Plural Elastic Elements Patents (Class 604/385.27)
  • Publication number: 20040102755
    Abstract: An absorbent article incorporates a material having a base layer of a generally fluid permeable material and at least two strips or regions of elastomeric material attached to the base layer material with a space therebetween such that a center region of the base layer material is bordered on at least two sides by composite regions of the elastomeric materials and the base layer material. The center region of base layer material remains generally non-elastic and the composite regions are stretchable in at least a first direction as a result of tensioning and necking-in the base layer material prior to attaching the elastomeric materials. The material may be incorporated as a bodyside liner in the absorbent article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Michael T. Morman, Patricia H. Calhoun, James M. Carr
  • Publication number: 20040092904
    Abstract: The present disclosure refers to a diaper comprising an absorbent core disposed within the diaper and provided with a continuous and ring shaped element in the groin region of the diaper and cooperating with a distal end of the diaper so as to close the diaper around the user's body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Carlos De Silva Macedo, Eduardo Cezar Andreo Aledo, Altair De Paula Vitor, Francisco Javier Valdivia Hernandez
  • Publication number: 20040073180
    Abstract: A pants-shaped absorbent product, such as incontinence pants or pull-ups, intended for males, has a front section, a rear section, a crotch section, an elastic waist region, an absorbent element intended to cover the penis of the user, and a liquid-tight outer layer. The front section has an elastic member, which enables the front section of the product to be pulled down during use, counter to the action of the elastic member, to a position in which the upper limit edge of the front section is situated below the penis of the user. The absorbent element is configured with one or more deformation zones, which enable parts of the absorbent element to be drawn along when the front section of the product is pulled down. The front section of the product and the absorbent element are arranged to be returned by the elastic member to their original usage position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: Kenneth Strannemalm
  • Publication number: 20040068246
    Abstract: The present invention provide a disposable garment comprising a laminated panel having at least two layers secured together with panel adhesive, the laminated panel further containing elastic filaments to provide active elastic control, the elastic filaments having end Portions secured in place with a securing element located a predetermined distance from an edge of the laminated panel, wherein the active elastic control extends up to the securing element. In one embodiment, the securing element is an adhesive bead. The present invention further provides a method for forming the disposable garment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian M. Rose, Sandra A. Richlen
  • Publication number: 20040059311
    Abstract: A disposable diaper according to the invention include a liquid-impermeable topsheet, a liquid-permeable backsheet and an absorbent core therebetween. A pair of barrier cuffs which are elastically extendable in a longitudinal direction of the diaper are provided to a transversely opposite side flaps of the diaper. Front and rear ends of the barrier cuff are bonded to the diaper at longitudinally opposite ends thereof. Outer side edges of the barrier cuffs are bonded to outer edges of the flaps and inner side edges of the barrier cuff are bonded to the flaps along lines defined between the outer side edges and transversely opposite side edges of the core. Each of the barrier cuffs has a dimension between the outer and inner side edges thereof selected to be larger than a dimension of the flap between the outer and inner side edges thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Applicant: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Hironao Minato, Yasushi Sayama
  • Patent number: 6706030
    Abstract: An absorbent article includes a liquid-permeable topsheet, a liquid-impermeable antileakage sheet, a liquid-retentive absorbent core, having a substantially elongate shape, and having upstanding guards formed on longitudinal left and right opposing side portions of the absorbent article, the upstanding guards are provided with a plurality of upstanding guard elastic members so as to form a gather over the entire region in the widthwise direction of the upstanding guard, the upstanding guard is sectioned into a free end region, a central region and a basal end region so as to trisect it in its widthwise direction, and the stress of the free end region is larger than that of the other regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Okuda, Hisanori Watanabe, Hidekazu Ito, Takao Koyama
  • Patent number: 6692476
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Hironao Minato, Yasushi Sayama
  • Publication number: 20040030317
    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: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Applicant: DAIO PAPER CORPORATION
    Inventor: Keiji Torigoshi
  • Patent number: 6689115
    Abstract: A pant-like absorbent garment adapted to the non-symmetrical nature and leakage demands of the anatomy of the human body has variable spacing and curvature among the elastic members bonded around the leg openings such that the spacing and/or curvature is asymmetrical with respect to the wearer's anterior and posterior sides. The spacing and curvature profiles of the elastic members are designed to accommodate various pressure demands around a wearer's legs during different activities. The resulting garment has optimized comfort, fit and containment about the leg openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Lee Popp, Robert Eugene Vogt, Joseph D. Coenen, Shawn A. Quereshi, Toan Thanh Le Minh
  • Patent number: 6682512
    Abstract: A dynamic-fitting absorbent article that includes a liquid impermeable outer cover (42), a liquid permeable bodyside liner (44) in superimposed relation to the outer cover (42) and a continuous elastic absorbent core (28) disposed between the outer cover (42) and the bodyside liner (44). The continuous elastic absorbent core (28) can extend from about 80 to about 400 percent upon application of a force of from about 60 to about 325 grams. The continuous elastic absorbent core (28) can have a tension reducing geometry in the crotch section of the article. Additionally, the continuous elastic absorbent core can have a dry tensile strength and a wet tensile strength that is at least 95% of the dry tensile strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Duane Girard Uitenbroek, Georgia Lynn Zehner, John Philip Vukos, Wendy Lynn Van Dyke, Paul Windsor Estey
  • Patent number: 6682515
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent sanitary article that includes sheets to form a pair of flaps and a pair of flaps. The sheets are folded along flap fold lines back onto themselves, respectively, to form free edge portions of the respective pairs of flaps. Elastic members are secured under tension to the sheets inside the respective free edge portions and are spaced from the fold lines at least by 1 mm, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Katsumi Mizutani, Yoshio Ono, Hirotomo Mukai
  • Patent number: 6682514
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Scott Brunner
  • Publication number: 20040015146
    Abstract: A disposable diaper having an absorbent, a waist opening and right and left leg openings which are formed when the diaper is in use, and many stretchable members which are provided along the peripheral direction of the diaper at least in a girth area having a lengthwise range extending from said waist opening's edge to said leg openings' start ends and which are spaced at intervals in the lengthwise direction of the diaper. In at least a front body, said stretchable members are provided discontinuously in part of or in the whole of a lengthwise range where said absorbent is located, in an area extending from a joint on one side to a joint on the other side of the diaper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: Keiji Torigoshi, Sadanao Manabe, Yosuke Mori
  • Patent number: 6679869
    Abstract: A laminate including an elastic nonwoven layer and a barrier film layer can stretch freely and provide a high level of breathability. The elastic layer and the film layer can be minimally bonded to one another, such as around a periphery of one or both layers. The laminate is particularly suitable for making absorbent articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Robert Schlinz, Duane Girard Uitenbroek, Thomas W. Odorzynski, Jody D. Suprise
  • Patent number: 6676647
    Abstract: The disposable pull-on undergarment that has first and second waist regions and a crotch region extending between these two waist regions. The waist regions are connected with each other in bonding zones extending along transversely opposite side edge portions thereof so as to define a waist-opening and a pair of leg-openings. First elastic members are bonded under tension to peripheral edge of the waist-opening and second elastic members are bonded under tension to peripheral edges of the leg-openings so that respective opposite ends of the first elastic members are positioned and fixed at first zones defined immediately inside the bonding zones in a circumferential direction of the waist-opening and respective opposite ends of the second elastic members are positioned and fixed at second zones defined immediately inside the bonding zones in a circumferential direction Y of the leg-openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Takaaki Shimada, Seiji Suzuki, Nariaki Shimoe
  • Patent number: 6659993
    Abstract: A disposable diaper includes a liquid-impermeable topsheet, a liquid-permeable backsheet and an absorbent core therebetween. A pair of barrier cuffs which are elastically extendable in a longitudinal direction of the diaper are provided along transversely opposite side flaps of the diaper. Front and rear ends of the barrier cuffs are bonded to the diaper at longitudinally opposite ends thereof. Outer side edges of the barrier cuffs are bonded to outer edges of the flaps and inner side edges of the barrier cuffs are bonded to the flaps along lines defined between the outer side edges and transversely opposite side edges of the core. Each of the barrier cuffs has a dimension between the outer and inner side edges thereof selected to be larger than a dimension of the flap between the outer and inner side edges thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Hironao Minato, Yasushi Sayama
  • Patent number: 6652504
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Peter Olson, Yee Yang, Shirlee Ann Weber
  • Patent number: 6641568
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Gregory Ashton, Frederick Michael Langdon
  • Patent number: 6641570
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Mishima, Koichiro Tani
  • Patent number: 6635041
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Lee Popp, Robert Eugene Vogt, Joseph D. Coenen, Shawn A. Quereshi, Toan Thanh Le Minh
  • Patent number: 6629967
    Abstract: An absorbent article includes a liquid-permeable upper sheet, a liquid impermeable bottom sheet, and an absorbent body between the bottom sheet and the upper sheet, and at least one longitudinally extending liquid barrier comprising an elongated elastic element and an elongated, essentially liquid-impermeable and inelastic material on each side of a longitudinal center line. A liquid impermeable top sheet with an aperture intended to lie in register with a wearer's anus and urethral orifice may also be included. A prestretched elastic band is attached to either an edge of an inelastic material of the liquid impermeable barrier or to the aperture-defining edge of the liquid permeable top sheet. When the article is donned, the elastic device will lie against a wearer, with a free part facing toward the longitudinal center line and a stretchable, puckered sealing edge facing outward from the longitudinal center line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Eva Simmons, Peter Rönnberg, Anders Gustafsson
  • Patent number: 6623468
    Abstract: A disposable sanitary article having elastic members extending to be associated with leg-openings secured under tension to the article along transversely opposite side edge portions of the sanitary article. The transversely opposite side edge portions respectively have first elastic zones extending across a crotch region in the longitudinal direction along a desired length, second elastic zones extending from the first elastic zones into a front waist region along a desired length and third elastic zones extending from the first elastic zones into a rear waist region along a desired length. The sections of the elastic members extending along the second elastic zones and the third elastic zones has values of stretch stress represented by a relationship of the second elastic zones<the third elastic zones or the third elastic zones<the second elastic zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventor: Nariaki Shimoe
  • Patent number: 6624340
    Abstract: Disclosed in an absorbent article including a main body and leakage preventing walls. The leakage preventing walls extend longitudinally and lie opposite one another transversely. Each wall is formed of a nonwoven fabric having corrugations, the crests and valleys of which alternate with each other in the longitudinal direction. The nonwoven fabric is provided with an elastic member extending in the longitudinal direction for exhibiting longitudinal shrinking force. The elastic member is adhered to the valleys of the corrugations of the nonwoven fabric with an adhesive. The adhesive is applied to the surface of the elastic member in a band or linear shape continuous in the axial direction of the elastic member and appears regularly or at random at an interval on an arbitrary line which is set on the surface of the elastic member to extend parallel to the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Mizutani, Tatsuya Tamura, Yuuki Noda
  • Patent number: 6620145
    Abstract: Elastic threads for raisable gathers and elastic threads for leg gathers are provided in a specified relationship in side sheets provided at the opposite sides of a skin-side sheet, and the respective side sheets are adhered to the skin-side sheet in a specified relationship. In this way, the raisable gathers and leg gathers can be simultaneously formed in the side sheets. Further, a pocket into which an exchangeable and substantially sandglass-shaped second absorbent body can be positioned and inserted is formed between the skin-side sheet enclosed by the respective adhered portions and the respective side sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Toyo Eizaki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenji Nakaoka, Masaru Fujioka, Satoshi Maeda, Kazuyo Mori
  • Publication number: 20030171732
    Abstract: An absorbent article having a narrow crotch portion and elasticized shield shields is disclosed. The absorbent article has a fit factor defined as the minimum crotch width divided by the effective height of the side shields. In one embodiment, the absorbent article includes and an absorbent structure having a central portion defined by a width about 65 millimeters or less, and a length about 50 millimeters or greater, and the absorbent article having a fit factor less than about 7.0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Sheila Marie Heyrman, David Charles Musil, Melissa Jean Dennis, Debra Ann Haase
  • Publication number: 20030171731
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Lee W. Johnston, Kenneth John Molee, Stacy Jean Driskell, John D. Litvay
  • Patent number: 6616646
    Abstract: There is disclosed an absorbent article including: a surface structure having a liquid-permeable surface sheet located on a liquid-receiving side; a back sheet; and an absorbent core sandwiched between the surface structure and the back sheet. In an area including at least a centerline extending in a longitudinal direction of the absorbent article, the surface sheet is corrugated to form recesses and ridges extending in the longitudinal direction and alternating with each other in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The ridges are given an elastically shrinking function in the longitudinal direction at least at their crests or vicinities thereof so that the surface structure is formed into a curved shape. The surface structure thus curved can fit the shape of a crotch. Therefore, the liquid is hard to flow in the transverse direction to prevent the leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Ichiro Wada, Yoshihisa Fujioka
  • Patent number: 6616648
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Kent Hermansson, Kenneth Strannemalm, Katharina Karlsson, Solgun Drevik
  • Patent number: 6610039
    Abstract: An absorbent article (10) has a longitudinal direction (26) and a lateral direction (24). The article includes a backsheet layer (30), a liquid-permeable topsheet layer (28), and an absorbent body (32) sandwiched between the backsheet layer (30) and topsheet layer (28). A surge management member (46) is joined between the topsheet layer (28) and the absorbent body (32), and the surge management member (46) includes at least a first nonwoven fabric layer (52). In particular aspects, the article (10) can be bent around a wearer's body contours with a reduced tendency to form a transverse channel crease (76) along the cross-direction of the surge management member, particularly when the surge member (46) is curved through the wearer's crotch region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Hoa La Wilhelm, Alan Francis Schleinz, David Louis Zenker
  • Patent number: 6602238
    Abstract: A shorts-type absorbent article having leg region forming members 71, 71 arranged in an elongated state at a pair of leg regions 70 arranged around a wearer's leg, wherein each of the leg region elastic members comprises a first and a second elastic member 71a, 71b and the first and second elastic members do not exhibit elastic expansible/contractible property at least at a central area of the portion where the absorbent core exists, and the predetermined parts of the first and second elastic members are fixed to the component of the absorbent article by a second fixing means S, S.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Shinobu Takei, Kenji Ando, Ken Nemoto
  • Publication number: 20030144644
    Abstract: An absorbent article 1 comprising 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 comprising 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: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Atsushi Murai, Tetsuya Kusagawa, Miyuki Kondo, Mitsugu Hamajima
  • Publication number: 20030135189
    Abstract: A method of producing disposable under-shorts having a fit gather laminate at high speeds. The method includes disposing an elastic member (1) between a pair of upper and lower non-woven fabric sheets (6, 7) in the width direction, intermittently securing the elastic member (1) to portions of the non-woven fabric sheets (6, 7) and cutting a non-secured section of the elastic member (1). The method also may include cutting the fabric sheets into pieces of a predetermined size and shape, folding the pieces along a center line, attaching together the left edges and attaching together the right edges to form a fit gather laminate. The method may further comprise attaching a reinforcing sheet (3) to the under-side of the fit gather laminate (2), and disposing an absorber (4) on the upper-side of the laminate (2), and a back sheet (5) on the underside of the reinforcing sheet (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventor: Toyoshi Umebayashi
  • Patent number: 6585712
    Abstract: There is disclosed an absorbent article including: a support body for confronting an external wear; a liquid absorbing member positioned on the liquid-receiving side of the support body; and two side wall sheets disposed on two sides of the support body lying opposite one another in the widthwise direction. The side wall sheets extend longitudinally of the support body and are attached at their root ends to the support body. The liquid absorbing member is attached between and supported by the opposite side wall sheets but is not attached directly to the support body so that the liquid absorbing member is movable over the support body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventor: Wataru Yoshimasa
  • Publication number: 20030120246
    Abstract: An elongate elastic member is secured to a substrate to form an elastic composite. The elastic member extends along an elastic axis between a first location on the substrate and a second location on the substrate spaced longitudinally from the first location. At least a portion of the elastic axis is generally non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the substrate. The elastic member crosses its elastic axis at least twice as it extends along the elastic axis, with the elastic member crossing itself at least once as it extends along the elastic axis. In another embodiment, the elastic member generally forms a wave pattern which defines a width of the securement path and has at least two different periods along the securement path. In yet another embodiment, the elastic member defines a continuous series of loops wherein each loop defines a closed portion having a generally tear-drop shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent A. Franklin, Valerie V. Finch, Robin K. Nason
  • Publication number: 20030120247
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article having an elasticized outer leg cuff is disclosed. The disposable absorbent article has an inner surface, an outer surface, a crotch region, longitudinal side edges and lateral end edges. The disposable absorbent article comprises a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, an absorbent core disposed therebetween, and a side flap extending laterally outwardly from the absorbent core. The side flap has a proximal flap and a distal flap. The absorbent article further comprises an elasticized outer leg cuff. The elasticized outer leg cuff is disposed adjacent to the longitudinal side edge in the crotch region and has a base and a gasket cuff supported by the base at a joint of the base to the gasket cuff. The gasket cuff is provided with an elastic material and has an inner cuff extending laterally inwardly from the joint and an outer cuff extending laterally outwardly from the joint. The base comprises the proximal flap. The gasket cuff comprises the distal flap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventor: Kouichi Miyamoto
  • Publication number: 20030120248
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article having a barrier leg cuff and an elasticized outer leg cuff is disclosed. The disposable absorbent article comprises a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, an absorbent core disposed therebetween, an elasticized outer leg cuff, and a barrier leg cuff. The elasticized outer leg cuff is disposed adjacent to a longitudinal side edge of the absorbent article. The elasticized outer leg cuff has a base and a gasket cuff supported by the base at a joint of the base to the gasket cuff. The gasket cuff is provided with elasticity and has an inner cuff extending laterally inwardly from the joint and an outer cuff extending laterally outwardly from the joint. The barrier leg cuff has a proximal edge and a distal edge. The barrier leg cuff is disposed inboard of the gasketing cuff and the distal edge of the barrier leg cuff is spaced away from the top surface of the topsheet to form a pocket by a combination of the inner cuff, the base and the barrier leg cuff.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventor: Kouichi Miyamoto
  • Publication number: 20030120244
    Abstract: Absorbent articles having a novel leg cuff configuration, methods for using same and methods for preparing same, are disclosed. In particular, the absorbent articles comprise a polymer barrier and a pair of leg cuffs configured to provide unexpectedly superior comfort for wearers of the absorbent articles. The absorbent articles further unexpectedly provide superior fit about the legs of the wearer and consequentially superior lateral leak protection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventor: Betsy Johnson
  • Publication number: 20030120245
    Abstract: An elastic composite is formed by securing an elastic member to a substrate along a securement path extending longitudinally of the substrate. The position of the elastic member on the substrate varies laterally along the longitudinally extending securement path in a generally periodic wave pattern having at least one period within the securement path. The periodic wave pattern is such that the elastic composite is more stretchable in the direction of the securement path than transverse to the securement path. In another embodiment, the securement path varies laterally as it extends longitudinally along the securement path. The position of the elastic member varies transversely within the securement path to at least partially define a width of the securement path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent A. Franklin, Valerie V. Finch, Robin K. Nason, Jon M. Verbruggen
  • Publication number: 20030114825
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of achieving selectively elasticized zones on nonwoven web substrates, such as may be suitable for the waistbands or leg cuffs of disposable absorbent pant garments, cuffs on sleeves of medical garments neck openings, or the elasticizing of any garment opening. A web, or webs, of nonwoven material which make up the substrate for the elasticized area are provided to be extendible in one or more directions of the material web at the time the elastic material is affixed to the substrate. The extendibility is provided through neck stretching of one or more of the webs. When the substrate is at a narrow, or necked dimension, the elastic material is affixed to the substrate thereby holding the substrate at its narrow dimension. If the elastic material is affixed in an untensioned state, a flat elastomeric cuff without gathering of the substrate may be had.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventors: Michael Tod Morman, Thomas Harold Roessler
  • Publication number: 20030109842
    Abstract: A disposable garment includes a chassis defining openings for the legs and waist of a wearer and side panels. The side panels include a targeted elastic material including zones of high and low elastic tension in the same material, integrated during formation of the material. The targeted elastic material is positioned so that at least one high tension zone is aligned with the waist opening, thereby functioning as an elastic band without requiring a separately manufactured, attached elastic band. A spacer zone, comprising a low tension zone or a no tension zone, is positioned between the at least one high tension zone, which is aligned with the waist opening, and the waist end edge of the side panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventors: Raymond Gerard St. Louis, James Marcus Carr, Adrian Roy Eggen, Howard Martin Welch
  • Patent number: 6572599
    Abstract: 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 cr
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventor: Solgun Drevik
  • Patent number: 6569139
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Joseph Datta, Michael Barth Venturino
  • Publication number: 20030083638
    Abstract: The invention comprises an absorbent garment and a method for making an absorbent garment. An absorbent garment is provided comprising at least a pair of leg elastics attached to predetermined portions of at least one element of the garment to provide less or no cross core compression, and less bunching, gathering, or shirring of material in the crotch region of the garment. A method for making the absorbent garment also is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventor: Kenneth John Molee
  • Patent number: 6554815
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Zuiko Corporation
    Inventor: Toyoshi Umebayashi
  • Patent number: 6540730
    Abstract: A brief assembly with a full front panel opening and an inner elasticized support panel includes two half width segments superposed in overlapping relationship, with a portion of the overlapped central area between rear portions of the segments bonded to form a unitary rear panel. The other half of the overlap is left unbonded to provide the full opening in the front panel. The outer margin of the opening can be reinforced by enclosure within a V-folded strip. Portions of outer side margins on each segment are removed to form an hourglass-shape. Overlapped segments are held together by a releasable fastener means that joins the two front panel half width segments. Tensioned elastic strands are attached to a support panel at spaced intervals. The support panel is secured to the inner surface of the overlapped segments. Tapes or other fasteners protrude from the side margins and are used to complete the waist and leg apertures after the front half is folded upward around a user's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: William P. Niedermeyer
  • Patent number: 6534694
    Abstract: A method of securing an elastic band between two material layers which are at least partially defined by meltable material includes forming perforations in the elastic band, placing the elastic band between two material layers, and bonding the material layers to one another through the perforations by heat fusion, wherein the perforations in the elastic band are formed at the same time as the material layers are fused together (i.e., the formation of the perforations in the elastic band is directly followed by bonding together, through the perforations, portions of the material layers). An elastic band secured between two material layers for inclusion in articles of one-time use includes the use of material layers that are at least partially defined by meltable material and an elastic band having perforations formed therein. The material layers are positioned on opposite sides of the elastic band and are joined together by heat fusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Robert Kling, Berth-Ove Wall
  • Patent number: 6527756
    Abstract: A diaper having an absorbent body including a topsheet, a backsheet, a core disposed therebetween and a first liquid-barrier wall lying in a rear half section of the body and extending above an upper surface of the topsheet so as to define a first opening in a substantially central zone of the first liquid-barrier wall, and the body further includes a second liquid-barrier wall lying in a front half section of the body in one-behind-another relationship with the first liquid-barrier wall so as to define a second opening in a substantially central zone of the second liquid-barrier wall so that urine discharged into the second opening may be absorbed by the core through the topsheet and feces discharged into the first opening may be absorbed by the core through the topsheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Mishima, Hiroyuki Tanji
  • Patent number: 6521320
    Abstract: A pants-type diaper, is provided which is equipped with leg-hole elastics which effectively encircle the leg-holes without traversing the crotch region. Also provided are methods for producing such diapers. Typical products of this type are provided with an outer laminate, formed of an inner liner material and an outer backsheet material between which the leg-hole elastics are disposed. The invention provides for the removal of a strip of inner liner material carrying undesirable crotch-region elastic strands prior to lamination or combining of the remaining inner liner with a complementary outer layer backsheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Curt G. Joa, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. McCabe, Richard J. Nehrlich, Bradley M. Dahmer
  • Patent number: 6514234
    Abstract: A disposable diaper includes a pair of barrier flaps formed on an inner side of a disposable diaper. The barrier flaps are made of a spun bond nonwoven fabric of wick/sleeve type conjugated fibers having a polyethylen sleeve component. The spun bond nonwoven fabric has a relative hardness of 40˜50 mm in an MD-direction, 20˜37 mm in a CD-direction as measured by the cantilever method and a basis weight of 15˜30 g/m2. The respective barrier flaps are provided in their sealing surface zones with elastic members secured under tension thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Shingo Shimizu, Toshiyasu Yoshioka, Tomoko Tsuji
  • Publication number: 20030023220
    Abstract: A pants-type disposable wearing article includes a chassis member and a liquid-absorbent member. A plurality of waist-surrounding elastic members extending in a waist-surrounding direction across front and rear waist regions are spaced one from another at a given distance in a longitudinal direction and secured in a stretched state to the chassis member so that a plurality of gathers are formed on the chassis member as the elastic members contract. The gathers formed by undulation of the chassis member by contraction of the elastic members extend continuously in the longitudinal direction, i.e., in the direction generally perpendicular to the elastic members, so as to be arranged in the waist-surrounding direction substantially at regular intervals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: Kazuo Ukegawa, Masato Isono, Hiroaki Kamio, Toru Oba