Thermoplastic Patents (Class 604/370)
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120296301
    Abstract: Disposable absorbent article comprising an interior design signal indicating absorbency and an absorbent core including first and second absorbent layers, the first absorbent layer including a first substrate and the second absorbent layer including a second substrate, the first and second absorbent layers further including absorbent particulate polymer material deposited on the first and second substrates and thermoplastic material covering the absorbent particulate polymer material on the respective first and second substrates, the first and second absorbent layers combined together such that at least a portion of the thermoplastic material of the first absorbent layer contacts at least a portion of the thermoplastic material of the second absorbent layer, the absorbent particulate polymer material is disposed between the first and second substrates in an absorbent particulate polymer material area, and the absorbent particulate polymer material is substantially continuously distributed across the absorbent
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: Kathleen Marie Lawson, Mark John Ciesko, Christofer Fuchs, Alizha Victoria Rice, Harald Hermann Hundorf, Horst Blessing, Peter Dziezok, Mattias Schmidt, Holger Beruda, Bruno Johannes Ehrnsperger
  • Patent number: 8304599
    Abstract: A method of forming a film resistant to blocking including the steps of providing a polymeric film having a first and second surface; applying the anti-blocking agent in a fluid or molten state to at least the first surface of the polymeric film; and gathering the treated film. The anti-blocking agent may be substantially acrylic free.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Arman Ashraf, Daniel Steven Wheeler
  • Patent number: 8299317
    Abstract: An absorbent article includes a liner and an outercover in facing relation and at least one conductive element located between the liner and the outercover. At least a portion of the conductive element is exposed through the liner and/or the outercover to define at least one external contact point. The external contact point defines a perimeter and the liner and/or the outercover is sealed about the perimeter. The contact points provide external access to the internal conductive elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Darold Dean Tippey, Andrew Mark Long, Thomas Michael Ales, III, Thomas David Ehlert
  • Patent number: 8277709
    Abstract: A process is described for producing thin crimped tows from LOY, POY, or FOY filaments in a total linear density from 2 ktex to 9 ktex by filament yarns being withdrawn from creeled bobbins, folded and provided with a processing finish, then drawn or tension-uniformized and thereafter heated and stufferbox crimped. The process can be carried out in-line with numerous further processing operations. The tows are particularly useful for producing textile hygiene articles such as diapers, sanitary napkins, inserts and incontinence guards and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Trevira GmbH
    Inventors: Jörg Dahringer, Michael Klanert, Bernd A. Blech, Stefan Seibel, Hartmann Huth
  • Publication number: 20120238981
    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: 20120238982
    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: 8263820
    Abstract: Absorbent core for disposable absorbent articles. The core comprises a substrate layer and a non uniform layer of absorbent material comprising an absorbent polymer material and a first and second surface. The non uniform layer of absorbent material comprises a layer of a thermoplastic material comprising a layer of thermoplastic material first surface and a layer of thermoplastic material second surface. The non uniform layer of absorbent material second surface is in at least partial contact with the substrate layer. Portions of the layer of thermoplastic material second surface are in direct contact with the substrate layer first surface and portions of the layer of thermoplastic material second surface are in direct contact with the non uniform layer of absorbent material first surface. The substrate layer comprises a fibrous material substantially free of cellulose fibers, the substrate layer having a basis weight from about 25 g/m2 to 120 g/m2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: The Procter and Gamble Company
    Inventors: Giovanni Carlucci, Maurizio Tamburro, Alessandro Gagliardini, Evelina Toro, Pancrazio Veronese
  • Publication number: 20120226252
    Abstract: Provided is a disposable bodily fluid absorbent wearing article including a liquid-pervious topsheet formed with ridges and troughs extending in parallel to each other, improved to attach a leakage-barrier thereto. A bodily fluid absorbent core material assembly is interposed between a liquid-pervious topsheet and a liquid-impervious backsheet. The topsheet is formed on its outer surface with ridges and troughs extending in parallel to each other in a front-back direction. Opposite outer edges in a width direction of the core material assembly are formed with leakage-barriers, respectively. Opposite lateral regions of the topsheet extending outward at least partially beyond opposite side edges of the core material assembly are compressed so as to lower a height of the ridges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: Unicharm Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiya Yago, Naoto Ohashi, Kei Wakasugi, Yasuhiro Yamanaka
  • Publication number: 20120209233
    Abstract: A liquid management layer constructed from large diameter uncrimped fibers in the form of a spunbond nonwoven web is described. Embodiments of the liquid management layer can include a plurality of thermoplastic fibers in the form of a spunbond nonwoven web where the plurality of thermoplastic fibers are randomly oriented and uncrimped, where the liquid management layer has a maximum void volume of 25 cc/g and a web density of at least 0.05 g/cc, where the liquid management layer has a maximum thickness of 1.5 mm, a basis weight of at least 30 g/m2 and a rewet value of less than 0.4 g according to test method WSP 70.8, and where the liquid management layer has an average fiber diameter of at least 40 microns based on the number of thermoplastic fibers in the liquid management layer and where less than 10% by count of the plurality of thermoplastic fibers in the liquid management layer have an absolute fiber diameter less than 30 microns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: POLYMER GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: John F. Steffen, Pierre D. Grondin, Ralph A. Moody, III
  • Patent number: 8236876
    Abstract: The invention relates to absorptive, crosslinked polymeric compositions that are based on partly neutralized, monoethylenically unsaturated monomer carrying acid groups wherein the absorptive, crosslinked polymeric composition further includes an antioxidant and is color stable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Evonik Stockhausen, LLC
    Inventors: Iqbal Ahmed, Mirko Walden, Brian King, Scott J. Smith, Harald Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8237011
    Abstract: A composition of matter includes a flexible substrate and a coating disposed on the substrate. The coating comprises about 10-60 wt-% of a waxy compound and about 90-40 wt-% of a diluent. The coating forms a stable liquid mixture at a temperature between about 35° C. and about 100° C., has a liquefaction temperature of at least about 30° C., and has a contact angle with a flat surface of the substrate of less than about 35° when measured at a temperature of 60° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: McNeil—PPC, Inc.
    Inventors: Linda M. Pierson, Susan K. Brown-Skrobot, Ching-Yun M. Yang
  • Publication number: 20120197225
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for modifying the physical characteristics of a web which involves passing the web between at least one pair of interengaged rolls to incrementally stretch the web, and then withdrawing the incrementally stretched web from between the rolls under tension. A web modified according to the disclosed method has desirable breathability and liquid impermeability, as well as extensibility and a soft, cloth-like textured surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: Barry Jay Anderson, Todd Leon Mansfield, George Christopher Dobrin, Suna Polat
  • Patent number: 8207070
    Abstract: Polyolefin woven and nonwoven fibers, filaments and fabrics made therefrom which comprise a melt blend which comprises (a) a polyolefin; and (b) at least one compound of the formula (I) R1—(hydrophilic oligomer)??(I) wherein R1 is a straight or branched chain alkyl of 22 to 40 carbon atoms and the hydrophilic oligomer is a homo- or co-oligomer consisting of monomer units derived from monomers selected from the group consisting of ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, epichlorhydrin, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, ethylene imine, caprolactone, vinyl alcohol and vinyl acetate; and wherein the hydrophilic oligomer consists of between 2 and 10 monomer units, exhibit excellent durable wettability. The fabrics are useful in disposable diapers, training pants, feminine napkins, tampons, incontinence care products, wet and dry wipes, wound dressings, surgical capes, filter medial, battery separators and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Techmer PM, LLC
    Inventors: Sheng-Shing Li, Andrew J. Leggio, George H. Menzie, David Devore, John J. McNamara, TaHau Yu, Douglas W. Horsey
  • Patent number: 8188333
    Abstract: A plastic sheet having cloth-like appearance and thermoplasticity and provided with melt patterns in the sheet face, the melt patterns formed in a predetermined arrangement under an elongating condition of the plastic sheet so as to form convex-concave wrinkles in regions between neighboring melt patterns in the plastic sheet under an un-elongating condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Daio Paper Corporation
    Inventors: Masaki Matsuoka, Masaya Fujita
  • Patent number: 8187240
    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: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    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: 8183429
    Abstract: A composite sheet which has a low basis weight, can be prevented from breaking during the production of an absorbent article or in use, and is good to the touch. The composite sheet is a sheet formed by bonding a stretch nonwoven fabric to a nonstretch nonwoven fabric with an adhesive. The stretch nonwoven fabric is bonded in a stretched state to the nonstretch sheet. The stretch nonwoven fabric has, on each side, strip-form sparse regions and strip-form dense regions alternately formed. The sparse regions and dense regions on one side are alternately formed in a second direction so that the dense regions on this side do not overlie the dense regions on the other side. The composite sheet has a maximum breaking strength of 20 N/50 mm or higher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Tatsuya Hashimoto, Hirotomo Mukai, Satoshi Mitsuno, Tomoko Tsuji, Kenichi Akaki
  • Publication number: 20120109090
    Abstract: An absorbent hygiene article that comprises a barrier component, which comprises a nonwoven barrier sheet, comprising at least a spunbond nonwoven web or layer with spunbond fibers and/or a meltblown nonwoven web or layer with meltblown fibers, either or both or all layers comprising fibers comprising thermoplastic polymers and an organic additive component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Nicole Anja Reichardt, Christian Springob, Brian Udengaard, Lone Kondrup Hummelgaard
  • Patent number: 8158849
    Abstract: A method of forming a film resistant to blocking including the steps of providing a polymeric film having a first and second surface, applying an anti-blocking agent in a fluid or molten state to at least the first surface of the polymeric film so as to form a treated film, gathering the treated film, and separating the gathered film so as to result in the detachment of at least some portion of the gathered film that was in contact with itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Arman Ashraf, Daniel Steven Wheeler
  • Publication number: 20120083757
    Abstract: A pants-type disposable diaper comprising: a pants-shaped outer member having a front part, a back part, and a crotch part positioned between the front part and the back part, and having a waist opening and a pair of leg openings formed by joining the front part and the back part; and an absorbent main body disposed on an inner surface of the pants-shaped outer member at the crotch part, and comprising a top sheet, a back sheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet; wherein the pants-shaped outer member comprises an inner sheet and an outer sheet, and the inner sheet and the outer sheet are made of a spunbonded nonwoven fabric produced by melting a polymer composition containing polyolefin and/or polyester and a surfactant. According to the pants-type disposable diaper on the above, the pants-shaped outer member is excellent in water resistance and softness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventors: Yuki Takahashi, Kenji Nakaoka
  • Publication number: 20120035564
    Abstract: A pull-on article comprises a chassis including a first waist region, a second waist region and a crotch region between the first and second waist regions. The article is shaped into a pull-on having a waist and a pair of leg openings by weld-bonding side edges of the first and second waist regions. The waist and leg openings are respectively provided along respective edged defining the waist and leg openings with waist and leg elastic members which are respectively formed into a tape shape having a relatively width dimension. The first and second waist regions, and the leg and waist elastic members are respectively formed of a fibrous non-woven fabric including at least thermoplastic fibers wherein the leg and waist elastic members include at least elastically extendible fibers as the thermoplastic fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 25, 2009
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: UNI-CHARM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshifumi Otsubo, Tatsuya Hashimoto, Shinichi Ishikawa, Jun Okuda
  • Patent number: 8105301
    Abstract: Disclosed is a unitary absorbent structure including a fluid acquisition stratum; a fluid distribution stratum; and a fluid storage stratum between the acquisition stratum and the distribution stratum. Each of the acquisition, distribution, and storage strata are in fluid communication with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Buckeye Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel Charles Baer, Shiu-Kang Laurence Li, John P. Erspamer, James Richard Gross
  • Publication number: 20110319846
    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: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Thorsten Rinnert, Manuela Schneider, Nicole Anja Reichardt, Bettina Kruse
  • Patent number: 8079995
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite fastener material, the composite fastener material, and products derived from the composite fastener material. The method includes providing two longitudinally continuous sheets of material, positioning the two sheets to form a longitudinal, continuous interface between the two sheets, joining the two sheets by introducing one or more molten plastic resins in at least one lane, one lane of the resin extending across the interface under conditions that cause the resin to bond to the two sheets, molding an array of stems from at least one lane of the resin, the stems extending from an exposed surface of the composite material, and forming engageable heads on the stems to form fastener elements, wherein the two sheets differ from one another by one of material composition, thickness, texture, stretchability, breathability, and compressability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventors: Ernesto S. Tachauer, Wallace L. Kurtz, Jr., Brian J. Vanbenschoten, Joseph E. Pierce, Arthur E. Garavaglia, Scott M. Filion, William P. Clune, Christopher M. Gallant, Nadezhda Efremova
  • Patent number: 8071222
    Abstract: Polymeric particles capable of absorbing blood and/or body fluids, the polymeric particles being coated with at least one surfactant and with at least one solvent, are produced and used for absorbing blood and/or body fluids, especially in hygiene articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Antje Ziemer, Bernhard Steinmetz, Michael de Marco, Monika Medelnick
  • Publication number: 20110295222
    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: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Uwe Jurgen Becker, Ludwig Busam, Bruno Johannes Ehrnsperger, Torsten Lindner, Siegfried Link, Volker Maier, Sanaul Kabir Siddiquee, Gabriele Stiehl, Thomas Tombuelt
  • Patent number: 8063118
    Abstract: The invention relates to absorptive, crosslinked polymeric compositions that are based on partly neutralized, monoethylenically unsaturated monomer carrying acid groups wherein the absorptive, crosslinked polymeric composition further includes an antioxidant and is color stable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Evonik Stockhausen, LLC
    Inventors: Iqbal Ahmed, Mirko Walden, Brian King, Scott J. Smith, Harald Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8034990
    Abstract: An absorbent article such as a diaper, panty diaper, panty liner, sanitary napkin or incontinence protection, wherein at least one part of this absorbent article has a pattern of at least one hydrophilic and at least one hydrophobic region wherein the at least one hydrophilic region and/or the at least one hydrophobic region are present as a coating on the part of the absorbent article. The coated part is preferably a liquid-permeable topsheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Carolyn Berland, Shabira Abbas
  • Publication number: 20110238025
    Abstract: This invention relates to absorbent materials useful in the manufacture of absorbent articles, in particular dressings for the advanced wound care market. The absorbent materials of the present invention are sulfonated polysaccharides, particularly water-insoluble cellulose alkyl sulfonates in which the cellulose is substituted by one type of alkyl sulfonate group. The invention also provides a process for the manufacture of such materials. The preferred cellulose alkyl sulfonate described herein is cellulose ethyl sulfonate. Reinforcing fibers and/or antimicrobial agents are optionally applied to the cellulose alkyl sulfonate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2009
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: Stephen Law
  • Patent number: 8017827
    Abstract: A substantially cellulose free absorbent core comprising absorbent polymer material having a saline flow conductivity greater than about 100×10?7 cm3·sec/g and a centrifuge retention capacity of greater than about 20 g/g. A disposable absorbent article is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Harald Hermann Hundorf, Holger Beruda, Horst Blessing, Peter Dziezok, Axel Krause, Mattias Schmidt, Lutz Stelzig
  • Publication number: 20110195214
    Abstract: A superabsorbent bi-component fiber, wherein component A is at least one thermoplastic polymer and component B is a compound selected from at least one thermoplastic base polymer and at least one superabsorbent polymer (SAP), and also a method for production thereof are described. The melting point of the thermoplastic contained in component A is at least 20° C. higher than the melting point of the thermoplastic contained in component B, the average grain size of the SAP is 0.5 to 10 ?m and the compound has an SAP-fraction of 0.5 to 40 wt %. The bi-component fiber can be used to produce superabsorbent textile fabrics which are used in particular in the field of hygiene and medicine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventors: Kay Bernhard, Jörg Dahringer, Michael Klanert, Werner Stefani
  • Publication number: 20110190721
    Abstract: A pant-type wearing article configured so that fasteners used to connect front and rear waist regions with each other can be engaged with and disengaged from each other in a repetitive manner. Of the front and rear waist regions, at least one waist region, for example, the front waist region is formed in its transversely opposite lateral zones with inelastic regions being neither elastically stretchable nor elastically contractible in a waistline direction. These inelastic regions are provided with first fastener members selected from the first fastener members and second fastener members. The front waist region is further formed inside the respective inelastic regions as viewed in the waistline direction with a plurality of film-like joints defined by integrated sheet members forming the lateral zones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventors: Akiyoshi Kinoshita, Yasuhiko Kenmochi
  • Patent number: 7982090
    Abstract: The invention relates to laminates, absorbent articles and production methods thereof. An absorbent article includes a liquid impervious backsheet having a first layer forming the wearer facing side of the backsheet, a second layer forming the garment facing side of the backsheet. The first layer has a wearer-facing surface and a garment facing surface and the garment facing surface includes at least first indicia present in the front half but not in the rear half of the backsheet backsheet. The backsheet includes a third layer on the front half of the backsheet and that covers partially but not fully the garment facing surface of the second layer and the first indicia. The second and the third layers are translucent in order for the first indicia to be visible through the second and third layers when looking at the absorbent article from the garment facing side of the backsheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Sofie Gilberte Snauwaert, Robert Rene Van Pappelendam, Markus Hermann Borbach
  • Publication number: 20110152809
    Abstract: An absorbent core comprising super absorbent polymer particles and a pattern of adhesive for use in disposable absorbent articles, for example for the absorption of menses or blood.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Giovanni Carlucci, Maurizio Tamburro, Evelina Sura Toro
  • Publication number: 20110144609
    Abstract: A stretched mechanical fastening web laminate having a thermoplastic web layer with two major surfaces is disclosed. One of the major surfaces bears a multitude of male fastening elements suitable for engagement with a corresponding female fastening material, and on its other major surface is a fibrous nonwoven web layer. The stretched mechanical fastening web laminate is stretched to provide a basis weight of less than 100 g/m2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Johann F. Petersen, Ralf G. Oertel, Ronald W. Ausen, Janet A. Venne
  • Patent number: 7935860
    Abstract: An absorbent article can have a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. In some aspects, at least one of the topsheet, backsheet, and absorbent core is stretchable. In other aspects, the absorbent core can comprise layers, at least one of which includes substantially the superabsorbent material only and at least one of which includes substantially fluff only. In some aspects, the article includes superabsorbent material having a surface additive that includes a surface crosslinking agent, a water-insoluble inorganic metal compound and a polymeric coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard N. Dodge, II, Tammy J. Nettekoven, Scott J. Smith, Stan McIntosh, David L. Bergman, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110092936
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a mixed fiber spun bonded nonwoven fabric which has excellent bulkiness, initial hydrophilicity, long-lasting hydrophilicity, flexibility, resistance to fluff, stretchability and touch and low stickiness, and is suitable for a surface sheet for absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, incontinence pads, disposable diapers and other absorbent articles. The mixed fiber spun-bonded nonwoven fabric comprises 90 to 10% by weight of a long fiber type thermoplastic resin (A) and 10 to 90% by weight of a long fiber type thermoplastic elastomer (B) wherein at least, the long fiber type thermoplastic resin (A) is hydrophilized. The present invention also provides a surface sheet and a second sheet for absorbent articles which sheets comprise the mixed fiber spun bonded nonwoven fabric and provides absorbent articles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventor: Naosuke Kunimoto
  • Publication number: 20110046593
    Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a disposable diaper including leak barriers improved in its function to prevent loose passage from infiltrating thereinto and eventually leaching out therethrough. A disposable diaper (1) is provided with leak barriers (21) attached to opposite side edges of a crotch region (6) so that these leak barriers (21) may raise themselves on an inner sheet (3). The leak barriers (21) are formed of a nonwoven fabric made of thermoplastic synthetic fibers having a fineness in a range of 0.5 to 6 dtex and have a specific volume in a range of 9 to 13 cm3/g and a thickness in a range of 0.35 to 0.75 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: UNI-CHARM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kei Wakasugi, Yoshitaka Mishima, Kyo Kikuchi
  • Publication number: 20110009841
    Abstract: The invention relates to absorptive, crosslinked polymeric compositions that are based on partly neutralized, monoethylenically unsaturated monomer carrying acid groups wherein the absorptive, crosslinked polymeric composition further includes an antioxidant and is color stable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventors: Iqbal Ahmed, Mirko Walden, Brian King, Scott J. Smith, Harald Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7867623
    Abstract: Polymeric particles capable of absorbing blood and/or body fluids, the polymeric particles being coated with at least one surfactant and with at least one solvent, are produced and used for absorbing blood and/or body fluids, especially in hygiene articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Inventors: Antje Ziemer, Bernhard Steinmetz, Michael Demarco, Monika Medelnick
  • Publication number: 20100324513
    Abstract: A pant-type absorbent article (55) includes a chassis structure, the chassis structure including a front panel (56), a back panel and a crotch panel (58) arranged between the front and back panels (56,57) and front and back waist panels (61a,61b) arranged at the front and back panels (56,57) respectively. At least one of the front and back panels (56,57) includes an activated three-layer elastic laminate (68) including a first fibrous nonwoven web and a second fibrous nonwoven web and an elastic film between the first and second fibrous nonwoven webs. At least one of the first and second fibrous nonwoven webs is a creped nonwoven web.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventor: Margareta Wennerbäck
  • Publication number: 20100305529
    Abstract: This disclosure provides for an absorbent article having an absorbent polymer material and a component comprising a hydrophilic surfactant-treated nonwoven material, and/or a wetness indicator. Various stabilizing components and methods are disclosed for stabilizing the surfactant-treated synthetic fibers in the nonwoven material so as to reduce surfactant loss during wetting, and enhance the performance of the absorbent article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: Gregory Ashton, Masaharu Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 7842020
    Abstract: A double diaper package includes adhesively attached, similarly sized inner and outer diapers. Each of the diapers has a liquid permeable skin contacting net and a liquid impermeable polymeric back sheet edge bonded to each other so as to surround and encase a super-absorber in a fibrous matrix. The inner diaper has an adhesive coated edge flap of the liquid impermeable sheet extending from the edge bond. This edge flap secures the outer diaper to the inner diaper, forming a double diaper package that is attached to the baby using waist-securing tabs connected to the inner diaper. When soiled, the inner diaper is pulled away by releasing the waist-securing tabs and the adhesive edge flap attachment. The fresh, clean, outer diaper is attached using the waist-securing tabs of the outer diaper. The inner soiled diaper is then discarded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: I Did It, Inc.
    Inventor: Marni Markell Hurwitz
  • Patent number: 7838721
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an absorbent composite for an absorbent article, and more particularly to an absorbent composite comprising fibrous material and superabsorbent material having a Column Absorbency Under Load (CAUL) above 10 g/g. Such an absorbent composite provides a superabsorbent material having superior AUL and permeability, thereby providing improved absorption and rewetting properties. An absorbent article that contains such a composite provides improved ability to absorb and retain fluids, thus preventing excessive rewetting and leakage and making the article more comfortable to wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Paragon Trade Brands, LLC
    Inventor: Dennis Chen
  • Patent number: 7833447
    Abstract: A process is described for producing thin crimped tows from LOY, POY, or FOY filaments in a total linear density from 2 ktex to 9 ktex by filament yarns being withdrawn from creeled bobbins, folded and provided with a processing finish, then drawn or tension-uniformized and thereafter heated and stufferbox crimped. The process can be carried out in-line with numerous further processing operations. The tows are particularly useful for producing textile hygiene articles such as diapers, sanitary napkins, inserts and incontinence guards and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Trevira GmbH
    Inventors: Jörg Dahringer, Michael Klanert, Bernd A. Blech, Stefan Seibel, Hartmut Huth
  • Patent number: 7806883
    Abstract: An absorbent article may comprise a topsheet; a backsheet joined with the topsheet; an absorbent core between the topsheet and backsheet; and an elastic element comprising a breathable stretch laminate. The breathable stretch laminate may comprise a first substrate; and an elastic member joined to the first substrate, wherein said elastic member comprises a polyurethane. The breathable stretch laminate may exhibit a MVTR greater than about 300 grams per square meter per 24 hours and a force relaxation of less than about 50% after about 10 hours at 100° F. and 50% elongation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Renae Dianna Fossum, Arman Ashraf
  • Publication number: 20100211037
    Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles, typically for feminine protection, including a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent element positioned between the tospheet and the backsheet, said absorbent element includes a fluid storage layer which a liquid absorbent thermoplastic composition. The absorbent thermoplastic composition is a polymeric base material having particles of water-insoluble water-swellable absorbent material dispersed therein. The liquid absorbent thermoplastic composition is configured in a plurality of unattached spaced apart zones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventors: Ivano Gagliardi, Paolo Veglio, Roberto D'Addario, Giovanni Carlucci, Marco Digiacomantonio
  • Publication number: 20100191207
    Abstract: The present invention aims to provide liquid-pervious nonwoven fabric allowing body fluids to be spot-permeated. A nonwoven fabric includes core-sheath type composite fiber of 100 to 30% by weight wherein a core component comprises high fusion point resin and a sheath component comprises a low fusion point resin. In a cut surface of the nonwoven fabric extending in parallel to a first direction, the composite fibers extend in the first direction with repetitive curvatures in a thickness direction of the nonwoven fabric. In a cut surface of the nonwoven fabric extending in a second direction, the composite fibers 2 extend in the thickness direction TD at an average fiber angle of 75° or less. The individual composite fibers intersect one another and fused together at respective intersection points by fusion of the low fusion point resin forming the sheath component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: UNI-CHARM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toru Oba, Satoshi Mizutani, Hideyuki Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 7750203
    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: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    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: 7744576
    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: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    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