Discontinuous Coating Or Treatment Of Layer Patents (Class 604/382)
  • Patent number: 11628100
    Abstract: An absorbent article such as a diaper comprising an acquisition layer with one or more longitudinally-extending stretch openings is provided. The stretch openings may be obtained by slitting and stretching an acquisition layer material. The topsheet forms recesses at the wearer-facing surface of the absorbent article as it folds inside the stretch openings. The stretch openings may provide a three dimensional profile on the wearer-facing side of the absorbent article in a simple and cost effective manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Dirk Saevecke, Julien René Garcia, Maike Siemons
  • Patent number: 11582944
    Abstract: the absorbent sheet for pets which can suppress the outflow of a functional material is provided. An absorbent sheet (10) for pets includes a topsheet (12), a backsheet (14), an absorber (20) provided between the topsheet and the backsheet, a functional (40) material, and a recess (50)that is recessed in a direction from the topsheet toward the backsheet. The functional material (40) is provided at a position of the recess (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: UNICHARM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Sasano, Satoshi Hasegawa, Takeshi Ikegami
  • Patent number: 11364154
    Abstract: In order to absorb a small amount of liquid, to prevent an absorbent article from being disintegrated by the absorbed liquid, and to prevent piping of a toilet from being clogged even if the absorbent article is flushed into a flush toilet, the absorbent article includes a pulp layer containing a crushed pulp or fibers mainly containing a crushed pulp, and the pulp layer has a water repellent surface layer portion formed by applying a water repellent agent to at least one surface layer portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Inventor: Kikuo Yamada
  • Patent number: 11324645
    Abstract: An absorbent article including a liquid permeable topsheet on a wearer-facing side of the absorbent article and a garment-facing laminate on a garment-facing side of the absorbent article is disclosed. The garment-facing laminate includes a backsheet film and a nonwoven layer joined to the backsheet film. The nonwoven layer defines a plurality of apertures. At least 3 of the plurality of apertures in a repeat unit have a different Effective Aperture Area, according to the Aperture Test herein, a different shape, and a different Absolute Feret Angle, according to the Aperture Test herein. The absorbent article includes an absorbent core disposed at least partially intermediate the liquid permeable topsheet and the garment-facing laminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Sara Lyn Giovanni, Donald Carroll Roe, John Lee Hammons, Kelyn Anne Arora, Timothy Ian Mullane, Matthew Steven Ritter, Jill Marlene Orr, Jennifer Schutte, John Brian Strube, Ann Cecilia Tapp, Rachael Eden Walther, Amanda Margaret Bicking, Jennifer Lynn Dusold, Margaret Elizabeth Porter
  • Patent number: 11110013
    Abstract: A nonwoven web for use in an absorbent article is described. The nonwoven web has first and second nonwoven layers. The first nonwoven layer has a first plurality of fibers, an additive disposed, at least in part, on a portion of the first plurality of fibers, a first side and an opposing second side, wherein second side has a plurality of discontinuities. The second nonwoven layer has a second plurality of fibers, a first surface and an opposing second surface, and a plurality of tufts extending through at least a portion of the discontinuities in the first nonwoven layer, wherein the second nonwoven layer is attached to the first nonwoven layer such that at least a portion of the second plurality of fibers are in liquid communication with the first nonwoven layer, wherein the first nonwoven layer is hydrophobic and the second nonwoven layer is hydrophilic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: John Lee Hammons, Kelyn Anne Arora, Dean Larry DuVal, Stephanie Michelle Niezgoda, Rajeev Chhabra
  • Patent number: 10758430
    Abstract: A potty training liner configured to fit within an undergarment of a child. The potty training liner includes a first and second channel wall that form a channel to allow fluid to move front to back within the channel after an accident. The potty training liner may also have reduced absorption levels to aid in encouraging a child to become potty trained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Quixotic Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Lori Mueller
  • Patent number: 9668926
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for making specific absorbent structures with an absorbent layer with absorbent material with therein substantially longitudinally extending strips that are free of absorbent material, using or having thereto a moving endless surface with receptacle(s) with specific longitudinally extending rods; and specific absorbent structures obtained therewith, suitable for absorbent articles, such as diapers and sanitary napkins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Hans Adolf Jackels, Carsten Heinrich Kreuzer
  • Patent number: 9248213
    Abstract: An absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin, panty liner, tampon, diaper, pant diaper, adult incontinence guard, containing a bacterial composition (8) in a lipid phase (9), the bacterial composition containing at least one lactic acid producing bacterial strain. The lipid phase (9) containing said bacterial composition (8) is applied on or in a carrier member (10) which at least before use of the article is impermeable to the lipid phase. The carrier member is located on a wearer facing side of the absorbent structure (4) so as to prevent significant transfer of the lipid phase into the absorbent structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: SCA HYGIENE PRODUCTS AB
    Inventors: Ingrid Gustafson, Ulrika Husmark
  • Patent number: 9192525
    Abstract: On the back sheet side, back-side recessed portions recessed toward the top sheet are provided in a surface of the absorber of the disposable diaper. The back-side recessed portions include multiple grooves, which are continuous in the longitudinal direction L of the absorber. The back-side recessed portions is visible from an outside of the back sheet in a state before the disposable diaper is used, and when the absorber absorbs liquid, the depth D of the back-side recessed portions is made smaller than that before the absorber absorbs liquid. When the hydrophilic fiber and the particulate SAP swells, and thereby the absorber expands in at least the thickness direction thereof, the back-side recessed portions seems to disappear from the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: UNICHARM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tomomi Oku, Satoru Sakaguchi, Hideki Matsushima
  • Patent number: 9035127
    Abstract: An absorbent article ensuring that even when excreted urine diffuses by running down the wearer's skin, the urine is prevented from leaking out of the absorbent article. The absorbent article comprises an absorbent sheet that has at least one absorbent polymer-existing region in which the absorbent polymer is sandwiched by at least one liquid-pervious sheet and at least one absorbent polymer-nonexisting region which is free of absorbent polymer. The at least a part of the absorbent sheet is disposed in a rear waist region, and a planar shape of the absorbent polymer-existing region disposed on the rear waist region side of the longitudinal center of the crotch region of the absorbent sheet is a nearly V-shaped with an apex facing in the direction from the front waist region to the rear waist region in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Unicharm Corporation
    Inventors: Kaiyo Nakajima, Haruki Toda
  • Patent number: 8981178
    Abstract: Unitary films and laminates thereof are provided having at least first and second film segments which extend adjacent one another and are permanently joined together. The multi-segment films include a pattern of surface embossments on a surface of the first film segment and a pattern of apertures extending through the second film segment. The first and second segments have different compositions whereby the unitary film includes distinct segments having varied physical properties such as, for example, varied levels of breathability and/or elasticity. The unitary films and laminates thereof are well suited, for example, for use as outer covers in personal care articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Wing-Chak Ng, Jose Augusto Vidal de Siqueira
  • Publication number: 20150038934
    Abstract: A surge material for use in disposable absorbent personal care products includes a wearer-facing surface, a plurality of elongate grooves in the wearer-facing surface, and a plurality of apertures disposed in the grooves and extending through the surge material. The surge material can also have an average material plane and including a plurality of ridges extending in a z-direction from the average material plane, a plurality of grooves alternating with the plurality of ridges, wherein the grooves extend in the opposite z-direction from the average material plane, and a plurality of apertures through the surge material, wherein the apertures are disposed only in the grooves. The surge material can also include a hydrophobic treatment agent disposed on the ridges and a hydrophilic treatment agent disposed within the grooves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Virginia Lee Day, Frank Paul Abuto, Donald Eugene Waldroup
  • Patent number: 8791317
    Abstract: An absorbent article that includes a water-disintegratable top sheet, a water-disintegratable back sheet, and a water-disintegratable absorber interposed between the top sheet and the back sheet. Adhesive coating regions of an adhesive are formed in the back sheet, and the coating regions of the adhesive are provided to continuously extend from one face of the back sheet to the other face of the back sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Unicharm Corporation
    Inventors: Nahomi Suzuki, Koichi Yamaki
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20140163508
    Abstract: An absorbent member containing a hydrophobic material subjected to hydrophilic treatment, a plurality of through holes passing through the absorbent member in a thickness direction formed at a portion of the absorbent member in a target region (P). The absorbent member has a layer-stacked structure of a plurality of layers, stacked in the thickness direction. The Klemm water absorption height of a lower layer most proximal to the backsheet is higher than that of an upper layer most proximal to the topsheet. The backsheet contains a moisture permeable film including a plurality of microvoids, and having water repellent portions formed by water repellent finishing, on a portion in the target region (P) of a skin-facing surface of the moisture permeable film. A ratio of the total area of portions on which the water repellent finishing is performed to the area of the target region (P) is from 30% to 60%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: KAO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masahito TANAKA
  • Patent number: 8728049
    Abstract: An absorbent article having a topsheet and an absorbent core. The topsheet has a pair of tuft region lateral boundaries. Each tuft region lateral boundary is defined by a line or a portion of a line separating a plurality of the tufts from a portion of the topsheet devoid of tufts. Tuft region lateral boundaries are symmetrically disposed on opposing sides of the longitudinal centerline. Tuft region lateral boundaries extend longitudinally along at least part of the longitudinal centerline. Tuft region lateral boundaries are spaced apart from each other by a distance gradually increasing from a minimum at a parallel transverse axis to a maximum at longitudinally opposing ends of the tuft region lateral boundaries or are spaced apart from each other by a distance gradually decreasing from a maximum at a parallel transverse axis to a minimum at longitudinally opposing ends of the tuft region lateral boundaries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: John Lee Hammons, Sybille Fuchs, Luisa Valerio Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 8697937
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article worn about the lower torso of a wearer includes at least one pair of side panels connecting a first waist region to a second waist region forming a waist opening and a pair of leg openings. Each side panel includes a waist region, a hip region and a leg region wherein the waist region, the hip region and the leg region differs structurally, functionally and visually to provide an improved initial fit and sustained fit while exhibiting a garment-like appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Donald Carroll Roe, Barry Robert Feist, Krista Beth Comstock, Lisa Jane Goodlander
  • Patent number: 8674171
    Abstract: A three-dimensional film for use as a transfer layer in an absorbent article has a continuous surface and a discontinuous surface disposed generally parallel to and spaced from said continuous surface; both the continuous surface and the discontinuous surface have large scale apertures defined by sidewalls originating on the surface and extending outwardly therefrom and sized to permit acquisition of fluids by gravity, and optionally each surface also includes small scale apertures sized to acquire fluids by capillary action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Tredegar Film Products Corporation
    Inventor: Rickey J. Seyler
  • Patent number: 8653323
    Abstract: Absorbent article, wherein a liquid acquisition/distribution region comprises an evaporation barrier, such as an apertured film and thus exhibits reduced evaporation away from the article in the direction towards the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Mattias Schmidt, Cornelia Sprengard-Eichel, Bruno Johannes Ehrnsperger
  • Patent number: 8633347
    Abstract: An absorbent element for the absorption of body fluids in sanitary articles comprises a first layer of sheet material presenting an array of hollowed formations (16) with respective mouth parts, as well as masses (18) of superabsorbent material that is able to expand as a result of the absorption of body fluid, which are set in the aforesaid hollowed formations (16). A second layer of sheet material (12) is applied on the first layer of sheet material (10) so as to cover the mouth parts of the hollowed formations (16). At least one of the layers of sheet material (10, 12) is permeable to body fluids to enable the body fluids themselves to penetrate into the hollowed formations and be absorbed by the masses of superabsorbent material (18) that expand in the hollowed formations (16), creating a first level of absorption of body fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Fameccanica.Data S.p.A.
    Inventors: Carlo Bianco, Domenico Polidori, Tonino De Angelis
  • Patent number: 8603054
    Abstract: A delivery product is used to deliver a skin composition to the skin of a user. The delivery product includes a thermo-responsive polymer film. The polymer film is solid at room temperature but, once contacted with the skin, increases in temperature and degrades. A skin composition is associated with the polymer film. The skin composition can be applied to a surface of the film or can be incorporated into the film. The skin composition is released by the polymer film for treating the skin of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Sarah Anne Lemke, Kroy Donald Johnson
  • Patent number: 8598407
    Abstract: Absorbent articles having a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between said topsheet and said backsheet are disclosed. The backsheet has a physical variation along at least one axis, wherein said physical variation defines a first backsheet zone and a second backsheet zone, and at least one elastomeric element having at least one primary direction of stretch, said elastomeric element at least partially overlapping and joined to first and/or second backsheet zone, wherein a relaxed pathlength of said elastomeric element in the primary direction of stretch is less than a total pathlength of said backsheet in the region of overlap. The physical variation is a measurable difference as measured by a physical property selected from the group consisting of basis weight, thickness and density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Donald Carroll Roe, Pankaj Nigam, Mark James Kline, Jeromy Thomas Raycheck, Carl Louis Bergman
  • Patent number: 8597267
    Abstract: A tampon having at least one physical discontinuity is provided. The physical discontinuity, or physical discontinuities, are located in the compressed absorbent member and may be made in the tampon pledget before the pledget is compressed into the absorbent member. The physical discontinuities partially isolate a portion, or portions, of the tampon from the rest of the tampon. The partial isolation of a portion of the tampon reduces the amount of menses absorbed by that portion, which could be transported to the rest of the tampon through wicking. The concentration of menses absorption in a portion allows that portion have a higher level of expansion than the rest of the tampon to prevent menses from leaking out of the vaginal opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: John Richard Noel, Leslie Lynn Crosby
  • Patent number: 8551096
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for the treatment of a target tissue by directionally delivering energy and/or bioactive materials to achieve a therapeutic effect. A balloon catheter system having a balloon portion and a plurality of electrodes may be energized to selectively deliver energy, bioactive materials, or a combination thereof to target tissue including tissues disposed about a lumen. The tissue may be targeted by applying energy, making tissue impedance analysis, and further selectively energizing electrodes through the use of an energy source with a controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Mike Perry, Brian D. Conn, Rolfe T. Gustus, Ronda Schreiber, Corbett Stone, Michael F. Hoey
  • Patent number: 8480643
    Abstract: A film material (1) is disclosed herein, particularly a polyolefin-based film material, coated on one side with a water resoluble resin-containing skin (2), and containing antimicrobial and/or odor-absorbing agents susceptible of being activated by organic liquids and blood liquids, such film material is particularly designed to form a disposable sanitary article (4) comprising a liquid-pervious topsheet (5), a liquid-impervious backsheet (6) and an absorbent layer (7) sandwiched between the topsheet (5) and the backsheet (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Pansac International S.R.L.
    Inventors: Fabrizio Lori, Sante Aurelio Della Zassa
  • Patent number: 8450555
    Abstract: An absorbent article having a stretchable substrate and an absorbent composite comprising a layer of adhesive composition in contact with the stretchable substrate. A layer of particulate superabsorbent material is applied to and held by the adhesive composition. The absorbent composite is secured to the substrate by the adhesive composition. The stretchable substrate has a recovery in at least one of the lateral direction and the longitudinal directions of the article as determined by an Elongation and Recovery Test, and the absorbent article has a recovery in the at least one of the lateral direction and the longitudinal direction as determined by the Elongation and Recovery Test that is at least about 60 percent of the recovery of the substrate in the at least one of the lateral direction and the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Davis Dang Hoang Nhan, Mark M. Mleziva, Lawrence H. Sawyer, Peiguang Zhou
  • Patent number: 8426672
    Abstract: A method for forming a hook-engageable landing zone on a fibrous surface by selecting a region of the surface to form the landing zone, by raising fibers from the surface in the selected region to form fibrous loops extending from the surface, and by anchoring the fibrous loops in the selected region to secure the loops and resist pullout during hook engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventors: Howard A. Kingsford, Mark A. Clarner, Scott M. Filion, Melissa Spezzafero
  • Patent number: 8395017
    Abstract: An absorbent article having extensibility at waist panel is disclosed. The absorbent article includes a liquid pervious topsheet, an absorbent core disposed underneath the topsheet, and a chassis layer. A first or second waist panel includes a portion of the chassis layer. The chassis layer includes a plurality of spaced discontinuities regularly disposed in at least a portion of the first or second waist panel. The discontinuities are open to provide the chassis layer with extensibility in the transverse direction when the first or second waist panel is subjected to tension. The absorbent article also includes an extensibility controlling means to control the extensibility of the chassis layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Hiroshi Nakahata, Hong Lu, Kouichi Miyamoto, Takuya Shirakawa
  • Patent number: 8357133
    Abstract: A garment such as a diaper, training pant, pull-up diaper, adult incontinence pant and diaper holder. The garment includes a chassis for receiving the absorbent structure. The chassis includes a first lateral margin and a second lateral margin. The first and second lateral margins are joined to a central structure along a first line of joinder and a second line of joinder, respectively, the first and second lines of joinder extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The first and second lateral margins have a first end region, a second end region and a central region. The first and second lateral margins has a material which is elastically extensible in at least the longitudinal direction in the central region and elastically extensible in at least one of the first and second end regions in at least the transverse direction. A method of manufacturing a garment is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Dragorad Vasic, Helena Corneliusson, Ken Olsson
  • Patent number: 8348915
    Abstract: An initial product adaptable to form a garment such as a diaper, training pant, pull-up diaper, adult incontinence pant and diaper holder. The initial product includes a chassis for receiving the absorbent structure. The chassis includes a first lateral margin and a second lateral margin. The first and second lateral margins are joined to a central structure along a first line of joinder and a second line of joinder, respectively, the first and second lines of joinder extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The first and second lateral margins have a first end region, a second end region and a central region. The first and second lateral margins have a material which is elastically extensible in at least the longitudinal direction in the central region. Lateral edges of the lateral margins are provided by third and fourth strips of substantially inelastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Dragorad Vasic, Helena Corneliusson, Ken Olsson
  • Patent number: 8273943
    Abstract: It is intended to provide an absorbent article provided with a composite sheet which comprises a film sheet and a fiber mass and is excellent in the ability to draw in a liquid and the ability to prevent the backward flow. Namely, an absorbent article provided with a composite sheet comprising a film sheet having multiple pores formed therein and a fiber mass laminated on one side of the film sheet, wherein the fiber mass has a projected section in which a part of the fiber mass projects through the multiple pores toward the other side of the film sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Yuki Noda, Kenichiro Kuroda
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8221370
    Abstract: In a personal care article for contact with human skin, a non-woven substrate of the article has a longitudinal direction, a transverse direction and at least one skin-contact surface. A plurality of surface features is disposed on the at least one skin-contact surface in a sinusoidal wave-form along at least one of the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction of the substrate. The surface features have a height that generally defines an amplitude of the sinusoidal wave-form, and are spaced from each other a spatial distance. This spatial distance is at least in part a function of a movement speed at which the article is to be moved relative to the skin while in contact therewith. In one method of making such a substrate, the movement speed and a temporal frequency are selected and used to determine the spacing between surface features on the skin-contact surface of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason C. Cohen, David W. Koenig
  • Patent number: 8212103
    Abstract: A method for forming a hook-engageable landing zone on a fibrous surface by selecting a region of the surface to form the landing zone, by raising fibers from the surface in the selected region to form fibrous loops extending from the surface, and by anchoring the fibrous loops in the selected region to secure the loops and resist pullout during hook engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventors: Howard A. Kingsford, Mark A. Clarner, Scott M. Filion, Melissa Spezzafero
  • Patent number: 8167859
    Abstract: A mounting structure for installation at a corporeal port opening. The mounting structure includes a reentrant tube on an exterior surface of which is disposed at least one balloon, with a proximal everted portion of the tubing extending from the distal portion of the tubing, with a gas flow passage associated with the tubing, for selective inflation of the balloon. A vacuum thermoforming process for making such mounting structure is described. The mounting structure is useful employed for anchoring of a therapeutic device such as an ostomy bag at a corresponding port of the body, with the balloon(s) of the device providing effective anchoring of the mounting structure and permitting the mounting structure to be comfortably worn by a patient during therapeutic intervention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Polyzen Inc.
    Inventors: Tilak M. Shah, Dylan Hege, Jessica K. Crews
  • Patent number: 8153857
    Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles and composites that provide improved protection and comfort by use of a vapor permeable, liquid barrier layer and an exudates thickener. In particular, the barrier layer results from deposition of barrier coating on one or more regions of the barrier layer such that select regions of the overall article exhibit a barrier to liquid while the article in general is still deemed breathable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Srinivas Krishnaswamy Mirle, Angelli Sue Denmon, Tamer Uyar
  • Patent number: 8153856
    Abstract: An absorbent article is defined by a pair of opposing longitudinal edges 20;22 and a pair of opposing transverse edges 24;26. An absorbent core 18 has at least a first 28 and a second 30 region, the average density of the absorbent core 18 in these first and second regions 28, 30 being lower than the average density of the absorbent core 18 surrounding said first and second regions 28;30, the first and second lower density regions 28;30 being arranged symmetrically about the longitudinal center line A of the article such that each of the first and second lower density regions 28;30 extends to the respective longitudinal edge 20;22 of the absorbent core. The distance ax varying along the longitudinal direction of the article. A minimum distance a1 is located at least in the transition 32 between the crotch portion 14 and the front portion 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Leif Wallström, Camilla Elfsberg, Solgun Drevik
  • Patent number: 8101814
    Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles and composites that provide improved protection and comfort by use of a vapor permeable, liquid barrier layer. In particular, this layer results from deposition of barrier coating on one or more regions of the barrier layer such that select regions of the overall article exhibit a barrier to liquid while the article in general is still deemed breathable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Srinivas Krishnaswamy Mirle, Angelli Sue Denmon
  • Patent number: 8088967
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article has a liquid permeable liner, an outer cover, and an absorbent body disposed between the liner and the outer cover for absorbing liquid body waste. A flow control layer is disposed between the liner and the absorbent body. The flow control layer is adapted to retard the flow of liquid body waste penetrating the liner toward the absorbent body. The flow control layer has a plurality of apertures for permitting at least some of the liquid body waste that passes through the liner to flow past the flow control layer toward the absorbent body without migrating laterally outward around lateral side edges of the flow control layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Underhill, Michael J. Niemeyer, Marianne K. Leick
  • Patent number: 8044255
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to personal care products such as diapers, training pants, feminine care articles, incontinence articles, bandages, and the like, that have been treated to enhance liquid intake and distribution performance characteristics and reduce leakage. Advantageously, the treated personal care products described herein not only reduce the viscosity and elasticity of viscoelastic fluids that come in contact with the treated product, but also reduce the fouling effect of such fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: David Charles Potts, Jack Nelson Lindon
  • Patent number: 8016803
    Abstract: An absorbent article having a backsheet, an absorbent core, a topsheet, and a genital coversheet. The topsheet has an opening positioned to allow exuded fecal material to pass therethrough when the article is worn by a wearer. The genital coversheet is positioned across a portion of the aperture and covers the wearer's genitals. A void space is formed between the genital coversheet and the absorbent core and a void space is formed between the topsheet and the absorbent core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Joerg Mueller, Cornelia Martynus, Ralf Geilich, Simone Seeboth, Ekaterina Anatolyevna Ponomarenko, Michael I. Divo
  • Patent number: 7956236
    Abstract: An absorbent article including a backsheet, an absorbent core, a topsheet with apertures, and a sublayer that includes at least one acquisition layer. The sublayer includes a multitude of holes. At least some of the apertures overlap partially at least some of the holes to form combined apertures in an overlap area that has an open area of between 15% and 50%. The absorbent article may provide improved isolation of feces away from the skin of a wearer of the absorbent article and/or improved immobilization of feces received by the absorbent article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Ekatarina Anatolyevna Ponomarenko, Monika Imgard Johanning, Ralf Geilich
  • Patent number: 7951127
    Abstract: An absorbent article for fecal matter handling, especially with respect to mushy and/or pasty fecal matter, along with methods of making the same. A composite bodyside liner can reduce the amount of fecal matter that remains on the skin of a wearer after removal of the absorbent article from the wearer. The bodyside liner can include only a fluid pervious liner layer. Alternatively, the bodyside liner can include a fluid pervious liner layer and a surge layer. A fecal adhering treatment composition is applied to at least a portion of the bodyside liner to reduce the amount of fecal matter that remains on the skin of the wearer after the absorbent article is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Lisa M. Sanabria, Eugenio G. Varona
  • Patent number: 7919669
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article worn about the lower torso of a wearer includes at least one pair of side panels connecting a first waist region to a second waist region forming a waist opening and a pair of leg openings. Each side panel includes a waist region, a hip region and a leg region wherein the waist region, the hip region and the leg region differs structurally, functionally and visually to provide an improved initial fit and sustained fit while exhibiting a garment-like appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Donald Carroll Roe, Barry Robert Feist, Krista Beth Comstock, Lisa Jane Goodlander
  • Patent number: 7893314
    Abstract: A breathable backsheet (1) includes a water vapor permeable first layer (2) and a water vapor permeable second layer (3) for an absorbent article (4), where the backsheet (1) is water vapor permeable in a Z-direction. The backsheet (1) includes a condensation zone (7) between the two layers (2, 3). The first layer (2) is adapted to allow a first amount m1 of mass flow water vapor to pass the first layer (2) in the Z-direction, wherein the second layer (3) is adapted to allow a second amount m2 of mass flow water vapor to pass the second layer (3) in the Z-direction. The condensation zone (7) is adapted to temporary condense and shore an amount t•.mc of water vapor such that no formation of condensed of water vapor will occur on the outside (6, 11) of the backsheet (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Chatrine Stridfeldt, Solgun Drevik
  • Patent number: 7863498
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article worn about the lower torso of a wearer includes at least one pair of side panels connecting a first waist region to a second waist region forming a waist opening and a pair of leg openings. Each side panel includes a waist region, a hip region and a leg region wherein the waist region, the hip region and the leg region differs structurally, functionally and visually to provide an improved initial fit and sustained fit while exhibiting a garment-like appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Donald Carroll Roe, Barry Robert Feist, Krista Beth Comstock, Lisa Jane Goodlander
  • Patent number: 7851666
    Abstract: The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles including one or more discrete components. Representative discrete components include the nonwoven layer of the outer cover, the absorbent core, the bodyside liner, fasteners, ears and attachment panels. The discrete components include a material having a Surface Topographic Variance value of 30 micrometers or greater. The material includes a printed block having a Printed Block Sensor Value that is about three times greater than a Sensor Value for the area of the material outside of the printed block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Russell Belau, Robert David Forrester, Michael John Flattum, Paula Cardinahl Winkel, Bernhardt Edward Kressner
  • Patent number: 7847145
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a technique for a body fluid absorbent article including a moving absorbent, capable of using a wider range of the absorbent for absorption and efficiently moving the absorbent. The present invention is characterized in that the absorbent 25 including a body fluid absorption and holding function and a shrinkage function when contacting with a body fluid is provided in a body fluid absorbent portion, and an absorption control layer 40 a liquid impermeable range of which is reduced whenever the body fluid is excreted is provided on the absorbent 25.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Daio Paper Corporation
    Inventors: Yuka Kurita, Kazunori Nishizawa
  • Patent number: 7825290
    Abstract: Absorbent article, wherein a liquid acquisition/distribution region comprises an evaporation barrier, such as an apertured film and thus exhibits reduced evaporation away from the article in the direction towards the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Mattias Schmidt, Cornelia Sprengard-Eichel, Bruno Johannes Ehrnsperger
  • Patent number: 7825291
    Abstract: An absorbent article 10 has front 12, crotch 14 and rear 16 portions. The article has an absorbent core 18 of unitary construction and of uniform density, which is defined by a pair of opposing longitudinal edges 20;22 and a pair of opposing transverse edges 24;26. The absorbent core 18 has at least a first 28 and a second 30 region, the average thickness of the absorbent core 18 in these first and second regions 28, 30 being lower than the average thickness of the absorbent core 18 surrounding the first and second regions 28;30, the first and second lower thickness regions 28;30 being arranged symmetrically about the longitudinal center line A of the article such that each of the first and second lower thickness regions 28;30 extends to the respective longitudinal edge 20;22 of the absorbent core. The distance ax between the first and second lower thickness regions 28;30 in the transverse direction varying along the longitudinal direction of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Camilla Elfsberg, Leif Wallström