood.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventors: Giovanni Carlucci, Maurizio Tamburro, Alessandro Gagliardini, Evelina Toro, Pancrazio Veronese
  • Publication number: 20120316528
    Abstract: Disposable absorbent diapers are provided with improved comfort, fit and liquid transportation. The absorbent core of the disposable absorbent diapers includes at least one absorbent structure comprising a substrate layer and an absorbent layer with channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventors: Carsten Heinrich Kreuzer, Rodrigo Rosati, Blanca Arizti, Hans Adolf Jackels, Ernesto G. Bianchi, Donald Carroll Roe
  • Patent number: 8329978
    Abstract: An absorbent product has a top sheet, an absorbent core and a back sheet. The absorbent core includes 40% by weight or more of high absorbent resin powder and it is possible to slim down the absorbent core while keeping a sufficient amount of absorption to thereby achieve slimming down of the absorbent product. A top sheet lower part contacting the high absorbent resin powder in the absorbent core includes hydrophilic fibers having water retention characteristics, and moisture is temporarily retained in the top sheet lower part before reaching the absorbent core and rapidly disperses in a range facing the absorbent core of the top sheet lower part. As a result, it is possible to reliably absorb the moisture of excrement in the absorbent core and to simplify a structure of the absorbent product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Livedo Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichi Uchimoto, Yasuji Yasumitsu
  • Patent number: 8319004
    Abstract: An aid is usable with a wearer's garment, the aid including a structural layer having a skin-facing side, wherein the structural layer is adapted to be positioned within the garment such that the skin-facing side is in at least partial skin contact with the wearer; and a thermal grill disposed on the structural layer. Also, an absorbent article delivers discomfort without causing physiological damage, the article including a bodyside liner; a plurality of warm portions disposed on the bodyside liner; and a plurality of cool portions disposed on the bodyside liner, wherein the warm portions and cool portions are disposed in an alternating pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric D. Johnson, Jason C. Cohen
  • Patent number: 8319005
    Abstract: An absorbent article, preferably a disposable absorbent article such as a diaper, is disclosed that provides an improved immobilization of absorbent polymer material when the article is fully or partially urine loaded. This absorbent core is useful for providing an absorbent article of increased wearing comfort. Specifically disclosed is an absorbent core useful for an absorbent article comprising a substrate layer and absorbent material, the absorbent material comprising an absorbent polymer material, the absorbent material optionally comprising absorbent fibrous material, the absorbent fibrous material not representing more than 20% of the weight of absorbent polymer material, wherein the absorbent material is immobilized when wet such that the absorbent core achieves a wet immobilization of more than 50%, preferably of more than 60%, 70%, 80% or 90% according to the Wet Immobilization Test described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Uwe Jurgen Becker, Ludwig Busam, Bruno Johannes Ehrnsperger, Torsten Lindner, Siegfried Link, Volker Maier, Sanaul Kabir Siddiquee, Gabriele Stiehl, Thomas Tombuelt
  • Patent number: 8304598
    Abstract: Garments may include signaling devices. The signaling device may be configured to indicate to a user that a body fluid is present in the garment. The garment may include a chassis including an outer cover having an interior surface and an exterior surface. The chassis may include a crotch region positioned in between a front region and a back region. The garment may also include a signaling device including at least one first terminal and at least one second terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard D. Mosbacher, Christopher P. Olson, Robert Schlaupitz, Andrew M. Long
  • Patent number: 8293969
    Abstract: An absorbent product has a top sheet, an absorbent core and a back sheet. The absorbent core includes 40% by weight or more of high absorbent resin powder and it is possible to slim down the absorbent core while keeping a sufficient amount of absorption to thereby achieve slimming down of the absorbent product. A top sheet lower part contacting the high absorbent resin powder in the absorbent core includes hydrophilic fibers having water retention characteristics, and moisture is temporarily retained in the top sheet lower part before reaching the absorbent core and rapidly disperses in a range facing the absorbent core of the top sheet lower part. As a result, it is possible to reliably absorb the moisture of excrement in the absorbent core and to simplify a structure of the absorbent product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Livedo Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichi Uchimoto, Yasuji Yasumitsu
  • Patent number: 8282616
    Abstract: A pant-type absorbent article including a chassis structure including a front panel having a front end edge and first and second side edges, a back panel having a back end edge and first and second side edges and a crotch panel arranged between the front and back panels at least one of said front and back panels including an elastic nonwoven/film laminate, and a core being integrated with the chassis structure, the first and second side edges of the front panel being joined by side seams to the corresponding first and second side edges of the back panel. Each side seam is formed at least in part in a weldable connecting member, the connecting member including a first part being secured to a side edge on the front panel and a second part being secured to a corresponding side edge on the back panel, said first and second parts of said connecting member being joined by thermowelding to form said side seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Marcus Lehto, Lars Melin
  • Publication number: 20120238978
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article having a fluid permeable structured fibrous web with thermally stable, fibers that are thermally bonded together using heat provides a base substrate that is thermally stable. The base substrate is textured via mechanical treatment producing a structured fibrous web having an aged caliper of less than 1.5 mm, a vertical wicking height of at least 5 mm, a permeability of at least 10,000 cm2/(Pa·s) and a specific volume of at least 5 cm3/g. The structured fibrous web provides optimal fluid wicking and fluid acquisition capabilities and is directed toward fluid management applications. The structured fibrous web has a bio-based content of about 10% to about 100% using ASTM D6866-10, method B.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventors: Paul Thomas Weisman, Eric Patton Weinberger, Eric Bryan Bond, Dimitris Ioannis Collias, Patti Jean Kellett
  • Publication number: 20120238979
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article having a structured fibrous web, with thermally stable, hydrophilic fibers that are thermally bonded together using heat provides a base substrate that is thermally stable. The base substrate is textured via mechanical treatment to increase its thickness and optionally modified via over bonding to improve its mechanical and fluid handling properties. The structured fibrous web provides optimal fluid wicking and fluid acquisition capabilities and is directed toward fluid management applications. The structured fibrous web has a bio-based content of about 10% to about 100% using ASTM D6866-10, method B.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventors: Paul Thomas Weisman, Eric Patton Weinberger, Eric Bryan Bond, Dimitris Ioannis Collias, Patti Jean Kellett
  • Patent number: 8231593
    Abstract: An absorbent article that has a thin, conformable absorbent core where the core has at least two layers, both of which are substantially free of cellulosic fibers. The absorbent article has a Circular Bend Flexibility of less than about 15 N and an acquisition rate on the third gush of less than about 170 seconds and/or on the fourth gush of less than about 190 seconds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Yasue Nakagawa, Holger Beruda
  • Patent number: 8231595
    Abstract: A stretchable laminate, a process of making a stretchable laminate and a disposable absorbent article that includes a stretchable laminate are disclosed. The stretchable laminate includes a nonwoven web and a web of elastomeric material. The nonwoven web includes two layers of spunbond multi-component fibers and one layer of meltblown fibers. The multi-component fibers include a first polymer and a second polymer having different melt temperatures. Thermo-bonds are formed at least partially through the nonwoven web. Some of the thermo-bonds can be elongated in the cross-machine direction of the nonwoven web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Robert Haines Turner, Donald Zgoda, Walter Douglas Daniels, Jim Thomas Bader, Erika Fabiola Galvis
  • Patent number: 8226626
    Abstract: A stretchable laminate, a process of making a stretchable laminate and a disposable absorbent article that includes a stretchable laminate are disclosed. The stretchable laminate includes a nonwoven web and a web of elastomeric material. The nonwoven web includes two layers of spunbond fibers and one layer of meltblown fibers. Some of the meltblown fibers are present in the interstices formed by the spunbond fibers of one of the layers. As a result of activation of the stretchable laminate, the nonwoven web has a Residual Maximum Peak Force of at least 0.3 N/cm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Robert Haines Turner, Donald Zgoda, Walter Douglas Daniels, Jim Thomas Bader, Erika Fabiola Galvis
  • Patent number: 8226625
    Abstract: A stretchable laminate, a process of making a stretchable laminate and a disposable absorbent article that includes a stretchable laminate are disclosed. The stretchable laminate includes a nonwoven web and a web of elastomeric material. The nonwoven web includes two layers of spunbond fibers and one layer of meltblown fibers. Some of the meltblown fibers are present in the interstices formed by the spunbond fibers of one of the layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Robert Haines Turner, Donald Zgoda, Walter Douglas Daniels, Jim Thomas Bader, Erika Fabiola Galvis
  • Publication number: 20120179125
    Abstract: An absorbent article having improved softness signals is disclosed. The article may include a topsheet or a backsheet including a nonwoven web. The web may have a basis weight of 30 gsm or less, may be formed of spunlaid fibers including polyolefin and up to 5 percent by weight TiO2, and may be impressed with a pattern of bond impressions to a bond area percentage of at least 10 percent forming a pattern of bonded regions and raised regions. The web may have opacity of 42 or greater; have an average height difference between bonded regions and raised regions of at least 280 ?m; be hydroengorged; and/or have a cross-direction tensile strength of 350 gf/cm. A nonwoven web manufactured to have a suitable combination of such features exhibits an enhanced appearance of softness, soft tactile feel and satisfactory mechanical attributes, while being relatively cost effective.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventors: Kevin Ronald Kanya, W. Andrew Coslett, John C. Parsons
  • Publication number: 20120179126
    Abstract: An absorbent article having improved softness signals is disclosed. The article may include a topsheet or a backsheet including a nonwoven web. The web may have a basis weight of 30 gsm or less, may be formed of spunlaid fibers including polyolefin and up to 5 percent by weight TiO2, and may be impressed with a pattern of bond impressions to a bond area percentage of at least 10 percent forming a pattern of bonded regions and raised regions. The web may have opacity of 42 or greater; have an average height difference between bonded regions and raised regions of at least 280 ?m; be hydroengorged; and/or have a cross-direction tensile strength of 350 gf/cm. A nonwoven web manufactured to have a suitable combination of such features exhibits an enhanced appearance of softness, soft tactile feel and satisfactory mechanical attributes, while being relatively cost effective.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventors: Kevin Ronald Kanya, W. Andrew Coslett, John C. Parsons