By Fabric Strip Fastener Element (e.g., Hook And Loop Type Fastener) Patents (Class 604/391)
  • Publication number: 20130237942
    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: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: Paul Hartmann AG
    Inventors: Susanne Beckert, Rüediger Kesselmeier
  • Patent number: 8529537
    Abstract: An absorbent article comprises a bodyside liner, an outer cover, an absorbent body located between the bodyside liner and the outer cover, and an enclosure. The enclosure comprises a cover and backing joined together to form a pocket with an object disposed therein. The enclosure is joined with the absorbent article and is adapted to transition from a closed condition to an open condition such that the object disposed within the enclosure may be accessed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason C Cohen, Kenneth Thomas Borowski, Rodney Lee Miller, Jr., Martin Joseph Garofalo, David William Koenig, Tatum Marie Jelenc, Eric Donald Johnson
  • Publication number: 20130231627
    Abstract: An absorbent article including a chassis having a front waist portion and a back waist portion, front side panels having an inside surface and an outside surface, back side panels having an inside surface and an outside surface, and seams adapted to attach the front side panels to the back side panels in an overlapped configuration offset toward the front waist portion, the seams made up of one or more fastening components attached to the outside surface of each of the back side panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: FIRST QUALITY BABY PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventor: Susan O'CONNELL
  • Patent number: 8523836
    Abstract: An absorbent includes inner and outer surfaces, an absorbent body disposed therebetween, and front waist, back waist, and crotch regions. The article also includes pairs of front and back side panels, each side panel having an attachment edge and a free edge, the front and back side panels being releasably attachable to define a wear configuration of the absorbent article. The article also includes a finger tab having a distal end, a tab line where the finger tab intersects the free edge, and a proximal end attached to the free edge, wherein the distal end has a distal end longitudinal midpoint, wherein the tab line has a tab line longitudinal midpoint, and wherein the distal end longitudinal midpoint is longitudinally offset from the tab line longitudinal midpoint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Donald Sperl
  • Publication number: 20130211367
    Abstract: An absorbent article having a waistband which is attached to first and second body portions of the article. The first body portion is attached to the waistband by at least a fastening means wherein the article assumes a pant diaper form. The waistband has a reception surface and a perforation. The perforation allows the reception surface to be separated into first and second belt portions. At least a part of the reception surface is located on each belt portion, thereby allowing the article to assume a belt diaper form. The first belt portion comprises at least one fastening means. The second fastening means is arranged so that the absorbent article can be readily converted from a pant diaper form to a belt diaper form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventor: SCA Hygiene Products AB
  • Publication number: 20130197464
    Abstract: An absorbent incontinence diaper (2) has a rear area (8), a front area (6) and an intermediate crotch area (12), 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. Side parts (16,17) are joined to the first and second side edges (5), the side parts (16,17) having an inner face and an outer face, the side parts (17) in the rear area having closure means (32) with mechanical closure aids (31). The retaining forces between the mechanical closure means (31) and the outer face of the main part are lower than the retaining forces between the mechanical closure means (31) and the outer face of the side parts (16) in the front area (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: Paul Hartmann AG
    Inventor: Paul Hartmann AG
  • Patent number: 8496641
    Abstract: A fastening member used for, e.g., a disposable absorbent article is disclosed. The fastening member extends in a longitudinal direction and in a lateral direction and has a lateral centerline. The fastening member comprises a base panel and a shaped tab extending laterally from the base panel. The shaped tab has a longitudinal centerline, a lateral centerline, a distal portion and a proximal portion. The shaped tab has a contour edge comprising a shaped upper edge and a shaped lower edge. The shaped upper edge and the shaped lower edge are symmetric with respect to the longitudinal centerline of the shaped tab when relatively shifted in the longitudinal direction and are asymmetric with respect to the lateral centerline of the fastening member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Kouichi Miyamoto, Joseph Bernard Kraimer, David Randall Knaub, Jason Arthur Hilbourne, Henry Young Chin
  • Patent number: 8496640
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are fasteners for disposable absorbent articles and disposable absorbent articles that include the fasteners. The disclosed fasteners generally are free of release tape and adhesives requiring those tapes. At the same time, the disclosed fasteners can be maintained in a closed position prior to the fastener's (and the disposable absorbent article's) use and during the process by which the article is manufactured. While maintainable in this closed position, the fastener may be easily opened by the consumer such that the fastener can be then used for its intended purpose, such as, for example to form a side closure on a diaper around the waist and legs of an infant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: John Molander
  • Patent number: 8496638
    Abstract: Absorbent articles with carefully controlled stretch properties are disclosed. In particular, the absorbent articles have a waistband that encompasses a pair of opposing side panels and a waist region of the article. The side panels are attached to longitudinal edges of a chassis and are configured to extend around a person's waist. The side panels are attached to fastening devices for fastening the absorbent article to a wearer. In accordance with the present invention, the side panels and the waist region are both elastic. In order to improve fit and comfort, the stretch properties of the side panels are matched with the stretch properties of the waist region. For example, elongation of the side panels can be matched to elongation of the waist region or, alternatively, displacement of the side panels can be matched to the displacement of the waist region for a given range of forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Robert Lord, Adrienne Nicole Hengels, Palani Raj Ramaswami Wallajapet, Catherine Marguerite Hancock-Cooke, Daniel Lee Ellingson
  • Patent number: 8491557
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include disposable wearable absorbent articles with extensible sides. In an embodiment of the present disclosure a disposable wearable absorbent article includes a front, a back, and an extensible side configured to connect the front and the back, wherein the extensible side has a substantially laterally extensible area, which includes a first area, bounded in part by at least a portion of a longitudinally outboard side edge. An overall lateral extensibility of the first area is substantially less than an overall lateral extensibility of the substantially laterally extensible area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Mark James Kline, Henry William McCusker, III, Ronald Joseph Zink, II, Sarah Marie Young
  • Publication number: 20130184671
    Abstract: One or more fastener tabs using particular spunlace materials are described. The fastener tabs find wide application as closure systems and can be used in products such as in disposable diapers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventor: Bert Bogaerts
  • Patent number: 8486849
    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: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Mark James Kline, Miguel Alvaro Robles
  • Patent number: 8486042
    Abstract: Absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders, training pants and the like, having elastomeric flaps and a fastening system that provides the user with options as to how the absorbent article may be fitted to and removed from the wearer. 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: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Mark James Kline, Miguel Alvaro Robles
  • Patent number: 8475423
    Abstract: An absorbent garment, such as a diaper, designed to reduce or eliminate any tendency of the garment to droop when loaded. The absorbent garment includes an absorbent chassis that defines a waist opening and two leg openings. Based on dimensions of the garment, the absorbent chassis suitably has a diaper length ratio of about 0.85 or less, a droop design ratio of about 150 millimeters or less, and/or an absorbent length design ratio of about 280 millimeters or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, inc.
    Inventors: Paul Joseph Datta, Catherine Marguerite Hancock-Cooke
  • Patent number: 8475428
    Abstract: A belted absorbent article includes an absorbent structure extending about a first longitudinal axis, the absorbent structure including a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent batt disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, the absorbent structure having a transverse axis dividing the absorbent structure into a front panel terminating in a front end region and a rear panel terminating in a rear end region, the absorbent structure being delimited by opposed longitudinal edges and opposed transverse edges, and a pair of opposed belt halves including nonwoven material attached to the absorbent structure at the rear end region of the rear panel, each of the belt halves being attached by a respective joint, each belt half extending about a longitudinal axis of the belt such that each belt half extends outwardly from a respective longitudinal edge of the absorbent structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Christian Almberg, Lucas Bäck
  • Patent number: 8475427
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article to be worn about the lower torso of a wearer that facilitates an easy, intuitive change is provided. The disposable absorbent article includes at least one serviceable indicium that facilitates an easy change by providing alignment of the article relative to an anatomical feature of the wearer or by externally highlighting one or more components of the article thereby indicating alignment and fit about the wearer's lower torso.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Luke R. Magee, George B. Glackin, III, Christopher J. Hosmer, Naomi S. Korn, James D. Wilson, Mark C. Bates, Mattias Schmidt, Eva Susanne Dominique Thurnay, Joerg Mueller, John C. Costello, Ann M. Sullivan, Gregg A. Flender, Donald C. Roe, Mark J. Kline, Kenneth Edwin Jewell
  • Publication number: 20130144245
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article may include a chassis comprising a liquid permeable topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and backsheet; and an ear joined to the rear waist region of the chassis such that at least a portion of said ear extends laterally outward from the longitudinal edge of the chassis in the rear waist region. The article further comprises a fastening system including an engaging member disposed proximate to distal edge of the ear and a receiving member disposed on the chassis in the front waist region, wherein the ear interconnects the front waist region and the rear waist region upon engagement of the engaging member with the receiving member. The ear has a Front Edge Displacement and a Rear Edge Displacement such that a sum of the Front Edge Displacement and the Rear Edge Displacement is no greater than about 12 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY
    Inventor: THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY
  • Patent number: 8454782
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a disposable diaper by supplying a continuous web of flat material in a longitudinal direction for the forming of the side portions, forming first material clearances along a first cutting line at a side edge) of the web of flat material to produce contoured cutouts in the web of flat material, an imaginary parallel line PL, which is parallel to the longitudinal direction and placed at the point P of maximum extent of the cutout transversely in relation to the longitudinal direction, defining an outer sub-region and an inner sub-region of the web of flat material, folding the web of flat material about at least one first folding line running in the longitudinal direction, the folding line running within the outer sub-region, severing longitudinal portions of the folded web of flat material, undetachably fixing the portions of material to a respective longitudinal edge of a web for the main part of the diaper for the forming of side portions, forming sec
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Paul Hartmann AG
    Inventor: Wolfgang Ostertag
  • Patent number: 8454571
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article that includes a frangible bonding agent for maintaining the absorbent article in a predetermined configuration. The frangible bonding agent may be disposed on a fastening system in order to maintain one or more portions of the fastening system in a particular position during manufacturing but still provide an easy-to-open fastener when used by a consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Ebrahim Rezai, Shunketsu Sue, Stephen Joseph Lange, Mark James Kline, James David Landgrebe
  • Patent number: 8454572
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article may include a chassis, an absorbent core, a pair of elastically elongatable ears and a pair of fastening tabs. The elastically elongatable ears and the fastening tabs have a transverse axis. The ears are connected to the chassis such that the transverse axis of the fastening tabs is located in specific portions of the article. The absorbent core is free of cellulosic fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Donald Carroll Roe, Mark James Kline
  • Publication number: 20130138073
    Abstract: A mechanical fastening system having an engaging component and a receiving component. The receiving component has a first bond line, a second bond line, a bond zone, and a plurality of consecutive sweep regions. The second bond line is disposed adjacent to the first bond line such that a portion of the second bond line overlaps a portion of the first bond line. The bond zone circumscribes the first bond line and the second bond line. The plurality of consecutive sweep regions are disposed within the bond zone. At least one sweep region includes a portion of both the first bond line and the second bond line, and the remaining sweep regions include at least a portion of the first or the second bond lines. The receiving component has a bond ratio greater than or equal to about 1 and less than or equal to about 20.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY
    Inventor: THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY
  • Publication number: 20130131625
    Abstract: An absorbent article includes front and back side panels, a closure component coupled to or integral with the front side panel, an anchor component coupled to or integral with one of the front and back side panels, a closure landing zone coupled to or integral with the back side panel, and an anchor landing zone coupled to or integral with the side panel opposite the anchor component. The closure component is fastened to the closure landing zone to form a closure connection and the anchor component is fastened to the anchor landing zone to form an anchor connection when the article is in a wear configuration, wherein the refastenable seam includes the closure and anchor connections, and wherein the anchor connection has higher peel and shear strengths per unit area than the peel and shear strengths per unit area of the closure connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: Daniel Robert Schlinz, Georgia Lynn Zehner, Eric Donald Johnson, Nancy Ellen Dawson
  • Patent number: 8444619
    Abstract: A belted absorbent article (10) having an absorbent structure (16) and a pair of opposed belt halves (12, 14) attached to the absorbent structure (16) via a respective joint (50). The joint (50) between each belt half (12, 14) and the absorbent structure (16) is designed such that when each belt half is subjected to a tension force of 35 N acting along the belt half and the direction of applied tension creates an angle (?) to the transverse axis (T) of the absorbent structure, the following minimum average release times (t) of each belt half from the absorbent structure are attained: when ?=10°, t>>720 seconds; when ?=20°, t>>330 seconds; when ?=25°, t>>240 seconds; when ?=30°, t>>180 seconds; and when ?=40°, t>>75 seconds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Christian Almberg, Lucas Bäck
  • Publication number: 20130123738
    Abstract: A hook for use on a male fastening material in a fastening system, wherein the hook is configured for use with a fibrous material as a female fastening material in the fastening system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventors: Nayda Liz RamosMedina, Michael Timothy Looney, Arman Ashraf, Mark James Kline, Thomas Alexander Horn, Thierry J. Marche, Olivier J. Blanc
  • Publication number: 20130116647
    Abstract: An absorbent garment has a chassis. A first region of the chassis includes a first panel and at least one first side panel. A second region of the chassis includes a second panel and at least one second side panel. A resilient fastening component is permanently attached to an inner surface of the at least one first side panel and releasably attached to an outer surface of the at least one second side panel. At least one of the first region and the second region is folded at least twice such that at least portions of the at least one first side panel and the at least one second side panel are positioned between the first and second panels and the resilient fastening component is tucked between the folded absorbent assembly and lies in a plane parallel to a plane in which a first part of the absorbent assembly lies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventor: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8419702
    Abstract: The present invention aims to improve the tape fasteners provided on the diaper chassis so that the upper outside regions of the wearer's thighs should not be irritated by the edges of the tape fasteners. A lower edge of a first section in each tape fastener extends so that a space is defined between this lower edge and an imaginary extension of a lower edge of a second section in the tape fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Jyoji Shimizu, Osamu Nakajima, Tomoko Sugito, Kyo Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 8419698
    Abstract: A guard is provided for intercepting urine discharging from an infant such as during diaper change, bathing or clothing change. The guard is configured to attach to a changing mat or diaper without attachment to the infant and lie over the groin of the infant to receive any urine being discharged from the infant. A shield portion of the guard is configured to cover the groin of the infant while elongated ends are releasably attached to the changing mat or diaper. The guard is formed from a completely washable or disposable material. The guard includes sheathed elastic that allows the elongated ends to stretch around and over the midsection of the baby to accommodate various sizes of infants. Various completely enclosable fastening end structures with optional removability may be used to allow attachment to the changing mat or diaper, while adjustable and/or removable side pads may be provided for infant comfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: Patricia A. Perry
  • Patent number: 8419703
    Abstract: An absorbent article is disclosed. The article includes a first portion having at least two target strips located on opposite ends of the first portion, at least one visual sizing indicator positioned on the first portion of the article between the at least two target strips, the visual sizing indicator including indicia for indicating that the article is too large for a wearer, a middle portion contoured inwards such that an hourglass shape is formed, and a second portion having at least two fasteners located on opposite edges of the second portion. The absorbent article is formed of several layers including a moisture-impervious outer layer, an inner layer substantially co-extensive with the outer layer, and a filler interposed between the inner layer and the outer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Medline Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew J. Mills
  • Publication number: 20130060223
    Abstract: A fastening member having a reinforced region is disclosed. The fastening member may have a first layer formed of a nonwoven and a second layer at its reinforced region formed of either a polymeric film or another nonwoven, bonded to the first layer by a plurality of bond sites arranged in a pattern. The polymer(s) forming the fibers of the first layer and the polymer(s) forming the film or fibers of the second layer may be of like chemistry to enhance thermal bonding between the layers at the bond sites. The fastening member may be imparted with enhanced appearance and tear resistance attributes and may be suitable for use as a fastening member of a wearable article such as a disposable diaper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventors: Michael Irwin Lawson, Todd Leon Mansfield, Karen Elizabeth Lomison, Marcus Schönbeck
  • Patent number: 8388595
    Abstract: A disposable undergarment includes a body chassis member elongatable in at least a first direction between at least a first condition and second condition. The body chassis member has a greater elongation when in the second condition than when in the first condition. The disposable undergarment further includes a crotch member detachably connected to the body chassis member at at least one attachment location. At least a portion of the at least one attachment location is detached as the body chassis member is elongated between the first and second conditions. In one preferred embodiment, the crotch member includes an absorbent component. Methods of using the undergarment and of instructing a user about the use of the garment are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul T. Van Gompel, Russell E. Thorson
  • Patent number: 8388596
    Abstract: A mechanical fastening system having an engaging component and a receiving component. The receiving component has a first bond line, a second bond line, a bond zone, and a plurality of consecutive sweep regions. The second bond line is disposed adjacent to the first bond line such that a portion of the second bond line overlaps a portion of the first bond line. The bond zone circumscribes the first bond line and the second bond line. The plurality of consecutive sweep regions are disposed within the bond zone. At least one sweep region includes a portion of both the first bond line and the second bond line, and the remaining sweep regions include at least a portion of the first or the second bond lines. The receiving component has a bond ratio greater than or equal to about 1 and less than or equal to about 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Thomas Alexander Horn, Mark James Kline, Kazuhiko Masuda, Hisashi Morimoto
  • Publication number: 20130046268
    Abstract: A low-cost waist adhering material for paper diaper for mass production and easy application comprises a replacement material. The replacement material is composed of a non-textile fabric layer disposed at a top end for connecting with hooks of a paper diaper, and a molded positioning layer disposed underneath the non-textile fabric layer and on a surface of the paper diaper for positioning the non-textile fabric layer. The non-textile fabric layer has at least one through hole area. The through hole area is composed of a plurality of through holes spaced at intervals penetrating through the non-textile fabric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventors: Po-An Tsai, Charng-Ching Ou, Hsu-Feng Shih
  • Patent number: 8372052
    Abstract: Packaged garments having pre-fastened, refastenable seams tucked in a certain position can preserve fastener performance. Such refastenable seams are particularly suitable for side seams on pant-like absorbent garments. Prior to packaging the garment, the refastenable seams are pre-fastened and tucked into the garment such that any resilient fastening components lie flat in a plane parallel to a plane in which front and back waist portions of the garment lie. When the garment is compressed and packaged, the resilient fastening components remain flat and do not become creased or crushed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Lee Popp, Marcille Faye Ruman, Kathleen Irene Ratliff
  • Patent number: 8357135
    Abstract: A method of making a plurality of diaper side panels (10, 12) from a continuous strip (40). The strip (40) comprises a central region (42), a first lateral region (44), a second lateral region (46), a first set of fasteners (36) anchored to the first lateral region (44), and a second set of fasteners (38) anchored to the second lateral region (46). The strip (40) is separated in the machine direction (M) to form a first set of the side panels (10) and a second set of the side panels (12), so that the side panels (10) each include a fastener (36) from the first set and the side panels (12) each include a fastener (38) from the second set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: Bart de Dier, Ad van Hooijdonk
  • Patent number: 8353889
    Abstract: A hygienic article having side panels extending outward in a lateral direction from either of said front or back waist region. Each side panel comprises at least two material segments which are connected to each other by a lap seam wherein said material segments define a distal segment and a proximal segment in the lateral direction. On the distal edge of each side panel a fastening member is placed which is capable of securing said side panels to the front or back waist region such that the hygienic article assumes a pant like shape. The material segments which form the side panels are attached to each other by the lap seam in such a way that when the side panels are folded back towards the longitudinal centerline of the hygienic article, the materials are attached to each other in the lap seam such that the most distal material segment is placed closer towards the inner or outer surface of the hygienic article than the more proximal material segment attached to said most distal segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Lucas Bäck, Paulina Halleröd (neé Ljungberg)
  • Patent number: 8348920
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable absorbent article comprising a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet that is at least partially joined to the topsheet, an absorbent core disposed at least partially between the topsheet and the backsheet, and a wetness indicator printed onto a surface of said backsheet wherein the wetness indicator comprises a graphic that further comprises at least one responsive color composition and a varnish coating disposed adjacent to said responsive color composition; wherein upon wetting, said graphic becomes visible to the unaided eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Kuang-Kai Liu
  • Patent number: 8343127
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article includes a fastening system that can be repeatedly fastened, unfastened and refastened. The refastenable seams formed by the fastening system components provide a garment-like appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Lisa Ann Dimitrijevs, Amy Lynn Fletcher, Christopher Peter Olson, Kathleen Irene Ratliff, Shirlee Ann Weber, Susan Lee West
  • Publication number: 20120330266
    Abstract: A reticulated mechanical fastening laminate is disclosed. The reticulated mechanical fastening laminate includes a loop material having a regular pattern of spaced apart geometric shaped openings joined to a carrier. At least the portion of carrier to which the loop material is joined has up to a ten percent elongation. A reticulated mechanical fastening web including the loop material is also disclosed, in which the loop material is not joined to an elastic or pleated extensible carrier. A method of making the mechanical fastener constructions is also disclosed. The method includes providing interrupted slits in a loop material, with each interrupted slit interrupted by at least one intact bridging region of the slit loop material; spreading the slit loop material to provide at least one opening; and fixing of the loop material in a spread configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventors: Edwin P. Zonneveld, Thomas J. Gilbert, Leigh E. Wood, Mark A. Peltier
  • Publication number: 20120316535
    Abstract: A diaper cover comprising a front part, a back part and an intermediate part located between the front part and the back part in a front-back direction, a right waist part and a left waist part extending from the back part in a width direction, and a right flap part and a left flap part extending from the front part in the width direction, wherein: the right flap part and/or the left flap part is provided with a hook member having a plurality of hooks; the hook member has a first region in which the hooks are oriented in one direction and a second region in which the hooks are oriented in another direction; and the first region and the second region are arranged such that a hypothetical straight line extending in the front-back direction in the right flap part or the left flap part crosses both the first region and the second region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventors: Hirofumi Miyake, Akiko Tatsukawa, Saeko Okuto
  • Patent number: 8298206
    Abstract: An absorbent article includes a belt and an absorbent structure. The absorbent structure is fastened to the belt via an article fastening means having a form such that the article fastening means does not fold or bend upwards under the forces present when the diaper is assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventor: Kent Hermansson
  • Patent number: 8292867
    Abstract: An absorbent article has a belt and an absorbent structure. The absorbent structure is fastened to the belt via an article fastener having a form such that the article fastening means does not fold or bend upwards under the forces present when the diaper is assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventor: Terje Vigmo
  • Patent number: 8292866
    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: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Mark James Kline, Miguel Alvaro Robles
  • Patent number: 8287512
    Abstract: A method for producing a closure element (10) for disposable pant-like absorbent sanitary products (52) formed by two parts basically symmetrical with respect to a central transverse plane (26), wherein each of said parts is able to form a side panel (76) of an absorbent sanitary product (52). The method comprises the steps of:—folding two continuous strips (22, 24) according to a configuration that comprises at least two parallel branches (30, 40, 44, 46) joined to one another by at least one fold (42, 50, 48); and—fixing permanently respective end branches (30) of said folded strips (30, 40, 44, 46) to a plane base layer (28), with said folded strips (30, 40, 44, 46) basically symmetrical respect to a central plane (26) of said base layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Fameccanica.Data S.p.A.
    Inventor: Sablone Gabriele
  • Publication number: 20120245550
    Abstract: In a hook-and-loop fastener, the female member includes a plurality of lines of fiber dense portions in which the fibrous material has a high basis weight, a plurality of lines of fiber sparse portions provided between the plurality of lines of fiber dense portions, the fibrous material in the fiber sparse portions having a basis weight lower than that in the fiber dense portions, and pressed portions intersecting the plurality of lines of fiber dense portions and the plurality of lines of fiber sparse portions. Further, since the rib portions are pressed by the pressed portions obtained by the embossing process, the rib portions change shape from lines where the rib portions intersect the pressed portions, and curve toward the peeling direction shown by arrow a to be a convex shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: UNICHARM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Satoru Sakaguchi, Tomomi Oku, Hideki Matsushima
  • Patent number: 8262635
    Abstract: A reusable diaper may include an inner layer and an outer layer. A fluid-absorbing insert may be coupled to the inner layer for use in absorbing fluids. The inner layer may be disposed generally between the outer layer and the fluid-absorbing insert such that both the fluid-absorbing insert and the inner layer are in position for absorbing fluids. The fluid-absorbing insert may be adjustable relative to the inner layer for accommodating use by a male and/or a female. The reusable diaper may also include forward and rearward waist portions generally defined by the inner and outer layers. Liquid-resistant regions may be disposed adjacent the waist portions, generally between the waist portions and the fluid-absorbing insert, for resisting movement of fluid from the fluid-absorbing insert to the waist portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventors: Jennifer Lynn Labit, James Andrew Labit
  • Patent number: 8262636
    Abstract: An absorbent article includes front and back side panels, wherein each side panel has an attachment edge and a free edge, the front and back side panels being one of permanently attached and releasably fastenable to define a wear configuration of the absorbent article. The article also includes a finger tab system including a finger tab having first and second ends and a distal point, the first end of the finger tab being attached to the free edge of one of the front and back side panels, and a tab line where the finger tab intersects the free edge of the one of the front and back side panels, wherein the finger tab system includes an aperture disposed between the distal point of the finger tab and the tab line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Donald Sperl
  • Patent number: 8262637
    Abstract: A fastening tape for a hygiene item with a targeted design of a mechanical closing area and a closing area of the tape that is closable by means of an adhesive is extremely versatile and also allows very inexpensive production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Koester GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Robert Neugebauer, Wolfgang Silberling
  • Patent number: 8251970
    Abstract: Disclosed are diapers, and particularly baby diapers, which are made and provided to the user in a substantially flat condition. The diapers are formed into a three dimensional garment by the user and maintained in this position through use of a closure system. The closure system includes a tape type closure system with a designated zone on the diaper where the tape type closures are to be attached. Preferably the closure system includes a mechanical interlocking system known as a hook and loop fastening system or Velcro™.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Christian Klebba
  • Patent number: 8246598
    Abstract: An absorbent article including an absorbent chassis and a pair of back ears. The absorbent chassis includes a liquid impermeable outercover and an absorbent body disposed on said outercover. A least a portion of each back ear is substantially flush with the chassis back waist edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Vogt, Keith R. Haen, James A. Boldra, Allen J. Dohnalik
  • Patent number: 8247636
    Abstract: To ensure an excellent slip-proof effect for a hygiene item, in particular for a baby diaper or an incontinence diaper when opening the diaper, a fastening tape is proposed having a separate film-like grip area with a macroscopically structured surface. Likewise, a hygiene item having such a grip area and a method for manufacturing such a fastening tape are proposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Koester GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Robert Neugebauer, Christian Felkl