Upstanding Side Flap Patents (Class 604/385.28)
  • Patent number: 8152788
    Abstract: The invention relates to an absorbent incontinence diaper (2) with a rear area (8), a front area (6) and a crotch area (12) lying between these, and with first and second side edges (5), and with a main part (4) having an inner face directed towards the body and an outer face directed away from the body during use of the diaper, the main part (4) comprising an absorption body (14) and a backsheet (10) on the side of the absorption body (14) directed away from the body, the absorption body (14) having a smaller width than the backsheet (10), and with side parts (16, 17) joined to the first and second side edges (5), the side parts (16, 17) having an inner face and an outer face, and the side parts (17) in the rear area having closure means (32) with mechanical closure aids (31).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Paul Hartmann AG
    Inventors: Susanne Beckert, Ruediger Kesselmeier
  • Patent number: 8114059
    Abstract: An absorbent article is provided having opposite longitudinal sides and opposite lateral ends therebetween. The absorbent article comprises a topsheet, backsheet, and an absorbent core comprising about 60 percent superabsorbent polymer material between the topsheet and backsheet. The article has front and back waist regions, and a crotch region therebetween. A barrier cuff strip extends longitudinally from front to back waist regions along the topsheet and includes front and back ends and proximal and distal edges connecting the front and back ends. The distal edge is attached at a cuff end bond region having an outer bond edge and an inner bond edge spaced longitudinally from the outer bond edge. A longitudinal distance from the inner bond edge to the laterally extending side at the one of the front and back waist regions is about ½ or more of a longitudinal length of the front or back waist regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Bruno Johannes Ehrnsperger, Andrew James Sauer, Donald Carroll Roe
  • Publication number: 20120022485
    Abstract: A two-piece wearable absorbent article (such as a diaper) including an outer cover and an absorbent insert for use therewith, are disclosed. The outer cover may have a first hook-and-loop fastening system that provides for removable and refastenable and adjustable fastening of the outer cover about a wearer's lower torso. The absorbent insert and outer cover may have a second hook-and-loop fastening system that provides for removable and refastenable fastening of the insert within the outer cover. The first and second hook-and-loop fastening systems may have respective holding force and acoustic characteristics within advantageous performance ranges, individually and with respect to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventors: Donald Carroll Roe, Elaine Mary Wiggins, Joshua James Norman
  • Publication number: 20110313382
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent pant having single-section side stretch panels is disclosed. The pant may have features including a seam with an overlapping configuration, and a seam with a sandwiched configuration. A seam of overlapping configuration may be formed by mechanical bonds that provide for tensile strength in a lateral direction, while providing tearability for convenient removal, and may include additional features that include indicia of a location of tearability, a tear-inducing notch, and structure to grasp for tearing. A seam of sandwiched configuration may be configured to provide a finished outward appearance and configured to provide extended lateral width of side stretch panels, providing for increased stretch, without extending overall hoop circumference of the pant, at risk of an undesirably loose fit. The pant may include other features that reduce usage of materials; including complementary cut side panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: Gregory Ashton, Masaharu Nishikawa, Michael Dale Trennepohl
  • Publication number: 20110313380
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent pant having single-section side stretch panels is disclosed. The pant may have features including a seam with an overlapping configuration, and a seam with a sandwiched configuration. A seam of overlapping configuration may be formed by mechanical bonds that provide for tensile strength in a lateral direction, while providing tearability for convenient removal, and may include additional features that include indicia of a location of tearability, a tear-inducing notch, and structure to grasp for tearing. A seam of sandwiched configuration may be configured to provide a finished outward appearance and configured to provide extended lateral width of side stretch panels, providing for increased stretch, without extending overall hoop circumference of the pant, at risk of an undesirably loose fit. The pant may include other features that reduce usage of materials, including complementary cut side panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: Gregory Ashton, Masaharu Nishikawa, Michael Dale Trennepohl
  • Publication number: 20110313381
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent pant having single-section side stretch panels is disclosed. The pant may have features including a seam with an overlapping configuration, and a seam with a sandwiched configuration. A seam of overlapping configuration may be formed by mechanical bonds that provide for tensile strength in a lateral direction, while providing tearability for convenient removal, and may include additional features that include indicia of a location of tearability, a tear-inducing notch, and structure to grasp for tearing. A seam of sandwiched configuration may be configured to provide a finished outward appearance and configured to provide extended lateral width of side stretch panels, providing for increased stretch, without extending overall hoop circumference of the pant, at risk of an undesirably loose fit. The pant may include other features that reduce usage of materials, including complementary cut side panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: Gregory Ashton, Masaharu Nishikawa, Michael Dale Trennepohl
  • Patent number: 8079994
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates to an array of gender-specific disposable absorbent articles having gender-specific containment flaps. In one embodiment, the array of articles comprises a first disposable absorbent article adapted to be worn by males, and a second absorbent article adapted to be worn by females. The first disposable absorbent article comprises a first pair of containment flaps, and the second disposable absorbent article comprises a second pair of containment flaps. The first pair of containment flaps differs from the second pair of containment flaps in at least one structural feature. In particular embodiments, the structural feature that differs is selected from the group consisting of flap active length, flap active-portion longitudinal position, flap tension, flap height, distal-to-distal spacing, and proximal-to-proximal spacing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Sandra Ann Richlen, Amanda Jean Simon
  • Patent number: 8075543
    Abstract: A disposable diaper 1 includes a topsheet 2, a backsheet 3, and an absorbent member 4 between the sheets 2 and 3. A pair of leg flaps 5 each having an elastic member is provided along the laterally opposite side edges of the absorbent member 4. Each of the leg flaps 5 is fixed at its front end portion 52 and rear end portion 53 to a portion C, one of longitudinally opposite end portions of the diaper, and to a portion B, the other end portion, in such a configuration that each of the leg flaps 5 may be folded back over the side of the backsheet 3 when the disposable diaper 1 is in a flat-out state with the elastic members stretched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuyuki Okuda
  • Patent number: 8057456
    Abstract: To prevent a paper diaper reliably from slipping down at a body liquid absorbing time, and to bring the paper diaper into close contact along the line of a body thereby to improve the wearing comfortableness. An armoring sheet includes: waist portion elastic members, and so on; hip surrounding elastic member groups, and so on arranged at the front F and the back B; and a plurality of curved elastic member groups extending, at each of the front F and the back B, from one side jointing edge to the crotch side, reaching the other side jointing edge while passing over the crotch side, and arranged at a spacing without intersecting with each other. The curved elastic member groups have their starting/trailing ends connected at a predetermined spacing substantially over the range from the upper portion to the lower portion of the side portion jointing edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Daio Paper Corporation
    Inventors: Atsuko Shirai, Akira Kamori, Masamichi Takeda
  • Publication number: 20110276018
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides reusable diaper liner devices, systems, and methods. In various embodiments, a reusable diaper liner can include an absorption layer that includes a first surface and a second surface, opposite the first surface. The reusable diaper liner also can include a waterproof layer that has a first surface and a second surface, opposite the first surface. The second surface of the absorption layer and the first surface of the waterproof layer can be positioned adjacent to each other and the reusable diaper liner can be configured to fit inside a diaper body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventors: Sarah B. Van Bogart, Brian Van Bogart
  • Patent number: 8048050
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: First Quality Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Richmond R. Cohen
  • Patent number: 8044258
    Abstract: An absorbent article for preventing leakage is presented and includes an absorbent assembly having an absorbent assembly perimeter and a leakage warning element disposed adjacent a portion of the perimeter, wherein the leakage warning element is adapted to provide a physical sensation indicating a fullness level of the absorbent assembly, and wherein the physical sensation includes an electrical impulse. Also presented is an absorbent article for providing a wearer with a warning of potential leakage, the article including an absorbent assembly and a leakage warning element disposed adjacent the absorbent assembly, wherein the leakage warning element is adapted to impart a physical sensation to the wearer, and wherein the physical sensation includes an electrical impulse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Lloyd Carl Hietpas
  • Patent number: 8043275
    Abstract: An absorbent garment has a garment chassis, a pair of inner containment flaps and a pair of outer containment flaps. The inner and outer containment flaps are arranged on the garment chassis to inhibit leaking of body exudates from the garment during wear. In one embodiment, the inner containment flaps each have an elastic tension as determined by an elastic tension test which is substantially equal to an elastic tension of each outer containment flap as determined by the same test. In another embodiment, the inner containment flaps each have a height which is substantially equal to a height of each outer containment flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Kimberly Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Dale A. Peterson
  • Patent number: 8038662
    Abstract: An incontinence article comprising front and back belly sections connected at side seams forming belly and back bands, continuous in the hip direction having a hip opening closed in the hip direction, and a crotch section comprising an absorbent body, extending longitudinally between and permanently attached to the bolly and back sections, wherein the crotch, belly, and back sections define leg openings, the belly and back sections have an edge contour extending towards a transverse center axis, wherein first elastification means in the belly and back sections extend parallel to each other in the hip direction and wherein, in the belly and back sections, second elastification means extend from two side seam areas towards a longitudinal center axis of the article in a curved shape, thereby fanning out with increasing separation from each other, where the second elastification means fan out, the restoring force from extensive stretching of this area is smaller than that from extensive stretching of an area on t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Paul Hartmann Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Fridmann Hornung, Benjamin Wenzel, Wolfgang Ostertag
  • Patent number: 8025652
    Abstract: An incontinence article comprising front and back belly sections connected at side seams forming belly and back bands, continuous in the hip direction having a hip opening closed in the hip direction, and a crotch section comprising an absorbent body, extending longitudinally between and permanently attached to the belly and back sections, wherein the crotch, belly, and back sections define leg openings, the belly and back sections have an edge contour extending towards a transverse center axis, wherein first elastification means in the belly and back sections extend parallel to each other in the hip direction and wherein, in the belly and back sections, second elastification means extend from two side seam areas towards a longitudinal center axis of the article in a curved shape, thereby fanning out with increasing separation from each other, where the second elastification means fan out, the restoring force from extensive stretching of this area is smaller than that from extensive stretching of an area on t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Paul Hartmann Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Fridmann Hornung, Benjamin Wenzel, Wolfgang Ostertag
  • Patent number: 8016806
    Abstract: An incontinence article comprising front and back belly sections connected at side seams forming belly and back bands, continuous in the hip direction having a hip opening closed in the hip direction, and a crotch section comprising an absorbent body, extending longitudinally between and permanently attached to the belly and back sections, wherein the crotch, belly, and back sections define leg openings, the belly and back sections have an edge contour extending towards a transverse center axis, wherein first elastification means in the belly and back sections extend parallel to each other in the hip direction and wherein, in the belly and back sections, second elastification means extend from two side seam areas towards a longitudinal center axis of the article in a curved shape, thereby fanning out with increasing separation from each other, where the second elastification means fan out, the restoring force from extensive stretching of this area is smaller than that from extensive stretching of an area on t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Paul Hartmann Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Fridmann Hornung, Wolfgang Ostertag, Benjamin Wenzel
  • Patent number: 8006321
    Abstract: A disposable, substantially non-absorbent undergarment has a crotch region in combination with, and onto which a sanitary napkin or panty liner member is attached. Upraised side ridges bounding the crotch region of the panty both eliminate leakage, without adding to bulk of the undergarment, and present a defined area where at least one panty liner unit of the panty liner member is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Inventors: Simona Bunin, Sherene Costanzo
  • Patent number: 7993320
    Abstract: An incontinence article comprising front and back belly sections connected at side seams forming belly and back bands, continuous in the hip direction having a hip opening closed in the hip direction, and a crotch section comprising an absorbent body, extending longitudinally between and permanently attached to the belly and back sections, wherein the crotch, belly, and back sections define leg openings, the belly and back sections have an edge contour extending towards a transverse center axis, wherein first elastification means in the belly and back sections extend parallel to each other in the hip direction and wherein, in the belly and back sections, second elastification means extend from two side seam areas towards a longitudinal center axis of the article in a curved shape, thereby fanning out with increasing separation from each other, where the second elastification means fan out, the restoring force from extensive stretching of this area is smaller than that from extensive stretching of an area on t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Paul Hartmann Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Fridmann Hornung, Benjamin Wenzel, Wolfgang Ostertag
  • Publication number: 20110172622
    Abstract: A wearable absorbent article having features for the containment and absorption of bodily exudates. The article may comprise an outer cover and an absorbent insert. The outer cover may be formed of durable or semi-durable materials and be launderable. The insert may be disposable. The insert may have containment and absorption features that prevent soiling of the outer cover by the wearer's exudates, so that the outer cover may be reused after an exudation event and change of inserts. The insert and/or the outer cover may have features to enhance containment, absorption, economy of materials and/or fit that make them asymmetric about their respective lateral axes, and may have features that direct a user to install the insert and/or the outer cover with correct front-rear orientation relative the wearer. Articles of commerce including packages of outer covers and/or inserts in varying combinations of numbers and features are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventors: Donald Carroll Roe, Elaine Mary Wiggins, Fred Naval Desai
  • Patent number: 7963953
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article includes a main body, a sleeve-like member extending adjacent the waist edge of the front or rear portions, and an adjustable elastomeric waist belt having a central portion and a pair of opposite free ends each defining ear-like projections. The central portion of the elastomeric member can be disposed in a sleeve-like member with each ear-like projection extending out from opposite sides. The central portion can be attached to the sleeve-like member and/or the main body near a longitudinal axis of the main body or adjacent the waist edge of the main body. The ear-like projections can be attachable to each other or the main body to form the desired waist size of the wearer of the absorbent article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: First Quality Retail Services, LLC
    Inventors: Edward P. Erdman, Michael J. Naughton, Stacy J. Driskell
  • Patent number: 7931636
    Abstract: A simple disposable pant-like garment includes a chassis and an absorbent assembly. The chassis, which can be extensible, 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 can be disposed proximally relative to the respective side edges and end edges of the chassis. The absorbent assembly includes an absorbent core that can contain superabsorbent particles contained inside pockets. 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: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Gary Dean LaVon, Richard Worthington Lodge, Kevin Michael Smith
  • Patent number: 7922706
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a standing gather structure having skin-contact planar portions formed into a planer shape, which brings the entire skin-contact planar portions into tight contact with the user's skin, and provides the cushioning properties to soften a contact to the user's skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Daio Paper Corporation
    Inventor: Satoko Konawa
  • Patent number: 7918839
    Abstract: An absorbent article includes a barrier cuff strip extending in a longitudinal direction from the front waist region to the back waist region along the topsheet. The barrier cuff strip has a distal edge attached to the topsheet at a cuff end bond region. The barrier cuff has an outer bond edge spaced longitudinally from an inner bond edge. The disposable absorbent article includes a side panel that extends laterally beyond a side of the chassis and is joined to the chassis at a panel joint region extending between an outer panel joint edge and an inner panel joint edge. The longitudinal distance from the lateral axis to the inner panel joint edge is at least about ¼ of a longitudinal distance from the lateral axis to the inner bond edge of the cuff end bond region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Bruno Johannes Ehrnsperger, Andrew James Sauer, Donald Carroll Roe
  • Patent number: 7918840
    Abstract: An absorbent article includes an upper, liquid-permeable cover sheet, a lower, liquid-impermeable cover sheet, and an absorption body arranged between the cover sheets. The article includes first and second side barriers along the respective longitudinal sides of the article. Each side barrier has at least one longitudinal elastic element. The side barriers define a shape which narrows in the direction towards the front portion so that the distance, in the transverse direction of the article, between the elastic elements is greater in the rear portion than in the front portion. Each side barrier is arranged such that, when it is secured in contact with the front portion, each side barrier and the upper cover sheet define a folded structure of substantially Z-shaped cross section with a fold directed towards the inside of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventor: Helena Corneliusson
  • Patent number: 7914507
    Abstract: The invention, a reusable adjustable diaper, includes: a multi-ply member having a first curvilinear portion connecting by a medial portion to a second curvilinear portion; a first elastomeric member connected to a first curved segment of multi-ply member and having a first plurality of fastening areas; a second elastomeric member connected to a second curved segment of multi-ply member and having a second plurality of fastening areas; a first plurality of fasteners connected to first curvilinear portion; a second plurality of fasteners connected to second curvilinear portion and disengagably fastenable with first plurality of fasteners; a third fastener connected to multi-ply member and disengagably fastenable with first elastomeric member at each of first plurality of fastening areas; and a fourth fastener connected to multi-ply member and disengagably fastenable with second elastomeric member at each of second plurality of fastening areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventor: Stacee M. Magee
  • Patent number: 7901392
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Mark James Kline, Miguel Alvaro Robles
  • Patent number: 7887527
    Abstract: In an absorbent article 1 including a liquid-permeable topsheet 2 positioned at a surface that contacts with a human body; a non liquid-permeable backsheet 3 positioned at a surface opposite to the topsheet 2; and an absorbent body 4 provided between the topsheet 2 and the backsheet 3, a three-dimensional gather 6 is formed by a folding portion 32 at which the backsheet 3 is folded up to the topsheet 2 side along both side portions in a longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 4, and a nonwoven fabric at least partially adhered to this folding portion 32. The three-dimensional gather 6 has a free end 62 structured with the nonwoven fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Daio Paper Corporation
    Inventors: Akifumi Hayashi, Yoshinori Katayama, Tomoaki Ishida
  • Patent number: 7887526
    Abstract: A disposable undergarment includes a front body panel having a pair of opposite first side edges, a first waist edge and a first crotch edge spaced from said first waist edge. A rear body panel has a pair of opposite second side edges, a second waist edge and a second crotch edge spaced from said second waist edge. The crotch edges of each of the front and rear body panel webs includes at least one peak and at least one valley. Each of the front and rear body panels have a minimum rise defined between the valley of each of the respective front and rear body panels and the first and second waist edges respectively. The valleys defining the minimum rises form at least in part leg opening portions of the front and rear body panels. The crotch edges of the front and rear body panels are spaced apart and form a gap therebetween in a non-overlapping relationship. A crotch member bridges the gap and has opposite end portions connected to the front and rear body panels respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul T. Van Gompel, Russell E. Thorson, Jacqueline A. Gross
  • Patent number: 7879017
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article such as a disposable diaper having standing cuffs around leg portions or a waist portion. The disposable absorbent article has, in a used condition, standing cuffs each having a free portion thereof stand toward the wearer by means of a stretching force of stretching members. Stretching members are respectively provided at the tip end of the free portion and at a portion between the base end and the middle of the free portion and closer to the base end. The standing cuff may not have a plane-gathering cuff at the outer side thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignees: Daio Paper Corporation, Daio Paper Converting Co., Ltd., Elleair Paper Rech. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Tabata, Hiroshi Ono, Haruhiko Nasa, Kazunori Ito, Kazumichi Ogawa, Hideki Saiga
  • Publication number: 20100331805
    Abstract: It is intended to provide an absorbent article which has a barrier sheet for insulating the wearer's skin from excretory substances and in which the opening area in the connecting section formed in the barrier sheet is prevented from narrowing. An absorbent article which comprises a barrier sheet (3) which is located in the body side of a chassis and formed in a separable manner from the chassis in the crotch area, and a pair of leakage-blocking cuffs (4) which are located in the body side of the barrier sheet (3) and extend along the front-back direction (Z). The barrier sheet (3) is bonded to the leakage-blocking cuffs (4) via a bonding site (48). The bonding site (48) is located at a free marginal section of the leakage-blocking cuffs (4) separable from the chassis and overlaps an elastic member of the barrier sheet (39).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: UNI-CHARM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kaiyo Nakajima, Hironao Minato
  • Patent number: 7857801
    Abstract: A disposable diaper including a chassis and an absorbent assembly. The chassis includes laterally opposing side flaps formed by laterally inwardly folded portions of the chassis and deployable chassis ears formed by other laterally inwardly folded portions of the chassis. Each chassis ear is held laterally inwardly folded until being released and unfolded laterally outward so as to project laterally outward beyond the adjacent side flap. An elastically extensible stretch waistband overlies portions of the laterally opposing chassis ears and extends laterally across the waist region between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Kenneth Michael Hamall, Gary Dean LaVon, Kevin Michael Smith
  • Patent number: 7858840
    Abstract: Provided is an absorbent article including a main body having a liquid-pervious top sheet, a back sheet and an absorbent core sandwiched between the top sheet an the back sheet; a layer containing a skin-protective ingredient; and a support layer for covering the ingredient-containing layer. The ingredient-containing layer and the support layer are provided on the surface of the main body to be in contact with the skin of a wearer. The solubility in water of the support layer is promoted at 25° C. or higher, and/or the moisture absorbability or the solubility in water of the support layer is promoted at a relative humidity of at least 30%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventor: Takayuki Hisanaka
  • Publication number: 20100324524
    Abstract: The present invention provides a disposable pants-type wearing article improved so as to eliminate a possibility that elastic members attached to peripheral edges of respective leg-openings might irritate the wearer's skin. The disposable pants-type wearing article has a band-like elastic member having a width dimension in a range of 5 to 60 mm and extending along peripheral edges of leg-openings so as to go half around each of the leg-openings. The elastic member comprises opposite end segments each lying in the uppermost zone of the leg-opening, a middle segment lying in the lowermost zone of the leg-opening and extending across a crotch region and intermediate segments each extending between the associated end segment and the middle segment wherein the intermediate segments are not bonded to sheet material constituting the wearing article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: UNI-CHARM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Minako Sagisaka, Takayuki Miyoshi
  • Publication number: 20100318053
    Abstract: A disposable undergarment is described which has an improved arrangement of leg- and crotch-region elastic members, such as to improve absorption capacity and fit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: Ontex International N.V.
    Inventor: Steven Smet
  • Publication number: 20100305532
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article includes an absorbent core, a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet, and a pair of elastically contractible cuffs, each of which is constructed of a continuous cuff material and has a standing cuff portion which includes one or more elastic members. Each elastically contractible cuff may be secured the topsheet about a longitudinal edge of the topsheet by an assembly bond, with a standing cuff portion laterally offset away from a longitudinal edge of the absorbent core and with one or more elastic members located outboard of the assembly bond.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: Gregory Ashton, Masaharu Nishikawa
  • Publication number: 20100305533
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article comprising an absorbent core having a garment surface and an opposed body surface, which surfaces meet along at least one longitudinal edge and at least one end edge; a liquid permeable topsheet positioned adjacent the body surface of the absorbent core and having a pair of opposed longitudinal edges; a liquid impermeable backsheet positioned adjacent the garment surface of the absorbent core; and a waistcap/waistband disposed adjacent to at least one projection associated with the absorbent core, wherein the waistcap/waistband is capable of absorbing moisture and subsequently deforming to fill at least a portion of space between the article and a portion of the wearer's body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: Gregory Ashton, Masaharu Nishikawa
  • Publication number: 20100292662
    Abstract: There is provided a continuous-fiber nonwoven fabric excellent in terms of bulkiness, flexibility, and shape stability. The continuous-fiber nonwoven fabric comprises eccentric hollow conjugated continuous fiber containing a part (A), a part containing a higher melting-point thermoplastic resin (A), and a part (B), a part containing a lower melting-point thermoplastic resin (B), the parts (A) and (B) having been bonded to each other in a side by side arrangement, wherein the difference in melting point between the higher melting-point thermoplastic resin (A) and the lower melting-point thermoplastic resin (B) is 5° C. or greater, the eccentric hollow conjugated continuous fiber has a part (A):part (B) proportion in the range of 5 to 30 weight %:95 to 70 weight %, the eccentric hollow conjugated continuous fiber has a cross-section in which the thickness (a) of the part (A) is smaller than the thickness (b) of the part (B), and the eccentric hollow conjugated continuous fiber has been crimped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: Mitsui Chemicals Inc.
    Inventors: Akio Matsubara, Kenichi Suzuki, Shigeyuki Motomura
  • Publication number: 20100280480
    Abstract: A disposable article may comprise an absorbent assembly comprising an absorbent core. The article may also comprise a chassis comprising a longitudinal axis, a lateral axis, a front waist region comprising a front waist edge, a back waist region comprising a back waist edge, a crotch region between the waist regions, laterally opposing side edges extending between the front waist edge and the back waist edge, an exterior surface, and an interior surface. The chassis may form a waist opening and two laterally opposing leg openings when the front waist region and the back waist region are attached together. The chassis may also comprise a water-impermeable center sheet comprising laterally opposing side edges, an interior surface, and an exterior surface. The chassis may further comprise laterally opposing side sheets, each of the side sheets comprising first and second longitudinally extending edges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventors: Gary Dean LaVon, Luke Nogales, John Strube
  • Patent number: 7824385
    Abstract: Sanitary articles such as sanitary napkins including several layers, wherein an ink is applied on at least one of the layers. The ink application area is situated at least partially above the core and extends outwardly across at least a portion of the periphery of the core, but does not entirely cover the core. The ink is visible in the finished article. The ink provides improved resistance to re-wet of the topsheet and side leakage of the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Cornelia Ecker, Ivano Gagliardi, Vincenzo Partenza, Paolo Veglio
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7811271
    Abstract: An absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin, adult incontinence device, or the like. The absorbent article has a pair of flaps for securing the absorbent article. The flaps extend laterally outward from the main body portion of the article. The flaps are associated with the main body portion at a juncture along the longitudinal edges of the main body portion. The flaps have a notch. The flaps have at least one first zone of anisotropic stiffness contiguous with the notch. The first zone of anisotropic stiffness has a relatively stiffer direction and a relatively less stiff direction. The first zone of anisotropic stiffness can be made of corrugated or ring-rolled portions of the absorbent article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Marco Digiacomantonio, Giovanni Carlucci
  • Publication number: 20100241098
    Abstract: A two-piece diaper system having a re-usable shell and a removable and replaceable absorbent pad is provided. The re-usable diapering system consists of a non-absorbent outer liquid impervious shell, as in a standard disposable diaper but without an integral central absorbent layer which is exposed to liquids in the crotch area. A separate disposable absorbent pad is provided in the central crotch area of the disposable diaper which is not sandwiched in the shell. The central area of the shell is stiffened to facilitate manufacture and handling by the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventor: James Roy Brownlee
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20100228219
    Abstract: An absorbent article having a front region, a back region and a crotch region there between, said article has substantially longitudinally extending leak barriers, each of said leak barriers having a free laterally inward elasticized side and a laterally outward side, the elasticized side of the leak barrier being raised from the inner cover of the absorbent article. The crotch region along a length of at least 2 cm, preferably at least 5 cm and more preferably at least 10 cm, in longitudinal direction is free from raised leak barriers, while raised leak barriers are present in the front and/or back regions of the article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Ulrika Carlson, Hans Een, Jan Wastlund-Karlsson
  • Publication number: 20100222757
    Abstract: An improved barrier member for an absorbent article that includes a nonwoven treated with a hydrophobic surface coating. The hydrophobic surface coating includes a non-aqueous, solventless, multicomponent silicone composition. The hydrophobic surface coating may be substantially free of aminosilicones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventors: Johannson Jimmy Tee, JR., Kemal Vatansever Catalan
  • Patent number: 7785310
    Abstract: A disposable diaper is provided, including an absorber, a top sheet arranged to cover the top surface of the absorber, a back sheet arranged to cover the bottom surface of the absorber, and a skin-contact sheet arranged over the top sheet. The top sheet is at least partially composed of a liquid-permeable material, the back sheet is composed of a liquid-impermeable material, and the skin-contact sheet is at least partially composed of a breathable waterproof sheet and is provided with a feces-passing opening capable of allowing feces to pass therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignees: Oji Nepia Co., Ltd., Oji Paper Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsushi Sakano, Katsuhiko Sugiyama, Izumi Tashiro, Tomotsugu Miyoshi
  • Patent number: 7781640
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article including a wetness sensation member and visible highlighting indicating the presence of the wetness sensation member to facilitate an opportunity for the toilet training of the wearer. The wetness sensation member includes a permeable layer and a flow control layer. Urine deposited on the wetness sensation member can penetrate through the permeable body-facing layer in a z direction away from the wearer to the flow control layer. The flow control layer retards the passage of the urine through the wetness sensation member in the z direction while supporting the movement of the urine in an x-y plane to increase the wetted area contacting the wearer's skin and thereby enhance the wearer's awareness that urination has occurred. The visible highlighting is visible when viewing a body-facing surface of the article and may be associatively correlated with an externally visible marking and/or with the concept of toilet training.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Mary Elizabeth Davis, Donald Carroll Roe, Patrick Jay Allen, Edward Paul Carlin
  • 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: 7767876
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article including a wetness sensation member and visible highlighting indicating the presence of the wetness sensation member to facilitate an opportunity for the toilet training of the wearer. The wetness sensation member includes a permeable layer and a flow control layer. Urine deposited on the wetness sensation member can penetrate through the permeable body-facing layer in a z direction away from the wearer to the flow control layer. The flow control layer retards the passage of the urine through the wetness sensation member in the z direction while supporting the movement of the urine in an x-y plane to increase the wetted area contacting the wearer's skin and thereby enhance the wearer's awareness that urination has occurred. The visible highlighting is visible when viewing a body-facing surface of the article and may be associatively correlated with an externally visible marking and/or with the concept of toilet training.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Mary Elizabeth Davis, Donald Carroll Roe, Patrick Jay Allen, Edward Paul Carlin
  • Patent number: 7766888
    Abstract: In a disposable diaper having a feces retaining pocket formed by body fluid absorbent panel sections overlapping each other in a crotch covering region so that the feces retaining pocket can be largely opened, a second panel section overlaps on a first panel section in the crotch covering region of the diaper to form the feces retaining pocket. The crotch covering region is provided along transversely opposite side edges thereof with elastically stretch- and contractable leak-barrier cuffs. Inner side edges of the respective leak-barrier cuffs are bonded to the second panel section in the vicinity of a rear end of the second panel section lying in the crotch covering region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Mishima, Kaiyo Nakajima