Elastic Type Edge Patents (Class 604/385.24)
  • Publication number: 20100280478
    Abstract: An absorbent article comprising a chassis formed by a web comprising at least one continuous layer that forms a portion of a backsheet and a portion of laterally opposing side flaps. The web may be folded laterally inward to form the side flaps and side edges of the chassis. A portion of the chassis at or immediately adjacent the side edges may comprise laterally oriented alternating ridges and valleys while other portions of the chassis may comprise longitudinally oriented alternating ridges and valleys.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventors: Gary Dean LaVon, Luke Nogales, John Strube
  • Publication number: 20100280477
    Abstract: A nappy comprising an outer cover (1) for wrapping around a wearer' s waist and bottom and for holding an inner absorbent layer (2) to the wearer, said outer cover (1) being securable about the wearer by fastening points (10,11) provided on front and rear areas thereof; wherein said outer cover (1) is foldable for adjusting its length such that, in use, the waist height of the nappy is adjusted; and wherein one of the front or rear areas of the outer cover (1) comprises a reversible panel (8), said reversible panel (8) having fastening points (11) provided on both sides thereof and being reversible for exposing fastening points (11) on an exterior surface of the outer cover (1) when said outer cover (1) is folded. In this way the size of the nappy can be adjusted to fit a particular wearer's waist height.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventors: Rosalind Ann Henderson, Melanie Jane Woods
  • Publication number: 20100280470
    Abstract: An elasticized flexible absorbent article for minor urinary incontinence is provided. The elasticized flexible absorbent article comprises an inner permeable hydrophilic layer, an absorbent layer having a first side and a second side, the first side of the absorbent layer at least partially bonded to the inner permeable hydrophilic layer, and an impermeable outer cover having a first side, a second side, and an elastic portion, the first side of the impermeable outer cover at least partially bonded to the second side of the absorbent layer, the elastic portion provided along an outer edge of the impermeable outer cover, the elasticized flexible absorbent article adapted to encompass an end portion of a male genital region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventor: Nayereh Khoubnazar
  • Publication number: 20100274212
    Abstract: The invention relates to an absorbent, disposable article, preferably a diaper, having a backsheet and a topsheet comprising a first waist region, a second waist region, and a crotch region interposed there between, a longitudinal axis, and an opening, which provides a passageway to a primary void space for receiving bodily exudates therein, positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet; whereby the opening is positioned in at least the crotch region along the longitudinal axis; whereby the topsheet is elasticated; and whereby the article has a shortened article portion, as defined herein, which has a shortened article length L, a stretched shortened article length Ls and a contracted shortened article length Lc, whereby the article and/or its topsheet has an specific elastic profile and/or a specific ratio of Lc to Ls. The article preferably has a slit opening with on each side elastic regions, preferably in the shape of an X, as shown in FIG.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Joerg Mueller, Mattias Schmidt, Lars Westerheide, Frederick Michael Langdon, Michael Divo
  • Patent number: 7819853
    Abstract: 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, catamenial 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: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Fred Naval Desai, Urmish Popatlal Dalal, Donald Carroll Roe
  • Publication number: 20100268185
    Abstract: An absorbent article includes a liquid-permeable topsheet, a liquid-impermeable backsheet and an absorbent core located therebetween. The fluid-permeable topsheet and fluid-impermeable backsheet extend beyond the absorbent core in at least the width (X) direction and are joined to one another in the area outside the absorbent core to form an edge-seam. The absorbent article also includes two elastic members, each elastic member extending along one longitudinal edge of the absorbent core such that—along a major portion of the extension of the elastic members in the length (Y) direction—the elastic members overlie both a portion of the absorbent core and a portion of the edge-seam in the width (X) direction. This arrangement provides improved three-dimensional forming of the article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Maria Gustin Bergström, Carin Håkansson, Paulina Halleröd (Nee Ljungberg)
  • Publication number: 20100256586
    Abstract: An absorbent core for an absorbent article includes an upper absorbent core and a lower absorbent core. An acquisition layer is located between the upper and said lower absorbent cores in the thickness (Z) direction of the core. The upper absorbent core includes an opening and fold indications. The relative dimensions and positioning of the core components allows it to adopt a double-bowl shape. Further, an absorbent article includes the absorbent core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Maria Gustin Bergström, Carin Håkansson, Paulina Halleröd
  • Patent number: 7806880
    Abstract: A pull-on wearable article includes a main portion with an outer cover, the main portion defining a front waist region, a rear waist region, and a crotch region extending between and connecting the front and rear waist regions. First and second extendable side panels extend between and connect the main portion front waist region and the main portion rear waist region to form the article in a closed waist configuration, wherein at least a portion of each side panel is extendable between a relaxed state and an extended state. The article defines first and second side regions, each side region including one of the first and second side panels and a transverse region of the main portion bordering the respective side panel. An informational image is disposed in at least the first side region, wherein the informational image is legible when the first and second side panels are substantially in the relaxed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Donald Carroll Roe, Melanie D. Allen, Kathleen Quinlan Ames-Ooten, Mark John Ciesko, Barry Robert Feist, Eiro Fukuda, George Bartol Glackin
  • Patent number: 7806883
    Abstract: An absorbent article may comprise a topsheet; a backsheet joined with the topsheet; an absorbent core between the topsheet and backsheet; and an elastic element comprising a breathable stretch laminate. The breathable stretch laminate may comprise a first substrate; and an elastic member joined to the first substrate, wherein said elastic member comprises a polyurethane. The breathable stretch laminate may exhibit a MVTR greater than about 300 grams per square meter per 24 hours and a force relaxation of less than about 50% after about 10 hours at 100° F. and 50% elongation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Renae Dianna Fossum, Arman Ashraf
  • Publication number: 20100241099
    Abstract: A diaper includes an absorbent chassis which, in turn, includes a cover sheet 6 and a liquid-absorbent structure, and a barrier sheet allowing passage of body waste. The barrier sheet 8 is spaced from the liquid-absorbent structure in the thickness direction under an effect of barrier sheet constricting means. The barrier sheet is formed with front and rear passage openings defined by a middle portion and the middle portion is provided, in addition to the barrier sheet constricting means, with middle portion elastic members which function to constrict the middle portion in a longitudinal direction Y.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: UNI-CHARM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hironao Minato, Kaiyo Nakajima
  • Patent number: 7794441
    Abstract: A unitary disposable absorbent article includes: an absorbent core having a garment surface and a body surface, a liquid permeable topsheet positioned adjacent said body surface of said absorbent core, a liquid impermeable backsheet positioned adjacent said garment surface of said absorbent core and an elastically contractible dual cuff. The dual cuff has a proximate end and a distal end. The dual cuff is joined to the article by an intermediate bond. The dual cuff has a first cuff and a second cuff. The first cuff is disposed between the proximate end and the intermediate bond. The second cuff is disposed between the intermediate bond and the distal end. The dual cuff is constructed of a continuous cuff material and enclosed by a cuff end bond. The second cuff is spaced away from the backsheet. The backsheet extends outboard of the distal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: the Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Gregory Ashton, Eiro Fukuda, Masaharu Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 7785309
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent garment having an inner layer with a first end panel, a second end panel, and a pair of side panels formed separate from the first and second end panels. The first and second end panels are stretchable in at least the lateral direction of the garment. The side panels extend longitudinally between the first and second end panels in laterally spaced relationship with each other such that the end panels and side panels together define a central opening of the inner layer. The side panels are each secured to the first and second end panels and are extensible in at least the lateral direction of the garment. The garment includes an outer layer is in opposed relationship with the inner layer and an absorbent assembly disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Theodore Van Gompel, Gary Alan Krueger, Lu Ann Marie Beckman
  • Publication number: 20100217217
    Abstract: Absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders, training pants and the like, having elastomeric ear panels and a fastening system that provides the user with different options as to how the absorbent article may be fitted to and removed from the wearer. The absorbent articles allow the wearer to choose between conventional and pull-on diaper configurations, or combinations thereof, and properly and comfortably fit a large range of wearer sizes. Further, the absorbent articles can be pulled on and/or off as a pant. This feature is provided by the ear panels which maintain sufficient tension to hold the diaper on the wearer throughout the period of use without harming the wearer's skin, while providing enough stretch to allow the diaper to be pulled up or down over the wearer's hips. The fastening system is refastenable for convenience yet strong enough to maintain the diaper in a fastened configuration without becoming detached if the diaper is pulled on or off the wearer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: Mark James Kline, Miguel Alvaro Robles
  • Patent number: 7777094
    Abstract: A disposable diaper having: an elastic portion where a plurality of elastic members is provided along a width direction with an interval of not more than 7.0 mm in a longitudinal direction, and a non-elastic portion wherein the non-elastic portion is in a center of at least one of a front side and a back side and the elastic portion is provided in a region including right-and-left side portions except the non-elastic portion, and a difference between a maximum product width obtained when the body peripheral region is extended to a limit of extension in a product width direction and a contracted product width obtained when the body peripheral region is in a non-extended contraction state is from 100 to 250 mm in a state where the front side and the back side are overlapped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignees: Daio Paper Corporation, Daio Paper Converting Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yosuke Mori, Keiji Torigoshi, Hideki Saiga
  • Patent number: 7771408
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable absorbent article, e.g. a diaper, having a backsheet, an absorbent core and a topsheet, said absorbent article having a length L, said topsheet having an opening and primary elasticated areas and secondary elasticated areas, the latter being curved or angled, having an overall curvature with a radius of from 0.3 L to 3.2 L, wherein the average transverse distance between a primary elasticated area and a secondary elasticated area of a crotch side portion is preferably at least 15 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Joerg Mueller, Cornelia Martynus, Anja Hoffmann, Mattias Schmidt, John Costello, Ann Sullivan, Gregg Flender
  • Patent number: 7771406
    Abstract: The invention relates to an absorbent, disposable article, preferably a diaper, having a backsheet and a topsheet comprising a first waist region, a second waist region, and a crotch region interposed there between, a longitudinal axis, and an opening, which provides a passageway to a primary void space for receiving bodily exudates therein, positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, whereby the opening is positioned in at least the crotch region along the longitudinal axis; whereby the topsheet is elasticated; and whereby the article has a shortened article portion, as defined herein, which has a shortened article length L, a stretched shortened article length Ls and a contracted shortened article length Lc, whereby the article and/or its topsheet has an specific elastic profile and/or a specific ratio of Lc to Ls. The article preferably has a slit opening with on each side elastic regions, preferably in the shape of an X, as shown in FIG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Joerg Mueller, Mattias Schmidt, Lars Westerheide, Frederick Michael Langdon, Michael Divo
  • Patent number: 7763004
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article including a chassis and an absorbent assembly. The chassis is folded laterally inward and outward in a zigzag pattern to form laterally opposing layered containment pockets and laterally opposing side flaps interiorly of the layered containment pockets. Each side flap has a longitudinally extending elastic gathering member attached adjacent to its distal edge. The absorbent assembly includes an absorbent core that may contain superabsorbent particles, which may be contained inside pockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Theodora Beck, Gary Dean LaVon
  • Patent number: 7758558
    Abstract: A pants-type disposable wearing article includes a chassis forming a body of the article, an absorbent structure disposed on an inner surface of the chassis, and a plurality of elastic members arranged in waist-surrounding regions. Opposite end portions of the elastic members in a waist surrounding direction are secured in the vicinities of transversely opposite side edges of the waist regions to the chassis while middle portions of the elastic members in the waist surrounding direction are not secured to the corresponding portions of the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshifumi Otsubo
  • Publication number: 20100179498
    Abstract: Reusable wearable absorbent articles with anchoring systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: Donald Carroll Roe
  • Publication number: 20100174261
    Abstract: An absorbent article that is favorable in the erection stability of gathers and excels in transversal leakage preventing effects. A pair of gathers of an absorbent article has a three-dimensional configuration part. The three-dimensional configuration part is formed so as to construct a hollow. A first junction edge portion is formed on the inward side in the width direction of the absorbent article and a second junction edge portion is provided on the outward side in the width direction of the absorbent article. The first junction edge portion is located on the area of the surface layer on which the absorbent body is disposed. The second junction edge portion, in at least the area where the pair of wings are disposed, is located on the area of the surface layer and/or backside layer more outward in the width direction than the periphery of the absorbent body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Nomoto, Masashi Uda, Hideaki Morita
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7749210
    Abstract: A disposable diaper has a through-hole formed in an inner sheet destined to come in contact with a wearer's skin so that this through-hole may communicate with a pocket for receiving feces. The inner sheet is formed with an elastic area extending in a longitudinal direction along transversely opposite side edges of the through-hole. In a crotch region of the diaper, a stiffening sheet strips are attached to the inner sheet between the transversely opposite side edges of the diaper and the transversely opposite side edges so that the respective stiffening sheet strips extend in a transverse direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Mishima, Hironao Minato, Nariaki Shimoe
  • Patent number: 7744578
    Abstract: An absorbent article having leakage preventing walls that longitudinally exert an elastic contractive force to bend a main body. Each leakage preventing wall is provided, between front and rear ends, with a constraint portion so as to locally constrain an allowable rising height of the leakage preventing wall. Thus, the leakage preventing wall takes a shape that can easily conform to a curved surface of the wearer's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Tanio, Masataka Kinoshita, Kazuya Nishitani, Noritatsu Tamagawa
  • Publication number: 20100152697
    Abstract: [Problem] To prevent a diaper from causing leakage by controlling displacement or deformation of an absorbent pad resulting from body movements. [Means for Solving Problem] A disposable diaper in the present invention is configured in such a manner that a section corresponding to a first portion at the longitudinal intermediate of the inner elastic members 13i is designated as an unfixed section 14 where a back sheet 1 and an outer sheet 12 are not fixed; a section corresponding to a second portion on the both longitudinal sides of the unfixed section 14 is designated as a fixed section, where the back sheet 1 and the outer sheet 12 are fixed; the unfixed section 14 with the inner elastic members 13i is not fixed to the back sheet 1 or the outer sheet 12, or is fixed only to the outer sheet 12; and the fixed section with the inner elastic members 13i is fixed to the back sheet 1 and the outer sheet 12.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventor: Yuki Nakano
  • 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: 7727214
    Abstract: A disposable diaper having a neat appearance. The diaper 101 includes: a liquid-permeable top sheet 111 which covers a use surface side; a leakage preventing sheet 112 which covers a non-use surface side; an absorbent body 113 interposed between the top sheet and the leakage preventing sheet; and an external sheet 120 disposed on an outer surface side of the leakage preventing sheet, wherein three-dimensional gathers BS are formed along leg surrounding portions, and leg cut-out portions of the external sheet which form leg openings are located in a portion of the minimum width of a crotch portion, at a position nearer to a central side than places outward by 5 mm from rising start points of the three-dimensional gathers BS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Daio Paper Corporation
    Inventors: Keiji Torigoshi, Yosuke Mori
  • Publication number: 20100130952
    Abstract: [Problems] To prevent excrement, which is flown back on a diaper, from attaching to a gluteal region of a wearer while the diaper is not deteriorated in a capability of absorbing watery stool and the like [Means for Solving Problem] To a top sheet 30, comprising a widthwise central region 31 extending from front to back ends through a portion corresponding to an intergluteal cleft; left- and right-side intermediate regions 32, 32 that are positioned on left and right sides of the widthwise central region and extend from front to back ends through portions corresponding to left and right gluteal regions, respectively; and left- and right-side regions 33, 33 that extend from front to back ends along a left side of the left-side intermediate region and a right side of the right-side intermediate region, respectively, a large number of permeation holes H are formed at predetermined intervals in the widthwise central region 31, left-side region and right-side region 33, 33, respectively and no permeation hole H is
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: Daio Paper Corporation
    Inventor: Kosuke Murai
  • 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: 20100125263
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article includes two laterally opposing longitudinally extending barrier cuff strips attached to an absorbent assembly in laterally opposing attachment zones. Each barrier cuff strip includes an upper layer and a lower layer at least between its proximal edge and the attachment zones. A longitudinally extending elastic gathering member is attached to each barrier cuff strip adjacent to its proximal edge. When the article is worn, the elastic gathering members contract and raise the barrier cuff strips to form side barriers. The absorbent assembly includes an absorbent core that may contain superabsorbent particles, which may be contained inside pockets. A portion of the absorbent assembly such as the portion that lies between the barrier cuff strip attachment zones may be extensible and may include a water-impermeable layer. The laterally opposing attachment zones may act as dams preventing a lateral flow of liquid bodily waste.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Inventors: Gary Dean LaVon, Kevin Michael Smith
  • Patent number: 7717895
    Abstract: A method for accomplishing the application to a wearer of a disposable absorbent article having particular features is disclosed. The method includes the step of providing a kit, the kit including a disposable absorbent article having an elastically stretchable topsheet with a longitudinal opening therethrough and a primary serviceable indicium disposed thereon, and a package having secondary information including a depiction of at least part of the absorbent article and the primary serviceable indicium, the primary serviceable indicium and the secondary information being present to aid the care giver in the correct application of the article to a wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Ekaterina Anatolyevna Ponomarenko, Cornelia Beate Martynus, Kara Marie Cain, Sarah Innes, Ekow Mensah
  • Patent number: 7717896
    Abstract: A disposable pull-on wearing article has its waist region divided into a front section and a rear section and connector sheet strips adapted to connect these two sections together. Each of the connector sheet strips has zones to be joined to the front sections and a non-joint zone interposed between the zones to be joined to the front and rear sections and adapted to be easily torn apart in the vertical direction of the article. The front and rear sections respectively have ears lying on the outer side. These ears have respective inner surface releasably joined to each other by a pressure-sensitive adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Toshifumi Otsubo, Naoto Ohashi, Yusuke Kawakami, Makoto Ichikawa
  • Publication number: 20100114055
    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: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: UNI-CHARM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hironao Minato, Kaiyo Nakajima, Naoko Takada
  • Patent number: 7708728
    Abstract: An absorbent article comprising a topsheet with a large opening for receiving feces. The topsheet has an elastic laminate portion with y-direction elongation. The laminate portion has a first zone, a second zone and, optionally, a third zone. The zones have different degrees of maximum elongation and/or different wrinkle heights and/or densities. The zones are configured such that one or more zones are created that cause less or no pressure marks. Overall, the topsheet maintains an excellent force profile, resulting in well performing, comfortable to wear absorbent articles that provide isolation of feces away from the skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Blanca Arizti, Ekaterina Anatolyevna Ponomarenko, Simone Seeboth, Gemma Baquer-Molas
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7704243
    Abstract: A leg wrap structure is provided in a disposable absorbent garment such as a diaper or training pants. The leg wrap structure has a base layer, a top layer, and an elastic construction disposed therebetween. The elastic construction includes a plurality of spaced apart (e.g. generally equally spaced apart) elastic elements (e.g. strands or threads) that are aligned in a generally in generally parallel relation. Further, the top and base layers define a region of inelasticity. The leg wrap structure provides for the efficient formation of a reservoir and a plurality of fluid dams each capable of capturing a quantity of fluid to minimize the occurrence of fluid leaks from the absorbent article. Methods of forming such absorbent articles are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: DSG Technology Holdings Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuo-Shu Edward Chang, Anne Smid, Patrick King Yu Tsang, Ian Walker, Andrew Wright
  • Patent number: 7695463
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article includes two laterally opposing longitudinally extending barrier cuff strips attached to an absorbent assembly in laterally opposing attachment zones. Each barrier cuff strip includes an upper layer and a lower layer at least between its proximal edge and the attachment zones. A longitudinally extending elastic gathering member is attached to each barrier cuff strip adjacent to its proximal edge. When the article is worn, the elastic gathering members contract and raise the barrier cuff strips to form side barriers. The absorbent assembly includes an absorbent core that may contain superabsorbent particles, which may be contained inside pockets. A portion of the absorbent assembly such as the portion that lies between the barrier cuff strip attachment zones may be extensible and may include a water-impermeable layer. The laterally opposing attachment zones may act as dams preventing a lateral flow of liquid bodily waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Gary Dean LaVon, Kevin Michael Smith
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20100069870
    Abstract: An absorbent pad including: a main body having a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge, including: a liquid pervious topsheet; a liquid impervious backsheet; an absorbent layer disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; a central adhesive element disposed on the backsheet and extending along a longitudinal centerline of the absorbent pad; and an elastic element disposed along each of the first and second longitudinal edges of the main body and attached to at least one of the topsheet and the backsheet; a first wing element extending from the backsheet and laterally beyond the first longitudinal edge of the main body; and a second wing element extending from the backsheet and laterally beyond the second longitudinal edge of the main body, the first and second wing elements being releasably attachable to an undergarment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventor: Richmond R. Cohen
  • Publication number: 20100057036
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article comprises a first crotch elastic member adjacent a first crotch edge and a second crotch elastic member adjacent a second crotch edge, each crotch elastic member extending generally in a longitudinal direction, each crotch elastic member having a front terminal point and a rear terminal point. In one embodiment, at least one of the terminal points of the first crotch elastic member is positioned transversely inward from a remaining portion of the first crotch elastic member, and at least one of the terminal points of the second crotch elastic member is positioned transversely inward from a remaining portion of the second crotch elastic member. In another embodiment, front end portions of the first and second crotch elastic members or rear end portions of the first and second crotch elastic members converge transversely inward toward each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventors: Michael Donald Sperl, Seth Newlin, Michael J. Faulks, Gregory John Jansen
  • 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: 7670325
    Abstract: A disposable diaper is provided, including an absorber, a top sheet disposed to cover an upper surface of the absorber and at least partially formed of a liquid permeable material, and a back sheet disposed to cover a lower surface of the absorber and formed of a liquid impermeable material. The disposable diaper further includes a skin contact sheet disposed above the top sheet and formed with a stool passing opening, which is an opening capable of passing a stool therethrough, and to the both sides of the skin contact sheet, at least a pair of standing gathers are formed, which are leakage prevention walls capable of standing three-dimensionally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignees: Oji Nepia Co., Ltd., Oji Paper Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Sugiyama, Izumi Tashiro, Kahori Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7666175
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article may comprise a chassis and a pair of longitudinally disposed barrier cuffs. Each cuff may contain a barrier zone, an attachment zone, and a transition edge separating the barrier zone and attachment zone. The barrier cuffs exhibit a cuff span and a cuff height at a given cross-section through a crotch point and an end region. The absorbent article exhibits a cuff span ratio, defined as a maximum cuff span as measured in the end region of the barrier cuff divided by a cuff span as measured at the crotch point, of greater than 1. The absorbent article exhibits a cuff height ratio, defined as a cuff height as measured at the crotch point divided by a minimum cuff height as measured in the end region, of greater than 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: The Procter and Gamble Company
    Inventor: Michael Dale Trennepohl
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20100022982
    Abstract: A closure element (10) with elastic side panels for absorbent pant-like sanitary products (52), said element (10) being formed starting from a strip (12) at least partially made of elasticised material (16) folded in transverse direction so as to form two parts (22, 24), symmetrical relative to a central transverse plane (26), each of said parts (22, 24) being able to form a side panel (76) of an absorbent sanitary product (52), said closure element (10) comprising:—a first branch (28) that extends continuously through said central transverse plane (26);—two second branches (30) connected to respective opposite ends of the first branch (28) by means of respective first folds (32), distal relative to said central transverse plane (26), in which the first branch (28) and the two second branches (30) have respective mutually facing surfaces (34, 36) permanently fastened to each other;—two third branches (40) connected to respective ends of second branches (30) by means of respective second folds (42), proximal a
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: De Angelis Tonino
  • 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: 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: 7641642
    Abstract: An absorbent article 1 having a liquid retentive absorbent layer and a liquid impermeable leak preventive layer and including, in its longitudinal direction, an excretion portion facing section A which is placed opposite a wearer's liquid excretion portion, when in wear, and a rear section B which is placed more on the back side than the excretion portion facing section A, when in wear, wherein a leak preventive wall 5 is disposed on opposite side portions in the longitudinal direction, the leak preventive wall 5 having a basal wall portion and a planar elastic expansible/contractible portion connected to an upper end portion of the basal wall portion and being raised in the excretion portion facing section A and in the rear section B, and wherein a distance from an upper end portion of the basal wall portion to the leak preventive layer in the rear section is shorter than a comparable distance in the excretion portion facing section A.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Atsushi Murai, Tetsuya Kusagawa, Miyuki Kondo, Mitsugu Hamajima
  • Publication number: 20090326504
    Abstract: [Problems] To improve the air permeability of a waist portion of a disposable diaper [Means for Solving Problems] In an underpants type disposable diaper, including: a ventral-side outer sheet 12F and a back-side outer sheet 12B which are not connected but separated at a crotch portion; an absorber 20 having a liquid impervious sheet and a crotch outer sheet 12M laminated on an underside of the liquid impervious sheet in the absorber so as to be exposed on an external surface of a product, assuming that the number of sheets disposed on the underside of the liquid impervious sheet is B1 at the intermediate portion 23, A1 at front- and back-side outer overlap sections X and Z, and C1 at the front- and back-side outer nonoverlap sections 20F and 20B, there is established a relationship of B1<C1<A1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventor: Masahiro Kaneda
  • Publication number: 20090312736
    Abstract: An absorbent article having a chassis with a front section, a rear section and opposed lateral side edges. A pair of hybrid stretch ears are attached to one of the front section and the rear section of the chassis. Each of the hybrid stretch ears include a non-elastic portion and an elastic portion, the non-elastic portion of each hybrid stretch ear being attached to one of the opposed lateral side-edges of the chassis. The non-elastic portion and the elastic portion of each hybrid stretch ear are sized and positioned relative to one another such that the elastic portion is positioned outside of respective leg opening areas defined by the opposed lateral side edges of the chassis when the absorbent article is secured to the torso of a wearer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: Arquest, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles F. Schroer, JR., Matthew J. Rinaldi, M. R. Macfarlan
  • Publication number: 20090306617
    Abstract: A method of making an elastic composite entails conveying a first sheet on a conveyor, and wrapping a section of elastic about the first sheet and the conveyor, thereby applying elastics cross directionally across the sheet. A second sheet is then applied onto the first sheet thereby creating a subcomposite including the two sheets and elastics sandwiched therebetween, wherein two elastics extend outward from one side of the subcomposite, about the conveyor, and return into an opposite side of the subcomposite. The subcomposite is cut through the first and second sheets and the elastics, thereby separating the subcomposite into a first carrier and a second carrier, each carrier including a material layer, whereby spaced apart elastics extend from the first carrier to the second carrier, the first and second carriers defining an exposed elastic region therebetween formed by the elastics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: DSG Technology Holdings Ltd.
    Inventors: Patrick King Yu Tsang, Anne Smid, Andrew C. Wright, Eugenio G. Varona