Having Specific Design, Shape, Or Structural Feature Patents (Class 604/385.01)
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8273066
    Abstract: A mass produced absorbent article having an image of a quality that is commercially acceptable. The image is produced by ink jet printheads applying ink to a web moving at high speed under the jets in the course of manufacturing the article. The image is printed at low resolution but is characterized in part by a higher coverage area ratio and brightness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Kimberly D. Anderson, Michael J. Garvey, Melissa C. Putzer, Timothy J. Probst, Eric D. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8273942
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article, such as a disposable diaper. The disposable absorbent article has a topsheet with apertures large enough for low-viscosity fecal material to pass through to a fecal material storage element. The fecal material storage element immobilizes the fecal material in position for dewatering, so that the solid components of the fecal material are separated from the liquid components of the fecal material and the liquid components can be absorbed by an absorbent core. This arrangement provides for easier cleaning of the wearer when the soiled disposable absorbent article is removed. The fecal material storage element may extend beyond one or more edges of the absorbent core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Donald Carroll Roe
  • Publication number: 20120238986
    Abstract: An absorbent article having a longitudinal centerline and adapted to be worn in an undergarment having a crotch portion bounded on opposite sides by portions of curved leg openings. The absorbent article comprises a main body portion, the main body portion comprising a liquid pervious body-facing surface, a liquid impervious garment facing surface, and an absorbent core positioned between the body-facing surface and the garment-facing surface. The absorbent article comprises at least one indicator marker visible from the body-facing surface, the indicator markers disposed to indicate proper alignment of the absorbent article with respect to undergarment-specific features such as the curved leg openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventors: Marco Digiacomantonio, Evelina Toro, Giovanni Carlucci, Remo Bellucci
  • Patent number: 8267910
    Abstract: An absorbing article, in particular an absorbing structure has at least one layer that can be used with advantage as a surface layer or in combination with a surface layer. The aforementioned layer has deformable fibers which are deformed and shrink when they become wet. The aforementioned layer thus constitutes a deformation layer and has at least one distinct admission passage. The admission passage is deformed and dilated when it becomes wet. In addition to improved admission in conjunction with repeated wetting, the article also offers a solution to the problem of feces handling in combination with repeated wetting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventor: Robert Perneborn
  • Publication number: 20120232514
    Abstract: A method of making an absorbent structure having a three-dimensional topography includes placing at least a portion of the absorbent structure between opposed mold surfaces. At least one of the mold surfaces has a three-dimensional topography. The three-dimensional topography of the mold surface is imparted onto the absorbent structure so that the absorbent structure has a three-dimensional topography corresponding to the three-dimensional topography of the mold surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew Thomas Baker, Theresa Michelle McCoy, Stephen Avedis Baratian, Charles Wilson Colman
  • Publication number: 20120232515
    Abstract: A bodily fluid absorbent article having visually recognizable display elements formed of coloring material wherein an average mass of coloring material per a predetermined area gradually increases from inside toward outside as viewed in a longitudinal direction. A panty liner includes a liquid-pervious topsheet lying on a skin-facing side, a liquid-impervious backsheet lying on a garment-facing side and a second sheet sandwiched between these sheets as an intermediate layer. The panty liner is formed with display elements adapted to be visually recognized through the topsheet. The display elements are coated with coloring material in a gradation such that a density of the coloring material gradually increases outward from an imaginary transverse center line. Specifically, the density of the coloring material in the respective display elements gradually increases outward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: UNI-CHARM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ayami Suga
  • Patent number: 8262633
    Abstract: An absorbent article having a central colored region, an intermediate colored region, an outer colored region, and a background region. The intermediate colored region can be between the central colored region and the outer colored region. The intermediate colored region can substantially circumscribe the central colored region. The central colored region, intermediate colored region, and outer colored region differ in color from the background region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: The Procter and Gamble Company
    Inventors: Signe Christina Larson, Lisa June Hood, David Christopher Oetjen, John Lee Hammons
  • Patent number: 8257331
    Abstract: In a pants-type absorbent product, a first middle elastic member is located along a horizontal direction in a middle front part between a pair of leg openings in an outer covering sheet. The first middle elastic member contracts a first sheet and a second sheet, and middle gathers are formed. Thus, it is possible to improve fitting of a middle part to a wearer. In the middle front part, both ends of the first middle elastic member are apart from edges of the pair of leg openings, and a pair of non-contracted parts are provided between the both ends of the first middle elastic member and the edges of the pair of leg openings, to thereby improve flexibility of portions in the vicinities of the leg openings in the outer covering sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Livedo Corporation
    Inventors: Masaru Fujioka, Yuki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8257330
    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 at least two tones within a color and/or by the use of multiple tones and multiple colors operating together to create a perception of depth within the absorbent article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: The Procter and Gamble Company
    Inventors: Patricia Lee Christon, Bryan Keith Feller, Ronda Lynn Glassmeyer, Rosa Alejandra Hernandez
  • Publication number: 20120220976
    Abstract: An absorbent undergarment for men comprising: a waistband; two openings for the legs of the user; a slit in a front portion of the undergarment; and an absorbent pad on the inner surface of the rear portion of the undergarment. The pad is permanently stinted on the inner surface of the undergarment. The pad and undergarment according to the present invention may be made of washable and reusable materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventors: Kize Morse, Mae Morse
  • Patent number: 8251967
    Abstract: A diaper having a main part comprising a front area, a rear area and a crotch area therebetween, wherein the main part comprises an absorbent core, and with rear side sections joined on both sides to the rear area and front side sections joined on both sides to the front area which extend in the transverse direction past lateral front and rear longitudinal edges of the main part, connect the front area and the rear area, wherein, at least on the side facing the crotch area, the front and rear side sections; are designed in such a fashion that they extend at an inclination with respect to the longitudinal direction or are curved for forming leg opening areas, and the front and rear side sections of the front area and rear area differ from each other with respect to at least one primary property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Paul Hartmann Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Krzysztof D. Malowaniec, Wolfgang Ostertag
  • Patent number: 8251965
    Abstract: Dark colored absorbent articles, such as pantiliners or sanitary napkins. More specifically, dark colored absorbent articles are disclosed comprising an apertured topsheet, an underlying layer visible through the apertures of the topsheet and a backsheet, wherein both the topsheet and underlying layer have a L Hunter value of less than 60. Preferably the topsheet, the backsheet and the underlying layer have the same color (e.g., black).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: The Procter and Gamble Company
    Inventors: Helene Karin Costea, Roberto D'Addario, Ivano Gagliardi, Kathrin Pretz, Giovanna Carlucci
  • Patent number: 8251966
    Abstract: Provided is an absorptive article having absorption elements capable of following the body of a user. This absorptive article (1) comprises a generally rectangular base absorption element (2), a top absorption element (3) disposed on one surface of the base absorption element (2) at substantially lateral center of the base absorption element (2) and along the longitudinal direction of the base absorption element (2), and a fixing part (4) for fixing the base absorption element (2) to the top absorption element (3) so that at least one end of the top absorption element (3) in the longitudinal direction thereof is made to be a free end (31). A temporary locking part (5) for restricting the movement of the top absorption element (3) is provided on the top absorption element (3) near a free end part (32) thereof at least before application of the absorptive article to the body of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Jun Kudo, Akira Hashino
  • Patent number: 8246596
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article may comprise a chassis and a pair of longitudinally disposed barrier cuffs. Each cuff may contain a barrier zone, an attachment zone, and a transition edge separating the barrier zone and attachment zone. The barrier cuffs exhibit a cuff span and a cuff height at a given cross-section through a crotch point and an end region. The absorbent article exhibits a cuff span ratio, defined as a maximum cuff span as measured in the end region of the barrier cuff divided by a cuff span as measured at the crotch point, of greater than 1. The absorbent article exhibits a cuff height ratio, defined as a cuff height as measured at the crotch point divided by a minimum cuff height as measured in the end region, of greater than 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Michael Dale Trennepohl
  • Patent number: 8246597
    Abstract: A pant-type wearing article configured so as to prevent a lateral zone of a front waist region and an associated lateral zone of a rear waist region which should remain fastened together from being needlessly disengaged from each other. In the pant-type wearing article an outer surface of a base sheet strip constituting a front fastener component is bonded to a fixed region defined on an inner surface of a front lateral zone. The front lateral zone includes a free region to which the base sheet strip is not bonded. The free region normally takes a posture folded back in a waistline direction so that an outer surface of the front lateral zone lies inside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Akiyoshi Kinoshita, Natsuko Aoyagi, Kayoko Tanaka, Yasuhiko Kenmochi
  • Publication number: 20120209236
    Abstract: A diaper having an extra set of tabs that fold over the diaper closure tabs to prevent the closure tabs from becoming accidently undone or becoming undone by an infant. The extra tabs are folded in an accordion-like fashion before being deployed. The extra tabs have a smooth outer surface to prevent discomfort to a wearer and a Velcro lined inner surface that mates with a Velcro strip on the back of the diaper. The extra tabs are folded in an accordion-like fashion before being deployed to enable efficient packaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventor: Kristen Savea
  • Patent number: 8241263
    Abstract: An absorbent article is disclosed. The article includes a first portion having at least two target strips located on opposite ends of the first portion, at least one visual sizing indicator positioned on the first portion of the article between the at least two target strips, a middle portion contoured inwards such that an hourglass shape is formed, and a second portion having at least two fasteners located on opposite edges of the second portion. The absorbent article is formed of several layers including a moisture-impervious outer layer, an inner layer substantially co-extensive with the outer layer, and a filler interposed between the inner layer and the outer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Medline Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew J. Mills
  • Patent number: 8235957
    Abstract: An absorbent article includes a backsheet and a sublayer. The sublayer including at least a first acquisition layer and a second acquisition layer. The sublayer includes one or more areas with a plurality of combined holes. The combined holes are formed by holes extending through the first acquisition layer and holes in or extending through the second acquisition layer, or by holes in or extending through the second acquisition layer and indentations in the first acquisition layer. The combined holes have an average smallest dimension of at least 2 mm, and the surface areas of the holes through the first layer, or of the indentations in the first layer, are less than the corresponding surface areas of the holes in or through the second layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Ekatarina Anatolyevna Ponomarenko, Monika Imgard Johanning, Ralf Geilich
  • Patent number: 8235960
    Abstract: In an absorbent product in which an absorbent sheet member having an opening and a back sheet are overlapped, a rear pocket is formed between a rear absorbent core of the absorbent sheet member and the back sheet, and side pockets are formed on both sides of the opening. By contracting elastic members bonded to a core covering sheet on the both sides of the opening, the core covering sheet of the absorbent sheet member and the back sheet largely stand up in each side pocket, and the rear absorbent core is raised upward. Thus, it is possible to keep the distance large in a thickness direction between the absorbent sheet member and the back sheet in the vicinity of the opening and to fit a portion around the opening of the absorbent sheet member to a wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Livedo Corporation
    Inventors: Akiko Tatsukawa, Hirofumi Miyake
  • Patent number: 8237012
    Abstract: An absorbent article having a substantially oblong shape, which is superior in liquid-proof performance and fitness, includes a liquid permeable top sheet, a back sheet, an absorbent body having elasticity disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet, and a compressed portion compressing the top sheet and the absorbent body. The compressed portion is disposed continuously to form a protrusion in a longitudinal direction to define a substantially U shape. The absorbent portion has a low elasticity portion, disposed on one part of the absorbent body, and formed so that elasticity weakens when compression to a prescribed thickness is carried out. The low elasticity portion is disposed in the vicinity of an end protruding the most in the longitudinal direction of the substantially U shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Takuya Miyama, Jun Kudo, Chiemi Habu, Kumiko Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 8235929
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating dermatologic pruritis. The skin involved with purities is covered with an organic cloth in order to make it more difficult to scratch. The contact of the organic cloth not only makes it difficult to scratch but adds a soothing feel thus lessening the tendency to need to scratch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventor: Santea B. Griffin
  • Publication number: 20120197227
    Abstract: A stretch laminate includes a first layer including an elastomer film, the first layer having a surface, and a second layer including a nonwoven material, the second layer having a basis weight of less than about 25 gsm and a surface that is attached to the surface of the first layer. The elastomer film has a strength of an engineering tensile strength, at an engineering strain rate of about 600/s, of at least one of about greater than about 14 MPa for a plain specimen or about greater than about 7 MPa for a notched specimen. A method of making the stretch laminate and an absorbent article having at least one region defined by the stretch laminate are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventor: Todd Leon Mansfield
  • Patent number: 8231590
    Abstract: A visually coordinated absorbent product includes a article component having a body side liner, a garment side outer cover and an absorbent core disposed between the body side liner and the garment side outer cover. The article component has at least a first and second visual characteristic, wherein the first visual characteristic is different than the second visual characteristic. The article component is disposed in a packaging component having at least the first and second visual characteristics. In one embodiment, the packaging component is an individual pouch sized and configured to hold a single, individual article component. In various embodiments, the visual characteristics can include color, embossment, printing, and/or side sealing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Teresa Marie Zander, Kristi Jo Bryant, Debra A. Haase, Sheila Marie Heyrman, Kim Hoertsch, Adrienne Rae Loyd, William Grover Reeves, Garry Roland Woltman, Theodore T. Tower, Jennifer Pozniak, Angela Rae Heck, Richard Joseph Hantke
  • Patent number: 8231591
    Abstract: A personal care article (20) has a longitudinal-direction (22), a lateral cross-direction (24), a first end-section (72), a second end-section (72a), and an intermediate-section (76) interposed between the first end-section (72) and the second end-section (72a). At least a portion of the first end-section has been folded along or otherwise includes a first end-fold-region (64) which is substantially convex along a backsheet-side of the article. At least a portion of the second end-section has been folded along or otherwise includes a second end-fold-region (66) which is substantially convex along the backsheet-side of the article. In other aspects, the article can include a first, lengthwise-fold-region (58) in the first end-section, a second, lengthwise-fold-region (62) in the second end-section, and a third, lengthwise-fold-region (68) in the intermediate section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Garry Roland Woltman, Carrie Nicole Pateras, Angela Rae Heck, Karyn Clare Schroeder, Marcille Faye Ruman
  • Patent number: 8231592
    Abstract: A disposable diaper is provided with a barrier adapted to prevent body fluid from freely flowing in a back-and-forth direction of the diaper so that such barrier can be reliably held in close contact with the wearer's skin. The barrier stands in the way of body fluid flowing in the back-and-forth direction of the diaper and the barrier is provided in the form of an assembly of nonwoven fabric strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Unicharm Corporation
    Inventors: Sachiyo Suzuki, Toshifumi Otsubo
  • Patent number: 8226622
    Abstract: An interlabial absorbent article configured for disposition primarily within the vestibule of a female wearer includes a generally liquid permeable cover sheet, a generally liquid impermeable back sheet, and an absorbent material disposed between the cover sheet and the back sheet. A time-delayed water soluble adhesive combination joins the cover sheet and back sheet together with the absorbent material sandwiched therebetween. The adhesive combination is configured so as to maintain structural integrity of the article for a time period of at least about two hours after the article is immersed in water by being flushed while ensuring that the article breaks up within about 24-72 hours after flushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Patricia Mitchler, Heather Sorebo, Susan Weyenberg, Ann Marie Przepasniak
  • Patent number: 8226623
    Abstract: A comfortably wearable development type paper diaper comprises a back sheet, a first absorbent, a second absorbent and a liquid-permeable top sheet in the recited order. The first absorbent extends, when worn, from the back side through the crotch to the abdomen side of the user. The second absorbent extends, when worn, from the back side to the crotch of the user. A leakage preventing sheet allowing no liquid permeation is interposed between the first absorbent and the second absorbent. The second absorbent leaves the first absorbent from the crotch to the back side thereby to form a pocket PO for holding the excrement between the first absorbent and the second absorbent. The leakage preventing sheet is arranged to contact in the pocket PO with the second absorbent. The top sheet is so conformed to the shape of the pocket PO as to cover the leakage preventing sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Daio Paper Corporation
    Inventor: Hideaki Yoshida
  • Patent number: 8226624
    Abstract: Various garments are disclosed which include a body adhesive for attaching the garment to the skin of a wearer. More particularly, the garment can include at least one extensible portion. An adhesive member comprising an adhesive layer and a cover member may be positioned over the extensible portion. The cover member may completely cover the adhesive layer when the extensible portion is in a relaxed condition. When the extensible portion is stretched, however, the cover member may define openings that expose the adhesive layer for adhering the adhesive to a wearer. The garment may comprise, for instance, a diaper, a training pant, a swim pant, a hospital gown, an industrial garment, a glove, a feminine hygiene product, an adult incontinence product, and the like. The adhesive member can be positioned over any suitable extensible portion on the garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Catherine Marguerite Hancock-Cooke, Sara Jane Wille Stabelfeldt, Janis Wilson Hughes, Wing-Chak Ng, Debra Jean McDowall
  • Publication number: 20120184890
    Abstract: A dressing for application over a blistered area on a surface of the skin of a patient. The dressing including: a volume forming portion positioned over the blistered area; an adhesive portion positioned proximate to the volume forming portion for fixing the volume forming portion to the skin; and a potential energy storage mechanism for storing potential energy that would tend to increase a volume adjacent to the blistered area formed by the volume forming portion to create a vacuum adjacent the blistered area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: OMNITEK PARTNERS LLC
    Inventors: Jahangir S. Rastegar, Harry Soroff, Thomas Spinelli
  • Publication number: 20120184935
    Abstract: An absorptive article (1) has: an absorptive body (10) which includes an absorption body; and an exterior body (20) which is provided to the outer surface side of the absorptive body (10) and which is provided with a belly-side portion (F) and a back-side portion (B). The belly-side portion (F) and the back-side portion (B) are joined together at joint sections (21, 22). Reduced strength regions (T) and unreduced strength regions (S) are disposed between the belly-side section (F) and the back-side section (B) at the positions of the joint sections (21, 22). A reduced strength region (T) includes a joint strength-reducing material for reducing the joint strength between the joint sections (21, 22), and an unreduced strength region (S) includes no joint strength-reducing material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventor: Youko Suzuki
  • 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: 8221371
    Abstract: A process for overwrapping a catamenial device such as a tampon includes the steps of providing a substantially cylindrical overwrapper material, inserting a catamenial device into the overwrap material, and closing the open end of the overwrapper material. The overwrapper material has an open end, a closed end, and a first length. The catamenial device has a tapered insertion end, a longitudinal axis, and a length less than the first length, such that the open end of the overwrapper material extends beyond the insertion end of the inserted catamenial device. Concave clamping jaws are applied to the open end of the overwrapper material to urge it toward the longitudinal axis of the catamenial device; to conform portions of the overwrapper material to the insertion end of the catamenial device; and to fold overwrapper material between adjacent clamping jaws to form fins extending outwardly from the conformed portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Junio, David L. Kimball, Ralf Mueller, Tony Ng
  • Publication number: 20120179127
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wound care article having at least one flat layer that contains an absorbent material. Said article is characterised in that it is equipped with at least one other active element that gives the wound care article a convex or pyramidal shape (when viewed from the side).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventor: Birgit Riesinger
  • Publication number: 20120173249
    Abstract: Absorbent articles are disclosed that include a machine readable code. The machine readable code, once scanned by a suitable reader device, provides access to information related to the absorbent article. The information may relate to use or disposal of the article. In other embodiments, the information may comprise promotional materials, such as coupons, rebates and news about related products, new products, or the like. The present disclosure is particularly directed to applying and positioning the machine readable codes on the absorbent articles so that the codes are noticeable and can be scanned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Lee Popp, Andrew Mark Long, Thomas Michael Ales, Kristina Smits
  • Patent number: 8211075
    Abstract: An interlabial pad capable of reducing the likelihood of falling-off of the pad and leakage of bodily exudates is provided. Making the compression repulsive force from the portion contacting near the vestibule floor to be greater than the compression repulsive force from the portion contacting near the anterior ends of the labia minora pudenda allows a manufacturer to provide an interlabial pad capable of reducing the likelihood of falling-off of the pad and leakage of bodily exudates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Yuki Noda, Satoshi Mizutani, Wataru Yoshimasa
  • Patent number: 8212102
    Abstract: A diaper having front and rear waist regions and a waist-hole, the waist hole having a peripheral edge that is elastically stretchable in a circumferential direction and includes covering zones and elastic zones in the front and rear waist regions, which peripheral edge is adapted to be stretchable beyond lengths of the covering zones in the circumferential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshinori Kumasaka
  • Patent number: 8211074
    Abstract: An absorbent article having a backsheet. The backsheet has a garment facing side and a first end edge in the first end region. The absorbent article has an adhesive attachment mechanism on the garment facing side of the backsheet for securing the absorbent article to an undergarment. The adhesive attachment mechanism includes a central adhesive section on or along the longitudinal centerline and a pair of side adhesive sections, each transversely outboard of the central adhesive section. Side adhesive sections have first ends in the first end region. First ends of side adhesive sections extend substantially to the first end edge of the backsheet. First end of the central adhesive section is at least about 5 mm from the first end edge of the backsheet such that an adhesive free area is formed between the first end of the central adhesive section and the first end edge of the backsheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: The Procter and Gamble Company
    Inventors: Kiyoe Ohba, Dennis Osamu Hirotsu
  • Patent number: 8211815
    Abstract: An absorbent structure having a longitudinal axis, a lateral axis, a z-direction axis normal to the longitudinal and lateral axes, longitudinally opposite ends and laterally opposite side edges. An upper surface of the absorbent structure has a three-dimensional topography relative to the longitudinal and lateral axes and defines a plurality of peaks and valleys of the upper surface relative to the z-direction. A lower surface of the absorbent structure has a three-dimensional topography relative to the longitudinal and lateral axes and defines a plurality of the peaks and valleys of the lower surface relative to the z-direction. The absorbent structure has a projected area as determined by a Topography Analysis Method, and the upper surface of the absorbent structure has a vertical area as determined by the Topography Analysis Method of at least about 0.1 cm2 per 1.0 cm2 projected area of the absorbent structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Thomas Baker, Theresa Michelle McCoy, Stephen Avedis Baratian, Charles Wilson Colman
  • Publication number: 20120165776
    Abstract: A disposable diaper is disclosed having reduced bulk, especially in the back waist region. Due to an opaque topsheet and a backsheet having a relatively high percentage of printed surface area, the diaper has reduced see-through even in those areas of the back waist region where no absorbent core is comprised.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Judit Ester McGregor, Nicole Anja Reichardt
  • Publication number: 20120165771
    Abstract: Absorbent articles are disclosed that have been printed with active graphics alone or in combination with permanent graphics. The active graphics may be used, for instance, as a wetness indicator on an absorbent article. In accordance with the present disclosure, the active graphics include at least one disappearing graphic and at least one appearing graphic. The disappearing graphic and appearing graphic allow for complete scene changes on the article and also allow for the illusion of movement of objects in the scene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Marcille Faye Ruman, Shannon K. Melius, Mary L. Schwer, Robert E. MacDonald, Eric Donald Johnson, Thomas Michael Ales, Jennifer Leigh Skabroud Misek, Terri Lynn Meisel, Tami L. Kurtz
  • Publication number: 20120165769
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sanitary napkin whose securing means includes a braid of absorbent material. The braid structure maximizes absorbency, while minimizing bulk and thus allows the pad to be comfortably held in place during use, in much the same way that the popular thong underwear are held.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: MERIMONT US
    Inventor: Gabriela Roche del Ayala
  • Patent number: 8207395
    Abstract: An absorbent core is provided including a substrate that performs at least one fluid handling function. At least a portion of at least one region of the substrate has been modified by aperturing, calendering, coating, creping, heating, printing stretching, or a combination thereof to impart at least one different fluid handling function. The substrate is folded to provide a plurality of panels wherein at least a portion of one panel corresponds to at least a portion of the modified region of the substrate. An absorbent article including the absorbent core and a process for making the absorbent core are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Dave Allen Soerens, Cathleen Mae Uttecht, Hoa La Wilhelm
  • Publication number: 20120157952
    Abstract: An absorbent article has a longitudinal direction, a transverse direction, a first major surface which forms a body-facing surface of the absorbent article, and a second major surface disposed distally from the first major surface which forms a garment-facing surface of the absorbent article. The article includes an absorbent core positioned between the first major surface and the second major surface. The article also includes at least one heat-activatable expandable structure. The at least one heat-activatable expandable structure is disposed on or below the first major surface. Application of heat to the heat-activatable expandable structure causes the heat-activatable expandable barrier structure to form distinctive designs, barriers and/or channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Simon Poruthoor, Rebecca Griffin, Lei Huang, Balaji K. Kandadai, Suzanne Murray, Hue Scott Snowden, Herb Velazquez, Dean M. Wydeven, Ali Yahiaoui
  • Publication number: 20120157957
    Abstract: A wearable absorbent article comprises an outer cover and an absorbent core assembly. At least a portion of the outer cover is joined to the absorbent core assembly over at least a first attachment area and a second attachment area. The overall lateral width of the second attachment area is less than the overall lateral width of the first attachment area. At least a portion of the second attachment area is disposed in a hip region of the article. The first attachment area is disposed longitudinally outboard from the second attachment area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Mark James Kline, Nezam Malakouti, John Glasgow Burns, JR.
  • Patent number: 8197455
    Abstract: In the present invention, a packaging component having an outer surface and an interior volume contains within the interior volume a plurality of absorbent personal care articles. Each absorbent personal care article has a garment facing surface and a body facing surface. A portion of the plurality of the absorbent personal care articles in the packaging component are first absorbent articles having a first pattern embossed or printed on at least a portion of one of the surfaces. In addition, a portion of the plurality of the absorbent personal care articles in the packaging component are second absorbent articles having a second pattern is embossed or printed on at least a portion of one of the surfaces. In this aspect of the present invention, the first and second patterns are different from each other in at least one aspect. Further, a portion of the plurality of absorbent personal care articles may also contain additional absorbent articles which have yet another pattern embossed on one of the surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Teresa Marie Zander, James Joseph Clark, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8192414
    Abstract: A canine diaper, comprising: (a) an outer liner, wherein the outer liner is substantially liquid impermeable; (b) an inner liner, wherein the inner liner is substantially liquid permeable, and wherein the inner liner comprises an outer perimeter secured to the outer liner to enclose a cavity therebetween; (c) a cavity positioned between the inner liner and the outer liner; (d) an absorbent core, wherein the absorbent core is retained within the cavity; and (e) at least one tab which secures the outer liner of the canine diaper substantially around a torso of a dog.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventors: Nancy Jean Solomon, Rachel Ann Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 8192417
    Abstract: A pair of disposable pants includes a front abdominal section and a rear section joined almost annularly, and a crotch section provided to be joined between the front abdominal section and rear section. Breaking line parts are provided on the front abdominal section for breaking it into a central front abdominal part and left and right front abdominal parts. Adhesive pieces are provided on the left and right front abdominal parts for connecting the central front abdominal part and the left and right front abdominal parts. The adhesive pieces are provided on the interior side of the front abdominal section, and the breaking line parts are exposed to the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Livedo Corporation
    Inventors: Takao Kusumi, Masaru Fujioka
  • Patent number: 8187243
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable absorbent article comprising a chassis having a front waist region, a back waist region, and a crotch region between the front and back waist regions, said chassis having two opposing longitudinal edges and two perpendicularly placed end edges, said chassis further comprising: a. a liquid permeable topsheet spanning at least the crotch region; b. a backsheet spanning at least the crotch region; c. an absorbent core disposed between said topsheet and backsheet; and d. a elastic member disposed along at least one opposing longitudinal edge in either the front waist or back waist region of said chassis wherein said member comprises an unapertured, skinless elastomeric layer wherein said layer exhibits an Energy Recovery Value of at least about 0.77.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Todd Leon Mansfield, Ebrahim Rezai, James Thomas Bader, Adam Daniel Schmidtz