Stretchable Outer Cover Patents (Class 604/385.22)
  • Publication number: 20100179495
    Abstract: Reusable cover for an absorbent article providing two or more features selected from maintaining skin condition, fitting a range of wearer shapes and sizes, being easily applied, providing conforming fit, and providing sustained fit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: Donald Carroll Roe
  • Publication number: 20100179499
    Abstract: Reusable outer covers for wearable absorbent articles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: Donald Carroll Roe
  • Patent number: 7749212
    Abstract: A back region having extensibility in a waist direction and provided with stopper members at both ends in the waist direction, an abdominal region provided with flap portions at both ends in the waist direction, and an absorber that bridges between the back region and the abdominal region are provided. It is set in such a manner that a length of the back region in the waist direction when it is stretched is longer than a length of the abdominal region in the waist direction, and a length of the back region in the waist direction when no force is applied from the outside is almost equal to the length of the abdominal region in the waist direction or shorter than the length in the waist direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Zuiko Corporation
    Inventor: Takao Wada
  • Publication number: 20100168709
    Abstract: A reusable diaper cover adapted to fit infants and toddlers of various sizes enabling the use of the same reusable cloth diaper insert. The diaper cover includes an outer waterproof layer and a corresponding inner layer of non-absorbent material. The inner layer includes an opening therein into which the cloth diaper insert is placed. The diaper insert is held in place by way of two pockets formed by the inner and outer layers at opposite ends of the opening. A configuration of fasteners is provided to enable adjustability of the diaper cover in terms of waist circumference and garment rise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventor: Mara Jeanne HODGKIN
  • Patent number: 7744577
    Abstract: A disposable pull-on wearing article has its waist region divided into a front section and a rear section and connector sheets 21 adapted to connect these two sections together. Each of the connector sheets has joint zones to be joined to the front section and the rear section, respectively, and a non-joint zone interposed between the joint zones so as to define a tear-apart line extending in vertical direction along which the article is torn apart. The non-joint zone has a tensile strength of at least 8N in the waist-surrounding direction and a tear strength in a range of 0.1 to 12N also in the waist-surrounding direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Toshifumi Otsubo, Naoto Ohashi, Yusuke Kawakami, Makoto Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 7736351
    Abstract: A simple disposable absorbent article including a chassis and an absorbent assembly. The chassis includes a water-impermeable sheet folded laterally inward at both of its side edges to form opposing side flaps. Each side flap is attached to the interior surface of the chassis adjacent to its end edges. Each side flap has a longitudinally extending elastic gathering member attached adjacent to its proximal edge. The absorbent assembly is smaller in width and in length than the chassis. The side edges and end edges of the absorbent assembly may be disposed proximally relative to the respective side edges and end edges of the chassis. The absorbent assembly includes an absorbent core that may contain superabsorbent particles, which may be contained inside pockets. The chassis may be extensible. The absorbent assembly may be attached in a cruciform pattern to the chassis to allow portions of the chassis to extend laterally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Pankaj Nigam, Gary Dean LaVon, Theodora Beck
  • Patent number: 7722589
    Abstract: A stretch activated disposable article, such as a wipe or mitt, includes an upper material layer, and a lower material layer joined to the upper material layer such that a space is defined between the material layers. A functional element, for example a fluid composition, is stored in the space between the upper and lower material layers and becomes functional upon being exposed through the upper material layer with use of the article. The upper material layer includes a plurality of materially weakened positions along the surface thereof that are configured to part or separate upon stretching of the upper material layer to expose the functional element through the upper material layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Fitts, Jr., Janis W. Hughes, Bryon P. Day, Ann L. McCormack, Wing-Chak Ng, Varunesh Sharma
  • Publication number: 20100114048
    Abstract: Absorbent articles with carefully controlled stretch properties are provided. Of particular advantage, the carefully controlled stretch properties can prevent too much tension in the front leg area of the garment. The outer cover is constructed such that the front leg zone has a tension of less than about 1200 grams-force at about 160% to about 175% stretch in the lateral direction, and each of the front waist zone, the front crotch zone, the back crotch zone, the back leg zone, and the back waist zone of the outer cover has a tension of greater than about 1500 grams-force at about 160% to about 175% stretch in the lateral direction. Methods of making such an absorbent article are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: KIMBERLY CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: David F. Bishop, Russell J. Brumm, Patsy A. Krautkramer, Catherine Marguerite Hancock-Cooke, Russell E. Thorson, John T. Hahn
  • Publication number: 20100076390
    Abstract: An elastically stretchable laminate (1) includes a first non-elastic nonwoven web (2), a second non-elastic nonwoven web (4) and an elastic film (6) between the first and the second nonwoven webs (2,4). The laminate (1) has been rendered elastic in a first direction (MD) by incremental stretching and partial tearing of the first and second nonwoven webs (2,4). The laminate (1) includes a reinforcement layer (8) arranged between the first and second non-elastic nonwoven webs (2,4) and comprising unbroken reinforcement fibres or filaments (9) extending in a second direction (CD), generally perpendicular to the first direction (MD). Also described is a pant-type article including the elastically stretchable laminate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Niclas Norrby, Jan Wästlund-Karlsson
  • Publication number: 20100069872
    Abstract: An absorbent article includes an elastic web material having an aperture formed therein, and an absorbent unit attached to a wearer facing side of the elastic web material so as to cover the aperture. The elastic web material surrounds the absorbent unit on all sides thereof. The absorbent unit is attached to the elastic web material with the elastic web material being in an extended state of at least 30% in both the longitudinal and transverse directions of the article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventor: Åsa Lindström
  • Patent number: 7662138
    Abstract: An absorbent article has an elastic waist portion, an absorbent element (5), and a liquid-impermeable outer layer (3) which is intended to enclose the absorbent element on at least that side thereof which faces away from the wearer during use of the article. The absorbent element (5) is in its entirety arranged on the second piece (2). The liquid-impermeable outer layer (3) is breathable, at least over a portion of this which covers the absorbent element (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Kent Hermansson, Cécile Sandin, Hans Eén, Kenneth Strannemalm, Anna-Carin Elfström, Karin Lindmark
  • Patent number: 7658732
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in structure of disposable garments. The disposable garments of the invention may include an outer layer and an elastic inner layer. The elastic inner layer has an elastic inner layer perimeter and defines an opening, which may be in the form of a slit or aperture, located in an internal position to the elastic inner layer perimeter. The elastic inner layer perimeter may be bonded to the outer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul T. Van Gompel, Georgia L. Zehner
  • Patent number: 7654993
    Abstract: An absorbent article that includes a component with an elastic laminate portion, which provides y-direction elongation. The elastic laminate portion is a support sheet and an elastic material, together forming a laminate portion of the component. The elastic laminate portion has zones, each with a different degree of maximum elongation. The zones also have different wrinkle heights and/or densities, such that one or more zones are created that cause less or no pressure marks, whilst overall an excellent force profile is maintained, resulting in well performing, comfortable to wear absorbent articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: The Procter and Gamble Company
    Inventors: Blanca Arizti, Ekaterina Anatolyevna Ponomarenko, Simone Seeboth, Gemma Baquer-Molas
  • Publication number: 20090312732
    Abstract: An absorbent article may comprise an absorbent assembly comprising an absorbent core. The article may also comprise a chassis formed by a web comprising at least one continuous layer that forms a portion of a water-impermeable backsheet and a portion of laterally opposing side flaps. The chassis may further comprise a longitudinal axis, a lateral axis, a front waist region comprising a front waist edge, a back waist region comprising a back waist edge, a crotch region between the waist regions, laterally opposing side edges extending between the front waist edge and the back waist edge, an exterior surface, and an interior surface to which the absorbent assembly is attached. The attachment of the absorbent assembly may be shaped. The chassis may further comprise a continuously activated region disposed in one or both of the front and back waist regions of the article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventors: Gary Dean LaVon, Thomas Henrich, Luke Nogales, Kevin Michael Smith, John Strube
  • Publication number: 20090306616
    Abstract: A pant type absorbent article having a core region includes an absorbent core and a chassis region surrounding the core region. The article in at least a part of the chassis region includes a coversheet in the form of an elastic laminate constituting the sole component of the chassis in at least 20% of the total surface area of the article. The elastic laminate has a tensile strength of at least 15 N/25 mm both in the longitudinal and transverse directions of the article and a tensile strength in the transverse direction of the article which is no more than 2.5 times and preferably no more than 2 times higher than the tensile strength in the longitudinal direction of the article. The force required to extend the elastic laminate 10% in the longitudinal direction of the article is no more than 5 N/25 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventor: Margareta Wennerbäck
  • Patent number: 7628778
    Abstract: A self-forming seal absorbent article is provided and includes a biaxially extensible outer cover, a biaxially extensible bodyside liner forming a wearer adjacent surface, a biaxially extensible absorbent core assembly interposed between the outer cover and the bodyside liner, and a pair of laterally-spaced apart and longitudinally-extending containment flap members disposed along the wearer adjacent surface of the bodyside liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Georgia Lynn Zehner, Duane Girard Uitenbroek, John Philip Vukos
  • Patent number: 7608069
    Abstract: An absorbent article having a leg elastic member captured between a biaxially extensible outer cover and a biaxially extensible bodyside liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Georgia Lynn Zehner, Duane Girard Uitenbroek, John Philip Vukos
  • Patent number: 7604624
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article and method of forming the article are disclosed. The article has front and back panels, each having first and second zones. The first zone of each panel is extensible and retractable and the second zone of each panel is non-extensible and non-retractable. Each of the front and back panels has first and second side edges. An absorbent assembly is secured to the front and back panels. The absorbent assembly has a first end secured to the second zone of the front panel and a second end secured to the second zone of the back panel. The absorbent assembly is capable of being folded to enable the front panel to align with the back panel, respectively. A pair of seams join the front and back panels together to form a disposable absorbent article having a waist opening and a pair of leg openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerome Steven Veith, Paul VanGompel
  • Publication number: 20090240221
    Abstract: A multiple layer laminate and method of manufacturing the same having visible indicia for use in an absorbent article includes a first outer layer, a second outer layer, an elastomeric film interposed between said first outer layer and said second outer layer and a non-elastomeric appliqué having the indicia. The non-elastomeric appliqué is interposed between the elastomeric film and the first outer layer or between the elastomeric film and the second outer layer. The non-elastomeric appliqué is coupled to the elastomeric film in a stretched condition such that the non-elastomeric appliqué limits the retraction of the elastomeric film from the stretched condition in a location where the non-elastomeric appliqué is coupled to the elastomeric film, wherein the indicia is positioned to be visible through the first outer layer, the second outer layer or the first and the second outer layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventors: Ron Rothenberger, Loida Guzman Reyes, Brian McGinty
  • Patent number: 7572250
    Abstract: An absorbent product has a fluid permeable top sheet, a fluid impermeable backing sheet, and an absorbent core having an upper side, a bottom side, two longitudinally running sides and two laterally running sides. The product further has two longitudinally running barrier flaps at the longitudinally running sides of the absorbent core. The top sheet covers the upper side of the absorbent core. The top sheet, with the upper side of the absorbent core, also covers the longitudinally running sides of the absorbent core and part of the bottom side of the absorbent core, the top sheet extending between at least a portion of the bottom side of the absorbent core and the backing sheet. The top sheet is connected to the backing sheet at the bottom side of the absorbent core. The barrier flaps are connected to the backing sheet at the longitudinally running sides of the absorbent core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Urban Widlund, Eva Simmons, Anders Gustafsson
  • Publication number: 20090149828
    Abstract: An absorbent article can utilize a chassis design comprising a unitary inner layer and an expandable absorbent assembly attached to the inner layer, with the inner layer including elasticized portions so that the absorbent article conforms to the body of a person wearing the article. The expandable absorbent assembly can be minimally attached to the garment side of the inner layer and, in some embodiments at an aperture or opening in the inner layer that allows exudates to pass into the absorbent assembly. The article can further comprise an extensible outer layer attached to the garment side of the inner layer so that the outer layer covers the absorbent assembly and elastics, with the outer layer attached at the perimeter of at least portions of the article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Lu Ann Beckman, Paul VanGompel
  • Publication number: 20090149827
    Abstract: A disposable incontinent underwear product can comprise areas having different stretch characteristics and thereby fit persons of varying body shape in a more comfortable and/or visually appealing manner. Additionally, in some embodiments, the different areas of stretch can aid in positioning absorbent components, such as an absorbent insert or core that is included in the undergarment to absorb body exudates. For example, a garment may feature at vertical stretch in an area above the crotch and below the waist while featuring horizontal stretch at the hip areas at its front and back sides. As another example, a garment may feature horizontal stretch across the front of the garment and vertical stretch across the back of the garment in areas above the crotch and below the waist. In some embodiments, the crotch also features horizontal, vertical, or biaxial stretch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph Andrew Mlinar, Wendy L. Hamilton, Julie A. Paveletzke, Mary F. Kutchenriter
  • Patent number: 7537587
    Abstract: A system comprising a thong-shaped holder for holding an absorbent article in close bodily contact in the pudendal region of the wearer. The holder comprises a front region, a crotch region having a specified Crotch Holding Force, and a rear region. The crotch region of the holder typically is elastically extensible in both the longitudinal and lateral directions. The holder provides an upward holding force against the absorbent article in the crotch region to hold the article in close bodily contact. A method for holding such an article in close bodily contact by wearing the holder is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: RUSL, LLC
    Inventor: Jerry Edward Carstens
  • Publication number: 20090131902
    Abstract: A disposable undergarment with a front opening panel is described. The undergarment includes a waist band having an inner surface, an outer surface, a front side, a back side, a top portion, and a bottom portion, and a panel extending from the bottom portion of the back side of the waist band, the panel having a first end, a front portion, and a back portion. The first end of the panel is secured to the waist band by a suitable securing mechanism. In another embodiment, the waist band includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the waist band is attached to the second end of the waist band by another suitable securing mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: TAMICARE LTD.
    Inventor: Merav Giloh
  • 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: 20090069775
    Abstract: A pant-type disposable wearable absorbent article comprising an absorbent core area, a side, and an anchoring subsystem. The anchoring subsystem includes exactly one side anchoring member. The side anchoring member has a pathway with a front end, a back end, and a middle. The front end, the back end, or both ends are disposed outside of the absorbent core area. The front end is disposed at a front end longitudinally outboard distance. The back end is disposed at a back end longitudinally outboard distance. The middle is disposed at a middle longitudinally outboard distance. The front end longitudinally outboard distance is greater than the middle longitudinally outboard distance, which is greater than the back end longitudinally outboard distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Andrew James Sauer, Michael Dale Trennepohl
  • Publication number: 20090069774
    Abstract: A pant-type disposable wearable absorbent article comprising an absorbent core area, a side, and an anchoring subsystem. The anchoring subsystem includes exactly one side anchoring member. The side anchoring member has a pathway with a front end and a back end. The front end, the back end, or both ends are disposed outside of the absorbent core area. The front end is disposed at a front end longitudinally outboard distance. The back end is disposed at a back end longitudinally outboard distance. The front end longitudinally outboard distance is about equal to the back end longitudinally outboard distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Andrew James Sauer, Michael Dale Trennepohl
  • Publication number: 20090069773
    Abstract: A disposable wearable absorbent article comprising an absorbent core area, a side, and an anchoring subsystem. The anchoring subsystem includes exactly one side anchoring member. The side anchoring member has a pathway with a front end, a back end, and a middle. The front end, the back end, or both ends are disposed outside of the absorbent core area. The front end is disposed at a front end longitudinally outboard distance. The back end is disposed at a back end longitudinally outboard distance. The middle is disposed at a middle longitudinally outboard distance. The middle longitudinally outboard distance is greater than the front end longitudinally outboard distance and greater than the back end longitudinally outboard distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Andrew James Sauer, Michael Dale Trennepohl
  • Patent number: 7481802
    Abstract: An absorbent article of pants shape including an elastic waist portion, an absorbent element (5), and a liquid-impermeable outer layer (3) which is intended to enclose the absorbent element on at least that side thereof which faces away from the wearer during use of the article. Elastic members are arranged along the edges of a second piece, along at least the crotch portion for the forming of leg elastics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventor: Kent Hermansson
  • Patent number: 7481801
    Abstract: A system comprising a thong-shaped holder for holding an absorbent article in close bodily contact in the pudendal region of the wearer. The holder comprises a front region, a crotch region having a specified Crotch Holding Force, and a rear region. The crotch region of the holder typically is elastically extensible in both the longitudinal and lateral directions. The holder provides an upward holding force against the absorbent article in the crotch region to hold the article in close bodily contact. A method for holding such an article in close bodily contact by wearing the holder is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: RUSL, LLC
    Inventor: Jerry Edward Carstens
  • Patent number: 7479129
    Abstract: An interlabial pad can maintain a state of constant contact with the inner walls of the labia and prevent leakage and falling away, regardless of changes in the position of the wearer. According to an interlabial pad having a pair of strip-shaped areas extending toward the side-edges along the center axis from the center axis and a low flexural rigidity part in the region including at least the side-edge out of the strip-shaped area, a state of constant contact with the inner walls of the labia can be maintained and leakage and falling away can be prevented, regardless of changes in position of the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Megumi Tokumoto, Satoshi Mizutani, Wataru Yoshimasa
  • Patent number: 7462173
    Abstract: A system comprising a thong-shaped holder for holding an absorbent article in close bodily contact in the pudendal region of the wearer. The holder comprises a front region, a crotch region having a specified Crotch Holding Force, and a rear region. The crotch region of the holder typically is elastically extensible in both the longitudinal and lateral directions. The holder provides an upward holding force against the absorbent article in the crotch region to hold the article in close bodily contact. A method for holding such an article in close bodily contact by wearing the holder is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Rusl, LLC
    Inventor: Jerry Edward Carstens
  • Patent number: 7458961
    Abstract: A thong-shaped holder for holding an article, such as an absorbent article, in close bodily contact in the pudendal region of the wearer. The holder comprises a front region, a crotch region having a specified Crotch Holding Force, and a rear region. The crotch region of the holder typically is elastically extensible in both the longitudinal and lateral directions. The holder provides an upward holding force against the article in the crotch region to hold the article in close bodily contact. A system comprising the thong-shaped holder and an article for use therewith, and a method for holding such an article in close bodily contact by wearing the holder, is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: RUSL, LLC
    Inventor: Jerry Edward Carstens
  • Publication number: 20080287899
    Abstract: Disposable protective undergarments and methods for manufacturing the same, wherein the undergarments include a front portion and a back portion longitudinally spaced from one another, each of the front and back portions having a waist area, a leg area longitudinally spaced from the waist area and a belly area positioned between the waist area and the leg area are provided, in which the belly area includes an ultrasonically bonded, stretchable film. A crotch insert bridges a gap between the front and back portions. Alternatively, protective undergarments including ultrasonic bonds fixing the crotch insert to the front portion and the back portion is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Linda Morrell-Schwartz, Loida Guzman Reyes
  • Publication number: 20080287897
    Abstract: Disposable protective undergarments and methods for manufacturing the same, in which the undergarments include a front portion and a back portion each having a stretchable waist area, a stretchable leg area longitudinally spaced from the waist area, and a stretchable belly area positioned between the waist area and the leg area is provided. The belly area is separated from the waist area thereby defining a substantially non-stretchable portion therebetween, and the belly area is also separated from the leg area thereby also defining a substantially non-stretchable portion therebetween. The undergarment optionally includes front and back portions with waist areas each having an outer layer folded over an inner layer, between which layers stretchable web material is sandwiched between.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Loida Guzman Reyes, Brian A. McGinty, Ron Rothenberger, Linda Morrell-Schwartz, Edward P. Erdman, Andrew Waksmundzki
  • Publication number: 20080287898
    Abstract: Disposable protective undergarments and methods for manufacturing the same, wherein a protective undergarment includes a front portion having a body-side and a garment side and including stretch material, a back portion longitudinally spaced from the front portion, and a crotch insert having a body-side and a garment-side, the body-side of the crotch insert has an front end fixed to the garment-side of the front portion and a back end fixed to the fixed to the body-side of the back portion and the crotch insert bridges a gap between the front and back portions. A disposable protective undergarment also includes a stretch material deactivated where the crotch insert is fixed to the front portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Loida Guzman Reyes, Brian A. McGinty
  • Patent number: 7438707
    Abstract: An absorbent article constructed to isolate skin from absorbed moisture and promote ventilation. The article, which has particular application in the form of an absorbent garment worn to capture body wastes, has an absorbent body and liquid impermeable outer cover which stretch under the weight of the loaded absorbent body. A bodyside liner between the absorbent body and the skin of the wearer stretches, but to a lesser extent than the absorbent body and the outer cover. Accordingly, a gap between the bodyside liner and the absorbent body is created. The gap removes the moisture ladened absorbent body from the skin and forms a gap which helps air and vapor to circulate around the skin, promoting dryness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc
    Inventors: Lisa Bushman, Kay L. Konieczny, Brenda M. Nelson, Lisa L. Nickel
  • Publication number: 20080215027
    Abstract: A reusable diaper may include an inner layer to wick moisture and an outer layer substantially impervious to liquids. A waist portion may include a corner region for securing the diaper in a desired position. The corner region may be resiliently stretchable and substantially impervious to liquids, and may include first and second layers coupled to the respective inner and outer layers. The coupled first layer and inner layer define a first seam allowance, and the coupled second layer and outer layer define a second seam allowance. The first and second seam allowances may be positioned within the corner region to help inhibit wicking of liquid through the seam allowances into the corner region. And a fluid-resistant region may be provided to help resist wicking of moisture through the inner layer past the fluid-resistant region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventors: Jennifer Lynn Labit, James Andrew Labit
  • Publication number: 20080195070
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to diapers having a specific elasticated anal/genital cuff, also referred to as elasticated topsheet, and having a fully stretched length of less than 465 mm, suitable for babies of typically up to 9 kg.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Ekaterina Anatolyevna Ponomarenko, Maja Wciorka, Cornelia Beate Martynus, Tina Brown
  • Publication number: 20080195074
    Abstract: Packaged garments having pre-fastened, refastenable seams tucked in a certain position can preserve fastener performance. Such refastenable seams are particularly suitable for side seams on pant-like absorbent garments. Prior to packaging the garment, the refastenable seams are pre-fastened and tucked into the garment such that any resilient fastening components lie flat in a plane parallel to a plane in which front and back waist portions of the garment lie. When the garment is compressed and packaged, the resilient fastening components remain flat and do not become creased or crushed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Lee Popp, Marcille Faye Ruman, Kathleen Irene Ratliff
  • Publication number: 20080188822
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include disposable wearable absorbent articles with anchoring systems. In an embodiment, a disposable wearable absorbent article includes an absorbent core, an outer cover, and an anchoring system configured to anchor the absorbent core to a wearer, wherein at least part of the anchoring system is structurally associated with the outer cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventors: Richard Worthington Lodge, Fred Naval Desai, Donald Carroll Roe, Frederick Michael Langdon, Luke Robinson Magee
  • Patent number: 7404813
    Abstract: An undergarment includes a body panel and an crotch member. The crotch member includes first and second terminal edges and laterally opposed side edges. The crotch member has a longitudinally extending length defined between the first and second terminal edges. The crotch member is connected to the body panel at an attachment location, which is longitudinally spaced along the length of the crotch member from the first terminal edge thereof. The crotch member includes an unattached end portion that extends between the attachment location and the first terminal edge and that is unattached to the body panel. Methods of using and manufacturing the undergarment are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul T. Van Gompel, David F. Bishop, Monica S. Diaz, Jacqueline A. Gross, Cindy L. Price, Monica G. Varriale
  • Publication number: 20080161765
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article has a stretchable multilayer chassis having a longitudinal axis, a lateral axis, an inner surface, and an outer surface. The chassis is stretchable at least laterally. An absorbent body has an inner surface, an outer surface facing the inner surface of the chassis, and terminal edges. The absorbent body is affixed along at least a portion of its outer surface to the inner surface of the chassis whereby the inner surface of the absorbent body lies against a wearer of the article during use. The inner surface of the absorbent body is uncovered at the terminal edges thereof to permit contact of the absorbent body with the wearer of the article at the terminal edges of the absorbent body. The absorbent body is sized relative to the chassis such that a portion of the chassis is uncovered by the absorbent body to permit contact of the inner surface of the chassis with the wearer of the article. The chassis is stretchable about the wearer independent of the absorbent body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael T. Morman, Thomas H. Roessler
  • Publication number: 20080154227
    Abstract: A fastening device for an absorbent article has a receiving portion with an opening, and a tab element which is shaped so that it can be inserted into the opening of the receiving portion upon closing the article. It is characteristic that both the tab element and the receiving portion have fasteners. By the fact that both the receiving portion and the tab element have fastener, a strong and stable connection is formed between the components of the fastening device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Mikael Andersson, Karin Stubner, Ingemar Fernfors, Anna-Gerd Doverbo
  • Publication number: 20080082073
    Abstract: The invention discloses an integrated absorbent chassis for an absorbent article. The back sheet of the disclosed absorbent article is made from a single sheet of composite material that has elastomeric characteristics in predetermined regions. For example, the ear portions of the article are extendable for a better fit of the article. Other zones such as leg areas may also be elasticized if required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventors: Stacy Driskell, Arginnys Soto
  • Patent number: 7347846
    Abstract: Absorbent pants with a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction at right angles to the longitudinal direction and having an absorption core arranged between a liquid-tight cover sheet and a liquid-permeable cover sheet. The diaper pants have a front portion, a rear portion and an intermediate crotch portion, and a front edge and a rear edge extending substantially in the transverse direction and forming a waist opening, two side edges extending substantially in the longitudinal direction and forming two leg openings. An elastic sheet material is arranged at least along the waist opening of the diaper pants and extends at least from the waist opening to the leg openings, the elastic sheet material being secured to the absorption core in a substantially unstretched state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Kent Hermansson, Niclas Norrby, Catarina Linnér
  • Patent number: 7344523
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in structure of disposable garments. The disposable garments of the invention may include an outer layer and an elastic inner layer. The elastic inner layer has an elastic inner layer perimeter and defines an opening, which may be in the form of a slit or aperture, located in an internal position to the elastic inner layer perimeter. The elastic inner layer perimeter may be bonded to the outer layer. The elastic inner layer may include a front piece, a back piece and a crotch piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul T. Van Gompel, Georgia L. Zehner
  • Patent number: 7329794
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in structure of disposable garments. The disposable garments of the invention may include an outer layer and an elastic inner layer. The elastic inner layer has an elastic inner layer perimeter and defines an opening, which may be in the form of a slit or aperture, located in an internal position to the elastic inner layer perimeter. The elastic inner layer perimeter may be bonded to the outer layer. The elastic inner layer may include a fastener on an inner surface in a back waist region of the garment and the outer layer may include a fastener on an outer surface in a front waist region of the garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, INc.
    Inventors: Paul T. Van Gompel, Georgia L. Zehner
  • Patent number: 7322968
    Abstract: A disposable wearing article is provided on its garment facing surface with tape fasteners. The tape member forming each of the tape fastener has a fixed end portion and a free end portion adapted to be taken between the fingers longitudinally opposed to each other. The free end portion at least partially extend beyond the lateral edge of the wearing article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Nariaki Shimoe
  • Publication number: 20070233030
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article comprises an outer cover, and an absorbent member attached to the skin facing side of the outer cover. The absorbent member includes an absorber. At least a crotch zone of the outer cover is subjected to a softening process for softening a material of the outer cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Yagyu, Masaru Fujioka