Containing Layers Having Differing Absorption Characteristics (e.g., Flow Control, Wicking, Etc.) Patents (Class 604/378)
  • Publication number: 20150073370
    Abstract: The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an absorptive article which can deform while following the movement of the wearer's legs and which can restore to the original shape. The absorptive article of this disclosure has the following configuration. The absorptive article (1) includes a liquid permeable top sheet (4), a liquid impermeable back sheet, and an absorption body (7). The absorptive article (1) is characterized in that the absorptive article (1) has, in the region thereof which is in contact with the excretory opening, a medium-high section (2) protruding in the thickness direction of the absorptive article (1) and including a cushion section, and in that the absorption body (7) has one or more compressed sections (3) which form a folding axis about which the absorptive article (1) is folded in the width direction thereof so that the skin contact surface of the top sheet (4) protrudes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Yuki Noda, Tatsuya Tamura, Akira Hashino
  • Patent number: 8975466
    Abstract: An absorbent article including a first end region, a second end region and a central region, a plurality of channels arranged in each of the first and second end regions, at least one channel arranged in the central region and extending in a longitudinal direction of the article, the at least one channel being connected at each end thereof to the plurality of channels in the first end region and the plurality of channels in the second end region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Ana Maria Elena R. Marcelo, Fernanda Wiermann Paques, Steven H. White
  • Publication number: 20150065975
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed, in part, to an absorbent article comprising a liquid management system (LMS) and an absorbent core disposed at least partially intermediate a topsheet and a backsheet. The LMS defines one or more channels therein. The one or more channels of the LMS may at least partially overlap or not overlap with channels defined in the absorbent core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Donald Carroll ROE, Aniruddha CHATTERJEE, Nelson Edward GREENING, II, Sharon Irene GRENBERG, Carsten Heinrich KREUZER, Cornelia Beate MARTYNUS, Marie Brigid O'REILLY, Rodrigo ROSATI, Sandra SAUTTER, Beate SIMON, Lutz STELZIG, Rachael Eden WALTHER
  • Publication number: 20150065981
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed, in part, to an absorbent article comprising a liquid management system (LMS) and an absorbent core disposed at least partially intermediate a topsheet and a backsheet. The LMS defines one or more channels therein. The one or more channels of the LMS may at least partially overlap or not overlap with channels defined in the absorbent core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Donald Carroll ROE, Julia BOESEL, Barry Robert FEIST, Nelson Edward GREENING, II, Sharon Irene GRENBERG, Cornelia Beate MARTYNUS, Marie Brigid O'REILLY, Rachael Eden WALTHER
  • Publication number: 20150065974
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a unitary absorbent structure and method thereof wherein said unitary absorbent structure comprises an absorbent core (5) and/or an acquisition and dispersion layers (2) (3) and comprising at least one non-woven fibrous substrate layer (23) having a void volume suitable to be penetrated by super absorbent particles. The super absorbent particles are dispersed in the substrate layer (23) according to a size distribution gradient by vacuum (8?) and vibration along the depth direction or z-direction of said absorbent core (5) and/or acquisition (2) and dispersion (3) layers, the smaller particles are placed on the bodyside of the absorbent articles and the larger particles are located on the opposite side of the absorbent articles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Dany Michiels, Tanika Degrande, Sara Vanwalleghem
  • Patent number: 8969652
    Abstract: A sanitary napkin is disclosed as a form of disposable absorbent article. It has an absorbent core and a hydrophobic topsheet that has an upper side that is to be worn against a user's body. The topsheet is selected from a group of nonwoven topsheets and apertured film topsheets. A trace amount of a fibrous superabsorbent material, in the range of 0.30 and 3.5 grams of superabsorbent material per square meter, is provided in a fibrous matrix in a secondary topsheet that is in intimate contact with the lower side of the topsheet. The fibrous matrix is made by airlaying the superabsorbent material with cellulose and bi-component fiber onto a non-woven carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Christopher Philip Bewick-Sonntag, Ronald Dean Cramer, James A. Hatton
  • Patent number: 8969651
    Abstract: An absorbent core structure for disposable absorbent articles, having improved fluid handling properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Giovanni Carlucci, Andrea Peri, Maurizio Tamburro, Evelina Sara Toro
  • Publication number: 20150057627
    Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of providing a novel absorbent article that prevents excessive compression of an absorbent body caused by deformation of the absorbent article, and rewetting associated with said compression. In order to solve such a problem, a sanitary napkin (1) is provided with a liquid-permeable top sheet (2), a liquid-impermeable back sheet (3), and an absorbent body (4) disposed between the top sheet (2) and the back sheet (3), wherein: an extensible area (21) having an extensible bellows-like section (210), and a flexible area (22) surrounding the extensible area (21) are formed in a waste supply area (20) of the top sheet (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: Yuki Noda, Tatsuya Tamura, Takashi Nomoto, Takashi Onozuka
  • Patent number: 8962911
    Abstract: An absorbent article such as disposable diaper, training pant, and adult incontinence undergarment comprising an absorbent structure comprising superabsorbent polymer particles, the article being able to absorb and contain body exudates and having improved absorption properties and therefore being able to reduce leakage, especially at the first gush, i.e. when the article starts to be wetted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Bruno Johannes Ehrnsperger, Marc Jennewein, Marion Lutsche, Andrea Peri, Maike Thomann
  • Publication number: 20150051566
    Abstract: The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide an absorbent article that can be made smaller because the crown section continues to fit the wearer's excretory opening, which has a complex shape, both when dry before absorbing menstrual blood and when wet after absorbing menstrual blood, and with which leakage does not occur easily. This absorbent article is as follows: The absorbent article (1), which comprises a liquid-permeable top sheet (4), a liquid-impermeable back sheet, and a specified absorbent (7) between the liquid permeable top sheet (4) and the liquid-impermeable back sheet, is characterized in that: the absorbent article (1) has a crown section (2), which protrudes in the thickness direction of the absorbent article (1) in the region that is in contact with the excretory opening and comprises a specified cushion section; and in the central section, the crown section (2) has a compression workload (WC) of 10-50 (N·m/m2) and a compression resilience (RC) of 35-100%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Yuki Noda, Tatsuya Tamura, Akira Hashino
  • Patent number: 8957278
    Abstract: An absorbent article has an absorbent composite that 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, and a second triggering mechanism. The superabsorbent polymer composition may have 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: February 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide Inc.
    Inventors: Arvinder P. Singh Kainth, Richard N Dodge, II, David L Zenker
  • Publication number: 20150045756
    Abstract: An absorbent core composite is disclosed for incorporation into a disposable absorbent article. The composite includes a first material layer and a second material layer (preferably nonwoven) partially secured to the first material layer to define at least one pocket therebetween. Preferably, multiple pockets are defined, except in the case of where a generally uniform layer or bed of absorbent is preferred or better suited fro the application. The pocket is said have a fixed initial volume. Further, an aggregate of absorbent particles is provided in the pocket(s) to occupy a portion of the fixed initial volume. The absorbent particles are preferably SAP particles and is characterized by a dry volume associated with a dry state and a swell volume associated with a liquid saturation state. In respect to or for the pocket, the aggregate is characterized by a collective dry volume and a collective swell volume, wherein the pocket has an initial configuration that retains the aggregate therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Andrew Wright, Eugenio Varona, Anne Smid, Dennis Smid
  • Patent number: 8952212
    Abstract: An absorbent article including a liquid permeable cover layer, a liquid impermeable barrier layer, an absorbent core arranged adjacent to the cover layer, the absorbent core including a material-free zone extending, a transfer layer arranged between the core and the barrier layer, the transfer layer including a planar portion having an upper surface and a lower surface and a protrusion extending upwardly from the upper surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.
    Inventors: Kofi Bissah, John Poccia, Fernanda Wiermann Paques, Francisco J. V. Hernandez
  • Patent number: 8946502
    Abstract: A sanitary napkin structure, particularly for a slight incontinence, said sanitary napkin structure comprising a first substantially permeable sheet, a second substantially impermeable sheet and an absorbing pad enclosed between said first and second sheets, characterized in that said absorbing pad comprises an absorbing pad layer including a flexible cotton fiber and a superabsorbing polymer matrix, wherein the cotton fibers in said matrix have a random orientation along three axes and do not have a preferential orientation in a X-Y plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Corman S.p.A.
    Inventors: Guido Conio, Giorgio Mantovani
  • Patent number: 8937212
    Abstract: A feminine cooling pad is configured for use in cooling a woman's vulva and/or adjacent region. The cooling pad may be configured for single use and be disposable so as to include a liquid permeable layer configured to be oriented toward a user's skin during use. A liquid absorbent layer is adjacent to the liquid permeable layer and configured to absorb bodily fluids or discharges during use. A cooling layer is adjacent to the liquid absorbent layer and configured to provide a cooling effect for a period of time of at least about 15 minutes when the cooling pad is placed against a user's skin. An adhesive layer is adjacent to the cooling layer and adheres the feminine cooling pad to a user's undergarment during use and maintains the cooling pad in a desired orientation relative to the user's body. A feminine heating pad may be provided by including a microwavable material that becomes warm or hot when placed in a microwave oven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Inventors: Michelle Fogg, John Guynn
  • Patent number: 8927802
    Abstract: An absorbent garment includes a body panel having a terminal waist edge, at least first and second layers terminating at the terminal waist edge and at least one elastic element disposed between the first and second layers. The body panel has at least first and second adhesive regions. The first adhesive region is defined by the at least one elastic element, which is strand coated with a first adhesive. The second region is defined by a control coating of a second adhesive applied between the first and second layers. In one embodiment, the first region has a greater sensory softness than the second region. In one embodiment, the body panel, in an unstretched condition, has a surface softness with a can deviation of coefficient of friction less than about 0.020 in the first adhesive region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery M. Tabor, Melanie J. Milslagle, Joseph A. Mlinar, Thomas J. Vanselow
  • Patent number: 8927803
    Abstract: To provide an absorbent article capable of sufficiently fulfilling a function of preventing lateral leakage even when a force is applied in the width direction (transverse direction) during wearing. An absorbent article comprising a liquid-pervious surface sheet, a liquid-impervious leakage-preventive sheet, and a liquid-retentive absorption body disposed between the surface sheet and the leakage-preventive sheet, wherein the absorption body comprises at least two layers, at least one of the layers is a first absorption body layer composed of a hydrophilic sheet and a super-absorbent polymer, and in the longitudinal middle area of the absorbent article, the width of the first absorption body layer is larger than the width of other absorption body layer(s). In the first absorption body layer, a plurality of hydrophilic sheets are stacked, the super-absorbent polymer is disposed between hydrophilic sheets, and the hydrophilic sheets are joined in a region where the super-absorbent polymer is not spread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Akane Sakai, Yusuke Kawakami, Ayako Akahira
  • Publication number: 20140378933
    Abstract: The invention relates to a breast wrap for absorbing fluid secreted from a wearer's breasts. In one embodiment the breast wrap comprises a panel of material, means for fastening the panel in a continuous band, one or more absorbent regions on a first side of the panel, and first and second adjustment means independently operable to adjust the tightness of the band along first and second adjustment regions proximate the top and bottom of the band respectively. In use, the wrap is configured to wrap around a wearer's chest and substantially cover the wearer's breasts with the one or more absorbent regions covering the wearer's nipples and the first and second adjustment regions positioned above and below the wearer's breasts respectively. In another embodiment, the breast wrap comprises one or more absorbent panels removably attached to a first side of the first panel and, in use, the one or more absorbent panels cover the wearer's nipples.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: Jennifer LUCAS
  • Patent number: 8915898
    Abstract: An absorbent article includes a body side liner, a back sheet, an absorbent body positioned between the body side liner and the back sheet, and a distribution layer positioned between the absorbent body and the back sheet. The absorbent body defines a first opening having an opening length that is at least 50% the absorbent body length. The first opening has a median anterior portion width that is greater than a median central portion width that is greater than a median posterior portion width. The first opening includes a well, a channel, and a taper. The well transitions into the channel via a first convex transition and a concave transition. The channel transitions into the taper via a second convex transition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Jessica Annette Ives Dieringer, Cheri Lee Paul
  • Publication number: 20140371701
    Abstract: An absorbent article for personal hygiene comprising a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet, an absorbent core and a fibrous layer. The absorbent core comprises a core wrap and an absorbent material with superabsorbent polymers. The core wrap comprises a top side and a bottom side bonded to one other through one or more areas substantially free of absorbent material. The fibrous layer is at least partially bonded to one of the sides of the core wrap in the area substantially free of absorbent material. When the absorbent material swells, the core wrap forms one or more channels along the area substantially free of absorbent material. The formation of the channel in the absorbent core causes the formation of one or more corresponding ditches in the fibrous layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Ernesto Gabriel BIANCHI, Bruno Johannes Ehrnsperger, Doris Hollenberg, Thorsten Rinnert
  • Publication number: 20140371700
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides articles having an absorbent core. The absorbent core has a plurality of segmented volumes possessing an absorbent material therein. Suitable articles which may be formed with this absorbent core include, for example, diapers such as infant diapers, juvenile diapers and training pants, feminine hygiene products such as menstrual pads, adult incontinence products such as adult briefs, protective underwear, pads and bladder control pads, pet training pads, and other disposable products utilized to absorb fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Harish A. Patel, Richard E. Gahan, Vishal Narvekar
  • Patent number: 8907156
    Abstract: An absorbent article such as a diaper, training pant, and the like comprises a containment member that has a central zone and a barrier zone. The central zone has greater air flow according to the Air Permeability Test than the barrier zone. The bather zone a greater hydrohead according to the Hydrostatic Head Pressure Test than the central zone. The containment member may be used for absorbent core formation and may have portions configured to serve as barrier leg cuffs for the finished absorbent article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Donald Carroll Roe, Michael Dale Trennepohl, Olaf Erik Alexander Isele, Kenneth Michael Hammall, Angelli Sue Denmon
  • Patent number: 8901367
    Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles, such as diapers and sanitary napkins, and cores useful for such articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Miguel Brandt Sanz, Peter Dziezok, Ralf Geilich, Carson Heinrich Kreuzer
  • Patent number: 8889946
    Abstract: A male incontinence guard includes a liquid permeable topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent body between the topsheet and the backsheet. The guard has a transverse direction and a longitudinal direction and is divided by a transverse dividing line into a front region with a front transverse edge and a rear region with a rear transverse edge. The front region has a greater maximum extension in the transverse direction than the maximum extension of the rear region in the transverse direction, and the longitudinal extension of the rear region is 10-60% of the longitudinal extension of the guard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Kent Hermansson, Carina Hedlund
  • Publication number: 20140336606
    Abstract: An absorbent article. The absorbent article includes a topsheet having a body contacting surface, a backsheet joined to said topsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, wherein the absorbent core has an upper layer and a lower layer. The lower layer has two density zones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Christopher Philip Bewick-Sonntag, Miguel Alvaro Robles
  • Patent number: 8878000
    Abstract: An absorbent article having a front end region, a rear end region, a central region disposed between the front and rear end regions, a fluids source area, and a transverse axis and a longitudinal axis. The absorbent article includes a topsheet, a backsheet, an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, and a reinforcing structure disposed within the central region. In one aspect of the invention, the reinforcing structure includes a pair of traverse reinforcing elements each of which is formed by two traverse channels. The two traverse channels may be disposed generally parallel to the transverse axis with a reinforcement distance such that the absorbent core has an average density of in the range of about 5% to about 500% higher at the traverse reinforcing element than the fluids source area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Atsushi Ueminami, Maki Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 8877999
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent product includes a backsheet, a topsheet overlaying the backsheet, and a core disposed between the backsheet and topsheet for retaining fluid secreted by a wearer of the absorbent product. The core has a length dimension, a width dimension, and a thickness dimension orthogonal to the length and width dimensions. The core includes first and second fluid storage structures, with the first fluid storage structure at least partially surrounding the second fluid storage structure in the thickness dimension. The second fluid storage structure extends along a longitudinal axis and has a head portion, as well as a pair of leg portions, with the leg portions being longitudinally opposed the head portion. Each of the leg portions extends along a minor axis that defines, with the longitudinal axis, an acute included angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Raquel Carbonari, Thomas Bergin, Jehann Biggs, Lauren Entrekin, Frank Steven Glaug, Lizelle Canlas Valdecanas, Linda Morrell-Schwartz, Jorge Sievert Nieri, Ramon Andres Urteaga
  • Patent number: 8859844
    Abstract: To provide a body fluid absorbent article having a face sheet 1, a body fluid permeable member 20 including an assembly of fibers in tows, a body fluid retainable absorbent element AB in this order, and a face-side second sheet 10, which is interposed between the above face sheet 1 and the above body fluid permeable member 20 with such a positional relation that the above face-side second sheet 10 is at least partly superposed on the above body fluid permeable member 20; and embossing is carried out integrally on the above face sheet 1 and the above face-side second sheet 10 while embossing is not carried out on the above body fluid permeable member 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Diao Paper Corporation
    Inventors: Tomonari Takeuchi, Satoko Konawa, Keisuke Ebitsuka, Tomotsugu Matsui
  • Patent number: 8859840
    Abstract: A multiple-use blotting device for blotting blood from a fingertip includes a substrate, and a blood absorbing pad secured to the substrate. The blood absorbing pad has a plurality of blood absorbing sections that are evenly spaced from one another. The blotting device includes a protective cover overlying the blood absorbing pad, the protective cover having a window formed therein for exposing the blood absorbing pad. The cover is coupled with the substrate and is adapted to rotate relative to the substrate and the blood absorbing pad for sequentially aligning the window of the cover with each of the blood absorbing sections for exposing, one at a time, each of the blood absorbing sections. After one section of the pad has been used to blot blood, the cover is rotated for exposing a clean, unused section of the pad, while covering the used, blood-soaked section of the pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventor: Cynthia Katsingris
  • Patent number: 8859843
    Abstract: An absorbent article comprising a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, and a pair of longitudinal barrier cuffs attached to the chassis. Each longitudinal cuff is formed of a web of material having first and second opposing surfaces and comprising a nonwoven component layer comprising fibers having a number-average diameter of less than about 1 micron, a mass-average diameter of less than about 1.5 microns, and a ratio of the mass-average diameter to the number-average diameter less than about 2. The absorbent article further comprises a hydrophobic coating disposed on at least one surface of the web of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Johannson Jimmy Tee, Jr., Olaf Erik Alexander Isele, Calvin Hoi Wung Cheng, Rajeev Chhabra, DeeAnn Ling Nelson, Kemal Vatansever Catalan
  • Patent number: 8859838
    Abstract: A sheath for covering an intravenous device to shield the device from a patient's skin. The sheath includes a layer of a soft woven material; and a thin layer of a plastic material formed on an inner surface of the soft woven material to form, with said soft woven material, a pliable wrap meant to be disposed about the intravenous device for shielding the patient's skin from the intravenous device. The pliable wrap has inner and outer surfaces, top and bottom ends, and respective sides. An elastic member is secured to at least one of the top and bottom surfaces of the pliable wrap to provide a gathered area surrounding the intravenous device at at least one end thereof. A fastening member is secured between the respective sides of the pliable wrap to extend in a closed manner about the intravenous device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventors: Clare Nelson, James Nelson
  • Patent number: 8859841
    Abstract: An absorbent article including a liquid permeable cover layer, a liquid impermeable barrier layer, an absorbent core arranged adjacent to the cover layer, the absorbent core including a material-free zone extending, a transfer layer arranged between the core and the barrier layer, the transfer layer including a planar portion having an upper surface and a lower surface and a protrusion extending upwardly from the upper surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.
    Inventors: Kofi Bissah, John Poccia, Fernanda Wiermann Paques, Francisco J. V. Hernandez
  • Publication number: 20140303584
    Abstract: Portable and disposable apparatus for urinal elimination includes a container with a hydrophilic layer, absorbent fragrance materials, and liquid absorbency materials. The hydrophilic layer, the absorbent fragrance materials, and the liquid absorbency materials absorb all of the urine within the container without any after spillage. Users can use a lid, which is permanently connected with the container from one end, as a privacy shield during urinal elimination process. Once the users are finished with the urinal elimination process, the users can reseal the lid back onto the container so that the container can be disposed at users' convenience.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventor: Kathryn Barr Keating
  • Publication number: 20140296814
    Abstract: A system including a menstrual pant and an absorbent article. The menstrual pant can have a front part; a back part; a crotch part provided so as to bridge between the front part and the back part, the crotch being utilized for fitting a sanitary napkin, a waist opening part provided in an upper edge of the front part and an upper edge of the back part, a pair of leg openings provided below both side edges of the front part and both side edges of the back part; and a lifting strip disposed along the longitudinal centerline in the rear portion. The menstrual pant can apply body-contacting pressures to the wearer's body longitudinally through the crotch of 25 g/cm2 to 100 g/cm2. The absorbent article can have a topsheet having a body facing surface, a backsheet joined to said topsheet; and an absorbent core disposed between said topsheet. The absorbent article can exhibit a 30-minute Vertical Wicking Height of at least about 12 cm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Brian Francis Gray, Brett Darren Seitz, Andres Ernesto Velarde, Bruce William Lavash
  • Patent number: 8847002
    Abstract: An absorbent article that contains a topsheet having embossed regions is provided. The embossed regions propagate in a longitudinal direction of the article in the form of a wave having one or more alternating crests (peaks) and troughs (valleys). Such a wave pattern helps slow down the flow of bodily fluid by directing it along a tortuous path defined by the densified edges rather than in a straight line. Among other things, this reduction in flow rate can help provide sufficient time for the absorbent core to absorb the fluid, which is particularly helpful when it is already partially filled with fluid. Nevertheless, bodily fluids can still sometimes pool near the crests and/or troughs and result in leakage. To help counteract this tendency, the present inventors have discovered that a plurality of apertures can be employed in the topsheet that are arranged in a column that generally extends in a longitudinal direction of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Priscilla Goh Eng Goh, YeinSze Ong, Meijia Ng, SangWook Lee, DooHong Kim, Franz Aschenbrenner
  • Patent number: 8841505
    Abstract: A process is provided for making a bond between a first, relative hydrophilic nonwoven and a second relatively less hydrophilic nonwoven by use of a construction adhesive, by applying the adhesive only to the first more hydrophilic nonwoven; also provided are absorbent cores for absorbent article comprising such bonded nonwovens, and such absorbent articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Stefan Floeter, Saif Hasan, Gabriele Stiehl, Joseph Leslie Grolmes
  • Publication number: 20140276519
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article for use with ostomy appliances and complementary to a guard system such as has been illustrated, that provides an additional level of security and comfort to an ostomate already utilizing a two-piece or one-piece ostomy appliance of the type which is secured to the body with a faceplate comprising an adhesive securement means such as a hydrocolloid adhesive member or a combination of hydrocolloid adhesive member and an integral or non-integral adhesive non-woven fabric or adhesive tape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Donna E. Luce
  • Patent number: 8834441
    Abstract: An undergarment, such as a diaper, includes a hidden central core pocket for receipt of an absorbent pad. The pocket is formed between an inner, fluid permeable layer and a fluid isolation layer. The fluid isolation layer is attached to the inner or anchor layer and is located between the inner layer and an outer layer to which the inner layer is attached. The pocket is narrower than the outer to isolate fluids from edges of the outer layer and from diaper leg openings. Both the fluid isolation layer and the outer layer may be fluid resistant to provide additional protection against leakage. Adjustment fasteners on the outside of the outer shell permit size adjustment for the diaper and the adjustment fasteners are positioned within the periphery of the pocket so that presence of the absorbent pad will enhance comfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventor: Fredrica V. Coates
  • Patent number: 8835709
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to hygiene articles comprising nanofibers. The nanofibers are made from a melt film fibrillation process with a polymer composition having a melt flow rate of less than about 400 decigram per minute. The nanofibers, having a diameter of less than 1 micron, must comprise a significant number of the fibers in one layer of the web contained by the hygiene article. The hygiene articles include diapers, training pants, adult incontinence pads, catamenials products such as feminine care pads and pantiliners, tampons, personal cleansing articles, personal care articles, and personal care wipes including baby wipes, facial wipes, and feminine wipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Olaf Erik Alexander Isele, Rajeev Chhabra
  • Patent number: 8808264
    Abstract: An absorbent article providing improved body fit. The absorbent article includes an extensible fluid permeable facing layer and a first absorbent layer joined to the facing layer. Each zone of extensibility is a region of the first absorbent layer of relatively higher extensibility than regions of first absorbent layer adjacent to the zone of extensibility. A liquid impermeable backsheet is joined to the facing layer at the periphery. The liquid impermeable backsheet has a garment facing surface. A fastening means is disposed on at least a portion of the garment facing surface of the liquid impermeable backsheet. The fastening means defines attachment zones. At least a portion of the first absorbent layer is decoupled from the attachment zones of the fluid impermeable backsheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Bruce William Lavash
  • Patent number: 8802918
    Abstract: A water-absorbent sheet composition containing a structure in which an absorbent layer containing a water-absorbent resin and an adhesive is sandwiched with two or more sheets of hydrophilic nonwoven fabrics, wherein the water-absorbent sheet composition has a structure in which the absorbent layer is separated in divided parts of a primary absorbent layer and a secondary absorbent layer with a water-permeable substrate having a water permeability index of from 20 to 90, and wherein the water-absorbent resin is contained in the absorbent layer in an amount of from 100 to 1000 g/m2. The water-absorbent sheet composition of the present invention exhibits some excellent effects that the water-absorbent sheet composition is capable of accomplishing thinning and avoidance of gel blocking phenomenon and liquid leakage, while obtaining basic properties as a water-absorbent sheet composition at a high level, even for a water-absorbent sheet composition containing a very small amount of pulps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinya Fukudome, Junichi Maruo, Masayoshi Handa, Kiyoshi Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 8791319
    Abstract: The invention relates to absorbent cores having high amounts of superabsorbent polymer material which are immobilized by adhesive. The absorbent cores have reduced peak force when subjected to the Laminate Compression Extension Test Method and also exhibit reduced delamination upon swelling of the superabsorbent polymer material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Maike Thomann, Bruno Johannes Ehrnsperger, Alessandra Massa, Manuel Laso, Birgit Wirtz, Roland Engel
  • Patent number: 8791318
    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: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    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: 8791316
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a wound packing material that comprises a porous material and is suitable for use in negative pressure wound therapy. The wound packing material comprises frangible regions defining a plurality of portions, the frangible regions allowing the portions to be selectively removed. The invention further relates to methods of manufacturing the wound packing material, and to methods of its use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew PLC
    Inventor: Bryan Greener
  • Patent number: 8791322
    Abstract: A fluid absorption device is provided. The device having a plurality of absorbent sheets. The absorbent sheets formed in a stack and removably attached to each other by an adhesive. The sheets are designed to be removed from each other one at a time for use in the absorption of fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Inventor: Elizabeth Sacco
  • Patent number: 8791321
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable absorbent pad comprising multiple layers. In particular, the absorbent pad of the present invention maintains skin dryness by absorbing moisture while preventing leakage to the skin or the bed linens, allowing air circulation at the surface of the patient's skin to prevent heat buildup, and is strong enough to allow the patient to be repositioned, even when the pad is wet. In a particular embodiment the first layer is comprised of a fluid-permeable, porous material, the second layer is disposed under the first layer and is comprised of at least one super absorbent material, and a base layer disposed under the second layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Medline Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan Love, Scott A. Smith, Steve A. Maskrey, Paul L. Bottcher
  • Patent number: 8785716
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an absorbent garment comprising an absorbent core having a nonwoven core cover that offers improved performance on holding back fine particulate material after having been exposed to external strain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Jochen Schäfer, Mattias Schmidt, Nicole Graf
  • Patent number: 8785715
    Abstract: The invention relates to slit absorbent articles and the use of slits in absorbent materials to provide improved liquid intake rate, flexibility and softness compared to the unmodified material. The absorbent material, including superabsorbent materials, are particularly useful as absorbent cores in disposable absorbent articles such as diapers, incontinent products, sanitary napkins and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: DSG Technology Holdings, Ltd.
    Inventors: Andrew Wright, Patrick King Yu Tsang
  • Patent number: 8772570
    Abstract: A liquid-absorbent structure configured to prevent a liquid-absorbent core material from being unevenly distributed and thereby to assure that bodily fluids can be smoothly absorbed by the liquid-absorbent structure. According to one embodiment the present invention provides a panty liner that includes a topsheet lying on a side facing the wearer's body, a backsheet facing the wearer's garment and a liquid-absorbent structure sandwiched between these sheets. A first inner surface of a first sheet forming the liquid-absorbent structure is coated with adhesives to form a plurality of first bonding regions and a second inner surface of a second sheet is coated with adhesives to form a plurality of second bonding regions. Each of the first non-bonding regions lies between each pair of the first bonding regions, and each of the second non-bonding regions lies between each pair of the second bonding regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Unicharm Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuke Kawakami, Akane Sakai, Ayako Akahira
  • Patent number: 8764720
    Abstract: An absorbent article comprising an absorbent body including a top sheet, a back sheet and an absorbent laminate disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet, wherein: the absorbent body has a longitudinal direction and a width direction; the absorbent laminate comprises a fiber assembly layer containing pulp fibers, and a sheet-shaped absorbent layer containing an absorbent polymer but not containing a pulp fiber between nonwoven fabric sheets; the absorbent article is folded at a fold line extending in the width direction; and the fiber assembly layer has an opening on the fold line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Livedo Corporation
    Inventor: Makiko Urushihara