Having Specific Design, Shape, Or Structural Feature Patents (Class 604/385.01)
  • Patent number: 8328780
    Abstract: An absorbent article incorporates a material having a base layer of a generally fluid permeable material and at least two strips or regions of elastomeric material attached to the base layer material with a space therebetween such that a center region of the base layer material is bordered on at least two sides by composite regions of the elastomeric materials and the base layer material. The center region of base layer material remains generally non-elastic and the composite regions are stretchable in at least a first direction as a result of tensioning and necking-in the base layer material prior to attaching the elastomeric materials. The material may be incorporated as a bodyside liner in the absorbent article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael T. Morman, Patricia H. Calhoun, James M. Carr
  • Patent number: 8328781
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an interlabial pad which is attached between female labia, especially to the pad which can be used together with the sanitary napkin, which has a good sealing efficiency with the labia deepest portion when the user moves and can prevent the chance that the leak of the menstrual blood or the dropping off of the pad is occurred. Further the interlabial pad comprises the absorbing sheet portion facing to the body side upon wearing the pad and the support sheet portion backing the absorbing sheet portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Mizutani, Koichi Yamaki, Yuki Noda
  • Publication number: 20120310198
    Abstract: The process enables production of sanitary articles that can be worn as a pair of pants (such as, for instance, nappies or bariatric pants) comprising a central body (2), which can be set in a concave configuration around the crotch region of the user and at least one pair of side panels (3, 4), which are connected to the central body (2) and are to define at least in part the waistband of the article (1). The process envisages obtaining an intermediate product constituted by one or more assembly webs (1000; 1000a, 1000b) which carries/carry applied thereon, on at least one of its sides, a plurality of said side panels (3, 4), each having a proximal edge (6) applied on said assembly web (1000; 1000a, 1000b). The side panels (3, 4) are connected to the central body (2) by connecting to the central body (2) itself a portion of assembly web (1000; 1000a; 1000b) which carries applied thereon a respective side panel (3, 4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventor: Gabriele Sablone
  • Publication number: 20120310195
    Abstract: A disposable wearing article improved so that a pressure put on the wearer's body may be partially alleviated. A disposable urine absorbent pad as one example of the disposable wearing articles has an inner sheet, an outer sheet and a liquid-absorbent structure interposed between these sheets. The liquid-absorbent structure is formed on an absorbent surface thereof with a pair of first raised portions protruding to the side of the inner sheet. The first raised portions lie in the rear waist region and extend in a longitudinal direction along lateral edges of the liquid-absorbent structure. The first raised portions may be formed of the same material as a core of the liquid-absorbent structure, specifically, of a mixture of fluff pulp and superabsorbent polymer particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: UNICHARM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Haruki Toda, Kaiyo Nakajima
  • Publication number: 20120310199
    Abstract: An absorbent article comprising a first layer comprising a nonwoven having a first colored region that includes at least one of a central colored region, an intermediate colored region, and an outer colored region; and a second layer comprising a polymer film having a second colored region that includes at least one of a central colored region, an intermediate colored region, and an outer colored region; wherein the first colored region differs from the second colored region. The article may further comprise a background region. The background region may be visually distinguishable from at least one of the first colored region and the second colored region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: Signe Christina Larson, Lisa June Hood, David Christopher Oetjen, John Lee Hammons
  • Publication number: 20120310200
    Abstract: The absorbent article provides a signal viewable from the top surface of the absorbent article which gives a perception of depth within the absorbent article. This creation of depth perception is accomplished by the use of a colored portion having at least a first shade and a second shade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: Patricia Lee Christon, Bryan Keith Feller, Ronda Lynn Glassmeyer, Rosa Alejandra Hernandez
  • Patent number: 8323257
    Abstract: An absorbent article may comprise a topsheet, a backsheet joined with the topsheet, an absorbent core interposed between the topsheet and backsheet; and a slow recovery stretch laminate. The slow recovery stretch laminate may be joined to one or more article elements selected from the group consisting of the topsheet, the backsheet, the core, an anal cuff, an elasticized topsheet, a fastening system, a leg cuff, a waist elastic feature, a side panel, an ear, and combinations thereof. The slow recovery stretch laminate may exhibit an unload force at 37° C. of about 0.16 N/(g/m) or greater and a percent of initial strain after 15 seconds of recovery at 22° C. of about 10% or greater. And, the slow recovery stretch laminate may comprise an elastic member that was pretreated prior to and/or during draw down of the elastic member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: David Harry Melik, Janet Neton
  • Patent number: 8324446
    Abstract: A unitary absorbent core includes a nonwoven layer which has a body-facing surface and a garment-facing surface. At least a portion of a first binding agent is impregnated into the garment-facing surface. A superabsorbent material is located on the impregnated surface, and a second binding agent is located on the superabsorbent material and can be superimposed onto the first binding agent. The unitary absorbent core can be utilized for absorbing viscous fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: James Hongxue Wang, Russell Paul George, Candace Dyan Krautkramer, Kenneth Russell Casson
  • Patent number: 8323443
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a new worn article, which gives a close fit and with which it is possible to reduce the production cost. A worn article of the present invention includes a main body portion 20 including an absorbent core 25 and covering a front torso area, a crotch area and a rear torso area of a wearer, and a pair of side panels PL and PR attached to the main body portion 20 and located between the front and rear torso areas when the worn article is worn. Each of the side panels PL and PR is stretchable in an around-the-torso direction X. At least a portion of the side panel PL and PR includes an elastic thread G sandwiched between at least two sheet-like materials S1 and S2 and is in a contracted state where the elastic thread is contracted, thus forming gathers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Zuiko Corporation
    Inventors: Takao Wada, Masaki Nakakado
  • Publication number: 20120302985
    Abstract: An underpants-type absorbent article having an outer body provided with a mutually separate front piece, back piece and connecting sheet, and wherein the front piece and the back piece are mutually joined at side areas and are mutually connected by the connecting sheet extending in an front-to-rear direction at the crotch area, and an inner body containing an absorptive body and which is overlapped and anchored to the connecting sheet on the inside of the outer body. At least a portion of both edges in the transverse direction of the connecting sheet are positioned farther to the inside in the transverse direction than both edges in the transverse direction of the inner body in a spacing area between the front piece and the back piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: UNI-CHARM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hirotomo Mukai, Hidefumi Gouda, Takaya Arayama
  • Patent number: 8317022
    Abstract: The package includes a housing portion having a transparent window region. A plurality of disposable absorbent pants is disposed within the housing portion. Each pant defines a waistband region which abuts a waist end. Each waistband region comprises a front waistband portion and a back waistband portion. Each pant further defines a crotch region which abuts a crotch end. At least a first pant is folded and positioned such that at least a portion of the waistband region of the first pant is visible through the transparent window region. Specified portions of the first pant may be obscured by an opaque border region. The first pant may include a back-label indicator that is visible through the transparent window region. A second pant may also be visible through the transparent window region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Ralph Hagner, Gregory James Fries, George Ikuya Nukuto, Jennifer Lea Westemeyer, Cynthia Lee Hogan
  • Patent number: 8319005
    Abstract: An absorbent article, preferably a disposable absorbent article such as a diaper, is disclosed that provides an improved immobilization of absorbent polymer material when the article is fully or partially urine loaded. This absorbent core is useful for providing an absorbent article of increased wearing comfort. Specifically disclosed is an absorbent core useful for an absorbent article comprising a substrate layer and absorbent material, the absorbent material comprising an absorbent polymer material, the absorbent material optionally comprising absorbent fibrous material, the absorbent fibrous material not representing more than 20% of the weight of absorbent polymer material, wherein the absorbent material is immobilized when wet such that the absorbent core achieves a wet immobilization of more than 50%, preferably of more than 60%, 70%, 80% or 90% according to the Wet Immobilization Test described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Uwe Jurgen Becker, Ludwig Busam, Bruno Johannes Ehrnsperger, Torsten Lindner, Siegfried Link, Volker Maier, Sanaul Kabir Siddiquee, Gabriele Stiehl, Thomas Tombuelt
  • Patent number: 8317764
    Abstract: A method for designing an absorbent article to be worn close to the body is disclosed. For one embodiment of the method, the steps are attaching middy tape in the shape of an edge of a first element of an absorbent article onto a body form to create an outline of the first element of the absorbent article, attaching conformable sheet material to the body form about the outline of the first element of the absorbent article, marking the shape of the outline of the first element of the absorbent article on the conformable sheet material to create a pattern, removing the conformable sheet material from the body form, constructing a first element of the absorbent article corresponding to the pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: The Procter and Gamble Company
    Inventors: Elizabeth Rachelle McElroy, Beth Goldman Mason
  • Patent number: 8319006
    Abstract: An absorbent article including a cover layer, a barrier layer and an absorbent system arranged between the cover layer and the barrier layer, the absorbent article being drapeable and possessing the absorbency attributes required of a sanitary napkin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard G. Rosenfeld, Hien V. Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20120296294
    Abstract: The present invention to provide an absorbent structure adapted to prevent the liquid-absorbent materials from falling off the wrapping sheets. An aggregate of liquid-absorbent materials in an absorbent structure has an inner surface covered with a first wrapping sheet and an outer surface and lateral surfaces covered with a second wrapping sheet. The first wrapping sheet and the second wrapping sheet respectively have first extended portions lying outboard of the lateral surfaces and second extended portions wherein the first extended portions and the second extended portions are put flat and bonded together to form laminated regions. The laminated regions cover the lateral surfaces of the aggregate and part of the outer surface which, in turn, covers these lateral surfaces and the outer surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: UNICHARM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tatsuya Hashimoto, Toshifumi Otsubo, Mariko Yamashita
  • Publication number: 20120296293
    Abstract: A disposable, absorbent type-style diaper for bariatric incontinent users includes a non-woven top sheet, an absorbent core containing fluff and super absorbent polymer, a fluid-impervious backsheet (microporous) that covers at minimal the absorbent core at it's widest point, a non-woven backsheet layer that is glued to the fluid-impervious backsheet and the overlaying non-woven top sheet. The diaper will also contain standing leg-cuffs and elastomeric side panels (air-permeable). The design of the diaper is such that the rise of the diaper is significantly longer than normal diapers. This feature allows the diaper to fit bariatric wearers higher in the front belly area and maintains acceptable coverage on the backside. The non-woven top sheet and the non-woven backsheet are coated with an antimicrobial/anti-fungal compound that inhibits bacterial/fungi to grow on the surfaces of the diaper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: Alan A. Clifford, Andrew J. Szypka
  • Patent number: 8314284
    Abstract: The diaper change alerting means includes an oblong sensor, speaker, processing means, and powering means. The oblong sensor is positioned about a main portion of the diaper where said sensor can detect the presence of moisture associated with soiling of the diaper. The alerting means can be integrated into the design of a reusable diaper or a removable embodiment that fits within a pouch located about the main portion of a disposable diaper. The processing means receives a signal from the oblong sensor, and transmits an alarm in the form of music via the speaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Inventor: John Novello
  • Publication number: 20120289918
    Abstract: An apparatus for offering embolic protection is provided that includes a sponge operable to be positioned in an area of a patient who is to undergo a cardiovascular procedure. The sponge is operable to collect debris present in or proximate to the area and to allow a portion of blood flow or no blood flow associated with the area to continue while the debris is collected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventor: Azam Anwar
  • Publication number: 20120289919
    Abstract: The present invention provides a body adhering absorbent articles which is capable of absorbing bodily fluids. In particular embodiment of the present invention, provided is an absorbent article which is specifically designed for attachment to a wearer's skin in the vulva region of the wearer's torso.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas William Van Den Bogart, Adrienne Rae Loyd, David John Enz, Carmen Lira-Núñez, Suzanne K. Sullivan Conrad, Roxanne Belinda Hallock, Deborah Snell Hannah, Candace Dyan Krautkramer, Mary L. McDaniel
  • Patent number: 8308706
    Abstract: In a disposable diaper, a ventral-side outer sheet and a back-side outer sheet are separated at a crotch portion, the back-side outer sheet has a main unit section that corresponds to joined sections in an up-down direction and a back-side extension section that extends below the back-side main unit section, the ventral-side outer sheet is composed of only a ventral-side main unit section that corresponds to the joined sections in the up-down direction, the back-side extension section has a central portion in the width direction overlapping the absorber and hip cover portions extending on both sides of the central portion in the back-side main unit section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Daio Paper Corporation
    Inventor: Akinori Fukae
  • Publication number: 20120283682
    Abstract: The present invention provides a disposable wearing article having a position indicator mark formed on a crotch member and overlapped by front and rear waist members. Front and rear waist members overlap front and rear ends, respectively, of a crotch member and are bonded thereto to define first and second overlapping regions and an intermediate region extending between these first and second overlapping regions. A position indicator mark is formed in the first overlapping region, a graphic of fish is portrayed as a crotch graphic element in the second overlapping region and graphics of fish are portrayed in the intermediate region as crotch graphic elements. In the first overlapping region, a front waist sheet of the front waist member overlaps a front graphic film on which a graphic of penguin is portrayed as a front graphic element which, in turn, overlaps the position indicator mark.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: UNICHARM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshifumi Otsubo, Tatsuya Hashimoto, Mariko Yamashita
  • Publication number: 20120283681
    Abstract: Apparatus for treating at least one web passing through the apparatus includes a first roller and a second roller positioned adjacent the first roller to define a nip for receiving the at least one web. The first roller has a pair of spaced apart ends, a length extending between the ends, a circumference, and at least one bearer ring extending around the circumference of the first roller generally at a center of the first roller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventor: Michael Lee Lohoff
  • Patent number: 8304598
    Abstract: Garments may include signaling devices. The signaling device may be configured to indicate to a user that a body fluid is present in the garment. The garment may include a chassis including an outer cover having an interior surface and an exterior surface. The chassis may include a crotch region positioned in between a front region and a back region. The garment may also include a signaling device including at least one first terminal and at least one second terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard D. Mosbacher, Christopher P. Olson, Robert Schlaupitz, Andrew M. Long
  • Patent number: 8303565
    Abstract: An absorbent article includes an absorbent section having first and second end portions and a central portion. A waist belt is attached to the absorbent section at its first end and has first and second belt portions extending on each side of the first end of the absorbent section for securing to each other around a wearer of the absorbent article. The second end of the absorbent section includes a fastening device for securing the second end of the absorbent section to the waist belt. The waist belt has a visual appearance different from the absorbent section, so as to simulate a belt. This provides the user with intuitive information on how the absorbent article should be applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Maria Gustin Bergström, Margareta Wennerbäck
  • Patent number: 8304597
    Abstract: A method for placing a feminine hygiene article in the crotch portion of an undergarment having a crotch portion bounded on opposite sides by portions of curved leg openings. The method comprising the steps of providing a feminine hygiene article having a body-facing surface and at least one functional enhancement indicator visible from the body-facing surface, the functional enhancement indicator providing a distinct visual emphasis to a portion of the feminine hygiene article; orienting the feminine hygiene article with respect to the crotch portion such that the at least one functional enhancement indicator is oriented toward the front of the undergarment; and, affixing the feminine hygiene article to the crotch portion of the undergarment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: The Procter and Gamble Company
    Inventors: Jeanne Marie Hughes, Ronald Bosman Visscher, Peter Charles Mason, Jr., Folke Schlueter, Emma Somma, Giovanni Carlucci, Paul Thomas Weisman
  • Patent number: 8304596
    Abstract: A fecal sample collecting device and method. The device of an embodiment includes a removable first layer, having primary and secondary apertures and a second layer having a releaseable adhesive on an inner surface that secures the first and second layers, a flap aligned with the primary aperture, and an integrally formed removable tab. The device also includes a sheet between the two layers. In a first configuration, the sheet is aligned with the primary aperture such that a sample is deposited thereon when the device is used to wipe one's anus, and the removable tab is aligned with the secondary aperture such that a second sample is deposited thereon. Subsequently, the first layer is discarded, thereby exposing the adhesive on the inner surface of the second layer. The device is placed in a second configuration by folding the inner surface upon itself. Thus, primary and secondary samples are enclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Immunostics, Inc.
    Inventor: Vincent LaStella
  • Patent number: 8303562
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a disposable absorbent hygiene item in the form of a pair of knickers, said item comprising a central absorption part, an outer envelope forming a base structure comprising a waist edge which is closed all the way round in the peripheral direction and forms an opening for the waist, a rear part and a front part comprising longitudinal lateral edge sections, and a connecting region arranged between the front part and the rear part and forming the leg openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Paul Hartmann Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Fridmann Hornung, Wolfgang Ostertag, Florian Kautzsch, Benjamin Wenzel
  • Patent number: 8303557
    Abstract: An absorbent article in which a plurality of absorbent components is layered, and the absorbent component on top is peeled off after use. The article is configured to inhibit twisting or wrinkling during use. In the absorbent article, the upper absorbent component is layered on the skin-facing surface of the bottom absorbent component and peelably bonded by the temporal adhesive member. The bottom absorbent component has higher flexural rigidity than the upper absorbent component, and the compression recovery rate of the bottom absorbent component is also set so as to be higher than that of the upper absorbent component. It is thereby possible to prevent the bottom absorbent component from twisting and wrinkling when the upper absorbent component is placed against the discharge area, and after the upper absorbent component is peeled off, the volume of the bottom absorbent component is restored, and comfort during contact thereof with the discharge area is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Yukihiro Ito, Makoto Suekane, Masataka Kinoshita
  • Publication number: 20120277713
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article may include a topsheet, a backsheet, an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, and a leg gasketing system. The leg gasketing system may include an inner cuff and an outer cuff; the inner cuff may include an inner cuff folded edge and an inner cuff material edge and the outer cuff may include an outer cuff folded edge and an outer cuff material edge such that the web of material is folded laterally inward to form the outer cuff folded edge and folded laterally outward to form the inner cuff material edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventors: Jeromy Thomas Raycheck, Lisa Jane Goodlander, Jessica Lee Mosman, Jason Edward Naylor, LeAnn Nichole Phillips
  • Publication number: 20120277702
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article for wearing about the lower torso of a wearer, the disposable absorbent article may include a first waist region, a second waist region, a crotch region disposed between the first and second waist regions; a first waist edge and a second waist edge; and a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge. The disposable absorbent article may include a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet comprising a polymeric film, an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The polymeric film may be at least 20 mm more narrow than the chassis. An opacity strengthening patch may be disposed on the backsheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventors: Jeromy Thomas Raycheck, Lisa Jane Goodlander, Lisa Maria Grinkemeyer, Jessica Lee Mosman, Jason Edward Naylor
  • Patent number: 8298203
    Abstract: A multi-presentational package for disposable diapers such that the package may be presented in a multi-package form or an individual-package form. One exemplary embodiment of the package may include a plurality of disposable diaper products, a plurality of stabilizers, and a wrapping layer. The multi-presentational package may be marketed as a single unit such that a substantial portion of said plurality of disposable diaper products is visible to the consumer and/or the plurality of disposable diaper products and plurality of stabilizers may be removed from said multi-presentation package and subsequently marketable as multiple units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Andreas Peter Motsch, Beate Christine Janik, Martin Werner Frank
  • Patent number: 8299317
    Abstract: An absorbent article includes a liner and an outercover in facing relation and at least one conductive element located between the liner and the outercover. At least a portion of the conductive element is exposed through the liner and/or the outercover to define at least one external contact point. The external contact point defines a perimeter and the liner and/or the outercover is sealed about the perimeter. The contact points provide external access to the internal conductive elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Darold Dean Tippey, Andrew Mark Long, Thomas Michael Ales, III, Thomas David Ehlert
  • Patent number: 8298204
    Abstract: A disposable pull-on type diaper has a separator interposed between an inner surface of an absorbent chassis and the wearer's skin so as to protect the diaper wearer's skin from being soiled with feces. The separator is formed by a piece of sheet extending from a bottom of a crotch region of the diaper toward a front waist region and a rear waist region and fixed to lateral edges of the crotch region. The piece of sheet has a front end and a rear end both extending in a transverse direction of the crotch region. These front end and rear end are free along middle segments thereof as viewed in the transverse direction of the crotch region from an inner surface of an absorbent chassis and inseparably integrated with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventor: Toshifumi Otsubo
  • Publication number: 20120271261
    Abstract: A moisture absorbing pad adapted for insertion into creases of the body prone to perspiration is made of a generally planar sheet of moisture absorbing material. The planar sheet is formed into two parts, a first part rolled into a cylinder having two ends which are substantially flattened, and a second part folded back on itself to form a tab, which is substantially teardrop shaped in profile. The material may have anti-microbial or emollient properties. To use the pad, a body crease is opened and the pad inserted near the center of the crease. The crease may then be reformed around the pad. When inundated with moisture, the pad may be extracted by using the tab and flattened ends as handles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventor: Larry Lofton
  • Patent number: 8292861
    Abstract: An individually packaged absorbent article including an absorbent article and a package. The package can enclose the absorbent article and can have an outer surface and an inner surface. In certain embodiments, the package can include a package material that is a polymeric film. The package can have two opposing faces, and an opening area. The opening area can be provided substantially on a face of the package, and the package having an overlabel substantially covering the opening area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Douglas Toms, Jeremy Robert Basham
  • Patent number: 8292865
    Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles and non-absorbent articles which comprise at least one improved double-sided soft and elastic material composite. The composites according to the invention may also be breathable. The composites are produced by incrementally stretching a laminate of an elastic layer between two non-elastic cloth-like layers. The non-elastic cloth-like layers tear during stretching such that the elasticity of the laminate after stretching is substantially the same as the elasticity of the film elastic layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Tredegar Film Products Corporation
    Inventors: Randell O. Hutson, Andrew J. Peacock
  • Patent number: 8292863
    Abstract: A disposable diaper has a front pouch with a wet wipe inside and a rear pouch with a closable open end. When the diaper has been soiled the wet wipe can be removed from the front pouch and used to clean the baby and then the diaper, once removed from the baby, can be inverted into the rear pouch, which inverts inside out with the soiled diaper inside. A closure can be used to close the open end of the now-inverted rear pouch to contain the soiled diaper inside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventor: Christopher D. Donoho
  • Patent number: 8287509
    Abstract: Hydrophilized compositions including normally hydrophobic thermoplastic polymers, e.g., polypropylene, and hydrophilizing amounts of anionic surfactants, e.g., sodium alkylsulfonates, are shaped into such articles as molded objects having hydrophilic surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Rhodia Recherches et Technologies
    Inventors: Daniel Joubert, Marc Balastre, Antoine Guiu
  • Patent number: 8287511
    Abstract: A disposable diaper includes a body fluid absorbing zone extending over a crotch region further into front and rear waist regions, side flaps extending in a longitudinal direction outside transversely opposite side edges of the zone, and end flaps extending in a transverse direction outside longitudinally opposite ends of the zone. The side flaps in the front waist region are formed from a composite nonwoven fabric composed of a first fibrous nonwoven fabric facing away from the wearer's skin and a second fibrous nonwoven fabric laminated on the first fibrous nonwoven fabric and facing the wearer's skin. The first fibrous nonwoven fabric has a kinetic friction coefficient higher than a kinetic friction coefficient of the second fibrous nonwoven fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Koichiro Mitsui, Hironao Minato, Yasushi Sayama
  • Publication number: 20120259303
    Abstract: The present invention is referred to a nursing breast pad, comprising a circular pad including a front garment facing surface and a rear wearer facing surface attached to each other by a peripheral flange. The space between the garment facing surface and the wearer facing surface contains a liquid chemical and a powder chemical that, when mixed together, can produce an endothermic cooling action. The liquid chemical is contained within a flexible bag that, when squeezed by the user, causes the bag to burst so that the two chemicals can mix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventor: Marcia Angela Carter
  • Patent number: 8282617
    Abstract: [Problems] To improve the air permeability of a waist portion of a disposable diaper [Means for Solving Problems] In an underpants type disposable diaper, including: a ventral-side outer sheet 12F and a back-side outer sheet 12B which are not connected but separated at a crotch portion; an absorber 20 having a liquid impervious sheet and a crotch outer sheet 12M laminated on an underside of the liquid impervious sheet in the absorber so as to be exposed on an external surface of a product, assuming that the number of sheets disposed on the underside of the liquid impervious sheet is B1 at the intermediate portion 23, A1 at front- and back-side outer overlap sections X and Z, and C1 at the front- and back-side outer nonoverlap sections 20F and 20B, there is established a relationship of B1<C1<A1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Daio Paper Corporation
    Inventor: Masahiro Kaneda
  • Patent number: 8282618
    Abstract: A disposable pant includes a garment shell including a stretchable material. In one embodiment, the pant includes a front panel, a back panel and two leg panels. In another embodiment, the pant includes a middle panel and two leg panels. In another embodiment, the panel includes a single panel. The panel can include an absorbent structure either attached to, or integral with, the garment shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Cynthia H. Nordness, Katherine C. Wheeler
  • Patent number: 8282616
    Abstract: A pant-type absorbent article including a chassis structure including a front panel having a front end edge and first and second side edges, a back panel having a back end edge and first and second side edges and a crotch panel arranged between the front and back panels at least one of said front and back panels including an elastic nonwoven/film laminate, and a core being integrated with the chassis structure, the first and second side edges of the front panel being joined by side seams to the corresponding first and second side edges of the back panel. Each side seam is formed at least in part in a weldable connecting member, the connecting member including a first part being secured to a side edge on the front panel and a second part being secured to a corresponding side edge on the back panel, said first and second parts of said connecting member being joined by thermowelding to form said side seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Marcus Lehto, Lars Melin
  • Publication number: 20120253307
    Abstract: A pant-type disposable wearing article includes at least one waist region of front and rear waist regions, which includes an inner sheet lying on the skin-facing side and an outer sheet lying on the non-skin-facing side. The inner sheet has a contractile force higher than that of the outer sheet at least in the transverse direction X. Opposite lateral sections of the inner sheet and opposite lateral sections of the outer sheet are permanently bonded together and extend outward in the transverse direction X from arrays of side seam spots to form front flaps and rear flaps defining protruding rims. The front flaps and the rear flaps are curled inwardly. This article is improved so that opposite side edges do not irritate a wearer's skin even if the wearer's skin comes in contact with these side edges and, in addition, good appearance from a lateral view is assured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: UNICHARM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mariko Takeuchi, Toshifumi Otsubo, Tatsuya Hashimoto
  • Publication number: 20120253308
    Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent article including a longitudinally extending a top surface, a cover layer, a barrier layer, an absorbent core arranged between the cover layer and the barrier layer, a printed portion, a plurality of non-printed portions, wherein the printed portion and the plurality of non-printed portions are arranged to create a perception of a functional benefit by a user looking upon the top surface of the absorbent article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: Joanna Misiti, Neil Alexander Sadler, Aimee Sealfon, Dana Snider
  • Patent number: 8277432
    Abstract: An absorbent article includes a liquid-permeable topsheet, a liquid-impermeable backsheet and an absorbent core located therebetween. The fluid-permeable topsheet and fluid-impermeable backsheet extend beyond the absorbent core in at least the width (X) direction and are joined to one another in the area outside the absorbent core to form an edge-seam. The absorbent article also includes two elastic members, each elastic member extending along one longitudinal edge of the absorbent core such that—along a major portion of the extension of the elastic members in the length (Y) direction—the elastic members overlie both a portion of the absorbent core and a portion of the edge-seam in the width (X) direction. This arrangement provides improved three-dimensional forming of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Maria Gustin Bergström, Carin Håkansson, Paulina Halleröd (NeéLjungberg)
  • Patent number: 8277428
    Abstract: A sanitary napkin including a central absorbent pad, the central absorbent pad having a liquid pervious cover layer, a liquid impervious barrier layer and an absorbent core between the cover layer and barrier layer. The central absorbent pad includes a pair of flaps adapted to fold over a crotch portion of an undergarment in use. The central absorbent pad further includes two preferential bending axes, each axis being inward from and adjacent to a respective longitudinal side edge and extending obliquely with respect to the longitudinal centerline, the axes converging towards the longitudinal centerline in the first distal end of the central absorbent pad. The preferential bending axes are adapted to enable the sanitary napkin to be folded from an initial substantially hourglass shape to a tapered shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Ind. E Com. Ltda
    Inventors: Antonio Carlos Ribeiro Carvalho, Marcia Helena Teixeira Fajolli, Flavia Guimaraes Guaragna
  • Patent number: 8277429
    Abstract: Absorbent product including a package, at least one absorbent article and a miniature model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: The Proctor and Gamble Company
    Inventors: Tanguy Yann Pellen, Jing Zhang, Xiaofeng Wang
  • Publication number: 20120245547
    Abstract: An incontinence garment is provided which includes a front portion, the front portion including a body, a body absorbent, and a body liquid-permeable liner. The body comprises a shell, which may be flexible and semi-rigid, and which is shaped to form a cavity adapted to hold male genitalia. The body absorbent, suitable for absorbing urine, is at least partially disposed within the cavity and the body liquid-permeable liner is attached to the body in a spaced-apart relation to the body absorbent. The body liquid-permeable liner and the body absorbent describe a gap and at least partially form a chamber. Even while the garment is being worn, the body liquid-permeable liner is under sufficient tension to at least partially maintain the gap and at least partially maintain the at least partial chamber and to hammock male genitalia within the cavity and away from the body absorbent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventors: Nolan M. Wilcox, Heather J. Wilcox
  • Patent number: 8273067
    Abstract: Manufacturers of disposable absorbent articles may produce a wide range of sizes of articles. The design of these articles has generally remained the same as the product increases in size to fit larger and larger users. Generally speaking, the proportions of the articles remain the same in smaller and larger sizes. For example, the longitudinal length of the absorbent core as a percentage of the total longitudinal length of the article may be approximately the same for small, medium, and large sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason C. Cohen