With Means To Direct Body Fluid Patents (Class 604/385.101)
  • Patent number: 7708725
    Abstract: A sanitary napkin that is provided with large rear flaps to effectively prevent liquid from leaking obliquely rearward. The rear flaps are disposed rearward of fold-back flaps to be wrapped around a crotch part of an undergarment. The rear flap is of a shape spreading rearwardly from a starting point. With a pressure from the thighs acting forward of the starting point, leakage preventing walls forward of the starting point can be maintained in a rising state during wear. On the other hand, the leakage preventing walls rearward of the starting point may possibly fall outward. However, even if the leakage preventing walls fall outward rearward of the starting point, they will never project out of the rear flaps. Accordingly, they hardly leave a stain on an undergarment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Uni-Sharm Corporation
    Inventors: Noritatsu Tamagawa, Masataka Kinoshita, Kazuya Nishitani, Toshiyuki Tanio
  • Publication number: 20100106127
    Abstract: A disposable diaper is provided with a skin-contactable sheet piece above a liquid-pervious topsheet. The skin-contactable sheet piece is formed with openings extending in a back-and-forth direction through which body waste is guided toward the topsheet and both lateral zones of the sheet piece on both sides of these openings as viewed in a transverse direction B are provided with elastic members attached under tension. Outside the skin-contactable sheet piece as viewed in the transverse direction B, leak-barriers are provided and the lateral zones of the skin-contactable sheet piece are bonded to the leak-barriers along regions defined between proximal edges and free edges of the respective leak-barriers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: UNI-CHARM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hironao Minato, Kaiyo Nakajima, Naoko Takada
  • Publication number: 20100100069
    Abstract: In an absorbent product (1), each of a pair of side wall parts 34 has two side wall end parts (341) bonded on both end portions of a bonded part (33) and a standing part (342) standing up from the main body part (2) between the two side wall end parts (341). The side wall part (34) is folded outwardly at an inner edge of the bonded part (33) and further folded inwardly. Each side wall end part (341) has a bonded section (3411) and a half standing part (3412) which is continuous from the standing part (342). The half standing part (3412) stands up from the main body part (2) lower than the standing part (342) and fits the vicinity of wearer's crotch in wearing. Thus, it is possible to prevent side leakage from the vicinity of end portions in a longitudinal direction of the absorbent product (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventor: Kenji NAKAOKA
  • Patent number: 7699825
    Abstract: An absorbent article that has a thin, conformable absorbent core where the core has at least two layers, both of which are substantially free of cellulosic fibers. The absorbent article has a Circular Bend Flexibility of less than about 15 N and an acquisition rate on the third gush of less than about 170 seconds and/or on the fourth gush of less than about 190 seconds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Yasue Nakagawa, Holger Beruda
  • Patent number: 7696402
    Abstract: An absorbent article includes a compressed groove provided on a body-side surface of a sanitary napkin includes a pair of lateral groove segments extending substantially in the longitudinal direction symmetrically about a longitudinal center line and a pair of rear groove segments converging rearward from respective rear ends of the pair of lateral groove segments so that the compressed groove as a whole presents an elongated shape which is angular rearward. The rear side groove segment has a curve conforming, in the vicinity of its rear end, with an arc of a circle having a predetermined radius and inscribed to the rear side groove segment. A bottom covering region extending rearward from the rear end of the rear groove segment has a predetermined thickness and is adapted to be folded along the longitudinal center line so that the bottom covering region can become convex on the side of the body-side surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Kumiko Nishikawa, Jun Kudo, Takuya Miyama, Chiemi Habu
  • Patent number: 7687679
    Abstract: An absorbent wearing article includes a liquid-absorbent structure and an excrement receiving structure having a plurality of passages defined by flexible walls formed from flexible sheets and disposed along a liquid-absorbent surface of the liquid-absorbent structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshitaka Mishima
  • Patent number: 7670324
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article adapted to be worn about a lower torso of a human body and having a chassis, a non-removable absorbent core component disposed in a crotch region of the chassis, and a replaceable absorbent core component disposed in capillary liquid communication with the non-removable absorbent core component and having longitudinally disposed regions of liquid permeability and liquid impermeability on the same surface. The replaceable absorbent core component may be removed and a like component may be substituted without the removal of the absorbent article from the wearer. The replaceable absorbent core component may be disposed inside an openable chassis pocket, with access for its removal and replacement provided by an aperture in a backsheet, an openable end of an external pocket, or an openable end of an internal pocket formed at an area of a waist end edge where the backsheet and a topsheet may be separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: The Procter and Gamble Company
    Inventors: Gary Dean LaVon, Theodora Beck, Gerald Alfred Young, Stephen Lebeuf Hardie, Thomas Henrich, Edward John Milbrada
  • Patent number: 7666173
    Abstract: A disposable wearing article includes a partition provided in a front half of a crotch region divided by a transverse centerline bisecting a longitudinal dimension of the article so that the partition extends in the transverse direction on a topsheet. During use of the article, the partition curves in the transverse direction so as to describe a generally circular arc which is convex upward above the topsheet. The partition is thus spaced upward from the topsheet and the wearer's genital organ in contact with an outer surface of the partition is also spaced from the topsheet. In this way, the genital organ is protected from soiling with loose passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Mishima, Kaiyo Nakajima
  • Patent number: 7662136
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article having a liner, an outer cover and an absorbent body therebetween for absorbing liquid body waste penetrating the liner. In one embodiment, the absorbent body has an inner layer and an outer layer. The inner layer has a lower absorbent capacity per unit weight than the outer layer. A flow control layer between the inner layer and the outer layer at least retards the flow of liquid body waste from the inner layer to the outer layer to facilitate a prolonged feeling of wetness to the wearer. In another embodiment, a surge layer lies between the liner and an absorbent body. A flow control layer between the liner and the surge layer, or between the surge layer and the absorbent body, at least retards the flow of liquid body waste through the surge layer toward the absorbent body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Underhill, Michael J. Niemeyer, Marianne K. Leick
  • Publication number: 20100036343
    Abstract: The absorbent article according to the present invention includes a laminate structure including cover, transfer layer, core and barrier, the absorbent core having a first central region and second region concentrically surrounding the first region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventor: Francisco J.V. Hernandez
  • Patent number: 7654990
    Abstract: A disposable diaper improved so that the wearer's skin can be reliably protected from being soiled with feces. A chassis constituting the diaper includes a spacer sheet attached to an inner sheet of the chassis. The spacer sheet has a front end zone and a rear end zone fixed to the inner sheet and an intermediate zone left free from the inner sheet. The intermediate zone is formed with an opening shaped so as to describe a circular arc which is convex forward. Along the opposite side edges of the opening, the spacer sheet is provided with elastic members extending in the length direction of the diaper and attached thereto in a stretched state in the direction. These elastic members extend forward with respect to the diaper along the peripheral edge of the opening so as to get close to a center line bisecting a width of the diaper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Kaiyo Nakajima, Hironao Minato, Toshimitsu Baba, Naoko Takada, Kaori Feruya
  • Patent number: 7651487
    Abstract: An absorbent article 1 comprises a liquid permeable topsheet 2, a liquid impermeable backsheet 3 and a liquid retentive absorbent core 4 interposed between the topsheet 2 and the backsheet 3, a sheet-like member 6, which is provided at a side edge portion 62 thereof with an elastic member 61, and which is fixed to the backsheet 3 side at an edge portion 63 to 65 excluding the side edge portion 62 where the elastic member 61 is disposed, the absorbent article 1 being deformed such that a concavity is formed on the topsheet 2 side, the absorbent article 1 being put on a wearer while maintaining such a deformed configuration by the sheet-like member 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshifumi Niki, Takahiro Arimura
  • Patent number: 7648490
    Abstract: A sanitary napkin includes: a napkin body having a liquid-absorbent layer for absorbing and retaining liquid; and first and second projections each exerting an elastic contractive force between longitudinally opposing front and rear ends to concavely curve the body surface of the napkin body and raise itself from the body surface of the napkin body. The napkin body has an overlap region where the second projections lie on laterally opposite sides of the first projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichiro Kuroda, Wataru Yoshimasa, Toshiyuki Tanio, Shinobu Fujikawa
  • Patent number: 7641641
    Abstract: A product line of absorbent articles includes a first absorbent article with a first elective component secured to the first absorbent article in a first configuration of the component. The first elective component is selectively configurable to a second configuration different from the first configuration of the component. A second absorbent article of the product line has a second elective component that is selectively configurable from a first configuration of the second elective component to a second configuration different from the first configuration of the second elective component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Dana L. Ramshak
  • Patent number: 7632259
    Abstract: An absorption article such as a pant diaper, having a liquid-permeable topsheet, a liquid-impermeable backsheet and an absorption body positioned therebetween, the article having a front end portion, a rear end portion, and a crotch portion lying therebetween, the rear end portion and the adjacent part of the crotch portion having a transverse elastic system, a rear leg elastic system which runs between the two longitudinal side edges of the article along the leg cutout of the article in the rear part of the crotch portion and crosses the crotch portion essentially parallel to the transverse center line of the article. The article has, on each side of the absorption body, a pocket for temporary storage of liquid, the extent of the pocket being limited by the longitudinal side edge of the absorption body, the transverse elastic system and the rear leg elastic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Anna-Karin Elfström, Cécile Sandin, Kent Hermansson, Kenneth Strannemalm, Carina Mare, Lennart Nilsson
  • Patent number: 7632258
    Abstract: An absorbent feminine care article (20) having a longitudinal direction (22), a lateral direction (24), first and second longitudinally opposed end portions (72, 72a), and an intermediate portion (76) located between the end portions. The article (20) comprises an absorbent body structure (30) sandwiched between a cover (26) and a baffle (28). In a particular aspect, the absorbent structure (30) can include an intake layer (32) and a shaping layer (36). In other aspects, the intake layer (32) and shaping layer (36) can have differently configured absorbent capacities, differently configured densities, differently configured basis weights and/or differently configured sizes which are selectively arranged to provide desired combinations of liquid intake rate, absorbent retention capacity, shape maintenance, and aesthetics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Jennifer L. Misek, Danielle G. Finger, Alice Y. Romans-Hess, Mary A. Berceau, Jamie L. Gloede, Candace D. Krautkramer, Jason M. English, Jennifer E. Pozniak, Stuart J. Burgan, Peter S. Gebhardt, Patsy A. Krautkramer, Wendy L. Hamilton, Amanda J. Carlson
  • Patent number: 7632979
    Abstract: A body fluid absorbing article, which is improved in the spot absorptivity and in the diffusivity in an absorbent, and which is improved in the characteristics of a body fluid migration to the absorbent. The body fluid absorbing article comprises an absorbent sandwiched between a body fluid permeable surface member and a body fluid impermeable back member. Said absorbent includes an upper layer and a lower layer sequentially from the side of said body fluid permeable surface member, and said lower layer has a higher density than that of said upper layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Daio Paper Corporation
    Inventors: Takako Fujii, Satoko Konawa, Masanori Kondo
  • Patent number: 7628777
    Abstract: An absorbent article is elongated to have longitudinally opposed front and rear edges and transversely opposed left and right edges. The absorbent article includes a stack of: a backsheet having a liquid barrier effect; a liquid absorbent layer; a hydrophilic intermediate sheet including fibers; and a hydrophilic topsheet including fibers. The absorbent article has a central region of a predetermined width, which is spaced apart from the left and right edges and formed with a plurality of liquid passage holes continuously extending from the topsheet to the intermediate sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Hideki Kondo, Jun Kudo
  • Patent number: 7625363
    Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article having a center absorbent element on a backsheet. The center absorbent element has a center absorbent sheet covered with a center topsheet. The center absorbent sheet is formed with a plurality of projections, wherein longitudinal guide grooves are defined between transversely adjacent projections, transverse guide grooves are defined between longitudinally adjacent projections for communication between the longitudinal guide grooves. The longitudinal guide grooves are dimensioned to extend over at least two projections aligned in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Wataru Yoshimasa, Noritatsu Tamagawa, Kazuya Nishitani
  • Patent number: 7621899
    Abstract: A sanitary napkin includes a main body having a liquid-absorbent layer for absorbing and retaining liquid and a projection disposed on a body surface of the main body. At least a portion of the projection is separably fixed to the body surface of the main body through a temporarily fixing means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Shinobu Fujikawa, Toshiyuki Tanio, Wataru Yoshimasa
  • Patent number: 7618403
    Abstract: A fluid management device for use in a mammalian body has at least one fluid transport element capable of interfacing with a mammalian body element to provide a substantially uninterrupted fluid conduit. The fluid conduit provides a fluid path between at least one fluid transport element and the storage element. A distal portion of the at least one fluid transport element is capable of extending away from the fluid storage element, and the at least one fluid transport element has a Wing Stiffness of less than about 10 gf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel C. Carasso, David J. Chase, Erin Marsee, Tara Glasgow
  • Patent number: 7619132
    Abstract: A multilayer film includes a plastic layer and an elastomeric layer. The plastic layer can contain a co-polyester of terepthalic acid, adipic acid and butanediol, and the elastomeric layer can contain a polyurethane elastomer. The plastic layer and/or the elastomeric layer can contain filler particles, and may be present as a bilayer laminate. The plastic layer and a filled elastomeric layer can also be combined with an unfilled elastomeric layer to form a tri-layer laminate. The multilayer films can provide breathable films with improved degradability, stretchability and recoverability, and tactile feel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Vasily A. Topolkaraev, Patrick Martin Downey
  • Patent number: 7615040
    Abstract: An absorbent article having a thin, flexible absorbent pad that can accommodate one or two insults with a low probability of leakage. The absorbent article can be less than about 5 millimeters thick, with the absorbent pad being less than about 3 millimeters thick. The absorbent article has a low absorbent capacity of, for example, less than three times an anticipated single insult volume, or less than twice an anticipated single insult volume. The absorbent article is particularly suitable for use as a toilet training aid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Peter Olson, Lawrence Howell Sawyer, Shirlee Ann Weber
  • Patent number: 7604623
    Abstract: A fluid applicator device includes a cover layer and a pouch positioned adjacent a back side of said cover layer. A fluid composition is contained within the pouch. Exit structure is configured at a location on the pouch and is adjacent to the cover layer. The exit structure is in isolated fluid communication with a defined portion of the cover layer that is permeable to the fluid composition within the defined portion such that the fluid composition released from the pouch migrates through the cover layer only within the defined portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Brunner, Cecelia M. Berger Sharp, Tamara L. Mace
  • Patent number: 7601415
    Abstract: An absorbent article having a topsheet, an intermediate layer, an absorbent core, and a backsheet, wherein the intermediate layer is formed of an apertured nonwoven. The intermediate layer may include stiffening means such as apertured film or an additional nonwoven layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Tredegar Film Products Corporation
    Inventors: James W. Cree, Lino Iulianetti, Antonietta Splendiani
  • Patent number: 7601144
    Abstract: Absorbent article, such as a sanitary towel, with a stiffening area which is intended to contribute to the three-dimensional shape of the article during its use. The stiffening area is in a plane state before use of the article. The stiffening area comprises a first part area and a second part area which extends in the longitudinal direction of the article over the crotch portion and is separate from the first part area. The first stiffening part area has a width which exceeds the distance between the muscle tendons of the wearer on both sides of the crotch of the wearer in the groin of the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventor: Solgun Drevik
  • Patent number: 7597690
    Abstract: A sanitary napkin includes a surface element that is formed of a liquid-permeable topsheet covering a liquid absorbent layer. The surface element is raised from the skin-side surface of a napkin body by an elastic force of an elastic member to form a protuberance having a front end and a rear end. The protuberance fits in the intergluteal cleft and prevents rearward leakage of menstrual blood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Tanio, Wataru Yoshimasa, Kenichiro Kuroda, Shinobu Fujikawa
  • Patent number: 7597689
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article with a backsheet and a first topsheet, is capable of being at least partially in contact with the wearer's skin when in use. The first topsheet being a fibrous three-dimensional web, having bonded regions where the fibers are bonded to another, and unbonded regions, where the fibers are unbonded to one another. The fibers extend from at least one unbonded region into at least two bonded regions, typically in the form of loops. The bonded regions form the support structure for the unbonded regions, and the surface area of the unbonded regions is at least 2 mm2. The topsheet has a thickness (caliper) of between 0.1 and 5 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Anja Hoffmann, Joerg Mueller, Heike Opper, Georg Pescher, Mattias Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7594906
    Abstract: An absorbent structure and method for making the absorbent structure including an absorbent core made from a matrix of fibers, wherein the matrix is reinforced with a stretchable reinforcing member, such as scrim. The absorbent matrix may be secured to the web of scrim with the scrim in a stretched condition. When the web of scrim is in an unstretched condition, the web of scrim partially gathers the absorbent core to form rugosities on the core. The reinforcing member can have a non-uniform transverse width to conform to the shape of the absorbent core. The absorbent structure can have multiple layers of reinforcing members. The reinforcing member has strands arranged in a pattern to facilitate stretching. A first set of strands can cross a second set of strands at junction in a non-orthogonal relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Karen Hargett Bean, Sandra Marie Rogers, David L. Zenker, Dale Arthur Peterson, James Martin Kaun, Paul Windsor Estey
  • Patent number: 7589249
    Abstract: The invention provides an apertured web comprising multiple, discrete zones comprising arrangements of land areas and at least two apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.
    Inventors: David Gubernick, William G. F. Kelly
  • Patent number: 7589251
    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: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Co.
    Inventor: Donald Carroll Roe
  • Publication number: 20090221979
    Abstract: A top sheet includes a sheet body having a flat liquid pervious base wall with first and second surfaces that are opposite to each other in a normal direction relative to the sheet body. The base wall has front and rear edges that are opposite to each other in a longitudinal direction. The sheet body further has a plurality of protrusions that protrude from the first surface of the base wall and that are distributed along the longitudinal direction as well as a widthwise direction which is transverse to the longitudinal direction. The protrusions are arranged in such a manner to form a plurality of open fluid channels thereamong. The fluid channels extend from the front edge to the rear edge of the base wall, and have dimensions in the normal and widthwise directions sufficient to provide capillary action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventors: Chen-Cheng Huang, Pao-Hao Huang, Pao-Han Huang
  • Patent number: 7566330
    Abstract: A disposable diaper is provided which includes an absorber, a top sheet which is at least partially formed of a liquid permeable material disposed to cover an upper surface of the absorber, a back sheet formed of a liquid impermeable material disposed to cover a lower surface of the absorber, a skin contact sheet disposed above the top sheet and having a stool passing opening capable of passing a stool therethrough formed therein, and a urine/stool separation wall formed of a breathable water repellent sheet disposed in a space between the skin contact sheet and the top sheet so that the space is separated into a front body part side space and a back body part side space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignees: Oji Nepia Co., Ltd., Oji Paper Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Sugiyama, Kahori Suzuki, Izumi Tashiro
  • Patent number: 7563257
    Abstract: A disposable wearing article is provided with a skin-contactable panel laid in a front half of a crotch region of the article and a liquid-impervious partition laid in a vicinity of a transverse center line of the article. The panel has transversely opposite side edges bonded to transverse opposite side portion of the article and a intermediate region defined between these side edges. The partition has an upper edge bonded to the panel, a lower edge bonded to a topsheet of the article transversely opposite side edges bonded to the side portions of the article and a middle portion defined between the upper and lower edges. The intermediate region of the panel describes an upward convex circular arc above the topsheet and the middle portion of the partition is unfolded in a thickness direction of the article so as to form a pocket-like barrier against movement of bodily wastes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Kaiyo Nakajima, Yoshitaka Mishima
  • Publication number: 20090112175
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to absorbent sanitary napkins and in particular to a sanitary napkin including an absorbent layer having a plurality of spaced beam elements for promoting enhanced fluid wicking within the sanitary napkin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: Kofi Ayensu Bissah, Ricardo De Oliveira
  • Patent number: 7524312
    Abstract: A disposable diaper includes a basic absorbent batt structure having front and rear waist regions and a crotch region, a pair of barrier cuffs extending along opposite sides of the basic absorbent batt structure and at least one supplementary absorbent batt structure placed on the front waist region of the basic absorbent batt structure between the barrier cuffs. The supplementary absorbent batt structure has a proximal end portion thereof joined to the front waist region of the basic absorbent batt structure and has the vicinity of a distal end portion thereof joined to the vicinities of the barrier cuffs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuaki Onishi, Yasushi Sayama, Hiroyuki Tanji
  • Patent number: 7520874
    Abstract: A disposable diaper comprising a fluid-permeable topsheet, a fluid-impermeable backsheet and a fluid-retentive absorbent core interposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, the disposable diaper being formed in a substantially vertically elongated configuration and having a stomach side, a back side and a crotch region positioned between the stomach side and the back side, wherein a second absorbent core is disposed at an outside region of each opposite side edge of the absorbent core at the crotch region along a longitudinal direction of the diaper, and an elastic member is disposed at the region where the second absorbent core is disposed along a longitudinal direction of the diaper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Takao Koyama, Hidekazu Ito, Ken Nemoto, Kenji Ishiguro
  • Patent number: 7521109
    Abstract: An absorber comprising a laminate of two or more layers of highly water-absorbent sheets each containing a highly water-absorbent resin in high proportion, which absorber can satisfactorily cope with the feeding speed of aqueous liquid. In particular, an absorber comprising a laminate water-absorbent member, the laminate water-absorbent member consisting of a laminate of two or more layers of highly water-absorbent sheets each containing a highly water-absorbent resin and capable of absorbing an aqueous liquid, and a by-pass channel member, the by-pass channel member having a channel for, providing that an upper side refers to the side of laminate water-absorbent member fed with the aqueous liquid, moving the aqueous liquid fed to a first highly water-absorbent sheet disposed at the uppermost part of the laminate water-absorbent member from the first highly water-absorbent sheet to another highly water-absorbent sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Japan Absorbent Technology Institute
    Inventors: Migaku Suzuki, Reiko Moriya
  • Publication number: 20090088719
    Abstract: Absorbent articles suitable for use as training pants or other hygiene products are provided. The absorbent articles include a chassis having a contiguous front section, a rear section, and a crotch section extending between the front section and the rear section. Edges of the front section connect to edges of the rear section to define a waist opening. The chassis includes a substrate layer having pairs of film sections attached to the front section and the rear section. Each film section is spaced apart from one another and are stretchable in at least a direction along the waist opening. Products according to the invention may provide any of several benefits, including at least one of improved fit, comfort, manufacturability, and visual appearance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: TYCO HEALTHCARE RETAIL SERVICE AG
    Inventor: Stacy J. Driskell
  • Publication number: 20090082749
    Abstract: An improved sanitary pad is adapted for use in a thong-style pair of underwear. One embodiment includes a disposable pair of thong-style underwear which have a thong-style sanitary pad built in to the underwear's saddle. To absorb and retain the anticipated menstrual flow volume and at the anticipated flow rate, the pad contains a double layer of absorbent material in a waisted, water impervious flexible channel within the pad. The waisting of the channel is sized to accommodate the narrow lateral width of the thong saddle. The upright substantially flat or otherwise smooth sides of the channel guide flow entering a capture zone of the pad saddle away from the capture zone to longitudinally outer reservoir zones formed in the front and rear of the pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventors: Hilary Brenda Scott, Maxine Bobbie Clare Wheaton
  • Publication number: 20090082745
    Abstract: A sanitary article that is used to cover the crotch portion of a human body so as to prevent excretions of the human body from leaking to the outside includes a liquid-permeable surface thin layer, a liquid-impermeable back thin layer and a liquid-absorptive core layer sandwiched between the above two layers. The liquid-absorptive core layer is provided with a draining means for allowing some of the excretions of the human body to pass through. A detecting body is provided between the liquid-impermeable back thin layer and the liquid-absorptive core layer, thereby receiving the excretions guided by the draining means. A window portion is provided on the liquid-impermeable back thin layer at a position corresponding to the detecting body. Via this arrangement, the use can observe the reaction represented by the internal detecting body directly via the window portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventors: Nai-Ko YING, Jeng-Homg HOU
  • Patent number: 7504552
    Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article including compressed grooves (11) and a rear flexible portion (16). The compressed grooves (11) where a liquid absorbent layer (4) is compressed and recessed from the side of a skin surface toward a garment surface are provided to extend in a longitudinal direction of the article so as to approach each other the nearest on a lateral reference line (Ox-Ox) of the article. The rear flexible portion (16) where the liquid absorbent layer (4) is recessed from the side of the garment surface toward the skin surface is provided to extend toward a rear end edge (1d) from a starting point (16a) that is located closer to the rear end edge (1d) than the lateral reference line (Ox-Ox). At least a portion of the rear flexible portion (16) is located between the compressed grooves (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Tatsuya Tamura, Satoshi Mizutani, Makoto Suekane, Shimpei Komatsu
  • Patent number: 7491195
    Abstract: An absorbent article is disclosed that provides improved leakage protection. Also disclosed are methods for using and preparing absorbent articles having improved leakage protection, methods for designing articles having improved leakage protection, and methods of measuring and determining the performance index of an absorbent article. The absorbent article having improved leakage protection has a 3 variable urine only leakage performance index (PI3UL) of less than about 3.0, the PI3UL being determined in accordance with the following equation (1): PI3UL=0.046(Tc)?2.94(MS100)?0.772(AUL)??(1) where Tc is the total capacity in grams, MS100 is the percent utilization of the core upon insult with 100 ml of 0.9 wt % saline solution, and AUL is the front pad absorbency under load, expressed in grams of 0.9 wt % saline solution absorbed per gram of pad material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: First Quality Retail Services LLC
    Inventor: John D. Litvay
  • Publication number: 20090036852
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an absorbent article capable of preventing loosening and slipping off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: Japan Absorbent Technology Institute
    Inventors: Migaku Suzuki, Reiko Moriya
  • Publication number: 20090036856
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to absorbent articles, such as diapers, training pants, swim pants, incontinence articles, feminine care articles, and the like, that comprise a system for generating a fluid or odor barrier or interceptor. More specifically, the articles comprise a pre-use foam composition that when contacted with a triggering agent, expands to produce a foam barrier or interceptor structure that provides protection against leakage of the absorbent article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Garry Roland Woltman, David William Koenig, Mary Lou McDaniel, Carrie Pateras
  • Patent number: 7482505
    Abstract: The invention relates to a single use hygiene article, comprising an absorbing body layer (24, 60, 70), which serves to store body fluids and which can also contain superabsorbent materials, and comprising standing cuff elements (26, 28), which extend in an essentially longitudinal direction, form a lateral leakage barrier and which are attached to the body-facing side of the article at least along a cuff base line (34, 36; 62, 64; 76, 78). The cuff elements (26, 28) are guided with variable distances between the cuff base lines (34, 36; 62, 64; 76, 78). The aim of the invention is to improve the absorption characteristics of the hygiene article. Towards this end, the article is designed in such a manner that the absorbing body layer (24, 60, 70) comprises, in a transversal direction (44) of the hygiene article up to the lateral edges (16) and/or in a longitudinal direction (38) up to at least one longitudinal end (40), an increasing mass per unit area of an absorbent material of this layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Paul Hartmann AG
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Stupperich, Wolfgang Röhrl
  • Publication number: 20090005752
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an absorbent article capable of separating urine and feces efficiently in use and having high urine absorption capacity. The object is attained by an absorbent article including: a first leak preventer in sheet form having a base part; a pair of side members extending in a longitudinal direction on right and left sides of the base part of the first leak preventer; an absorber comprised of at least one layer in an inner space formed by the base part of the first leak preventer and the side members, containing a super absorbent polymer, and capable of absorbing a body fluid; and a bridging member bonded to the pair of side members for bridging the side members, dividing the inner space into front and rear parts, capable of exhibiting a function of separating urine and feces, in which the bridging member is formed to be stretchable in a lateral direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: Japan Absorbent Technology Institute
    Inventors: Migaku Suzuki, Reiko Moriya
  • Patent number: 7470264
    Abstract: A disposable wearing article includes a liquid-impervious chassis, a body fluid absorbent first panel extending over a crotch region and a rear waist region of the chassis and a body fluid absorbent second panel extending over a front waist region and the crotch region of the chassis. The second panel has a front portion joined to the front waist region, a distal portion lying above the crotch region and transversely opposite side edges joined to transversely opposite lateral sections of the chassis. The distal portion is spaced apart upward from the chassis and thereby a pocket opening from the crotch region toward the rear waist region is formed between the chassis and the distal portion of the second panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Mishima, Kaiyo Nakajima
  • Patent number: 7465297
    Abstract: A sanitary napkin includes: a napkin body having a liquid-absorbent layer for absorbing and retaining liquid; and a projection projecting from a body surface of the napkin body. The projection has an apex and a pair of side wall portions formed of a liquid-permeable material. The apex is spaced apart from the body surface of the napkin body and extends along a longitudinal centerline of the napkin body. The side wall portions connect at the apex and diverge toward the body surface of the napkin body. The apex and the side wall portions are different in stiffness. The side wall portions have a space therebetween and are permitted to deform and approach each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Hitoshi Watanabe, Wataru Yoshimasa, Toshiyuki Tanio, Kenichiro Kuroda, Shinobu Fujikawa
  • Patent number: 7462755
    Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles, typically for feminine protection, comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, an absorbent element positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, and at least a fluid acquisition/distribution layer. The absorbent article also comprises edge barrier elements for intercepting fluids. The edge barrier elements comprise a liquid absorbent thermoplastic composition comprising a polymeric base material having particles of water-insoluble water-swellable absorbent material dispersed therein, and are comprised between the absorbent core and the at least one fluid acquisition/distribution layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Carlo Toro, Enzo Pompei, Giovanni Carlucci, Marco Digiacomantonio, Fiorello Salone