Elastic Type Edge Patents (Class 604/385.24)
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Patent number: 6702795Abstract: A disposable absorbent garment includes a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The topsheet, backsheet and absorbent core are assembled together to form a layered assembly including a front region, a back region, and a crotch region disposed between the front region and the back region. The layered assembly has a longitudinal plane that extends substantially centrally through the front, back and crotch regions. Each of the front and back regions further includes a pair of ear portions extending in substantially opposite lateral directions with respect to the longitudinal plane. Further, each of the ear portions includes a layered section of a material layer and a stretchable member extendible between a contracted configuration and an extended configuration.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2001Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Associated Hygienic Products LLCInventor: Walter V. Klemp
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Patent number: 6702800Abstract: A form-fitting, pant-like, absorbent garment that delivers an optimal amount and direction of stretch to provide optimal fit and comfort. The absorbent garment has an outer cover with a back panel, a crotch panel and a front panel. The back panel and the front panel can each stretch in a transverse direction, and the crotch panel can stretch in a longitudinal direction. Seams joining the front and back panels to the crotch panel provide non-stretch zones that may be positioned to control fit forces. The garment provides enhanced fit and comfort during use, and ease of application with a self-adjusting feature.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2000Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: John Philip Vukos, Georgia Lynn Zehner, Duane Girard Uitenbroek, Richard Warren Tanzer
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Publication number: 20040044323Abstract: An absorbent article has an anterior region, a posterior region and a central region interconnecting the anterior and posterior regions and extending longitudinally therebetween. An elastic component extends generally continuously along a path from the anterior region of the article through the central region to the posterior region thereof. The elastic component has an elastic tension which is substantially non-uniform along the path defined by the elastic component. In one method for making such an absorbent article, an elastic component is initially secured to the article along the path and defines a width thereof. At least a portion of the elastic component is then removed from the article to narrow the width of the path defined by the elastic component along at least a segment of the path to thereby provide an elastic tension gradient along the length of the path.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2002Publication date: March 4, 2004Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Thomas H. Roessler, Emily J. Baum, Roman A. Weyenberg
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Publication number: 20040039363Abstract: In an absorbent product such as a diaper comprising a back sheet, an absorber, and a skin contact sheet, the skin contact sheet is disposed on the absorber as the uppermost layer which comes in contact with the skin of the wearer and has openings which allow the passage of excretions. The absorber and the skin contact sheet are joined only at both ends of the absorbent product in the longitudinal directions.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2002Publication date: February 26, 2004Inventors: Katsuhiko Sugiyama, Yoshiaki Takamatsu, Rie Kuwabara, Masaru Tsubata, Migaku Suzuki
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Patent number: 6692476Abstract: A disposable diaper including a laminated panel that includes a liquid-pervious topsheet, a liquid-impervious backsheet and a liquid-absorbent core disposed therebetween. Side flaps of the panel are provided with leg-opening elastic members rectilinearly extending longitudinally thereof between the front and rear waist regions and secured under tension to the respective side flaps, the rear waist regions of the panel is provided between the respective side edges of the core and the respective leg-opening elastic members with a pair of stretchable regions being elastically stretchable transversely of the panel.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2000Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Uni-Charm CorporationInventors: Hironao Minato, Yasushi Sayama
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Publication number: 20040024377Abstract: A disposable sanitary absorbent article such as an absorbent pad (e.g., male guard) is provided which is defined by opposed lateral sides and opposed longitudinal sides extending between said lateral side, comprising a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core disposed therebetween having opposed lateral sides and opposed longitudinal sides extending between said lateral sides of said absorbent core, an adhesive layer attached to said backsheet and a release paper strip covering the adhesive layer. The longitudinal sides or edges of the pad define side flaps outwardly relative to the longitudinal sides of the absorbent core, and at least two spaced apart elastic members are secured along each longitudinal side flap, with each elastic member having two active ends, at least one of which is located outwardly relative to the corresponding end of the adhesive layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2002Publication date: February 5, 2004Applicant: First Quality Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Hamzeh Karami
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Publication number: 20040019343Abstract: A disposable garment includes a chassis defining one or more openings for the legs, arms, waist or the like on a wearer. An apparent elastic band is located in the vicinity of at least one of the openings. The apparent elastic band looks and functions like an elastic band, but is not an elastic band, and is less expensive to implement than an elastic band.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2001Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventors: Christopher Peter Olson, Raymond Jeffrey May
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Patent number: 6682514Abstract: A garment is provided with an elastomeric element having first and second elastic segments made of different elastomeric polymers and connected in series. The first elastic segment can be made from a relatively higher performance, more expensive polymer. The second elastic segment can be made from a relatively less expensive elastic polymer having moderate performance characteristics. The hybrid elastic band provides durable high elastic performance in regions of the garment where these properties are needed, while minimizing the total cost of the band.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1999Date of Patent: January 27, 2004Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide Inc.Inventor: Michael Scott Brunner
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Patent number: 6682516Abstract: An absorbent garment having standing leg gathers with improved leak containment capabilities, a method of making the absorbent garment, and a method of determining the leak containment capability of a standing leg gather are disclosed herein. In a first aspect, a method of determining a Leg Gasketing Index is disclosed herein and includes elongating a section of a standing leg gather and measuring the resulting elastic contractile force. In a second aspect, the present invention relates to an absorbent garment including standing leg gathers having a mean Total Leg Gasketing Index over three elongation cycles of at least about 4.75 kg*mm.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2002Date of Patent: January 27, 2004Assignee: Paragon Trade Brands, Inc.Inventors: Lee W. Johnston, Kenneth John Molee, Stacy Jean Driskell, John D. Litvay
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Publication number: 20040013850Abstract: A method of producing an elasticized member having two different degrees of stretch, to be used in an absorbent product. The method involves stretching an elastic member by a first amount and securing part of it in the stretched condition to an inelastic web, while a second portion of the elastic member is stretched by a second amount and secured in the stretched position to the first web or to a second web. Differentially stretched products produced by the method can be used to provide advantages in terms of material savings and elasticity effects in absorbent products.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2003Publication date: January 22, 2004Applicant: SCA Hygiene Products ABInventor: Robert Kling
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Publication number: 20040010241Abstract: It has been found that an absorbent article having improved fit at the waist region can be made by changing the stretch properties about the waist region such that the sides stretch more than the front or back. One method of performing this function is to change the modulus of elasticity of the side regions relative to the front and back regions. For instance, by use of more elastic or stronger elastic in the front and back of the waist relative to the side of the waist, the modulus of elasticity in the front and back will be higher than at the sides of the absorbent article. If the same tension is applied uniformly to such a waist, the sides will stretch more than the front or back. This improves the absorbent article's fit because the hips of the body can curve more than the front or back waist portion, which can be relatively flat. By having the greatest stretch at the sides, they can conform to the body's increased curvature at the hips.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2002Publication date: January 15, 2004Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Donald Joseph Sanders, Paul VanGompel, Jennifer Lynn Marvin
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Patent number: 6676648Abstract: A disposable absorbent garment has a front region, a back region, and a central region, each region having a length along a longitudinal axis of one third of the length of the absorbent garment. An absorbent pad positioned within the regions has a length of absorbent pad in the back region divided by a length of absorbent pad in the front region and central region less than 0.10, and the length in the front region is greater than the length in the back region.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2001Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Mary Anne Bruemmer Prestley, Marianne Keevill Leick, Gregory James Hess, David Arthur Fell, Sarah Jane Marie Freiburger, Amy Lynn Fletcher, Cornelis Jacobus Bosselaar, Joseph Patrick Fell, Jacqueline Ann Gross, John Anthony Rooyakkers, Kenneth Raymond Schueler, Jr.
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Publication number: 20040006325Abstract: A disposable diaper includes a liquid-pervious topsheet, a liquid-impervious backsheet and a liquid-absorbent panel interposed between these sheets. Folding guides which are extending in a longitudinal direction are formed between front waist section and wings of the panel and stretchable elastic members which are extending in the longitudinal direction and spaced outward from the folding guides in a transverse direction are contractibly attached to side flaps.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2003Publication date: January 8, 2004Inventor: Hironao Minato
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Publication number: 20040006323Abstract: Garments have elastomeric composites and elastomeric composite laminates including reinforcement strands incorporated into an elastomeric adhesive film. The strands may vary in terms of levels of tension. Facing layers, such as nonwoven webs, can be laminated to both surfaces of the elastomeric composite to form laminates. The facing layer laminates can then be incorporated to provide expandable areas such as elastomeric cuff areas or containment flaps for garments to improve the elastic characteristics of such areas thereby providing good aesthetics and performance for such garments. Alternatively, the elastomeric composite of reinforcement strands incorporated into an elastomeric adhesive film can be utilized directly between two primary layers of a garment, e.g., the liner and the outer cover, to produce a laminate which is an integral part of the garment.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2002Publication date: January 8, 2004Inventors: Gregory K. Hall, Tim J. Janssen, Michael J. Garvey, Thomas W. Odorzynski
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Publication number: 20040006324Abstract: A garment including an elastomeric composite laminate around one or more openings for the legs, arms, waist, neck, or the like of a wearer. The garment includes a substrate defining the one or more openings, and an elastomeric composite laminate attached to the substrate adjacent the one or more openings. The elastomeric composite laminate includes reinforcement strands incorporated into an elastomeric adhesive film. In one embodiment, the garment is a pant-like garment with the elastomeric composite laminate adjacent each of the leg openings.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 26, 2002Publication date: January 8, 2004Inventors: Peiguang Zhou, Cristian M. Neculescu, Lance J. Garrett
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Publication number: 20040006326Abstract: An open-type disposable wearing article composed of a front waist region, a rear waist region and a crotch region. These regions are all elastically stretchable. The article includes first and second stretchable zones respectively bifurcated at a transverse middle of the crotch region so as to extend to lateral zones of the front and rear waist regions, respectively, and third stretchable zones defined by zones other than the first and second stretchable zones. The first and second stretchable zones exhibit a stretch stress higher than a stretch stress of the third stretchable zones. Loop members are provided to the second stretchable zone in the lateral zones of the rear waist region and hook members are provided to the first stretchable zone in the lateral zones of the front waist region.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2003Publication date: January 8, 2004Inventors: Kaiyo Nakajima, Yoshitaka Mishima, Tomoko Sugito
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Patent number: 6652499Abstract: Absorbent product such as an incontinence pad, sanitary pad, diaper, absorbent inlay or the like, having a central absorbent portion with an upper permeable surface. The absorbent product also has a fluid-impermeable backsheet. In order to provide width adaptation and to allow a basin-shape to be formed in the product, two lateral portions are provided. Each of the lateral portions extends in the longitudinal direction of the product. The inner edge of each lateral portion is attached to the central portion by means of a surplus of material and the outer edge is a free outer edge. The lateral portions can thus move in a lateral direction independently of a central portion.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2001Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Assignee: SCA Hygiene ProductsInventors: Kent Edgren, Peter Rönnberg, Ulrika Hagrud
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Patent number: 6652504Abstract: A pant-like absorbent garment having curved leak guard flaps has a gasket-like fit. A chassis of the absorbent garment defines first and second leg openings with curved cut-outs in the chassis. First portions of two leak guard flaps are bonded in a stretched position to the first and second leg openings about a periphery of the curved cut-outs, thereby forming finished seams. Leg elastic members can be bonded to the second portions of the leak guard flaps, thereby creating an even greater gasket effect. The resulting absorbent garment has a comfortable, gasket-like fit and an aesthetically pleasing, finished look about the leg openings.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2000Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Christopher Peter Olson, Yee Yang, Shirlee Ann Weber
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Patent number: 6641570Abstract: A disposable diaper that includes a panel structure composed of a base sheet and a core attached thereto and a sheet member 9 extending above the panel structure. The panel structure has a pair of first side slaps extending in a longitudinal direction and a pair of end flaps extending in a transverse direction. The sheet member includes a pair of side walls biased to rise above the panel structure and a top wall biased to be spaced upward from the panel structure. The side walls have side edge portions bonded to the vicinity of transversely opposite side edges of the core and first end portions bonded to the end flaps. The top wall has an opening defined between the side walls, second end portions bonded to the end flaps and second side flaps extending outside the top edges of the respective side walls 10 in parallel to the first side flaps. Transversely opposite side edge portion of these flaps that overlap each other in the front and rear waist regions are bonded to each other.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2001Date of Patent: November 4, 2003Assignee: Uni-Charm CorporationInventors: Yoshitaka Mishima, Koichiro Tani
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Patent number: 6641568Abstract: Absorbent articles having improved sustained fit on the body, improved appearance through the period of use, and improved comfort for the wearer. The absorbent article has a containment assembly, a waist feature and a diagonal support member feature disposed so as to lie in the diagonal support zone of the wearer's body when the article is worn. The diagonal support member is designed to support the article from the small of the back, over the hip, and to the lower abdomen. The diagonal support member is distinct from the waist feature, which is designed to provide only enough circumferential tension to hold itself in position on the body. The absorbent article has a garment-like high-waisted appearance, gentle tension around the waist to avoid discomfort and/or pressure marking, good leakage protection, good sustained fit, and easy application and removal.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2001Date of Patent: November 4, 2003Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Gregory Ashton, Frederick Michael Langdon
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Patent number: 6638262Abstract: A disposable wearing article includes a substantially liquid-impervious leak-barrier cuff which has a fixed end portion lying in the vicinity of a longitudinal end portion of an article, a free end portion extending from the fixed end portion toward a crotch region and fixed lateral end portions lying on transversely opposite side edge portions of the article. The free end portion is normally biased to rise on a topsheet and locally bonded to the article in retaining zones.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2001Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Assignee: Uni-Charm CorporationInventors: Seiji Suzuki, Takaaki Shimada
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Patent number: 6635040Abstract: An elastic sided curved absorbent pad is provided with soft side edges providing efficient leakage protection without irritation. The pad has elasticized side panels which comprise at least two layers of non-woven material mounted between a cover and baffle, projecting beyond the side edges of the cover and the baffle, giving the panel soft, free outer distal edges and one or more elastic members inboard from the free distal edge. The layers of non-woven material and the elastic member are bonded together, except for the distal edges which are not bonded. This provides a lace-like appearance and feel.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Yuhan-Kimberly Ltd.Inventors: Doo-Hong Kim, Hyung-Bum Kim, Eo-Yeon Hwang, Eun-Jung Kang
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Patent number: 6635041Abstract: A pant-like absorbent garment adapted to the non-symmetrical nature and leakage demands of the anatomy of the human body has asymmetrical pressure around the leg openings with respect to the wearer's anterior and posterior sides. Elastic members are bonded about the leg openings with either higher tension on the posterior side and lower tension on the anterior side or higher tension on the anterior side and lower tension on the posterior side, depending on the intended wearer's level of activity. The resulting garments have optimized comfort, fit and containment about the leg openings.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2000Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Robert Lee Popp, Robert Eugene Vogt, Joseph D. Coenen, Shawn A. Quereshi, Toan Thanh Le Minh
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Patent number: 6616645Abstract: Absorbent diaper pants having a front part (2), a back part (3) with an elastic member (20) in the waist hole (12) region, and a crotch part (4) with elastic hems (19) in the diaper pants (1) leg holes (13), wherein the front part (2) and the back part (3) are provided with fastening means (21), and on the diaper pants (1) inner surface side a changeable absorbent pad (14) is arranged, and the diaper pants (1) are further provided with a therapeutic orthopaedic pad (29); characterized in that the orthopaedic pad (29) is located in a rectangular housing (27) arranged on the diaper pants (1) facing side, while this housing (27) is by its front and back transverse ends, in a takeable apart manner, secured to the end edges (9, 10) of the front part (2) and of the back part (3), and the absorbent pad (14) is inserted inside retaining means.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2001Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Inventor: Zden{haeck over (e)}k Morávek
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Patent number: 6616648Abstract: Absorbent article such as a diaper and an incontinence guard comprising a liquid permeable topsheet (2), a liquid impermeable backsheet (3) and an absorbent body (4) enclosed therebetween, said article having a front portion (5), a rear portion (6) and a crotch portion (7), therebetween, whereby the front and rear portion exhibits side flaps (8, 9), which are intended to attach the article to a pantlike shape around the waist of the user. The article has at least one pre-stressed elastic means (11a) and at least attached to the back sheet, that said first elastic means (11a) is brought in an essentially V-shaped pattern having the peak of the pattern located to a first point (13) being essentially located on a imagined longitudinal center line (12) in said crotch portion (7) and that the V-shaped elastic means (11a) diverge in the direction from said longitudinal center line (12) toward the front portion (5).Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2001Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products ABInventors: Kent Hermansson, Kenneth Strannemalm, Katharina Karlsson, Solgun Drevik
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Publication number: 20030167046Abstract: A disposable absorbent article defined by a pair of longitudinally extending side edges and a pair of end edges extending between the side edges, has a front waist region, a back waist region, and a crotch region located between the waist regions. The disposable absorbent article also includes a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The topsheet is provided with a plurality of openings which direct bodily exudates received into or by the crotch region to a storage space disposed below the topsheet. The topsheet is spaced generally upward from the core such that the storage space is disposed between the topsheet and the core. The disposable absorbent article further includes at least one or more elongated elastic strands which are attached to the topsheet so as to space or urge the topsheet generally upwardly from the core.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2003Publication date: September 4, 2003Inventors: Walter V. Klemp, Paul M. Ducker, Daniel D. Gardner, Scott W. Sneed
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Patent number: 6605070Abstract: An absorbent article includes a liquid impervious backsheet joined to a liquid permeable topsheet with an absorbent core disposed therebetween. The joined topsheet and backsheet includes an extensible portion that is non-elastically, laterally extensible having a percent elongation of at least about 125%. A pair of elastomeric side panels is joined to a portion of the joined topsheet and backsheet near the extensible portion. Each of the side panels is elastically laterally extensible such that the force required to elongate the side panels a select percent elongation is less than the force required to elongate the extensible portion of the joined topsheet and backsheet an equivalent select percent elongation.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2001Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Susan J. Ludwig, Gary D. Lavon
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Publication number: 20030144643Abstract: An elasticized web has a gatherable substrate and a multi-strand elastic yarn affixed to the gatherable substrate at a plurality of fixation locations. So that the yarn can be affixed to the substrate without the use of an adhesive, the yarn is subjected to forces to create partial delamination of the yarn at the fixation locations and a portion of the gatherable substrate is caused to pass between the thus delaminated strands of the multi-strand elastic yarn. The elasticized web of the present invention is particularly suitable for use in disposable absorbent articles.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 26, 2002Publication date: July 31, 2003Inventors: Christian Jarpenberg, Michael Linder, Jose-Maria Mansisidor, Asa Lindstrom, Karin Lindmark, Ingemar Fernfors, Kenneth Strannemalm
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Publication number: 20030139725Abstract: A fastener tab is provided for an absorbent garment having longitudinally opposite waist regions when laid flat. The fastener tab has a first elastic region for attaching to one of the waist regions of the garment and having a first stretch resistance, a dead zone adjacent to the first elastic region, a second elastic region adjacent to the dead zone and having a second stretch resistance, and a gripping zone attached to the second elastic region. The dead zone has substantially more stretch resistance than the first and second elastic regions, and the first stretch resistance is at least as great as the second stretch resistance.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2002Publication date: July 24, 2003Inventor: Bernadette M. Gibbs
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Publication number: 20030135188Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article including: a main body portion having an ability to absorb and retain a liquid; a front support member extending forward beyond a front edge of the main body portion; and a rear support member extending rearward beyond a rear edge of the main body portion. The individual front and rear support members produce an elastic contractive force in a stretched state. The individual front and rear support members are provided with a pressure sensitive adhesive layer for securing each support member to the skin of a wearer.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2003Publication date: July 17, 2003Applicant: Uni-Charm CorporationInventor: Wataru Yoshimasa
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Patent number: 6592562Abstract: An absorbent article is provided for use in the perineal area of the body. Compliant sealing gaskets are pre-formed to extend outward from the central portion of the article. The gaskets may be formed by looping a strip of material so as to form a compliant cuff which bears against the user's body in a comfortable manner. An elastic member placed in tension so as to impart an arcuate shape to the article may be placed inside a cavity formed by the cuff. The gaskets may be applied to an article having wings attached to the central portion so as to form pockets for retaining the elasticized portions of the panty crotch. The proximal ends of the gaskets are disposed outward of the pockets and the distance between the pockets is less than the width of the panty crotch so that the body facing said of the article is placed in tension.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2001Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Menard, Dennis C. Holtman, Peter W. Jackson, James C. Johns
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Publication number: 20030125697Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2001Publication date: July 3, 2003Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Lisa Bushman, Kay L. Konieczny, Brenda M. Nelson, Lisa L. Nickel
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Publication number: 20030120233Abstract: The invention is directed to an improvement of performance for disposable absorbent articles to prevent a leakage of body discharges. A disposable absorbent article comprising: an absorbent body having an average width of from about 5 mm to about 30 mm. The first resilient material is disposed between the body facing surface and the garment facing surface of the absorbent article; and a first resilient material disposed between the body facing surface and the absorbent body in a circumferential manner such that at least a part of the body facing surface of the absorbent article forms a raised circumferential bank in the central region and a concave portion surrounded by the raised circumferential bank. The first resilient material is selected from the group consisting of a polymeric foam material, a fibrous material, an elastic material, a formed film material, an absorbent gelling material, and a mixture thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2002Publication date: June 26, 2003Applicant: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Kenji Ohshima, Yuka Momotani, Kieko Imai
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Patent number: 6582414Abstract: A disposable garment comprising a chassis having a front region, a back region, and a crotch region between the front and back regions, the chassis comprising a liquid impervious backsheet and at least one pair of side panels extending laterally outwardly from the chassis. The backsheet comprises a liquid impervious film extending longitudinally in the front, back, and crotch regions, and having a nonuniform lateral width so as to form a first portion in the crotch region and a second portion in the front or back region. The second portion has a lateral width dimension less than the lateral width dimension of the first portion such that the film does not extend into the side panels. At least one of the side panels comprises an elastomeric material extending laterally outwardly from the chassis, wherein the elastomeric material is joined to the second portion of the liquid impervious film.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2000Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventor: James William Richardson
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Publication number: 20030105446Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles and non-absorbent articles which comprise at least one improved double-sided soft and elastic material composite. The composites according to the invention may also be breathable. The composites are produced by incrementally stretching a laminate of an elastic layer between two non-elastic cloth-like layers. The non-elastic cloth-like layers tear during stretching such that the elasticity of the laminate after stretching is substantially the same as the elasticity of the film elastic layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2002Publication date: June 5, 2003Applicant: Tredegar Film Products CorporationInventors: Randell O. Hutson, Andrew J. Peacock
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Patent number: 6572595Abstract: A disposable absorbent garment includes a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The topsheet, the backsheet, and the absorbent core form a layered assembly including a front region, a back region, and a crotch region disposed between the front region and the back region. The garment is characterized by a vertical longitudinal plane that extends substantially centrally through the front, back and crotch regions. Each of the front and back regions includes a pair of ear portions extending in substantially opposite lateral directions with respect to the longitudinal plane. Each ear portion is a breathable stretchable layer assembly having a plurality of vent sites. Further, each ear portion includes an outer layer that is an extension of the backsheet and which extends laterally to the side edge of the ear portion, and an inner layer that is an extension of the topsheet and which also extends laterally to the side edge of the ear portion.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2000Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Associated Hygienic ProductsInventors: Walter V. Klemp, Daniel D. Gardner, Jr.
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Patent number: 6572599Abstract: An absorbent article includes an elongate absorbent core having an upper surface and a lower surface, a pair of opposed longitudinal edge portions terminating in longitudinal edges and a pair of opposed transverse edges, the core having a first end portion, a second end portion and a central portion located between the end portions; a liquid permeable topsheet extending over the upper surface; a liquid barrier backsheet covering the lower surface of the absorbent core; barrier strips, each of the barrier strips covering a respective longitudinal edge portion and forming a liquid-retaining pocket along a respective longitudinal edge portion; and a longitudinal elastic member arranged along each of the barrier strips that are placed along each longitudinal edge portion of the absorbent core, the elastic members extending in at least the central portion of the absorbent core; the elastic members each include a plurality of spacers arranged at a distance from each other along a length of the elastic members to crType: GrantFiled: October 2, 2001Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products ABInventor: Solgun Drevik
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Patent number: 6572596Abstract: The invention comprises an absorbent garment and a method for making an absorbent garment. An absorbent garment is provided comprising elastic side belts attached at an angle to the main body of the garment to provide a better fit to the user. Adjustment strips preferably are affixed to the elastic side belts and to the main body of the garment to allow the user to repeatedly adjust the garment while the garment is being worn. A method for making the absorbent garment also is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2001Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Paragon Trade Brands, Inc.Inventors: Sunita Pargass, Ellyn L. Conger, Stacy Yeater
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Publication number: 20030100872Abstract: A wearable article useful for facilitating toilet training is provided. The wearable article includes a wetness sensation member held in close contact with a wearer's skin during use that enhances the wearer's awareness that urination has occurred. The wetness sensation member includes a permeable layer and an impermeable layer. During insults of urine, the permeable layer allows urine to penetrate in the z-direction and provides a medium for the flow of urine in the x-y plane via wicking. The impermeable layer supports the flow of liquid between the permeable and impermeable layers and retains the liquid thereby increasing the wetted area contacting the wearer's skin.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2001Publication date: May 29, 2003Inventors: Donald C. Roe, Patrick J. Allen, Edward P. Carlin
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Publication number: 20030100876Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent garment including a main chassis having an attachment region, an absorbent portion attached to the main chassis at an attachment region, and an elastic portion operatively associated with the main chassis. The attachment region is substantially inelastic prior to the absorbent portion being attached to the main chassis.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2001Publication date: May 29, 2003Inventor: Kenneth John Molee
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Patent number: 6569139Abstract: A disposable absorbent underpants for containing body fluid includes a first pair of leg elastics, a second pair of leg elastics, and a third pair of leg elastics. Each of the third pair of leg elastics is a distinct member containing at least one strand of elastic that is partially enclosed by a carrier sheet. Each of the third pair of leg elastics is separated from at least one of the first or the second pair of leg elastics by a gap.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2000Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Paul Joseph Datta, Michael Barth Venturino
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Patent number: 6569140Abstract: There is disclosed an absorbent article including: a body portion including, a liquid permeable front surface sheet for facing the wearer, a back surface sheet, and an absorbent layer sandwiched between the front surface sheet and the back surface sheet; and leakage preventing walls extending in a longitudinal direction of the body portion and arranged at two sides thereof in a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The leakage preventing wall includes a side wall part upstanding from the surface of the body portion and a skin contacting part extending from the upper end of the side wall part toward the outside of the body portion in the width direction.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2000Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Assignee: Uni-Charm CorporationInventors: Satoshi Mizutani, Tatsuya Tamura, Yuuki Noda
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Publication number: 20030088228Abstract: Variable stretch composites having one or more first elastomeric members disposed on a first region of an extensible substrate, and one or more second elastomeric members disposed on a second region of the extensible substrate which different from the first elastomeric members to provide variable properties to said regions of the composite. The composite has been incrementally stretched to at least partially break up the structure of the substrate in order to reduce its resistance to stretch. The variable stretch composites are useful for disposable and durable articles, such as disposable absorbent articles including diapers, pull-on diapers, training pants, incontinence briefs, catemenial garments, baby bibs, and the like, and durable articles like garments including sportswear, outerwear and the like. The present invention also relates to methods of forming such variable stretch composites.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2002Publication date: May 8, 2003Applicant: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Fred Naval Desai, Urmish Popatlal Dalal
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Publication number: 20030088227Abstract: A disposable diaper comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and backsheet. The topsheet and backsheet define a periphery and longitudinal edges, portions of the longitudinal edges define leg openings when the diaper is worn. The diaper has a discrete edge seal folded about and joined to the longitudinal edges at least at the portions defining leg openings when the diaper is worn. An apparatus for affixing a discrete edge seal onto a portion of a longitudinal edge of a continuous web and methods for affixing a affixing discrete edge seal onto a predetermined portion of a longitudinal edge of a continuous web are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2002Publication date: May 8, 2003Applicant: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Uwe Schneider, Christoph Johann Schmitz
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Publication number: 20030088226Abstract: In disposable diaper, an absorbent product is composed of fluffed pulp, synthetic fibers, a super absorbent material, and the like, and includes elastic means disposed adjacent to both sides of the absorbent core so as to longitudinally traverse the absorbent core extending from the back to the stomach through the crotch when the disposable diaper is applied to the human body. Thus, when urine, feces, body fluids, and the like are discharged, even if the weight of the absorbent core is increased by absorbing the substances, the leakage of the substances can be prevented because the shape retention property of the disposable diaper can be maintained by the tension of the elastic materials longitudinally traversing the absorbent core.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2002Publication date: May 8, 2003Inventors: Katsumasa Takagi, Sadayoshi Terada, Rie Yamazaki
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Publication number: 20030083635Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an elastomeric side panel that is suitable for use in or on a disposable absorbent article. The elastomeric side panel is formed from an elastomeric material that has multidirectional stretch features enabling it to stretch in the longitudinal and lateral directions. The side panel has a first waist edge and a crotch edge that are substantially parallel to one another while in the relaxed condition. A fastening device is associated with the elastomeric side panel. A disposable absorbent article including the elastomeric side panel, a method of making the article, and a method of applying the article to a user, also are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2001Publication date: May 1, 2003Inventor: Bernadette M. Gibbs
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Patent number: 6554815Abstract: Disposable under-shorts having a fit-gather laminate that are capable of being produced at high speeds without complicating the construction of a production device. The disposable under-shorts comprise a fit-gather laminate (2) formed by disposing an elastic member (1) between a pair of upper and lower non-woven fabric sheets (6, 7) in the width direction, fixing the elastic member (1) to portions of the non-woven fabric sheets (6, 7) except in a width-wise center part of the non-woven fabric sheets (6, 7) and cutting the elastic member (1) in the region of the width-wise center parts of the sheets (6, 7). The disposable under-shorts further comprise a reinforcing sheet (3) fixed to the under-side of the width-wise center parts of the fit-gather laminate (2), an absorber (4) disposed on the upper-side of the laminate (2), and a back sheet (5) disposed on the under-side of the reinforcing sheet (3).Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2002Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Zuiko CorporationInventor: Toyoshi Umebayashi
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Patent number: 6551297Abstract: An absorbent article includes a liquid-permeable top layer, a liquid-impermeable back layer, and a liquid-retentive absorbent member interposed between the top layer and the back layer. The absorbent member is arranged such that a pair of absorbent barrier cuffs having a prescribed width are formed at respective left and right opposing side portions of the top layer in the width-wise direction thereof, and liquid-shrinkable members, which can elastically shrink upon absorption of liquid, are disposed within the barrier cuffs and extend in the longitudinal direction of the barrier cuffs.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 1999Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: Kao CorporationInventors: Masahito Tanaka, Mayumi Kimura, Hironori Kawasaki, Mitsugu Hamajima, Minoru Nakanishi, Jinko Noguchi
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Patent number: 6541679Abstract: The present invention is directed to reducing the build up or accretion of adhesive, alone or in combination with other materials, on the surfaces of equipment used to ultrasonically treat a workpiece (e.g., ultrasonically bonding various components or pieces to one another.) Thus the invention encompasses composites, absorbent products, and methods of making said composites and products where an adhesive composition having certain identified properties is used to reduce the build up or accretion of the adhesive on ultrasonic bonding equipment. In one embodiment of the invention, a composite includes an adhesive having a capillary-viscosity value of about 7 Pas.sec or greater and a Shore-OO-Hardness value of about 65 or greater, whereby the relative accretion value is less than about 1, and more particularly less than about 0.5.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2001Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwode, Inc.Inventors: Chinmay Suresh Betrabet, Davis Dang Hoang Nhan
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Publication number: 20030060792Abstract: A disposable absorbent article to trap and collect fluid waste products of a wearer. The pad includes a non-woven top sheet, a fluid acquisitions system, a core, and a polymer cover sheet. The top sheet includes a pair of elasticized flaps extending along its marginal sides, and which are secured in place at the respective ends of the pad, but which stand up on either side of the central portion of the pad so that the pad assumes a cup-like shape. The flaps prevent the egress of fluid laterally from the pad.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2001Publication date: March 27, 2003Applicant: Confab Services, AGInventors: John Harriz, Christa Bruce, Ruth Levy