Synthetic Resin Patents (Class 604/372)
  • Patent number: 6121509
    Abstract: Disclosed in the present application are absorbent materials useful in the containment of body fluids such as urine. In particular, the invention relates to absorbent polymer compositions having excellent absorbency performance properties in terms of absorbent capacity under a confining pressure of 0.7 psi, as well has excellent integrity in the swollen state. The invention further relates to absorbent members comprising these absorbent polymer compositions, and to absorbent articles comprising the absorbent members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Arman Ashraf, Bryn Hird
  • Patent number: 6120887
    Abstract: This invention relates to a non-contact coating method for producing a continuous coating and articles constructed therefrom. This invention further relates to a method for producing a textile material with a moisture-impermeable barrier layer and to a method for producing a moisture-absorbing article of hygiene which has such a barrier layer. This invention particularly relates to a textile material and hygienic disposable articles comprising a body fluid impermeable barrier layer which can be produced from a non-contact coating method. Preferably, the thermoplastic composition used for producing the barrier layer exhibits certain rheological characteristics and comprises at least one homogeneous linear or substantially linear interpolymer of ethylene with at least one C.sub.3 -C.sub.20 alpha-olefin, further characterized by each said interpolymer having a polydispersity less than about 2.5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: H. B. Fuller Licensing & Financing, Inc.
    Inventors: Harald Werenicz, Thomas Wittkopf, Gerhard Voss, Peter Remmers, Mark G. Katsaros, Robert G. Polance, II, Mark S. Kroll, Wendy Hoenig, Selim Yalvac, Kalyan Sehanobish, Teresa Karjala, Deepak Parikh, David C. Kelley
  • Patent number: 6117803
    Abstract: A diaper outer cover of a layered nonwoven material having an outer meltblown fiber layer of a meltblown material having an average basis weight in the range of about 1 g/m.sup.2 to about 7 g/m.sup.2 disposed on an inner nonwoven material layer, preferably a spunbond web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Tod Morman, Thomas Walter Odorzynski, Wanda Walton Jackson, Gregory Todd Sudduth
  • Patent number: 6087550
    Abstract: This invention relates to water responsive thermoplastic compositions and articles constructed thereof. This invention particularly relates to thermoplastic copolyester compositions useful for the manufacture of disposable articles such as disposable diapers and feminine napkins. More particularly, this invention relates to thermoplastic copolyester compositions that are useful as a raw material in the manufacture of nonwovens, barrier films or coatings and as well as for various improved hot melt adhesives compositions useful for incorporating hydrophilic features into disposable articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: H. B. Fuller Licensing & Financing, Inc.
    Inventors: Carolyn Anderson-Fischer, Mai Nguyen, Mark S. Hull, Mark G. Katsaros, Mark S. Kroll, Greg J. VanLith
  • Patent number: 6077588
    Abstract: One or more particulate active agents are fused to the surface of a substrate web by mixing the particulate agents with a particulate binder having a particle size not exceeding an average diameter of approximately 40 microns and coating the composite mixture onto the surface of the substrate. Thereafter, the coated substrate is heated to a temperature equal to or greater than the Vicat softening temperature of the binder and compressed within the nip of a pair of pressure rolls to achieve fusion. If desired, a top layer may be placed upon the coated composite prior to the compression step. Also disclosed are various products manufactured by the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Koslow Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Evan E. Koslow, Richard D. Kendrick, Gordon Spilkin
  • Patent number: 6071580
    Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent, extruded, open cell thermoplastic foam. The foam has an open cell content of about 50 percent or more and an average cell size of up to about 1.5 millimeters. The foam is capable of absorbing a liquid at about 50 percent or more of its theoretical volume capacity when absorbing a liquid. The foam preferably has an average equivalent pore size of about 5 micrometers or more. The foam preferably has a structure substantially of cell walls and cell struts. Further disclosed is a method for absorbing a liquid employing the foam by elongation of the extrudate of the extrusion die. Further disclosed is a method of enhancing absorbency of an open cell foam by applying a surfactant to an exposed surface of the foam such that it remains at the surface and does not infiltrate a substantial distance into the foam. Further disclosed is a meat tray and a diaper containing the foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: David G. Bland, William G. Stobby, Gene D. Rose, Steve W. Mork, Thomas L. Staples, Gordon D. McCann
  • Patent number: 6072101
    Abstract: Multicomponent superabsorbent gel particles are disclosed. The multicomponent particles comprise at least one acidic water-absorbing resin and at least one basic water-absorbing resin. Each particle contains microdomains of the acidic resin and/or the basic resin homogeneously dispersed throughout the particle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Amcol International Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas W. Beihoffer, Michael A. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 6068619
    Abstract: An absorbent member in an absorbent article comprises a absorbent polymer and cellulose fibers. The absorbent polymer has a centrifugal retentive capacity for physiological saline of 30 g/g or more and a permeation rate of physiological saline of 10 ml/minute or more. The cellulose fibers are crosslinked cellulose fibers obtainable by an intramolecular and/or intermolecular crosslinking of the cellulose fibers. Particularly, an absorbent member in a sanitary napkin has a centrifugal retentive capacity of pseudo-blood of 30 g or more and a permeation rate of pseudo-blood of 50 ml/minute or more. Also, a topsheet in the absorbent article comprises a liquid-permeable sheet, which comprises at least a layer in contact with a user's skin and a layer not in contact with the user's skin, the layers being overlaid and combined with each other into a unitary body. The layer in contact with the user's skin comprises a porous film of a thermoplastic resin or a nonwoven fabric of synthetic fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsugu Hamajima, Yasuhiro Yamamoto, Hironori Kawasaki, Minoru Nakanishi
  • Patent number: 6068620
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent garment comprising a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and backsheet is disclosed. The absorbent core is formed from at least one and preferably more than one laminate comprising three layers, including an upper layer, a lower layer and a central fibrous layer containing from about 50-95% by weight superabsorbent polymer. The upper and lower layers comprise tissue, airlaid fluff pulp or synthetic non-woven fibrous layers. The upper and lower layers together assist to maintain the integrity of the core during manufacture and in use, contain the superabsorbent polymer within the insult area of the garment and act to diffuse multiple insults so that gel blocking is minimized. The absorbent garment thus formed is very thin, lightweight and economical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Paragon Trade Brands
    Inventor: Harry J. Chmielewski
  • Patent number: 6060557
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a powdery, cross-linked polymer absorbing water and aqueous liquids formed of polymerized, unsaturated, acid groups-containing monomers that are present as salts neutralized to the extent of at least 50 mol-% and which optionally comprise further monomers which are copolymerizable with the acid groups-containing monomers as well as water-soluble polymers, the polymer being formed of acidic, polymerized monomers partially neutralized to the extent of 5-30 mol-%, relative to the acid groups-containing monomer portion. The polymer has a high retention, high liquid absorption under pressure, high swelling pressure, and a low content of soluble components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Stockhausen GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Kurt Dahmen, Reinmar Peppmoller
  • Patent number: 6051317
    Abstract: The invention relates to sheet-like absorbents for water and aqueous solutions, containing at a defined distributionA) at least one water-swellable synthetic and/or natural superabsorbent polymer, andB) at least one water-soluble synthetic and/or natural polymeras a matrix of sheet-like design wherein the superabsorbent component A) is integrated or fixed. The sheet-like absorbents have an increased absorptive capacity for water and aqueous liquids, particularly under load. They are manufactured by forming a sheet-like matrix from the water-soluble synthetic and/or natural polymers B) and providing same with said water-swellable synthetic and/or natural superabsorber A), e.g., by applying a solution of matrix B) on a surface, sprinkling same with component A), and drying the sheet-like structure thus obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Stockhausen GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Helmut Brueggemann, Kurt Dahmen, Dieter Lehwald, Roland Theilmann
  • Patent number: 6040251
    Abstract: The present invention includes novel barrier webs that have certain desirable physical qualities such as water resistance, increased durability, improved barrier qualities and the like. The present invention further comprises a barrier web comprising a web that has been treated with a curable shear thinned thixotropic polymer composition, the fabric being adapted to be substantially impermeable to liquids, permeable to gases and impermeable to microorganisms. The barrier webs of the present invention are either impermeable to all microorganisms or are impermeable to microorganisms of certain sizes. The present invention also includes fabrics that are capable of either selective binding certain microorganisms, particles or molecules depending upon what binding partners are incorporated into the polymer before application to the fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Nextec Applications Inc.
    Inventor: J. Michael Caldwell
  • Patent number: 6028240
    Abstract: Disclosed is a disposable protective garment adapted to stretchably conform to the body of a wearer, the garment being composed of at least one piece of a reversibly-necked material which is adapted to have recoverable stretch in at least one direction. The reversibly-necked material is necked by drawing and treated to impart memory of its necked configuration so it has recoverable stretch while also being breathable, liquid resistant and conformable. The disposable protective garment may contain a body portion, sleeve portions and/or leg portions. The stretch direction of reversibly-necked material may be parallel to the direction of motion of the body portion, sleeve portions and/or leg portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Joyce Ann Wessel, Mark Daniel Strickland
  • Patent number: 6010971
    Abstract: Disclosed is a thermoplastic composition that comprises a unreacted mixture of polyethylene oxide polymer and a multicarboxylic acid. One embodiment of such a thermoplastic composition is a mixture of polyethylene oxide polymer and adipic acid. The thermoplastic composition is capable of being extruded into fibers that may be formed into nonwoven structures that may be used in a disposable absorbent product intended for the absorption of fluids such as body fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Fu-Jya Tsai, Brian T. Etzel
  • Patent number: 5997989
    Abstract: A spunbonded elastic nonwoven fabric comprises a web of bonded thermoplastic filaments of a thermoplastic elastomer. The spunbonded fabrics of the invention are prepared in a slot draw spunbonding process operated at a rate of less than about 2000 meters per minute. The elastic fabric is used in absorbent products, such as disposable diapers, adult incontinence pads, sanitary napkins and the like, and as coverstock for absorbent personal care products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: BBA Nonwovens Simpsonville, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott L. Gessner, David D. Newkirk, Michael M. Thomason, James O. Reeder
  • Patent number: 5986166
    Abstract: An absorbent product comprising a liquid permeable surface sheet, a liquid nonpermeable back sheet and an absorbent layer located therebetween, wherein the absorbent layer comprises a water nonswellable synthetic fiber (a) and optionally cellulose fiber (b), and a water-absorbent resin (c), with the weight ratio of (a):(b) being (100 to 20):(0 to 80) and the percentage content of (c) based on the weight sum of (a), (b) and (c) is 25 to 75 weight %. The absorbent layer is treated with polyoxyalkylene-modified silicone surface active agent (d1) and/or a nonsilicone surface active agent having HLB of 8 to 14 (d2). Absorbent products of the present invention exhibit excellent shape retention in the moist state and good permeability and diffusibility for the absorbed liquid. Accordingly, they provide excellent surface dryness, reduced leakage and thus can be comfortably used for a long time and effectively applied to disposable diapers, sanitary napkins and incontinence pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Sanyo Chemcial Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shingo Mukaida, Kazuhiko Iguchi, Kenji Tanaka
  • Patent number: 5977429
    Abstract: The invention provides synthetic polymeric fibers which have utility as temporary acquisition/distribution absorbent structures and permanent storage/distribution absorbent structures in a wide range of absorbent products such as diapers, feminine napkins, and adult incontinent pads. These fibers are short, highly distorted, and bulky characterized by lengths between 2 and 37 mm, short-range distortion factors between 5 and 70, long-range distortion factors between 0.05 and 0.9, and single fiber bulk factors between 0.5 and 10.0. They may or may not have capillary channels on the surface. The advantages of these materials are their increased absorbency, reduced wet collapse at low densities, reduced rewet, reduced loss of liquid under pressure, and their ability to be desorbed by distribution materials such as capillary channeled fibers or by conventional storage materials such as fluff pulp or superabsorbent polymer fiber or powder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Bobby Mal Phillips, Shriram Bagrodia
  • Patent number: 5972505
    Abstract: Disclosed are fibers that are capable of spontaneously transporting certain fluids, for example aqueous fluids, such as water, on their surfaces. The fibers, especially in the form of tow, can be incorporated into absorbent articles, such as diapers, in order to transport fluids to more effectively utilize the absorbent portion of the article. The fibers can be synthetically coated with absorbent materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Bobby M. Phillips, Shriram Bagrodia
  • Patent number: 5948527
    Abstract: Hot melt adhesive compositions, comprising(a) a radial multiarmed block copolymer (AB).sub.n X, wherein A is a block predominantly derived from a monovinylaromatic compound, B is a block predominantly derived from butadiene and which optionally has been partially or completely hydrogenated,X is the residue of a multifunctional coupling agent,n is in the range of from 3 to 6,(b) a linear block copolymer AB, the components (a)+(b) being present in an amount of 100 parts by weight,(c) a tackifying resin, which is compatible with the blocks B, in an amount of from 100 to 500 parts by weight,(d) a plasticizer in an amount of from 100 to 300 parts by weight,(e) an antioxidant-UV stabiliser in an amount from 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Eric-Jack Gerard, Noel Raymond Maurice De Keyzer, Birgitte Maria Ludovica Christine Van De Vliet
  • Patent number: 5941862
    Abstract: Disclosed are absorbent structures comprising a first layer, a second layer juxtaposed in facing relation with said first layer, wherein at least one of the layers is fluid pervious. These structures also have a continuous region between said first and second layers comprising hydrogel-forming polymer that is substantially uniformly distributed throughout the region. The continuous region at least partially surrounds multiple, spaced apart zones between said layers, which zones are substantially devoid of hydrogel-forming absorbent polymer. The first and second layers are bonded together such that said hydrogel-forming absorbent polymer is substantially immobilized when in dry state, preferably at sites within a plurality of the zones. Preferably, the hydrogel-forming polymer has relatively high gel permeability such that it forms a gel-continuous fluid transportation layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble
    Inventors: Nancy Ann Haynes, Gerald Alfred Young
  • Patent number: 5891120
    Abstract: In an absorbent article comprising a liquid-permeable topsheet, a liquid-impermeable backsheet, and an absorbent structure positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, the absorbent structure includes an upper layer, a lower layer, and an elongate, absorbent core, which is formed from cellulosic fibers and from distributed particles of a superabsorbent polymer (SAP) and which has an elongate, central portion with an absorbency under load (AUL) not less than about 12 grams/gram. The absorbent core has a front end, a back end, and two ears projecting from the elongate, central portion, near the front end with the superabsorbent polymer (SAP) at an upper surface in essentially no concentration and at each of the ears in a concentration that is about one half of the concentration along the elongate, central portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Paragon Trade Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Harry J. Chmielewski
  • Patent number: 5885681
    Abstract: Absorbent products and components for use in absorbent products are disclosed. These absorbent products comprise pressure-sensitive adhesive microfibers and thermoplastic polymer microfibers, that when incorporated into absorbent products provide good liquid transport properties, resiliency, and attachment systems; and further mask odors associated with bodily fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.
    Inventor: Ralf Korpman
  • Patent number: 5869172
    Abstract: Improved processes are provided for treating a porous substrate (especially a fabric) to produce novel internally coated porous materials. During treatment, a curable thixotropic material and one or modifying materials are applied to the porous substrate as an impregnant. The treatment imparts specific properties to the end product material. Selection of the modifier material is based on the particular end use application. Sufficient energy is directed to the impregnant and porous substrate to cause the impregnant to flow into the porous substrate and force the modifier to specific positions within the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Nextec Applications, Inc.
    Inventor: J. Michael Caldwell
  • Patent number: 5868724
    Abstract: A non-continuous absorbent core having a plurality of interconnected strands separated by voids. The strands comprises a porous absorbent macrostructure. The porous macrostructure has interconnected absorbent gelling particles that are surface crosslinked with cationic, preferably polymeric, amino-epichlorohydrin adducts. Upon contacting liquids such as water or body exudates (e.g., urine), the absorbent core can absorb the liquids without undesirable planer expansion. The core is useful in absorbent articles such as diapers, adult incontinence pads, and sanitary napkins are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Albert C. Dierckes, Jr., Kyoko Naga, Ebrahim Rezai, Yung-Wei Tai, Michael S. Kolodesh, Nancy A. Haynes
  • Patent number: 5858535
    Abstract: An absorbent member comprising at least one region which comprises an absorbent material in a concentration of from about 60 to 100% by weight. The absorbent material has a improved physical property after swelling and comprises a mixture of (1) a plurality of absorbent gelling particles comprising a water-insoluble, water-swellable polymer, and (2) an absorbent property modification polymer reactive with at least one component included in a urine. When a urine is applied to the absorbent member, the absorbent gelling particles are spontaneously connective through the absorbent property modification polymer. The absorbent material has at least one of the improved absorbent properties after swelling such as (1) liquid permeability, (2) porosity, (3) wet integrity, and (4) recovery property when subjected to external forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Lin Wang, Ebrahim Rezai, Yumiko Hayashi
  • Patent number: 5859077
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a superabsorbent foam is provided. The method includes forming a reaction mixture comprising at least one compound capable of forming a superabsorbent foam, stirring the reaction mixture, applying mechanical waves to the reaction mixture and repeating the stirring and applying a selected number of times thereby forming the superabsorbent foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Nova-Sorb Ltd. Novel Absorbents
    Inventors: Eliezer Reichman, Arkady Skibinsky, Diana Kumin
  • Patent number: 5856245
    Abstract: A barrier web comprising a fabric that has been treated with a curable shear thinned thixotropic polymer composition, the fabric being adapted to be substantially impermeable to liquids, permeable to gases and impermeable to microorganisms. The barrier webs of the present invention are either impermeable to all microorganisms or are impermeable to microorganisms of certain sizes. The present invention also includes fabrics that are capable of either selectively binding certain microorganisms, particles or molecules depending upon what binding partners are incorporated into the polymer before application to the fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Nextec Applications, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Michael Caldwell, Peter Ellman
  • Patent number: 5853867
    Abstract: This invention concerns an absorbent composite a supporting member and a cationic absorbent polymer and anionic absorbent polymer particles fixed to the supporting member. This absorbent composite excels in absorbing capacity under pressure, vertical aspiration power, and flexibility and suffers only sparing exfoliation of an absorbent polymer. This invention further concerns an absorbent composite which contains an absorbent polymer in an amount of at least 30% by weight based on the total weight of the absorbent composite and, after absorbing a liquid, shows a value of not less than 3 for the expansion anisotropy specified by the following formula.Expansion anisotropy=(Ez/Ex+Ez/Ey)/2(wherein Ex, Ey, and Ez respectively represent coefficient of liner expansion in the directions of X axis, Y axis, and Z axis) and an absorbent article using the absorbent composite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Harada, Yoshihiro Motono, Shigeru Sakamoto, Toshimasa Kitayama
  • Patent number: 5849001
    Abstract: The porous sheet obtainable by stretching, in at least one direction, a sheet formed from a melt mixture of a resin composition comprising:100 parts by weight of a resin mixture consisting of 63 to 90 parts by weight of a crystalline polyolefin resin, and 37 to 10 parts by weight of a compound having a volatile temperature at an ambient pressure of 240.degree. C. or higher and a melting temperature of 90.degree. C. or lower; and7 to 40 parts by weight of a particulate material having an average particle diameter of 0.3 to 8 .mu.m and a maximum particle diameter of 13 .mu.m or smaller, the particulate material being not melted at the molding temperature of the resin mixture is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Torimae, Tetsuji Kitoh, Takahiro Sato
  • Patent number: 5833678
    Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article having a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet joined to the topsheet, and an absorbent core positioned therebetween, in which the absorbent core is enveloped by a primary core integrity layer comprising a continuous mesh of strands of thermoplastic material which is joined to the topsheet and/or the backsheet. The primary core integrity layer is particularly useful for improving the wet integrity of absorbent cores comprising an upper acquisition/distribution layer and a lower storage layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Gregory Ashton, John Thomas Cooper, Craig Andrew Hawkins
  • Patent number: 5829193
    Abstract: A moquette for a horticultural hanging pot, in which the water retention is improved conspicuously. A super absorbent polymer powder layer and a peat moss powder layer and/or a porous plastic film are interposed between a hemp cloth layer (inner wall material) and a jute layer (outer wall material) in the form of a sandwich.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Combi Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshisada Otake, Philippe Ouaki
  • Patent number: 5807365
    Abstract: A disposable panty shield comprising a thin, highly absorbent pad having a body-contacting surface, an absorbent layer, a liquid barrier, a positioning means for attaching the pad to an undergarment, and a release layer to protect the positioning means prior to use wherein the has been densified by fusing all pad layers together in a manner such that the interstitial space between the individual fibers in the densified areas is not sufficient to readily allow fluid to flow through. Further, the densified areas are made contiguous such that fluid, when introduced or deposited on the pad, will be prevented or hindered from flowing to the edges of the pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Luceri
  • Patent number: 5804518
    Abstract: An absorbent article having, as a back sheet, a porous sheet obtainable by preparing, by melt blending, a melt blended solution comprising 30 to 90 parts by weight of a crystalline polyolefin and 10 to 70 parts by weight of a compound with which the crystalline polyolefin is miscible and in which the crystalline polyolefin will dissolve at or above the melting point of the crystalline polyolefin but which will phase separate below the melting point of the crystalline polyolefin, molding the blended solution into a sheet, and stretching the sheet in at least one direction. The crystalline polyolefin is a polypropylene having a weight average molecular weight (Mw) to number average molecular weight (Mn) ratio (Mw/Mn) of no more than 6.0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Sakai, Katsushi Maeda, Yoshiaki Kumamoto, Shingo Odajima
  • Patent number: 5804653
    Abstract: A moldable polymeric compound containing about 50 to 99 weight percent of a polyvinyl alcohol and about 1 to 50 weight percent of an oxa acid plasticizer, suitable for molding biodegradable and water dispersible objects such as tampon applicators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Playtex Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Dexi Weng
  • Patent number: 5804519
    Abstract: A method for improving the strike through properties of hot melt adhesive compositions comprising the step of incorporating therein a nonionic fluorchemical surfactant in an amount of 0.1 to 10 parts by weight per 100 parts adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: National Starch and Chemical Investment Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Martin Riswick, Gary F. Raykovitz
  • Patent number: 5804286
    Abstract: A fabric comprising at least two layers wherein at least one layer is an extensible, bonded non-woven composed of a fiber comprising multiple different polymers such as a fiber comprising isotactic polypropylene, polyethylene and a block or grafted polyolefin copolymer or terpolymer which is at least partially miscible with said polypropylene and polyethylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Fiberweb North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Quantrille, Harold E. Thomas, Barry D. Meece, Scott L. Gessner, J. Darrell Gillespie, Jared A. Austin, David D. Newkirk, William Fowells
  • Patent number: 5801220
    Abstract: A rapid disintegrating and dispersing composition for thickening liquid waste into a thixotropic gel comprises a polymeric acrylic resin and a colloid-forming mixture of microcrystalline cellulose and sodium carboxymethylcellulose. Additional ingredients preferably used in making a tableted form of the composition include microcrystalline cellulose per se, polyvinylpolypyrrolidone, magnesium stearate and amorphous silica. The tablet is placed in suitable containment means such as a containment bag. The thixotropic properties of the composition enable the gelled waste to be restored to a liquid when small amounts of hand pressure are applied to the waste containment bag, thereby providing a convenient and simple means for disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: E.R. Squibb & Sons, Inc.
    Inventors: Divyakant S. Desai, Ajit B. Thakur
  • Patent number: 5797893
    Abstract: An absorbing agent composition exhibiting excellent properties (absorbing properties), such as capabilities of maintaining high liquid diffusion and a constant absorbing capacity per unit weight, even when an amount of an absorbent resin is increased in percent by weight based on the weight of the absorbing agent composition, and an absorbent material containing such an absorbing agent composition and an absorbent product containing the absorbent material. The absorbing agent composition has a diffusing absorbency index under pressure of 1.5 g/g.multidot.min or higher with respect to a physiological saline solution under a load of 20 g/cm.sup.2. The absorbent material contains at least 40 weight percent absorbing agent composition based on the weight of the absorbent material. The absorbent product comprises an absorbent layer containing the absorbent material sandwiched by a liquid permeable sheet and a liquid impermeable sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuyuki Wada, Kunihiko Ishizaki, Kinya Nagasuna
  • Patent number: 5762642
    Abstract: An absorbent article, particularly a sanitary napkin comprises a liquid pervious topsheet (12), a liquid impervious backsheet (14) and an absorbent core (16, 18) interposed between the topsheet (12) and the backsheet (14). The core comprises a longitudinal center line and two edges. At least one liquid directing barrier structure is applied to the core and/or the topsheet on either side of the longitudinal center line thereof between the center line and the longitudinal edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Peter Coles, Michael Divo, Wolfgang Dietmar Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5728084
    Abstract: A disposable sanitary towel (1) comprising a liquid-permeable upper layer (5), an impermeable lower layer (7) and an absorbent element (6), is provided with an intermediate layer (10) disposed between the upper layer (5) and the absorbent element (6) and extending around the side edges (8) of the absorbent element (6) such that it can distribute the liquid received and prevent losses of liquid from the side edges of the absorbent element (6). The towel (1) is further provided with an absorbent element (6) comprising an improved layer structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: The Proctor & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Gianfranco Palumbo, Giovanni Carlucci, Luigi Marinelli, Remo Di Girolamo, Michael Divo
  • Patent number: 5720736
    Abstract: An absorbent material is provided which enjoys suppleness, possesses highly satisfactory absorption qualities (speed of absorption and capacity for absorption), allows section into pieces of desired size and shape, and excels in safety.An absorbent material comprising 100 parts by weight of absorbent resin particles and 15 to 150 parts by weight of water, which absorbent material is in the form of a sheet having a thickness in the approximate range of 0.3 to 5 mm, the form of a sheet resulting from mutual adhesion of the absorbent resin particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takumi Hatsuda, Kazumasa Konishi
  • Patent number: 5720737
    Abstract: The absorbent sheet according to the present invention is characterized in that:the absorbent sheet contains bulky cellulose fibers and hydrophilic fine fibers or hydrophilic fine particles; the proportion of the hydrophilic fine fibers or the hydrophilic fine particles is higher in one side of the absorbent sheet than in the other side; the bulky cellulose fibers have an average fiber length of 1 to 20 mm and a degree of fiber roughness of 0.3 mg/m or more; the hydrophilic fine fibers have an average fiber length of 0.02 to 0.5 mm; and the hydrophilic fine particles have an average particle diameter of 0.02 to 0.5 mm. The absorbent sheet is useful as, in particular, an absorbent member of absorbent articles, such as sanitary napkins or disposable articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsugu Hamajima, Hironori Kawasaki, Yasuhiro Yamamoto, Minoru Nakanishi
  • Patent number: 5719201
    Abstract: A foamed isocyanate-based polymer having a cellular structure and containing a superabsorbent material, the polymer being capable of: (i) absorbing at least about 20 times its weight of an aqueous fluid maintained at a temperature of from about 20.degree. to about 25.degree. C., and (ii) retaining at least about 20 times its weight of absorbed aqueous fluid which is bound to the superabsorbent material. A process for producing a foamed isocyanate-based polymer comprising the steps of: providing a substantially uniform mixture comprising an isocyanate, an active hydrogen-containing compound and a superabsorbent material, the superabsorbent material being capable of absorbing at least about 20 times its weight of an aqueous fluid maintained at a temperature in the range of from about 20.degree. to about 25.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Woodbridge Foam Corporation
    Inventor: Robert N. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5713881
    Abstract: A non-continuous absorbent composite having a plurality of interconnected strands separated by voids. The strands comprises a porous, absorbent macrostructure and a substrate. The porous macrostructure has interconnected absorbent gelling particles that are surface crosslinked with cationic, preferably polymeric, amino-epichlorohydrin adducts. Upon contacting liquids such as water or body exudates (e.g., urine), the absorbent composite can absorb the liquids without undesirable planer expansion, The composite is useful in absorbent articles such as diapers, adult incontinence pads, and sanitary napkins are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Inventors: Ebrahim Rezai, Michael S. Kolodesh, Yung-Wei Tai, Kesyin Hsueh, Albert C. Dierckes, Jr., Kyoko Naga
  • Patent number: 5698078
    Abstract: A wet non-woven fabric comprising a highly water absorptive polymer and pulp and a method for producing the same. Since this wet non-woven fabric is excellent in water absorbing property and uniformity, it can be offered as a thin non-woven fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Kanebo, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshikatsu Mizukami, Tsutomu Teshima, Katsumi Agari, Yutaka Tanaka, Hiroko Fukumoto
  • Patent number: 5698322
    Abstract: Disclosed are multicomponent fibers wherein at least one component forms an exposed surface on at least a portion of the multicomponent fiber which will permit thermal bonding of the multicomponent fiber to other fibers. The multicomponent fibers comprise two poly(lactic acid) polymers with different L:D ratios which provide biodegradable properties to the multicomponent fiber yet which allow the multicomponent fiber to be easily processed. The multicomponent fiber is useful in making nonwoven structures that may be used in a disposable absorbent product intended for the absorption of fluids such as body fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Fu-Jya Tsai, Brian Thomas Etzel
  • Patent number: 5683809
    Abstract: Protective articles such as diapers, having filmless hydrophobic barrier elements such as cuffs and backing sheets. The barrier cuffs--which can be, for instance, leg cuffs and waistbands--and the backing sheets can be provided from fabrics having a fabric weight of at least 10 gsy; these fabrics are made of cardable, hydrophobic polyolefin fibers having a dpf value of not more than about 2.0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Hercules Incorporated
    Inventors: Walter J. Freeman, Rakesh K. Gupta, James H. Harrington, Richard J. Legare, Thomas L. Smith, Adrienne W. Williams
  • Patent number: 5681305
    Abstract: Absorbent products and components for use in absorbent products are disclosed. These absorbent products comprise pressure-sensitive adhesive microfibers and thermoplastic polymer microfibers, that when incorporated into absorbent products provide good liquid transport properties, resiliency, and attachment systems; and further mask odors associated with bodily fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.
    Inventor: Ralf Korpman
  • Patent number: 5674917
    Abstract: A foamed isocyanate-based polymer having a cellular structure and containing a superabsorbent material, the polymer being capable of: (i) absorbing at least about 20 times its weight of an aqueous fluid maintained at a temperature of from about 20.degree. to about 25.degree. C., and (ii) retaining at least about 20 times its weight of absorbed aqueous fluid which is bound to the superabsorbent material. A process for producing a foamed isocyanate-based polymer comprising the steps of: providing a substantially uniform mixture comprising an isocyanate, an active hydrogen-containing compound and a superabsorbent material, the superabsorbent material being capable of absorbing at least about 20 times its weight of an aqueous fluid maintained at a temperature in the range of from about 20.degree. to about 25.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Woodbridge Foam Corporation
    Inventor: Robert N. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5672419
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a water absorbent composition comprising 100 parts by weight of water absorbing polymer particles and 0.5 to 30 parts of a resin powder having heat adhesion property at 50.degree.-200.degree. C. The present invention also relates to a water absorbing material and water absorbing products using the said water absorbing material comprising the water absorbing polymer particles, a resin having heat adhesion property at 50.degree.-200.degree. C. and fibrous material, wherein the water absorbing polymer particles are adhered to the fibrous material through the resin by heat treatment at temperature exceeding the temperature exhibits heat adhesion property of the resin. The water absorbent composition of the present invention provides excellent adhesion to a fibrous material, while it maintains the water absorbency of the original water absorbing polymer, and is consequently useful as raw material for sanitary goods such as disposable diapers and sanitary napkins etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: Sanyo Chemical Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Shingo Mukaida, Kazuhiko Iguchi, Kenji Tanaka