US3921232A - Self-inflating structure - Google Patents

Self-inflating structure Download PDF

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Publication number
US3921232A
US3921232A US551443A US55144375A US3921232A US 3921232 A US3921232 A US 3921232A US 551443 A US551443 A US 551443A US 55144375 A US55144375 A US 55144375A US 3921232 A US3921232 A US 3921232A
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lamina
embossed
pillows
absorbent
molecules
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US551443A
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David Denzil Whyte
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Procter and Gamble Co
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Procter and Gamble Co
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    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
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    • A61FFILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/45Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the shape
    • A61F13/49Absorbent articles specially adapted to be worn around the waist, e.g. diapers
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    • A61F13/00Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/42Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators with wetness indicator or alarm
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
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    • A61F13/84Accessories, not otherwise provided for, for absorbent pads
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    • A61F15/00Auxiliary appliances for wound dressings; Dispensing containers for dressings or bandages
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    • A61F13/53Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium
    • A61F13/534Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad
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    • A61F13/534Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad
    • A61F13/537Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad characterised by a layer facilitating or inhibiting flow in one direction or plane, e.g. a wicking layer
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    • A61F2013/15008Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterized by the use
    • A61F2013/15048Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterized by the use for protection against contamination, or protection in using body disinfecting wipes
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    • A61F13/00Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/45Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the shape
    • A61F13/49Absorbent articles specially adapted to be worn around the waist, e.g. diapers
    • A61F2013/49068Absorbent articles specially adapted to be worn around the waist, e.g. diapers characterized by the shape of the outline
    • A61F2013/49076Absorbent articles specially adapted to be worn around the waist, e.g. diapers characterized by the shape of the outline as "I"-shaped
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
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    • A61FFILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/51Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the outer layers
    • A61F13/514Backsheet, i.e. the impermeable cover or layer furthest from the skin
    • A61F13/51401Backsheet, i.e. the impermeable cover or layer furthest from the skin characterised by the material
    • A61F2013/51409Backsheet, i.e. the impermeable cover or layer furthest from the skin characterised by the material being a film
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
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    • A61F13/00Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/51Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the outer layers
    • A61F13/514Backsheet, i.e. the impermeable cover or layer furthest from the skin
    • A61F13/51474Backsheet, i.e. the impermeable cover or layer furthest from the skin characterised by its structure
    • A61F2013/51486Backsheet, i.e. the impermeable cover or layer furthest from the skin characterised by its structure with specially shaped backsheets
    • A61F2013/51492Backsheet, i.e. the impermeable cover or layer furthest from the skin characterised by its structure with specially shaped backsheets having specially shaped gas or air bubbles or bag-like structure
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
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    • A61F13/00Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
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    • A61F13/53Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium
    • A61F13/534Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad
    • A61F2013/53445Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad from several sheets
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
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    • A61FFILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
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    • A61F13/53Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium
    • A61F13/534Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad
    • A61F13/537Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad characterised by a layer facilitating or inhibiting flow in one direction or plane, e.g. a wicking layer
    • A61F13/53708Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad characterised by a layer facilitating or inhibiting flow in one direction or plane, e.g. a wicking layer the layer having a promotional function on liquid propagation in at least one direction
    • A61F2013/53721Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad characterised by a layer facilitating or inhibiting flow in one direction or plane, e.g. a wicking layer the layer having a promotional function on liquid propagation in at least one direction with capillary means
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    • A61F13/539Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium characterised by the connection of the absorbent layers with each other or with the outer layers
    • A61F2013/5395Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium characterised by the connection of the absorbent layers with each other or with the outer layers with thermoplastic agent, i.e. softened by heat
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    • A61F2013/586Adhesive tab fastener elements on lateral flaps

Definitions

  • ABSTRACT A self-inflating structure wherein some gas evolving material or reagent is sealed.
  • the structure comprises a wall of semipermeable material which is substantially pervious to molecules of an activator material and substantially impervious to free molecules of an evolved or product-of-reaction gas. Such free molecules of gas are provided when molecules of activator material interact or react with the gas evolving material.
  • activator molecules Upon exposing the outside of the semipermeable wall of the structure to molecules of activator material, activator molecules permeate the structure wherein such activator molecules interact with the gas evolving material to provide free molecules of evolved gas or a product-of-reaction gas whereby the structure becomes inflated by the evolved gas.
  • Such selfinflating structures are also disclosed in combination with absorbent materials to provide absorbent products having low pre-inflation bulk.
  • absorbent products include disposable diapers having substantially higher ratios of absorption capacity to weight of absorbent material than otherwise.
  • This invention relates to providing self-inflating structures and related products having relatively low bulk until'activated and inflated.
  • Such products include but are not limited to life preservers, disposable diapers, bed pads, and the like.
  • a major object of the present invention is providing a self-inflating structure which will become inflated upon being permeated by molecules of an activator material.
  • Another object of the present invention is providing a self-inflating structure as described above which is activated by being wetted as by water.
  • Still another object of the present invention is providing a self-inflating structure comprising a plurality of self-inflating sealed compartments such as bubbles or pillows.
  • Yet still another object of the present invention is providing a composite absorbent structure having a relatively low bulk prior to being wetted, and which has a relatively high ratio of absorption capacity to weight of absorbent material.
  • Yet another object of the present invention is provid ing a disposable diaper having a relatively low bulk prior to being wetted, and which has a relatively high ratio of adsorption capacity to weight of absorbent material.
  • a self-inflating structure comprising an inflatable sealed compartment such as a pillow or bubble, and a quantity of gas evolving material disposed within the compartment.
  • the compartment has a wall composed of semipermeable material which is substantially pervious to molecules of an activator material and substantially impervious to molecules of an evolved gas. Upon exposing the exterior of the semipermeable wall to molecules of activator material, some activator molecules permeate the structure wherein they interact with the gas evolving material to provide free molecules of evolved gas whereby the compartment becomes inflated.
  • Such self-inflating structures are used in combination with absorbent materials to provide absorbent products having relatively low bulk until wetted, and which products have relatively high ratios of absorption capacity to weight of absorbent material.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sheet of material comprising a plurality of self-inflating pillow structures.
  • FIG. 2 is a fragmentary enlarged scale perspective view of one self-inflatin g pillow structure of the sheet of material shown in FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the self-inflating pillow structure taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the self-inflating pillow structure of FIG. 3 after being inflated.
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a fragment of a sheet of material comprising self-inflating pillow structures and a pad of absorbent material having apertures in it which apertures are in registration with the self-inflating pillow structures.
  • FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5.
  • FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the pillow structure shown in FIG. 6 after being inflated.
  • FIG. 8 is a partially cut away, plan view of a disposable diaper comprising a plurality of spaced self-inflating pillow structures in registration with apertures in an absorbent pad.
  • FIG. 9 is a fragmentary cross sectional view through a self-inflating pillow structure of the disposable diapers shown in FIG. 8 prior to the pillow structure being inflated.
  • FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of the fragmentary pillow structure shown in FIG. 9 after being inflated.
  • FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a disposable diaper formed into the configuration it would have when secured to an infant.
  • the self-inflating structure 20, FIG. 1, is a preferred embodiment of the present invention which structure comprises a plurality of spaced, individually self-inflating pillows or bubbles 21.
  • Self-inflating structure 20 is a laminate comprising two thermoplastic films: a plain lamina 22; and an embossed lamina 23. Embossed lam ina 23 is so embossed that unembossed areas are disposed intermediate spaced embossed areas.
  • Self-inflating structure 20 is formed by sealingly securing the un embossed areas of lamina 23 to adjacent areas of plain lamina 22 while the embossments of the embossed lamina are substantially collapsed, and by sealing within each substantially collapsed embossment, a quantity of gas evolving material such as reagent 24, FIG. 3.
  • reagent 24 FIG. 3.
  • At least one of the laminae either plain lamina 22 or embossed lamina 23 comprises semipermeable material which is substantially pervious to molecules of an activator material and substantially impervious to molecules of an evolved or product of reaction gas.
  • semipermeable material which is substantially pervious to molecules of an activator material and substantially impervious to molecules of an evolved or product of reaction gas.
  • the time required to inflate self-inflating embodiments of the present invention which embodiments comprise a semipermeable wall is a dependent function of the relative permeability of the semipermeable wall to molecules of activator material, and to the degree and nature of activator material contact with the outside surface of the semipermeable wall.
  • a life preserver would necessarily have to inflate quickly upon being immersed in water, it would not generally be desirable for inflation to occur merely due to exposure to or storage in high humidity environments. Indeed, where inflation of self-inflating products is sought to be achieved by ambient humidity (without immersion), it is believed that products would need to be hermetically sealed until used.
  • the following examples illustrate inflation characteristics of embodiments of the present invention which differences are precipitated by using different semipermeable wall materials. Although all of the structures illustrated in the examples were activated by water and all were inflated by carbon dioxide produced by water reacting with powdered potassium bicarbonate and citric acid, it is not intended to thereby limit the present invention to water activated or carbon dioxide inflated self-inflating structures, or to self-inflating structures containing potassium bicarbonate and citric acid powders.
  • either sodium bicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate can be used in combination with a powdered acid selected from the group consisting of citric acid, tartaric acid, terephthalic acid, salicylic acid, polymaleic acid, and ethylenediamin tetra acetic acid to provide carbon dioxide when wetted.
  • a powdered acid selected from the group consisting of citric acid, tartaric acid, terephthalic acid, salicylic acid, polymaleic acid, and ethylenediamin tetra acetic acid to provide carbon dioxide when wetted.
  • citric acid tartaric acid, or terephthalic acid are substantially more active with respect to liberating carbon dioxide from sodium bicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate than the other combinations.
  • EXAMPLE I Some substantially flat pouches were formed of 1 mil Nylon 6 film. Small quantities of potassium bicarbonate and citric acid powders were placed in each pouch after which each pouch was heat sealed. After being held against moist sponges, there was very little indication of puffing or inflation within 5 minutes. Then. the pouches were immersed in water. There was definite puffing to form firm inflated pillows in less than l minute.
  • EXAMPLE 2 Flattened pouches measuring approximately one inch square were formed of l mil polyvinylchloride. Again, small quantities of potassium bicarbonate and citric acid powders were sealed in each pouch. The
  • EXAMPLE 3 Pouches approximately l inch square were formed from 2 mil Rohm & Haas high Acrylonitrile barrier film, a material which has good barrier properties with respect to carbon dioxide and which is substantially pervious to water. Again, small quantities of powdered potassium bicarbonate and citric acid were sealed in each pouch. Noticeable puffing of each pouch occurred after five minutes when held between wet sponges.
  • the weight of gas evolving material or reagent 24 can be calculated.
  • their weights can be calculated in the following manner which assumes that citric acid powder reacts with water molecules to form hydrogen ions which, in turn, react with the potassium bicarbonate to form carbon dioxide.
  • a substantially collapsed pillow 21 has a volume V, cubic centimeters filled with air at a pressure of P, psia, and that after inflation the pillow has a volume V cubic centimeters filled with the original air and reaction-generated carbon dioxide at a pressure P psia and temperature T; Rankine.
  • N,I cubic centimeters Utilizing the fact that a gram molecular weight of any gas will have a volume of 22,400 standard cubic centimeters, and assuming one carbon atom of each carbon dioxide molecule required will be provided by each molecule of potassium bicarbonate, KHCO and using 100.11 grams as the gram molecular weight of potassium bicarbonate, the weight in grams of potassium bicarbonate required is E/H (N, I'll-100 l (100.11) grams In the same general manner but assuming each molecule of citric acid will provide two hydrogen ions resulting in the liberation of two molecules of carbon dioxide gas, and using 192.12 grams as the gram molecular weight of citric acid powder, the weight in grams of citric acid required is u, /22.400 (96.06 grams SAMPLE CALC
  • V 1 cc of, Air V 5 cc T, T; 532R. P, 14.7 psia P 15.7 psia' The Values of 1 2 fOzv KHf'Oy and CiIric .icm
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a fragment of an absorbent composite structure 30 comprising a self-inflating pillow structure 20, FIG. 7, in combination with a pad 31 of absorbent material having a plurality of spaced apertures 32 through it which apertures 32 are defined by walls 33.
  • the apertures 32 are so disposed in pad 31 that they are in registration with discrete pillows 21 of the self-inflating structure 20.
  • FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of composite structure 30 including one pillow 21 prior to being inflated, and
  • FIG. 7 shows the same cross-section after pillow 21 has been inflated.
  • Absorbent composite structures 30, FIG. 5, comprising self-inflating structures and absorbent pads 31 are particularly well suited for products such as bed pads and disposable diapers because they have low bulk prior to being inflated (activated) while enabling, when inflated, the absorbent material, due in part to its inherent resiliency, to absorb relatively large quantities of liquid as opposed to the amount of liquid such absorbent material could absorb if compressed under the weight of a bed patient, or a sitting or lying infant.
  • Such products indeed have high ratios of absorption capacity to the weight of absorbent material incorporated in them as opposed to similar products not incorporating inflated or inflatable pillow structures. Accordingly, in absorbent composite structures as disclosed herein, the fluid handling function resides in the absorbent material of pad 31 whereas the function of supporting the weight of the user resides in the pillows 21 of the selfinflating structure 20 after such pillows are inflated.
  • the self-inflating pillow structure 20 of absorbent structure 30, FIG. 5 may be a laminate comprising a plain (unembossed) lamina 22 and an embossed lamina 23 which are sealingly secured together to form a plurality of spaced, substantially collapsed pillows 21 having a semipermeable wall, and within which pillows 21 is sealed a quantity of gasevolving material 24, FIGS. 6 and 7.
  • non-absorbent products comprising self-inflating embodiments of the present invention can have any wall composed of semipermeable material
  • the composite structures 30, FIGS. 5 through 7 require that the wall adjacent absorbent pad 31 be of semipermeable material.
  • embossed lamina 23 must be of semipermeable material which is substantially pervious to the liquid sought to be absorbed in pad 31, and substantially impervious to gas evolved within pillows 21 by the interaction of such liquid which permeates lamina 23 with the gas evolving material 24 disposed within pillows 21.
  • a substantially impervious plain lamina 22 prevents fluids such as urine from soaking the bedding disposed subjacent the bed pad while the embossed lamina 23 of semipermeable material enables inflation of pillows 21 to occur.
  • the users body weight is supported by inflated pillows 21, after being wetted, whereby pad 31 of absorbent material can absorb substantially more liquid than when compressed by the users body weight.
  • the greater ab sorption capacity is also due in part to the expansion of pad 31 due to the inherent resiliency of most absorbent materials when the weight of the user is raised above pad 31 by inflating the pillows 21.
  • FIGS. 4 and 7 indicate pillows which are essentially dome-shape bubbles, it will be apparent to persons skilled in the art that a broad variety of cross sectional shapes could be used. In any event, inasmuch as the primary advantage of the instant structure is its enhanced absorbency under external load, it is advantageous to maintain sufficient supporting ability in the inflatable structure to resist collapse under loads of a size which are likely to be applied to the product during use.
  • Suitable absorbent materials for absorbent pads 31 include essentially any hydrophilic material whose shape can be adapted to provide the apertured configuration with respect to the self-inflating bubble structure.
  • suitable absorbent materials include a plurality of superposed plys of creped cellulose wadding and/or hydrophilic fiber aggregates prepared by either wet laying or air laying procedures well known in the art, and/or hydrophilic foams as disclosed in US Pat. No. 3,794,029 issued Feb. 26, 1974 to Mr. Bernard A. Dulle.
  • low density air laid materials are a preferred class of absorbent material for use in composite absorbent structures 30, FIGS. 5 through 7.
  • FIG. 8 A disposable diaper embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 8, which diaper 40 comprises a laminated back sheet 200 comprising a substantially impervious lamina 222, FIG. 9, and a semipermeable lamina 223, an absorbent pad 31, a hydrophilic wicking sheet 228, and a hydrophobic top sheet 229.
  • FIG. 9 a cross sectional view of a fragmentary portion of the disposable diaper 40 of FIG. 8 comprising one self-inflatable pillow 21 is shown in enlarged scale. Because of the natural resilience of absorbent pads 31, when a users body weight is applied to the top of this structure, it is compressed sufficiently to place the down wardly facing surface of the wicking sheet 228 in contact with the upwardly facing surface of laminas 23 defining the substantially collapsed pillow 21.
  • the wicking sheet distributes moisture across a relatively large surface of the portion of laminas 223 defining pillows 21 whereupon moisture permeates the wall of lamina 223 and reacts with the gas evolving material 24 to cause the release of carbon dioxide which then inflates pillows 21 to the configuration shown in FIG. 10.
  • the body weight of the user becomes supported by the inflated pillows 21 whereupon the resilience of absorbent pad 31 causes it to expand whereby its absorption capacity is substantially increased over its absorption capacity when compressed by the body weight of the user.
  • FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the disposable diaper 40 shown in FIG. 8 indicating the configuration of the diaper when applied to an infant.
  • An absorbent composite structure comprising a self-inflating pillow structured laminated backsheet comprising a plurality of spaced substantially collapsed inflatable pillows, and an absorbent pad, said laminated backsheet comprising a plain lamina of substantially water impermeable thermoplastic film, an embossed lamina of semipermeable thermoplastic film which is substantially water permeable, and a predetermined amount of water-reactive gas-evolving reagent, said embossed lamina having a plurality of pillow forming embossments formed therein which are spaced by unembossed areas of said embossed lamina, said pillows being formed by sealingly securing said unembossed areas of said embossed lamina to adjacent portions of said plain lamina while said embossments are substantially collapsed and with a predetermined quantity of said reagent disposed within each said embossment.
  • said absorbent pad having a plurality of spaced aper- 8 tures therethrough which are so spaced and configured to accommodate said pillows.
  • said absorbent pad being secured to said embossed lamina of said laminated backsheet with said pillows in registration with said apertures whereby said pillows extend through said apertures when inflated by gas evolved by said reagent when water permeates said embossments of said embossed portions of said pillows formed from said embossed lamina and said water reacts with said reagent.
  • thermoplastic film is substantially impermeable to carbon dioxide and said reagent comprises material which will react with water to evolve carbon dioxide.
  • said reagent comprises a predetermined quantity of a powdered acid selected from the group consisting of citric acid, tartaric acid, terephthalic acid, salicylic acid, polymaleic acid, and ethylenediamin tetra acetic acid in combination with a predetermined amount of bicarbonate selected from the group consisting of sodium sicarbonate and potassium sicarbonate.

Abstract

A self-inflating structure wherein some gas evolving material or reagent is sealed. The structure comprises a wall of semipermeable material which is substantially pervious to molecules of an activator material and substantially impervious to free molecules of an evolved or product-of-reaction gas. Such free molecules of gas are provided when molecules of activator material interact or react with the gas evolving material. Upon exposing the outside of the semipermeable wall of the structure to molecules of activator material, activator molecules permeate the structure wherein such activator molecules interact with the gas evolving material to provide free molecules of evolved gas or a product-of-reaction gas whereby the structure becomes inflated by the evolved gas. Such self-inflating structures are also disclosed in combination with absorbent materials to provide absorbent products having low pre-inflation bulk. Such absorbent products include disposable diapers having substantially higher ratios of absorption capacity to weight of absorbent material than otherwise.

Description

United States Patent [191 Whyte 51 Nov. 25, 1975 SELF-INFLATING STRUCTURE [75] Inventor: David Denzil Whyte, Wyoming,
Ohio
[73] Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company,
- Cincinnati, Ohio [22] Filed: Feb. 20, 1975 [21] Appl. No.: 551,443
Related U.S. Application Data [62] Division of Ser. No. 456,510, March 29, 1974, Pat.
[52] U.S. Cl.:.... 5/91; 5/348 R [51] Int. Cl. A61G 7/04; A47C 27/08 [58] Field of Search 5/90, 91, 348 R; '161/127,
161/17; 156/156; 128/287, 290 R, 284, 290 P, 290 B, 296; 9/321; 297/DlG. 3
[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,112,186 9/1914 Anderson 9/321 1,771,730 7/1930 Marcks 9/321 3,004,269 10/1961 Dillier 9/321 3,231,454 1/1966 Wi11iams..... 297/D1G. 3
3,282,533 11/1966 Spain 161/17 3,812,001 5/1974 Ryan 128/296 3,888,256 6/1975 Studlinger 128/287 Primary Examiner-Paul R. Gilliam Assistant Examiner-Andrew M. Calvert Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Thomas J. Slone; John V. Gorman; Richard C. Witte [57] ABSTRACT A self-inflating structure wherein some gas evolving material or reagent is sealed. The structure comprises a wall of semipermeable material which is substantially pervious to molecules of an activator material and substantially impervious to free molecules of an evolved or product-of-reaction gas. Such free molecules of gas are provided when molecules of activator material interact or react with the gas evolving material. Upon exposing the outside of the semipermeable wall of the structure to molecules of activator material, activator molecules permeate the structure wherein such activator molecules interact with the gas evolving material to provide free molecules of evolved gas or a product-of-reaction gas whereby the structure becomes inflated by the evolved gas. Such selfinflating structures are also disclosed in combination with absorbent materials to provide absorbent products having low pre-inflation bulk. Such absorbent products include disposable diapers having substantially higher ratios of absorption capacity to weight of absorbent material than otherwise.
4 Claims, 11 Drawing Figures U.S. Patent Nov. 25, 1975 Sheet10f2 3,921,232
US. Patent Nov. 25, 1975 Sheet20f2 3,921,232
Fig. 9
2| 223 22e 33 3% I l SELF-INFLATING STRUCTURE This is a division of application Ser. No. 456,510, filed Mar. 29, I974, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,849,033.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to providing self-inflating structures and related products having relatively low bulk until'activated and inflated. Such products include but are not limited to life preservers, disposable diapers, bed pads, and the like.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Auto-inflatable structures per se are not new. For in stance, a Temperature Actuated Inflation Device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,268,184 issued Aug. 23, 1966 to Mr. Allan M. Biggar et al. Also, life preservers which are inflated upon being immersed in water by gas released from pressurized cartridges are known to be old. None of the known prior art discloses, however, pluralcompartment self-inflating structures as provided by the present invention which compartments are individually inflated at the point of use at the time of need as a dependent function of being used.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION The nature and substance of the instant invention will be more readily appreciated after giving consideration to its major aims and purposes. The principal objects of the invention are recited in the ensuing paragraphs in order to provide a better appreciation of its important aspects prior to describing the details of a preferred embodiment and other embodiments in later portions of this description.
A major object of the present invention is providing a self-inflating structure which will become inflated upon being permeated by molecules of an activator material.
Another object of the present invention is providing a self-inflating structure as described above which is activated by being wetted as by water.
Still another object of the present invention is providing a self-inflating structure comprising a plurality of self-inflating sealed compartments such as bubbles or pillows.
Yet still another object of the present invention is providing a composite absorbent structure having a relatively low bulk prior to being wetted, and which has a relatively high ratio of absorption capacity to weight of absorbent material.
Yet another object of the present invention is provid ing a disposable diaper having a relatively low bulk prior to being wetted, and which has a relatively high ratio of adsorption capacity to weight of absorbent material.
These and other objects of the present invention are achieved by providing a self-inflating structure comprising an inflatable sealed compartment such as a pillow or bubble, and a quantity of gas evolving material disposed within the compartment. The compartment has a wall composed of semipermeable material which is substantially pervious to molecules of an activator material and substantially impervious to molecules of an evolved gas. Upon exposing the exterior of the semipermeable wall to molecules of activator material, some activator molecules permeate the structure wherein they interact with the gas evolving material to provide free molecules of evolved gas whereby the compartment becomes inflated. Such self-inflating structures are used in combination with absorbent materials to provide absorbent products having relatively low bulk until wetted, and which products have relatively high ratios of absorption capacity to weight of absorbent material.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter regarded as forming the present invention, it is believed the invention will be better understood from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sheet of material comprising a plurality of self-inflating pillow structures.
FIG. 2 is a fragmentary enlarged scale perspective view of one self-inflatin g pillow structure of the sheet of material shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the self-inflating pillow structure taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the self-inflating pillow structure of FIG. 3 after being inflated.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a fragment of a sheet of material comprising self-inflating pillow structures and a pad of absorbent material having apertures in it which apertures are in registration with the self-inflating pillow structures.
FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5.
FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the pillow structure shown in FIG. 6 after being inflated.
FIG. 8 is a partially cut away, plan view of a disposable diaper comprising a plurality of spaced self-inflating pillow structures in registration with apertures in an absorbent pad.
FIG. 9 is a fragmentary cross sectional view through a self-inflating pillow structure of the disposable diapers shown in FIG. 8 prior to the pillow structure being inflated.
FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of the fragmentary pillow structure shown in FIG. 9 after being inflated.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a disposable diaper formed into the configuration it would have when secured to an infant.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The self-inflating structure 20, FIG. 1, is a preferred embodiment of the present invention which structure comprises a plurality of spaced, individually self-inflating pillows or bubbles 21. Self-inflating structure 20 is a laminate comprising two thermoplastic films: a plain lamina 22; and an embossed lamina 23. Embossed lam ina 23 is so embossed that unembossed areas are disposed intermediate spaced embossed areas. Self-inflating structure 20 is formed by sealingly securing the un embossed areas of lamina 23 to adjacent areas of plain lamina 22 while the embossments of the embossed lamina are substantially collapsed, and by sealing within each substantially collapsed embossment, a quantity of gas evolving material such as reagent 24, FIG. 3. Thus, when the thermoplastic laminae are secured together as by fusing or thermowelding, the spaced embossments become a plurality of substantially collapsed, inflatable pillows 21 which are disposed in spaced relation.
At least one of the laminae, either plain lamina 22 or embossed lamina 23 comprises semipermeable material which is substantially pervious to molecules of an activator material and substantially impervious to molecules of an evolved or product of reaction gas. For instance, by making embossed lamina 23 of material which is substantially pervious to water molecules, and substantially impervious to carbon dioxide molecules, and by placing a quantity of material 24 in each collapsed pillow 21 which material will release carbon dioxide when acted upon by water molecules, each pillow 21 of structure becomes inflated independently as indicated in FIG. 4.
The time required to inflate self-inflating embodiments of the present invention which embodiments comprise a semipermeable wall is a dependent function of the relative permeability of the semipermeable wall to molecules of activator material, and to the degree and nature of activator material contact with the outside surface of the semipermeable wall.
Whereas some embodiments of the present invention such as a life preserver would necessarily have to inflate quickly upon being immersed in water, it would not generally be desirable for inflation to occur merely due to exposure to or storage in high humidity environments. Indeed, where inflation of self-inflating products is sought to be achieved by ambient humidity (without immersion), it is believed that products would need to be hermetically sealed until used.
The following examples illustrate inflation characteristics of embodiments of the present invention which differences are precipitated by using different semipermeable wall materials. Although all of the structures illustrated in the examples were activated by water and all were inflated by carbon dioxide produced by water reacting with powdered potassium bicarbonate and citric acid, it is not intended to thereby limit the present invention to water activated or carbon dioxide inflated self-inflating structures, or to self-inflating structures containing potassium bicarbonate and citric acid powders. Indeed, either sodium bicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate can be used in combination with a powdered acid selected from the group consisting of citric acid, tartaric acid, terephthalic acid, salicylic acid, polymaleic acid, and ethylenediamin tetra acetic acid to provide carbon dioxide when wetted. Of these, the combinations comprising citric acid tartaric acid, or terephthalic acid are substantially more active with respect to liberating carbon dioxide from sodium bicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate than the other combinations.
EXAMPLE I Some substantially flat pouches were formed of 1 mil Nylon 6 film. Small quantities of potassium bicarbonate and citric acid powders were placed in each pouch after which each pouch was heat sealed. After being held against moist sponges, there was very little indication of puffing or inflation within 5 minutes. Then. the pouches were immersed in water. There was definite puffing to form firm inflated pillows in less than l minute.
EXAMPLE 2 Flattened pouches measuring approximately one inch square were formed of l mil polyvinylchloride. Again, small quantities of potassium bicarbonate and citric acid powders were sealed in each pouch. The
pouches were placed in warm water. Noticeable puffing occurred within 5 minutes and the pouches were firmly inflated after 15 minutes.
EXAMPLE 3 Pouches approximately l inch square were formed from 2 mil Rohm & Haas high Acrylonitrile barrier film, a material which has good barrier properties with respect to carbon dioxide and which is substantially pervious to water. Again, small quantities of powdered potassium bicarbonate and citric acid were sealed in each pouch. Noticeable puffing of each pouch occurred after five minutes when held between wet sponges.
METHOD OF CALCULATING QUANTITY OF REAGENT REQUIRED For specific embodiments of the present invention such as providing pillows 21 having predetermined volumes at predetermined pressures, the weight of gas evolving material or reagent 24 can be calculated. For instance, for embodiments containing powdered citric acid and potassium bicarbonate, their weights can be calculated in the following manner which assumes that citric acid powder reacts with water molecules to form hydrogen ions which, in turn, react with the potassium bicarbonate to form carbon dioxide.
Assume, prior to inflation, a substantially collapsed pillow 21 has a volume V, cubic centimeters filled with air at a pressure of P, psia, and that after inflation the pillow has a volume V cubic centimeters filled with the original air and reaction-generated carbon dioxide at a pressure P psia and temperature T; Rankine.
The number N of standard cubic centimeters of air plus carbon dioxide required at the standard pressure of 14.7 psia and the standard temperature of 492 Rankine is determined by the equation A: V. (lg/14.7) (492/7 cubic centimeters The number N, of standard cubic centimeters of V,
(air) is determined by the equation N, V, (I,,l4.7) (492/T,) cubic centimeters Therefore, the number N of standard cubic centimeters of carbon dioxide required to effect the desired inflation is N,I cubic centimeters Utilizing the fact that a gram molecular weight of any gas will have a volume of 22,400 standard cubic centimeters, and assuming one carbon atom of each carbon dioxide molecule required will be provided by each molecule of potassium bicarbonate, KHCO and using 100.11 grams as the gram molecular weight of potassium bicarbonate, the weight in grams of potassium bicarbonate required is E/H (N, I'll-100 l (100.11) grams In the same general manner but assuming each molecule of citric acid will provide two hydrogen ions resulting in the liberation of two molecules of carbon dioxide gas, and using 192.12 grams as the gram molecular weight of citric acid powder, the weight in grams of citric acid required is u, /22.400 (96.06 grams SAMPLE CALCULATION Referring to the above Method of Calculating Quantity of Reagent Required and assuming the following:
V 1 cc of, Air V 5 cc T, T; 532R. P, 14.7 psia P 15.7 psia' The Values of 1 2 fOzv KHf'Oy and CiIric .icm
are:
N, l (492/532) =0.925 CC Air Z11 STP N 5 (l5. 7/l4.7) (492/532) =4.939 CC at STP N,- 4,0l4 cc CO, at STP W (4.0l4/22AUO) (100d 1 l 0.0179 gm. W m- (4.0l4/22,400) (96.06) 0.0l72 gm.
ABSORBENT EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a fragment of an absorbent composite structure 30 comprising a self-inflating pillow structure 20, FIG. 7, in combination with a pad 31 of absorbent material having a plurality of spaced apertures 32 through it which apertures 32 are defined by walls 33. The apertures 32 are so disposed in pad 31 that they are in registration with discrete pillows 21 of the self-inflating structure 20. FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of composite structure 30 including one pillow 21 prior to being inflated, and
FIG. 7 shows the same cross-section after pillow 21 has been inflated. v
Absorbent composite structures 30, FIG. 5, comprising self-inflating structures and absorbent pads 31 are particularly well suited for products such as bed pads and disposable diapers because they have low bulk prior to being inflated (activated) while enabling, when inflated, the absorbent material, due in part to its inherent resiliency, to absorb relatively large quantities of liquid as opposed to the amount of liquid such absorbent material could absorb if compressed under the weight of a bed patient, or a sitting or lying infant. Such products indeed have high ratios of absorption capacity to the weight of absorbent material incorporated in them as opposed to similar products not incorporating inflated or inflatable pillow structures. Accordingly, in absorbent composite structures as disclosed herein, the fluid handling function resides in the absorbent material of pad 31 whereas the function of supporting the weight of the user resides in the pillows 21 of the selfinflating structure 20 after such pillows are inflated.
As described hereinbefore with respect to the selfinflating structure 20, FIG. 1, the self-inflating pillow structure 20 of absorbent structure 30, FIG. 5, may be a laminate comprising a plain (unembossed) lamina 22 and an embossed lamina 23 which are sealingly secured together to form a plurality of spaced, substantially collapsed pillows 21 having a semipermeable wall, and within which pillows 21 is sealed a quantity of gasevolving material 24, FIGS. 6 and 7. However, whereas non-absorbent products comprising self-inflating embodiments of the present invention can have any wall composed of semipermeable material, the composite structures 30, FIGS. 5 through 7, require that the wall adjacent absorbent pad 31 be of semipermeable material. That is, for composite structures comprising laminated self-inflating structures 20, embossed lamina 23 must be of semipermeable material which is substantially pervious to the liquid sought to be absorbed in pad 31, and substantially impervious to gas evolved within pillows 21 by the interaction of such liquid which permeates lamina 23 with the gas evolving material 24 disposed within pillows 21.
When composite structure 30, FIG. 5, is configured for use as a bed pad, for instance, a substantially impervious plain lamina 22 prevents fluids such as urine from soaking the bedding disposed subjacent the bed pad while the embossed lamina 23 of semipermeable material enables inflation of pillows 21 to occur. Thus, the users body weight is supported by inflated pillows 21, after being wetted, whereby pad 31 of absorbent material can absorb substantially more liquid than when compressed by the users body weight. The greater ab sorption capacity is also due in part to the expansion of pad 31 due to the inherent resiliency of most absorbent materials when the weight of the user is raised above pad 31 by inflating the pillows 21.
The size, shape and positioning of pillows 21 of selfinflating structures 20 will depend primarily upon the desired properties of the ultimate products. Although FIGS. 4 and 7 indicate pillows which are essentially dome-shape bubbles, it will be apparent to persons skilled in the art that a broad variety of cross sectional shapes could be used. In any event, inasmuch as the primary advantage of the instant structure is its enhanced absorbency under external load, it is advantageous to maintain sufficient supporting ability in the inflatable structure to resist collapse under loads of a size which are likely to be applied to the product during use.
Suitable absorbent materials for absorbent pads 31 include essentially any hydrophilic material whose shape can be adapted to provide the apertured configuration with respect to the self-inflating bubble structure. For example, suitable absorbent materials include a plurality of superposed plys of creped cellulose wadding and/or hydrophilic fiber aggregates prepared by either wet laying or air laying procedures well known in the art, and/or hydrophilic foams as disclosed in US Pat. No. 3,794,029 issued Feb. 26, 1974 to Mr. Bernard A. Dulle. However, low density air laid materials are a preferred class of absorbent material for use in composite absorbent structures 30, FIGS. 5 through 7.
DISPOSABLE DIAPER EMBODIMENT A disposable diaper embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 8, which diaper 40 comprises a laminated back sheet 200 comprising a substantially impervious lamina 222, FIG. 9, and a semipermeable lamina 223, an absorbent pad 31, a hydrophilic wicking sheet 228, and a hydrophobic top sheet 229.
Referring to FIG. 9, a cross sectional view of a fragmentary portion of the disposable diaper 40 of FIG. 8 comprising one self-inflatable pillow 21 is shown in enlarged scale. Because of the natural resilience of absorbent pads 31, when a users body weight is applied to the top of this structure, it is compressed sufficiently to place the down wardly facing surface of the wicking sheet 228 in contact with the upwardly facing surface of laminas 23 defining the substantially collapsed pillow 21. Then, upon wetting of the product from the upwardly facing side, the wicking sheet distributes moisture across a relatively large surface of the portion of laminas 223 defining pillows 21 whereupon moisture permeates the wall of lamina 223 and reacts with the gas evolving material 24 to cause the release of carbon dioxide which then inflates pillows 21 to the configuration shown in FIG. 10. Thus, the body weight of the user becomes supported by the inflated pillows 21 whereupon the resilience of absorbent pad 31 causes it to expand whereby its absorption capacity is substantially increased over its absorption capacity when compressed by the body weight of the user.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the disposable diaper 40 shown in FIG. 8 indicating the configuration of the diaper when applied to an infant.
While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is intended, therefore, to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.
What is claimed is:
1. An absorbent composite structure comprising a self-inflating pillow structured laminated backsheet comprising a plurality of spaced substantially collapsed inflatable pillows, and an absorbent pad, said laminated backsheet comprising a plain lamina of substantially water impermeable thermoplastic film, an embossed lamina of semipermeable thermoplastic film which is substantially water permeable, and a predetermined amount of water-reactive gas-evolving reagent, said embossed lamina having a plurality of pillow forming embossments formed therein which are spaced by unembossed areas of said embossed lamina, said pillows being formed by sealingly securing said unembossed areas of said embossed lamina to adjacent portions of said plain lamina while said embossments are substantially collapsed and with a predetermined quantity of said reagent disposed within each said embossment. said absorbent pad having a plurality of spaced aper- 8 tures therethrough which are so spaced and configured to accommodate said pillows. said absorbent pad being secured to said embossed lamina of said laminated backsheet with said pillows in registration with said apertures whereby said pillows extend through said apertures when inflated by gas evolved by said reagent when water permeates said embossments of said embossed portions of said pillows formed from said embossed lamina and said water reacts with said reagent.
2. The absorbent composite structure of claim 1 wherein said semipermeable thermoplastic film is substantially impermeable to carbon dioxide and said reagent comprises material which will react with water to evolve carbon dioxide.
3. The absorbent composite structure of claim 2 wherein said reagent comprises a predetermined quantity of a powdered acid selected from the group consisting of citric acid, tartaric acid, terephthalic acid, salicylic acid, polymaleic acid, and ethylenediamin tetra acetic acid in combination with a predetermined amount of bicarbonate selected from the group consisting of sodium sicarbonate and potassium sicarbonate.
4. The absorbent composite structure 6f claim 2 wherein said reagent comprises predetermined weights of potassium bicarbonate and citric acid powders.

Claims (4)

1. An absorbent composite structure comprising a self-inflating pillow structured laminated backsheet comprising a plurality of spaced substantially collapsed inflatable pillows, and an absorbent pad, said laminated backsheet comprising a plain lamina of substantially water impermeable thermoplastic film, an embossed lamina of semipermeable thermoplastic film which is substantially water permeable, and a predetermined amount of water-reactive gas-evolving reagent, said embossed lamina having a plurality of pillow forming embossments formed therein which are spaced by unembossed areas of said embossed lamina, said pillows being formed by sealingly securing said unembossed areas of said embossed lamina to adjacent portions of said plain lamina while said embossments are substantially collapsed and with a predetermined quantity of said reagent disposed within each said embossment, said absorbent pad having a plurality of spaced apertures therethrough which are so spaced and configured to accommodate said pillows, said absorbent pad being secured to said embossed lamina of said laminated backsheet with said pillows in registration with said apertures whereby said pillows extend through said apertures when inflated by gas evolved by said reagent when water permeates said embossments of said eMbossed portions of said pillows formed from said embossed lamina and said water reacts with said reagent.
2. The absorbent composite structure of claim 1 wherein said semipermeable thermoplastic film is substantially impermeable to carbon dioxide and said reagent comprises material which will react with water to evolve carbon dioxide.
3. The absorbent composite structure of claim 2 wherein said reagent comprises a predetermined quantity of a powdered acid selected from the group consisting of citric acid, tartaric acid, terephthalic acid, salicylic acid, polymaleic acid, and ethylenediamin tetra acetic acid in combination with a predetermined amount of bicarbonate selected from the group consisting of sodium bicarbonate and potassium bicarbonate.
4. The absorbent composite structure of claim 2 wherein said reagent comprises predetermined weights of potassium bicarbonate and citric acid powders.
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Cited By (47)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2406965A1 (en) * 1976-04-23 1979-05-25 Colgate Palmolive Co ABSORBENT ARTICLE
US4614000A (en) * 1984-06-19 1986-09-30 Pacon Manufacturing Corp. Patient undersheet for preventing bed sores
US5330459A (en) * 1993-06-23 1994-07-19 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable absorbent article having an inflatable spacer
WO1995000089A1 (en) * 1993-06-23 1995-01-05 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable absorbent article with selectively expandable or inflatable components
US5520674A (en) * 1994-05-31 1996-05-28 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable absorbent article having a sealed expandable component
US5582604A (en) * 1994-05-31 1996-12-10 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable absorbent article having a pump and an inflatable component
US6149636A (en) * 1998-06-29 2000-11-21 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable article having proactive sensors
US6160198A (en) * 1998-06-29 2000-12-12 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable article having a discontinuous responsive system
US6186991B1 (en) 1998-06-29 2001-02-13 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable article having a responsive system including a mechanical actuator
WO2001050998A2 (en) * 2000-01-11 2001-07-19 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable absorbent article with selectively expandable components
US6342037B1 (en) 1998-06-29 2002-01-29 The Procter & Gamble Company Device having fecal component sensor
US6359190B1 (en) 1998-06-29 2002-03-19 The Procter & Gamble Company Device for measuring the volume of a body cavity
US6372951B1 (en) 1998-06-29 2002-04-16 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable article having sensor to detect impending elimination of bodily waste
US6384296B1 (en) 1998-06-29 2002-05-07 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable article having a responsive system including an electrical actuator
US6395955B1 (en) 1998-06-29 2002-05-28 The Procter & Gamble Company Diaper including feces modification agent
US6407308B1 (en) 1998-06-29 2002-06-18 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable article having sensor to detect impending elimination of bodily waste
US6423045B1 (en) 2000-01-11 2002-07-23 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable garment having an expandable component
US6428522B1 (en) 1999-08-31 2002-08-06 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Absorbent article with body-conforming bladder having peristaltic elements
US6433244B1 (en) 1998-06-29 2002-08-13 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable treatment article having a responsive system
US6458110B1 (en) 2000-01-11 2002-10-01 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable article having an expandable component
US6486379B1 (en) 1999-10-01 2002-11-26 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Absorbent article with central pledget and deformation control
US6492574B1 (en) 1999-10-01 2002-12-10 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Center-fill absorbent article with a wicking barrier and central rising member
US6524292B1 (en) 1999-08-31 2003-02-25 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Three dimensional body-conforming bladder for an absorbent article
US6610038B1 (en) 1999-08-31 2003-08-26 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Body-conforming bladder insert for an absorbent article with a body-fitting mechanism
US6613955B1 (en) 1999-10-01 2003-09-02 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Absorbent articles with wicking barrier cuffs
US6613029B1 (en) 1999-04-28 2003-09-02 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Vapor swept diaper
US6660903B1 (en) 1999-10-01 2003-12-09 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Center-fill absorbent article with a central rising member
US6695828B1 (en) 1999-08-31 2004-02-24 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Method for enhancing fluid intake and distribution of an absorbent article
US6700034B1 (en) 1999-10-01 2004-03-02 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Absorbent article with unitary absorbent layer for center fill performance
US6764477B1 (en) 1999-10-01 2004-07-20 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Center-fill absorbent article with reusable frame member
US6770064B1 (en) * 1996-12-30 2004-08-03 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Internally heated absorbent article
US20040237346A1 (en) * 2003-05-28 2004-12-02 Rudy Marion Franklin Self-inflating cushion and footwear including same
WO2005018558A2 (en) * 2003-08-20 2005-03-03 The Procter & Gamble Company Self-inflating article
US20050228349A1 (en) * 2004-04-13 2005-10-13 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Toilet training article containing a foaming agent
US7037571B2 (en) 2000-12-28 2006-05-02 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Disposable shoe liner
US20070209118A1 (en) * 2006-03-10 2007-09-13 Gaymar Industries, Inc. Deployable and/or retractable mattress bolsters
US20070293840A1 (en) * 2006-06-14 2007-12-20 3M Innovative Properties Company Absorbent article with seal and method of manufacturing
US20090036856A1 (en) * 2007-07-31 2009-02-05 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Triggerable self-generating liquid foam barrier/interceptor
US7772455B1 (en) 1997-11-14 2010-08-10 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable article providing improved management of bodily exudates
US7896858B2 (en) 2006-12-04 2011-03-01 The Procter & Gamble Company Absorbent articles comprising graphics
US20110172629A1 (en) * 2005-12-16 2011-07-14 Donald Carroll Roe Disposable Absorbent Article Having Side Panels with Structurally, Functionally and Visually Different Regions
US8057450B2 (en) 2006-03-31 2011-11-15 The Procter & Gamble Company Absorbent article with sensation member
US8491558B2 (en) 2006-03-31 2013-07-23 The Procter & Gamble Company Absorbent article with impregnated sensation material for toilet training
US8664467B2 (en) 2006-03-31 2014-03-04 The Procter & Gamble Company Absorbent articles with feedback signal upon urination
USRE45716E1 (en) 1998-12-18 2015-10-06 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable absorbent garment having stretchable side waist regions
WO2017147057A1 (en) * 2016-02-22 2017-08-31 Castrogiovanni Nicole Disposable absorbent pants with containment system
US10687988B2 (en) 2012-05-15 2020-06-23 The Procter & Gamble Company Absorbent article having characteristic waist ends

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Cited By (87)

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FR2406965A1 (en) * 1976-04-23 1979-05-25 Colgate Palmolive Co ABSORBENT ARTICLE
US4614000A (en) * 1984-06-19 1986-09-30 Pacon Manufacturing Corp. Patient undersheet for preventing bed sores
US6666850B1 (en) 1993-06-23 2003-12-23 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable absorbent article with selectively expandable components
WO1995000090A1 (en) * 1993-06-23 1995-01-05 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable absorbent article having an inflatable spacer
WO1995000089A1 (en) * 1993-06-23 1995-01-05 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable absorbent article with selectively expandable or inflatable components
US5997520A (en) * 1993-06-23 1999-12-07 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable absorbent article with selectively expandable or inflatable components
US6180847B1 (en) 1993-06-23 2001-01-30 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable absorbent article with selectively expandable or inflatable components
US5330459A (en) * 1993-06-23 1994-07-19 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable absorbent article having an inflatable spacer
US5520674A (en) * 1994-05-31 1996-05-28 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable absorbent article having a sealed expandable component
US5582604A (en) * 1994-05-31 1996-12-10 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable absorbent article having a pump and an inflatable component
US5643241A (en) * 1994-05-31 1997-07-01 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable absorbent article having a pump and an inflatable component
US6770064B1 (en) * 1996-12-30 2004-08-03 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Internally heated absorbent article
US8981177B2 (en) 1997-11-14 2015-03-17 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable article providing improved management of bodily exudates
US7772455B1 (en) 1997-11-14 2010-08-10 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable article providing improved management of bodily exudates
US6342037B1 (en) 1998-06-29 2002-01-29 The Procter & Gamble Company Device having fecal component sensor
US6407308B1 (en) 1998-06-29 2002-06-18 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable article having sensor to detect impending elimination of bodily waste
US6149636A (en) * 1998-06-29 2000-11-21 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable article having proactive sensors
US6359190B1 (en) 1998-06-29 2002-03-19 The Procter & Gamble Company Device for measuring the volume of a body cavity
US6372951B1 (en) 1998-06-29 2002-04-16 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable article having sensor to detect impending elimination of bodily waste
US6384296B1 (en) 1998-06-29 2002-05-07 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable article having a responsive system including an electrical actuator
US6395955B1 (en) 1998-06-29 2002-05-28 The Procter & Gamble Company Diaper including feces modification agent
US6570053B2 (en) 1998-06-29 2003-05-27 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable article having a proactive sensor
US6186991B1 (en) 1998-06-29 2001-02-13 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable article having a responsive system including a mechanical actuator
US6266557B1 (en) 1998-06-29 2001-07-24 The Procter & Gamble Company Biofeedback device for an incontinent person
US6433244B1 (en) 1998-06-29 2002-08-13 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable treatment article having a responsive system
US6160198A (en) * 1998-06-29 2000-12-12 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable article having a discontinuous responsive system
USRE45716E1 (en) 1998-12-18 2015-10-06 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable absorbent garment having stretchable side waist regions
US6613029B1 (en) 1999-04-28 2003-09-02 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Vapor swept diaper
US6428522B1 (en) 1999-08-31 2002-08-06 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Absorbent article with body-conforming bladder having peristaltic elements
US6524292B1 (en) 1999-08-31 2003-02-25 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Three dimensional body-conforming bladder for an absorbent article
US6610038B1 (en) 1999-08-31 2003-08-26 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Body-conforming bladder insert for an absorbent article with a body-fitting mechanism
US6695828B1 (en) 1999-08-31 2004-02-24 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Method for enhancing fluid intake and distribution of an absorbent article
US6660903B1 (en) 1999-10-01 2003-12-09 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Center-fill absorbent article with a central rising member
US6613955B1 (en) 1999-10-01 2003-09-02 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Absorbent articles with wicking barrier cuffs
US6677498B2 (en) 1999-10-01 2004-01-13 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Center-fill absorbent article with a wicking barrier and central rising member
US6689935B2 (en) 1999-10-01 2004-02-10 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Absorbent article with central pledget and deformation control
US6492574B1 (en) 1999-10-01 2002-12-10 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Center-fill absorbent article with a wicking barrier and central rising member
US6700034B1 (en) 1999-10-01 2004-03-02 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Absorbent article with unitary absorbent layer for center fill performance
US6764477B1 (en) 1999-10-01 2004-07-20 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Center-fill absorbent article with reusable frame member
US6486379B1 (en) 1999-10-01 2002-11-26 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Absorbent article with central pledget and deformation control
US6458110B1 (en) 2000-01-11 2002-10-01 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable article having an expandable component
US6423045B1 (en) 2000-01-11 2002-07-23 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable garment having an expandable component
WO2001050998A3 (en) * 2000-01-11 2002-01-17 Procter & Gamble Disposable absorbent article with selectively expandable components
WO2001050998A2 (en) * 2000-01-11 2001-07-19 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable absorbent article with selectively expandable components
US7037571B2 (en) 2000-12-28 2006-05-02 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Disposable shoe liner
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US20090013557A1 (en) * 2003-05-28 2009-01-15 Marion Franklin Rudy Self-inflating cushion and footwear including same
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US7879417B2 (en) 2003-05-28 2011-02-01 Robert C. Bogert Self-inflating cushion and footwear including same
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US20040237346A1 (en) * 2003-05-28 2004-12-02 Rudy Marion Franklin Self-inflating cushion and footwear including same
US7396574B2 (en) 2003-05-28 2008-07-08 Robert C. Bogert Self-inflating cushion and footwear including same
US20060171997A1 (en) * 2003-08-20 2006-08-03 Gruenbacher Dana P Self-inflating article
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US20050228349A1 (en) * 2004-04-13 2005-10-13 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Toilet training article containing a foaming agent
US7002055B2 (en) * 2004-04-13 2006-02-21 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Toilet training article containing a foaming agent
US8697937B2 (en) 2005-12-16 2014-04-15 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable absorbent article having side panels with structurally, functionally and visually different regions
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US20110172629A1 (en) * 2005-12-16 2011-07-14 Donald Carroll Roe Disposable Absorbent Article Having Side Panels with Structurally, Functionally and Visually Different Regions
US7308725B2 (en) * 2006-03-10 2007-12-18 Gaymar Industries, Inc. Deployable and/or retractable mattress bolsters
US20070209118A1 (en) * 2006-03-10 2007-09-13 Gaymar Industries, Inc. Deployable and/or retractable mattress bolsters
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US8664467B2 (en) 2006-03-31 2014-03-04 The Procter & Gamble Company Absorbent articles with feedback signal upon urination
US8491558B2 (en) 2006-03-31 2013-07-23 The Procter & Gamble Company Absorbent article with impregnated sensation material for toilet training
US20070293832A1 (en) * 2006-06-14 2007-12-20 3M Innovative Properties Company Absorbent article with waist seal and method of manufacturing
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US20090036856A1 (en) * 2007-07-31 2009-02-05 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Triggerable self-generating liquid foam barrier/interceptor
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