Patent Grant
9283127
The present invention is generally directed to absorbent personal care articles. In particular, the present invention is directed to feminine hygiene absorbent personal care articles having layer structures which come in contact with menses exudates, and which structures can be used to physically separate such exudates.
Feminine hygiene absorbent personal care articles are often used to collect and retain body fluids, liquids or exudates containing menses or blood. In the context of such products, comfort, absorbency, and discretion are three main product attributes and areas of concern for the wearer. In particular, wearers are often interested in knowing that such products will absorb significant volumes of menses exudates in order to protect their undergarments, outergarrnents, or bedsheets from staining, and that such products will help them avoid the subsequent embarrassment brought on by such staining. Wearers are also interested in using products that cannot be seen or felt through their undergarments.
Feminine hygiene absorbent personal care articles, such as sanitary napkins, pads and pantiliners, typically include at least one or more absorbent layers enclosed between a body-facing, liquid permeable topsheet layer and a garment-facing liquid impermeable backsheet layer. The absorbent layers and/or the topsheet and backsheet layers are often bonded together at their peripheral edges to form a seal around the article. In use, such articles are typically positioned in the crotch portion of an undergarment for absorption of bodily exudates, and are held in place via adhesive strips positioned on the undersurface of the articles (facing the garment). Some of these articles also include wing-like or flap structures for wrapping about the user's undergarments to further secure them to a user's underwear. Such wing-like structures are frequently made from lateral extensions of the topsheet and backsheet layers.
For many women, it is entirely routine to periodically view their hygienic articles during use, so as to monitor the appearance and spread of a menses insult (so as to avoid leakage throughout the day). For some women, a concern or cause of emotional discomfort with conventional feminine hygiene absorbent personal care articles is the expanding appearance of a menses insult in the article, and specifically, the spread of the menses stain to the side edges of a product. While many women often do not mind seeing a targeted staining in the center of a pad, and then change the pad accordingly, some women prefer not to see an extensive stain, other than the centralized insult stain. In contrast, some women prefer to see an expanding stain, as this provides indication of their level of flow that day, as well as evidence that the pad is collecting such exudates. Therefore stains on a feminine care pad can have a profound influence on the consumer use experience of the pad product. Stain size and intensity can influence perceptions of cleanliness and dryness as well as the performance of a pad. Obviously, the leakage of fluids when using such articles, particularly from around the side edges of the articles, is universally a cause of emotional concern. Such leakage may occur in the narrower product dimension along the longitudinally directed side edges, or along the lateral wing or flap areas. Product leakage may lead not only to embarrassment for the consumer, but also to a general loss of confidence in use of the articles. A very vivid menses stain positioned close to the edges on a pad may convey an impression that the pad is about to leak, which therefore impacts the consumer's perception of the pad's ability to deliver a sense of security against leakage.
Various attempts have therefore been made to incorporate structures into feminine hygienic pads to separate staining, direct staining, target staining, mask staining or discolor menses staining; to make more efficient use of as much of an absorbent product as possible; and to reduce or prevent leakage. Such structures include embossed walls or channels, shaped target areas such as openings from a top surface to a lower absorbent layer, polymeric or other liquid impermeable barrier walls, and the like. However, such attempts have not been completely successful at eliminating or addressing the leakage problem, or reducing consumer concerns over the severity of staining, if it actually were to occur.
Numerous absorbent structures have also been developed for capturing and retaining voluminous menses exudates released by women during their monthly cycles. In this regard, the designs of such absorbent pads and pantiliners have been refined over time, so as to make their usage more comfortable (physically and emotionally) to consumers. For example, originally when first developed, catamenial pads were thick and bulky structures, typically using cellulosic wadding as their sole or primary absorbent layer, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,124,135 to Olson. Such pads were often readily visible through a wearer's outergarments, were used in conjunction with separate belts or tabs, and proved uncomfortable for a user to wear. These older “tabbed” or belted pads distributed menses predominantly in the depth direction/axis (also known as Z-axis) of the pad, and predominantly leaked through the back of the pad. This fluid distribution was driven by a close to the body fit, due to the pad use with belt construction. These pads were typically over ¾ inch thick (approximately 19.05 mm), and employed no impervious layers to impede menses or air movement through the pad, and offered no specific distribution materials to drive lateral or longitudinal fluid distribution. These older pads needed constructions that prevented downward distribution of the red stain of menses. Because these older pads leaked through the backsheet layer, constructions were of interest which minimized the staining (or stain size) on the backsheet layer. In contrast, modern pads seek to minimize staining on the topsheet layer (from which leakage may occur as a result of such pads being fastened to the undergarment, with less close-to-body fit). Further, the older pads also did not contain any superabsorbent that might interfere with the distribution of menses within the pad. As a result, such older constructions would not work adequately on modern, garment-attached pad arrangements.
As absorbent technology advanced, superabsorbent polymer chemistry and substrate layering designs have been developed, enabling manufacturers to produce feminine absorbent products with progressively thinner configurations. As a result, feminine hygiene sanitary napkins, pads and liners have become significantly thinner and more absorbent, so as to impart both comfort and a certain inconspicuousness to a wearer. For the most part, such thinner products have provided the users and surrounding third parties, with the impression that the user is not wearing any form of menses protection in her undergarments. Such articles have employed garment attachment systems.
The modern garment-attached pads predominantly distribute menses laterally and longitudinally, and predominantly leak, when they leak, off the side edges (longitudinally directed sides, front, and back edges) rather than through the pad bottom. This leakage distribution is driven by not-so-close pad body fit, due to attachment to underwear or panties, and the pad construction. These pads are typically less than ¼ inch thick (approximately 6.35 mm), have an impervious backsheet layer to impede menses and air movement through the pad, and utilize specific distribution materials to drive lateral and longitudinal distribution. Modern pads also contain superabsorbent that can interfere with the distribution of menses within the pad. The use of superabsorbent materials in core layers can lead to gel blocking that interferes with maximized fluid absorption.
Even with these advancements in absorbency, consumers continue to experience some leakage, typically from fluid run-off from the topsheet surface. Attempts have been put forth which use combinations of specific chemistry and substrates to filter blood from menses on feminine care article. For example, filtering using a “depth filter” is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,350,711 to Potts et al. Still another reference which describes the use of specific salts to remove colored substances from aqueous fluids is U.S. patent publication 2012/0215192 to Corbellini et al.
Menses run-off from the topsheet of thin products is often the result of various “structural” and “action-based” root causes, which cause soiling of user garments or bedding. For example, structural causes may include impeded absorbency pathways, or inability to handle fluid surges. Action-based causes may be for example, consumers experiencing leakage from improper placement of such products in their undergarments, a consumer's use of such products beyond the product's designed lifespan, consumers choosing to wear an absorbent article that is ill equipped to handle their current menses flow rate, or further still, consumer movements during their daily activities which cause menses exudates to leak off of the absorbent article. Therefore, despite the development of many different absorbent technologies and structural designs, product leakage and the resulting stains caused from such leakage continue to concern potential users of such products. A need therefore exists for pad constructions that prevent lateral and longitudinal distribution of the red stain of menses. There is a further need for absorbent structures which utilize layering structures to reduce the severity/appearance of menses staining of both a user's pad, and a user's garments or bedding. There is also a need for absorbent articles which reduce a consumer's concern over any stain that might occur, as well as articles which more efficiently use absorbent systems to take up retained liquids.
A feminine hygiene absorbent personal care article having lateral side edges includes a topsheet layer, a backsheet layer, an optional additional interior layer, and at least one absorbent core layer having lateral side edges. The absorbent core layer is positioned between the topsheet layer and the backsheet layer. The feminine hygiene absorbent personal care article has a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis, and a depth axis, and at least one decolorizing structure is positioned on at least one of the topsheet layer, absorbent core layer, backsheet layer, optional additional interior layer or between one or more of the above layers within the feminine hygiene absorbent personal care article. The decolorizing structure is either along, adjacent, or at least partially adjacent the article side edges, such as in one embodiment between about 2 and 5 cm from the side edge, and extends laterally beyond the lateral most side edge(s) of the absorbent core layer (especially when viewed along the D axis).
In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the decolorizing structure is positioned on the topsheet layer. In a further alternative embodiment, the topsheet layer includes a central longitudinally directed topsheet material and two longitudinally directed side edge topsheet materials (or topsheet side cover layers), and the decolorizing structure is positioned on each of the two longitudinally directed side edge topsheet materials. In still a further alternative embodiment of the invention, the two longitudinally directed side edge topsheet materials are comprised of a laminate including a masking layer, which serves as a masking element. In yet a further alternative embodiment of the invention, the laminate side edge topsheet materials include a nonwoven and film layer. In still a further alternative embodiment, the decolorizing structures are present in a pair symmetrically located about the longitudinal axis (central). In still a further alternative embodiment, the decolorizing structures are in at least a separate plane than the absorbent core layers along the depth axis of the article.
In still a further alternative embodiment of the invention, the decolorizing structure is a laminate itself, of two nonwoven materials, In one embodiment of the invention two nonwoven materials in a laminate making up the decolorizing structure comprise a first nonwoven material having an average pore size of between about 50 and 200 microns, and a second nonwoven material having an average pore size of between about 3 and 40 microns. In yet a further embodiment of the invention the two nonwoven materials making up a laminated decolorizing structure demonstrate between a first nonwoven material and a second nonwoven material, an average pore size ratio of between 1:1 to 1:0.01 between the first nonwoven material and the second nonwoven material.
In still another alternative embodiment of the invention, decolorizing structures in the form of laminates are placed on or adjacent each longitudinally directed side edge of the article. In yet another alternative embodiment of the invention, the laminates making up the decolorizing structures have a length of between about 30 and 99 percent of the total length of the absorbent article.
In yet a further alternative embodiment of the invention, a feminine hygiene absorbent personal care article includes at least two decolorizing structures. In still a further alternative embodiment of the invention, at least two decolorizing structures are present in an article in or on at least two separate layers within the article. In still a further alternative embodiment of the invention, the decolorizing structures are projections off of a layer within the article. In still a further alternative embodiment of the invention, the decolorizing structures are extensions off of a layer within the article. In still a further alternative embodiment of the invention, additional decolorizing structures are placed on the front and back ends of the article. In yet a further alternative embodiment of the invention, the decolorizing structure is a film and nonwoven laminate. In still a further alternative embodiment of the invention, a decolorizing structure is a folded film and nonwoven laminate, such as a “U” shaped folded laminate, an “S” shaped folded laminate or an “M” shaped folded laminate. In still a further alternative embodiment, the laminate includes a colorant. In still another alternative embodiment, the decolorizing structure is positioned between the topsheet layer and an absorbent core layer. In still a further alternative embodiment, two decolorizing structures are placed in the feminine hygiene absorbent personal care article symmetrically across from one another along or adjacent the lateral side edges of the article, with a portion of the article located between them free of such decolorizing structures. Such portion of the article located between them is part of the central insult region/portion of the article.
In another alternative embodiment of the invention a feminine hygiene absorbent personal care article having lateral side edges, includes a topsheet layer, a backsheet layer, and at least one absorbent core layer having lateral side edges. The absorbent core layer is positioned between the topsheet layer and the backsheet layer. The feminine hygiene absorbent personal care article has a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis, and a depth axis, wherein at least one decolorizing structure is positioned on at least one of the topsheet layer, an absorbent core layer or backsheet layer within the feminine hygiene absorbent article, adjacent (or partially adjacent, or along) the article side edges, which decolorizing structure extends laterally beyond the lateral side edges of the absorbent core layer along the transverse axis. Such decolorizing structure(s) are desirably in different planes along the depth axis than the absorbent core layer(s). Such decolorizing structures are desirably in different planes along the depth axis than the topsheet layer. The decolorizing structure desirably includes a laminate of a first nonwoven material and a second material, being either a second nonwoven material, film material layer, or a combination thereof, with the first nonwoven material being either a meltblown or spunbond material and the second material being either a meltblown material, film material, or film and nonwoven laminate.
In still another alternative embodiment of the invention, a feminine hygiene absorbent personal care article has lateral side edges, and includes a topsheet layer having a user-facing surface, a backsheet layer, and at least one absorbent core layer having lateral side edges. The core layer is positioned between the topsheet layer and the backsheet layer, wherein at least one decolorizing structure for filtering coloring components of menses is positioned on at least one of the topsheet layer, an absorbent core layer or backsheet layer within the feminine hygiene absorbent personal care article and adjacent the article lateral side edges. The decolorizing structure extends laterally beyond the lateral side edges of the absorbent core layer and filters color from menses as menses contacts or crosses the decolorizing structure towards the article lateral side edges. In an alternative embodiment, the decolorizing structure masks menses stain when viewed from the user facing surface of the topsheet layer.
In yet another alternative embodiment of the invention, the deodorizing structures are placed within an article such that a menses stain viewed from the topsheet surface of an article is smaller in at least one dimension (the length, width or both) as compared to the stain on an interiorly-situated article layer, such as an absorbent core layer.
Objects and advantages of the invention are set forth below in the following description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.
A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, including reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
Definitions
As used herein the term “nonwoven fabric or web” refers to a web having a structure of individual fibers or threads which are interlaid, but not in an identifiable manner as in a knitted fabric. Nonwoven fabrics or webs have been formed from many processes such as for example, meltblowing processes, spunbonding processes, bonded carded web processes, etc. The basis weight of nonwoven webs may generally vary, such as from about 5 grams per square meter (“gsm”) to 150 gsm, hi some embodiments from about 10 gsm to about 125 gsm, and in some embodiments, from about 25 gsm to about 120 gsm.
As used herein, the term “meltblown web” generally refers to a nonwoven web that is formed by a process in which a molten thermoplastic material is extruded through a plurality of fine, usually circular, die capillaries as molten fibers into converging high velocity gas (e.g. air) streams that attenuate the fibers of molten thermoplastic material to reduce their diameter, which may be to microfiber diameter. Thereafter, the meltblown fibers are carried by the high velocity gas stream and are deposited on a collecting surface to form a web of randomly disbursed meltblown fibers. Such a process is disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,849,241 to Butin, et al., which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto for all purposes. Generally speaking, meltblown fibers may be microfibers that are substantially continuous or discontinuous, generally smaller than 10 microns in diameter, and generally tacky when deposited onto a collecting surface.
As used herein, the term “spunbond web” generally refers to a web containing small diameter substantially continuous fibers. The fibers are formed by extruding a molten thermoplastic material from a plurality of fine, usually circular, capillaries of a spinnerette with the diameter of the extruded fibers then being rapidly reduced as by, for example, eductive drawing and/or other well-known spunbonding mechanisms. The production of spunbond webs is described and illustrated, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,340,563 to Appel, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,692,618 to Dorschner, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,802,817 to Matsuki. et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,338,992 to Kinney, U.S. Pat. No. 3,341,394 to Kinney, U.S. Pat. No. 3,502,763 to Hartman, U.S. Pat. No. 3,502,538 to Levy, U.S. Pat. No. 3,542,615 to Dobo, et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,382,400 to Pike, et al., which are each incorporated herein in their entirety by reference thereto for all purposes. Spunbond fibers are generally not tacky when they are deposited onto a collecting surface. Spunbond fibers may sometimes have diameters less than about 40 microns, and often between about 5 to about 20 microns.
As used herein, the term “coform” generally refers to composite materials comprising a mixture or stabilized matrix of thermoplastic fibers and a second non-thermoplastic material. As an example, coform materials may be made by a process in which at least one meltblown die head is arranged near a chute through which other materials are added to the web while it is forming. Such other materials may include, but are not limited to, fibrous organic materials such as woody or non-woody pulp such as cotton, rayon, recycled paper, pulp fluff and also superabsorbent particles, inorganic and/or organic absorbent materials, treated polymeric staple fibers and so forth. Some examples of such coform materials are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,100,324 to Anderson, et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,284,703 to Everhart, et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,350,624 to Georger, et al.; each of which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference thereto for all purposes.
As used herein, the term “masking element” shall refer to an actual physical structure which obscures or partially hides a view of a stain (when the article is viewed by a user from above the article topsheet layer), such as a material sheet or layer, which obscures the visualization/perception of a blood stain. Such a masking element is desirably a film and/or fibrous hydrophobic barrier material. Such a masking element, for the purposes of this invention, is desirably not absorbent, although it may be liquid permeable, such as allowing permeation through apertures. In one embodiment, it would be a nonabsorbent and liquid impermeable material.
As used herein, the term “decolorizing structure” shall refer to a layer structure or laminate which decolorizes blood stains by filtering blood cells or blood colorants from blood-containing fluids (such as menses), with the final effect being a decrease or elimination of the red color intensity in certain portions of a feminine hygiene absorbent personal care article and/or the fluid flowing out of a feminine hygiene absorbent personal care article. Such decolorizing structure effectively removes or alters the color of potentially staining fluid, so that fluid which unfortunately travels through or over/across such a structure in the absorbent article to the article side edges (and in particular lateral side edges), has less color for staining of garments or bedding, should there be an actual leak of fluid off of the article. By trapping menses coloring agents in particular or targeted article areas laterally outside of the absorbent layer(s), additional absorption of the menses non-colored fluids (lower viscosity clear fluids), may occur throughout dedicated absorbent core areas. Such decolorizing structures may also mask staining (when viewed from above the topsheet layer) by their layer structure and/or coloration.
For the purposes of this disclosure, decolorizing structures are desirably positioned on an article in symmetrical locations that are lateral to the central longitudinal axis of the absorbent article, and desirably extend laterally beyond the longitudinally directed lateral side edges of at least the main absorbent core layer(s) along the transverse axis (when viewed through cross-section in the depth direction or z-axis). Such laterally extending decolorizing structures, can project (as projections) upward or downward from a non-absorbent layer, or extend (as extensions) beyond the lateral core layer edge (that is projecting more laterally towards the article lateral side edge than the core layer(s)), or can be a combination of one or more of the foregoing. Such projections can project more laterally, from either a layer above the core or below the core (when viewed along the depth axis (direction) or z-axis), or alternatively extend laterally from an attachment or encasement material on the core layer itself. Essentially, while such decolorizing structures are desirably in planes different from the core layer(s) planes, along the D-axis, they may be in the same planes.
The decolorizing structure shall refer to a single layer material, a multiple-layered material structure, a laminate or laminae structure, or a combination thereof, but desirably is a laminate structure. Examples of laminate-type structures are described in U.S. Pat, Nos. 6,932,929 and 6,896,669 to Woltman, each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Such laminate type structures may include laminates of multiple nonwoven layers, or laminates of one or more nonwoven layers and a film layer. In such an instance, use of a film layer can serve as a masking element to help shield viewing of a stain from above the topsheet layer, especially by use of a pigment within the film. Such masking element may also assist in the directing of a stain to certain filtering elements of the decolorizing structure or to an absorbent core layer within the article. For example, if the decolorizing structure is in the shape of an “S” folded structure, use of a film layer beneath a nonwoven layer in the “S” folded configuration can direct insult flow in the curvilinear path of the “S” fold along the D-axis (depth direction), keeping it from spreading off the article side edges, as well as can block nondesired transfer of insult through certain portions of the pad structure. Such folded decolorizing structure configurations are desirably tacked down within the article to further prevent lateral flow of menses or stain to the article lateral edges.
As used herein, the terms “superabsorbent polymer,” “superabsorbent” or “SAP” shall be used interchangeably and shall mean polymers that can absorb and retain extremely large amounts of a liquid relative to their own mass. Water absorbing polymers, which are classified as hydrogels, which can be cross-linked, absorb aqueous solutions through hydrogen bonding and other polar forces with water molecules. A SAP's ability to absorb water is based in part on ionicity (a factor of the ionic concentration of the aqueous solution), and the SAP's functional polar groups that have an affinity for water. SAPs are typically made from the polymerization of acrylic acid blended with sodium hydroxide in the presence of an initiator to form a poly-acrylic acid sodium salt (sometimes referred to as sodium polyacrylate). Other materials are also used to make a superabsorbent polymer, such as polyacrylamide copolymer, ethylene maleic anhydride copolymer, cross-linked carboxymethylcellulose, polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, cross-linked polyethylene oxide, and starch grafted copolymer of polyacrylonitrile. SAPs may be present in absorbent articles in particle or fibrous form.
Reference now will be made in detail to various embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are set forth below. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment, may be used on another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. For the purposes of this application, like features will be represented by like numbers between the figures. While not being expressly illustrated in every view or location, it should be understood that traditional absorbent article construction adhesive may be used between each of the various article layers, for securement of the layers within the article.
Generally speaking, in order to address the staining concerns perceived by consumers from potential pad leakage, to reduce fears of embarrassment from garment or bedding stains resulting from such leakage, and to reduce the effort necessary in removing stains that may actually occur on garments or bedding, the invention provides a feminine hygiene personal care absorbent article with a targeted decolorizing structure that can render menses stains and menses fluid colorless, or nearly so, within select portions of an absorbent article, before the fluid leaves the article. Such decolorizing structure is targeted since it is desirably in one embodiment, located in specific locations more lateral (although not necessarily in the same plane) to the absorbent core lateral edges. In some embodiments, such structures may also extend beyond the absorbent core front and back end edges. The decolorizing structures are in the form of projections or extensions, beyond either the lateral sides, front or back edges of the core layer(s), and are readily apparent when viewing the article in a cross-section along the D-axis. Such decolorizing structure can render such stain or menses fluid, clear or pale yellow, for example, so as to reduce potential staining risk to garments or bedding that may occur. With reduced stain potential, any leakage that actually does occur will be easier to remove. The invention also allows lower viscosity fluid to be directed to absorbent core layers for absorption and retention. Additionally, the invention provides decolorizing structures to impede menses flow off of the top surface, or from within interior layers and off the article lateral side edges, to reduce the visualization of an extensive article insult, when viewed from the article top surface. The invention provides regions of targeted decolorizing structure away from the core layer(s), which do not impede the direct absorption of menses fluid, once it has entered an absorbent layer (as they are generally present outside the central insult region/portion of the absorbent article), and which layers are positioned away, or directed laterally away from the absorbent layer(s), and projected laterally towards the product side edges, farther from the central longitudinal axis than the lateral side edges of the core layer(s). In one embodiment, decolorizing structures of the article are desirably positioned in or on at least one separate layer from the main absorbent core layer(s). Alternatively, such decolorizing structures may be present on extensions of the absorbent core layer(s). Still in a further alternative embodiment, such decolorizing structures may be positioned on multiple planar layers within the article, each desirably extending beyond the lateral side edge of the core layer(s) (more transverse when viewed along the D-axis).
More specifically,
The pad has a longitudinal axis (including the central longitudinal axis L shown, as indicated by a broken line), a transverse axis (and a central transverse axis T shown) and a depth direction (or Z-axis) D axis (as seen in
The backsheet layer 12, being generally liquid-impermeable, is designed to face the inner surface, i.e., the crotch portion, of a user's undergarment (not shown) or outergarment. The backsheet therefore includes a core facing surface 12A and a garment facing surface 12B as seen in
Any liquid-impermeable material may generally be utilized to form the backsheet layer 12. For example, one suitable material that may be utilized is a microporous polymeric film, such as a polyolefin film of polyethylene or polypropylene. In particular embodiments, a polyethylene film is utilized that has a thickness in the range of about 0.2 mils to about 5.0 mils, and particularly between about 0.5 to about 3.0 mils. A specific example of a backsheet layer material is a polyethylene film such as that obtainable from Pliant Corporation, Schaumburg, Ill., USA. Another example would include calcium carbonate-filled polypropylene film. In still a further embodiment, the backsheet may be a hydrophobic nonwoven material with water barrier properties such as a nonwoven laminate, an example of which would be a spunbond, meltblown, meltblown, spunbond (or SMMS), four layered, laminate. The backsheet layer 12 may therefore be of a single or multiple layered construction, such as of multiple film layers (a core and one or more skin layers), multiple nonwoven layers, or laminates of film and nonwoven or woven fibrous layers. Even with a film backsheet, a nonwoven fibrous layer may be desirably used as the garment facing surface 1213 for better “hand” or feel.
The topsheet layer 14 may surround the absorbent core layer(s) 20 so that it completely encases the absorbent core layer(s) and/or backsheet layer (encasement not shown). Alternatively, the topsheet layer 14 and the backsheet layer 12 may both extend beyond the absorbent core layer(s) 20, 21 lateral-most edges (100, 102 for example) and front and back end edges, and be peripherally joined together to form a sealed peripheral edge, either entirely or partially, using known attachment techniques. Typically, the topsheet layer 14 and the backsheet layer 12 are joined by adhesive bonding, ultrasonic bonding, thermal bonding or any other suitable joining method known in the art, the sealed edges defining an overall sealed peripheral edge 16 of the feminine hygienic pad 10. The feminine hygienic pad 10 and internal layers may be of various shapes and geometries but will generally have opposite lateral sides 90 (extending along the product longitudinal direction) and longitudinally directed front and back ends 23, 24.
The topsheet layer 14 is generally designed to contact the body of the user and is liquid-permeable. The liquid permeable topsheet layer 14 has an outwardly directed user facing surface 14A that may directly contact the body of the wearer and receive bodily exudates, and an absorbent layer, facing surface 14B as seen in
The topsheet layer 14 can be constructed of any woven, nonwoven or sheet material which is easily penetrated by bodily exudates which then may be absorbed by the core layer(s) or come in contact with the core-facing surface of the backsheet layer 12A. Examples of suitable topsheet materials include natural fiber webs (such as spunlaced cotton), rayon, hydroentangled webs, bonded carded webs of polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, or other heat-bondable fibers (such as bicomponent fibers), polyolefins, such as copolymers of polypropylene and polyethylene, linear low-density polyethylene, and aliphatic esters such as polylactic acid. Finely perforated films and net materials can also be used as a topsheet layer 14, as can laminates of/or combinations of these materials. A specific example of a suitable topsheet material is a bonded carded web made of polypropylene and polyethylene such as that obtainable from Sandler Corporation, Germany. U.S. Pat. No. 4,801,494 to Datta, et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 4,908,026 to Sukiennik, et al. teach various other topsheet materials that may be used in the present invention, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The topsheet layer 14 may also contain a plurality of apertures (not shown) formed therethrough to permit body fluid to pass more readily into the absorbent core layer(s) 20. The apertures may be randomly or uniformly arranged throughout the topsheet layer 14, or they may be located only in a narrow longitudinal band or strip arranged symmetrically about the central longitudinal axis L of the feminine hygienic pad 10. The size, shape, diameter and number of apertures may be varied to suit an article's particular use.
As previously noted, the topsheet layer 14 may also be embossed with any desired embossing pattern to define embossed channels. Embossing techniques are well known to those skilled in the art. An embossing pattern not only creates an aesthetically pleasing surface, but the channels may also facilitate intake and/or distribution of menses fluid. Menses will tend to flow along the densified edges of the channels rather than pool on contact points of the topsheet layer 14.
The topsheet layer 14 itself may be formed from one layer across the user-facing surface, or alternatively from more than one separate layers in a side-by-side arrangement, desirably along the article longitudinal axis, as will be further described in connection with
In one embodiment, as seen in the cross-sectional view of
Such longitudinally directed side edge topsheet materials 17 may themselves be of a single or multiple-layered construction. In one embodiment, such longitudinally directed side edge topsheet materials 17 are themselves adhesively or otherwise bonded laminates. In one embodiment, for example, such longitudinally directed side edge topsheet materials 17, are constructed of an upper fibrous nonwoven layer 17A, such as a spunbond material, laminated to a bottom layer 17C of a hydrophobic barrier film material. Such a spunbond layer may be formed from a polyolefin, such as a polypropylene and include a wetting agent if desired. In one embodiment, such spunbond layer is between 10 and 70 gsm, desirably between about 12 and 30 gsm, and treated with hydrophilic wetting agents. Such film layer may be apertured to allow fluid to permeate to lower layers, and may be either of a single layer or multiple layer construction. Desirably, such film is a polyolefin, such as a polyethylene having a basis weight of between about 10 and 40 gsm. Construction adhesive may be used to laminate the spunbond layer to the film layer at an add-on level of between about 0 and 15 gsm. When a film barrier layer 17C is used in the overall topsheet design, it may include opacifying agents, such as film pigments, that help the film in masking stains along or adjacent to, the pad's side edges 90, thereby serving as a masking element. In such a fashion, the film layer would serve to limit visualization of a menses insult stain along the pad side edges when viewed from above the user facing surface 14A of the topsheet layer 14. The film layer may also serve as a barrier layer to prevent rewet of the topsheet layer user-facing surface, as well as to prevent the flow of menses off the side edges of an article. The central longitudinally directed topsheet material 15 may in one embodiment wrap around longitudinally directed elastic strands or shrinkable fibers 17F and be bonded to longitudinally directed side edge topsheet materials 17 via at least bond points or bond lines 19. The longitudinally directed side edge topsheet materials 17 may also be laminates such as a spunbond-meltblown-meltblown-spunbond layer (SMMS) laminate, spunbond-film laminate, or alternatively, other nonwoven laminate combinations.
A decolorizing structure 97 is in one embodiment, desirably placed atop the longitudinally directed side edge topsheet materials 17. Such decolorizing structure extends along the transverse axis in one embodiment, to the wings 11 as illustrated, and is of a length such that it frames much of the absorbent core layer along the absorbent article side edges 90. Alternatively, such decolorizing structure is of a length 18, such that it frames the absorbent core layer(s) at the wing 11 area. In a further embodiment, the decolorizing structure 97 extends out over the wings 11 such that the topsheet layer material on the wing structures 11 also includes the decolorizing structure. In any event, it is desirable for such decolorizing structure to extend a width along the transverse axis to a position that is more lateral than the lateral-most edge of the absorbent core layer in a plane beneath it (100), when viewed in a cross-section along the D-axis (as seen in
In a desirable embodiment, such decolorizing structures are laminates of a hydrophilic layer with a hydrophobic layer. Such hydrophilic layer can be a surfactant treated nonwoven layer or laminate material, such as one or more layers of meltblown, airlaid or spunlace material for example that has been treated with a surfactant, so as to make it more accepting to menses and menses components. Such hydrophobic layer can be a layer or laminate of fibrous polyolefinic nonwoven materials such as for example a spunbond-meltblown-spunbond (SMS) or SMMS laminate, or alternatively, a film sheet, such as a polyolefinic film layer or layers. Such hydrophilic and hydrophobic materials are desirable laminated using thermo or adhesive bonding. In one example, the hydrophilic layer can be a microfiber meltblown layer (MBMF) and the hydrophobic layer can be a polymeric film. In such an example, construction adhesive is desirably used to laminate the meltblown microfiber layer at an add-on of between about 1 and 5 gsm, and the film barrier layer is desirably a polyolefin film of a basis weight of between about 10 and 40 gsm. While it is desirable for the dimensions of each hydrophilic and hydrophobic materials to be the same in the width and length directions, such need not be the case, such that one facing side of the laminate may include both hydrophilic and hydrophobic portions, In another embodiment, the hydrophobic material may be partially wrapped about the hydrophilic material to achieve a surface with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic portions. In one embodiment, it is desirable for the hydrophobic surface of the laminate to face the backsheet layer of the article. Such a placement helps to prevent rewet of the topsheet layer, and also wetness from the core from being transferred to the hydrophilic surface of the laminate (facing the user). In one embodiment, one or more layers of the laminate may be printed to enhance a stain masking effect, using known printing methods. Such printing may also provide additional visual cues as to the functionality of the decolorizing structures. In one embodiment, it is desirable to place decolorizing structures along each lateral side edge 90 of a pad between 20 and 100 mm apart, more desirably between 30 and 80 mm apart. As will be later described, in some contemplated embodiments, the decolorizing structures are desirably placed between the topsheet layer 14 and the absorbent core layer 20. So as to avoid unwanted transfer of insult from the core layer(s) to the decolorizing structure(s), in some embodiments it is desirable to place a hydrophobic layer between the decolorizing structures and the core layer(s), or to alternatively place the hydrophobic layer of the described laminate in a position that faces the core layer 20,
In one embodiment, the decolorizing structure 97 is a laminate of a first nonwoven strip 98 that is laminated to a second nonwoven strip 99. The lamination may be accomplished by heat calendering, but desirably by adhesive lamination. The first nonwoven strip 98 desirably has a pore size range of between about 20 and 1000 microns, an average pore size range of about 50-200 microns, and an average fiber diameter size of between about 2 and 20 microns. It desirably has a basis weight of between about 10 and 70 gsm. In one embodiment, such first nonwoven strip is of a spunbond material having a basis weight of between about 12 and 30 gsm. It is desirable that such spunbond material be of a polyolefin such as polypropylene, polyethylene or a combination thereof. Such material may be treated, such as by hydrophilic wetting agents. The second nonwoven strip 99 desirably has a pore size range of between about 1 and 100 microns, having an average pore size of about 3-40 microns, and an average fiber diameter size of between about 0.2 to 10 microns. It desirably has a basis weight of between about 10 and 100 gsm. It is further desirable for the average pore size ratio between the first nonwoven strip material 98 and the second nonwoven strip material 99 to be between about 1:1 to about 1:0.01. The average pore size ratio would be the ratio of the average pore size of the strip closest to initial menses contact, to the average pore size of the strip farthest from initial menses contact. For example, if such a deodorizing structure was positioned on the topsheet, the strip closest a user would be closest to the initial menses contact. If a decolorizing structure is positioned under a permeable longitudinally directed side edge topsheet material 17, the strip closest to initial menses contact would be closest to the longitudinally directed side edge topsheet material 17. Such a configuration is described in
In one embodiment such second nonwoven strip is of a meltblown material having a basis weight of between about 10 and 100 gsm. It is desirable that such meltblown material be of a polyolefin such as polypropylene. Such material may be treated, such as by hydrophilic wetting agents. The second nonwoven strip is in one embodiment desirably a meltblown microfiber (MBMF) polypropylene material, desirably between about 10 and 100 gsm in basis weight, more desirably between about 20 and 50 gsm, even more desirably between about 20 and 30 gsm, having an average fiber size of desirably between about 1 and 10 microns in diameter. In one embodiment, the meltblown polypropylene microfiber material is treated with wetting agents for adequate handling of aqueous fluids such as menses. Examples of such wetting agents include surface active agents (or surfactants) having a hydrophilic lipophilic balance (HLB) of at least 6, preferably between 7 and 18. Definitions of “surfactant” and “HLB scale” can be found in textbook “Introduction to Colloid and Surface Chemistry”, by Duncan J Shaw, 4th edition, 1992, published by Butterworth-Heinemann. Ltd. A variety of surfactants can be used and include those that are anionic, cationic or neutral from a charge standpoint. Mixtures of surfactants and other wetting agents can also be used. Typical wetting agent add-on can range between, about 0.1 to 10 wt %, preferably between 0.2 to 5% by weight of the substrate. However, add-on levels higher than 10 wt % can also be used. The MBMF may be treated to impart hydrophilicity by either Aerosol GPC of Cytec, or alternatively, Ahcovel Base N-62 for example. Such material is available from Yuhan-Kimberly Ltd., Seoul, Korea and FiberTex, Malaysia.
The nonwoven strips 98 and 99 desirably have the same overall dimensions as each other. In one embodiment the strips are desirably between about 5 to 60 mm in width along the pad's transverse axis/direction, such as to extend laterally out to cover both the pad longitudinal side edges 90 and a portion of the wings 11. It is desirable that such strips extend the entire length of the article, but a shorter length is also contemplated, as illustrated in
While it is desirable to add such strips along the side longitudinal edges of the pad/article as shown at 97, they can in an alternative embodiment, be added in shortened lengths across the front and back ends of the article in the transverse direction 22, such as added to the topsheet layer 14 user-facing surface 14A, at the article front 23 and back 24 ends, to reduce leakage stain potential from these ends of the pad/article. In still a further alternative embodiment, they may be added along all peripheral side edges of the article, such as along the peripheral side edges of the topsheet layer 14. By adding additional decolorizing structures in these side edge locations, either in this embodiment or in the embodiments which follow, a structure which encourages overall fluid flow to the central absorbent core is also created. Such a configuration keeps the decolorizing structure out of the central insult region/portion of the article.
Alternatively, rather than place the strips as projections above the topsheet layer material as shown in
In cases where such laminated strips (the decolorizing structures) are placed under the topsheet layer, such as those illustrated in
As seen in
The feminine hygienic pad 10 of
The absorbent core layer(s) can generally be any single layer structure or combination of layer components, which desirably demonstrate some level of compressibility, conformability, are non-irritating to a wearer's skin, and capable of absorbing and retaining liquids and certain other body wastes. For example, the absorbent core layer(s) 20 may include an absorbent web material of cellulosic fibers (e.g., wood pulp fibers), other natural fibers, synthetic fibers, woven or nonwoven sheets, scrim netting or other stabilizing structures, superabsorbent material, binder materials, surfactants, selected hydrophobic and hydrophilic materials, pigments, lotions, odor control agents or the like, as well as combinations thereof. In a particular embodiment, the absorbent web material is a matrix of cellulosic fluff, and may also include superabsorbent material. The cellulosic fluff may comprise a blend of wood pulp fluff. One desirable type of fluff is identified with the trade designation NB 416, available from Weyerhaeuser Corp., and is a bleached, highly absorbent wood pulp containing primarily soft wood fibers. The absorbent materials may be formed into a web structure by employing various conventional methods and techniques. For example, the absorbent web may be formed with a dry-forming technique, an air forming technique, a wet-forming technique, a foam-forming technique (making a foam or foam-like structure), or the like, as well as combinations thereof. A coform nonwoven material may also be employed. Methods and apparatus for carrying out such absorbent core layer manufacturing are well known in the art.
Such core layer(s) may be wrapped in tissue or nonwoven sheeting, as previously described 101 for integrity or to hold in place SAP materials. The core layer 20 may be immediately adjacent the topsheet layer 14, or alternatively adjacent an intermediate core layer 21, transfer layer, distribution layer, surge layer or combination thereof. For example, an additional airlaid core layer 21 might be desirable. The shape of the core layers from a top plan view (not shown) are desirably a rectangular, racetrack or dogbone shape, as is known in the art. The core layer may alternatively be a superabsorbent polymer (SAP)-containing compressed sheet. Desirably, such superabsorbent polymer-containing sheet is a fluff-based material that is a combination of pulp and SAP enclosed with a tissue carrier and having a basis weight of between about 40 and 400 gsm. It should be recognized that individual layers of a multilayered absorbent core may be bonded using traditional bonding techniques such as thermal, ultrasonic or adhesive processes, within the core layer itself, and bonded or otherwise held in place, using any of such methods to the remaining absorbent article structure.
With reference again to
Adhesive peel/release sheets 93, 94 are positioned respectively over the garment adhesive patch 91, and the wing adhesive patches 92.
The feminine hygiene pad 10 may also contain additional internal/interior layers. For example, in one embodiment, the feminine hygiene pad 10 may contain a liquid-permeable intake layer positioned between the topsheet layer 14 and the absorbent core layer 20. As seen in
Additional layers between the topsheet layer 14 and the core layer 20 include liquid-permeable transfer delay layers or surge layers as previously noted. Still another layer that may be present between the topsheet layer and the absorbent core layer includes a bicomponent fluid distribution layer (BFDL) 96, which increases absorbency by providing a high void space and may be made of a TABCW, having a basis weight in one embodiment of between about 25 and 100 gsm.
While side wings 11 are shown as formed from lateral extensions of the backsheet 12 and the topsheet 14 such that they are integral portions of the pad 10, they may also be laterally-attached, non-integral structures.
In an alternative embodiment, as shown in an exploded cross-section view in
In still a further alternative embodiment, as shown in an exploded cross-section view in
In an alternative embodiment, as shown in exploded cross-sectional view in
In still a further alternative embodiment, as shown in exploded cross-sectional view in
In still a further alternative embodiment, as shown in exploded cross-sectional view in
In still a further alternative embodiment, as shown in exploded cross sectional view in
In yet a further alternative embodiment, as shown in exploded cross sectional view in
In still another alternative embodiment, as shown in exploded cross-sectional view in
Finally, it should be recognized that each of the described decolorizing structures may, in alternative embodiments, be used in conjunction with decolorizing chemical agents, which through chemical reaction or other binding mechanism cause the filtering or agglomeration of the coloring agents of menses within the structures, or elsewhere in the article.
By employing the decolorizing structures described herein, a targeted decolorizing region is created at, along, partially adjacent, or adjacent the pad's lateral side edges. In this manner, the decolorizing structure helps to discharge color from potentially stain-producing exudates at the edges of the pad product, and desirably off of the topsheet layer, where leakage is most likely to occur in modern feminine hygiene absorbent personal care articles. Interior regions of the product may be left substantially unhindered by the decolorizing structures, thereby allowing the decolorizing structures to target menses at specific peripheral locations. This enables a user to observe and inspect the bodily exudates in the center (central insult receiving region/portion) of the product, and also allows the deodorizing structures to be applied only to those portions of the product needed to achieve the desired effect so that the untreated regions can continue to fulfill their functions, such as absorbing or wicking fluids, etc. without undue stiffness or sacrifice in comfort. In addition, the use of targeted decolorizing structures in conjunction with masking elements (if desired) provides additional emotional comfort to users who prefer not to view the spread of menses insult stains from the topsheet user-facing surface, and while also seeking comfort in knowing that leakage that may result from such pad will result in less visibly apparent staining on a garment or bedding.
As can be seen in
It has been found that fibrous layer substrates, such as the nonwoven strip materials described, with a particular pore gradient/ratio in the D-axis, and strategically placed at targeted areas within an absorbent article, provide color filtration for menses exudates. In particular, it has been found that nonwoven laminates with decreasing pore sizes in the laminate along the D-axis, and in particular having an average pore size ratio of between 1:1 and 1:0.01 between a first nonwoven material and a second nonwoven material, placed at positions adjacent to pad product side edges, reduces (and masks) stain color towards a product side edges. It is observed that two factors of the base nonwoven substrate contribute to the filtration effect, the first being the pore size of the nonwoven substrate, and the second being the wicking capability of the nonwoven substrate. It further has been found, that laminates of fibrous substrates and hydrophobic barriers (either in the form of nonwoven layers and/or film sheets) also can serve as menses colorant filters and masking elements, when formed into particular structures and placed in targeted areas within a feminine hygiene absorbent personal care article. By using filtering and masking decolorizing structures along absorbent article lateral side edges, the color of a menses stain can be reduced.
It has been found that feminine pad leakage often results from residual pad menses insults on or near the topsheet layer, user-facing surface of a pad. Such residual insult either is not contained by the absorbent layer(s) as a result of fluid saturation of the layer or impeded flow of an insult into the absorbent structure. By “impeded”, it is meant that such flow is either slowed or restricted as a result of the absorbent layer structure, or alternatively, not absorbed quickly enough as a result of a sudden insult. Such impeded flow can result in run-off of insult from the pad, even when the absorbent layer is not saturated. With the development of, and popularity of progressively thinner and smaller (surface area) feminine care pads and liners, the potential for leakage has been amplified. Depending on design features, such pads may have less overall capacity, having smaller absorbent areas. When an absorbent layer is saturated, the menses insult can pool on the surface of the pad which can subsequently run off the side edges of the pad to a garment or bedding, or be transferred via body contact to a garment or bedding. As runoff and pooling are often the immediate causes of staining in thinner feminine pads, the described invention has addressed such causes by directing fluid flow not only in absorbent layers, but also in non-absorbent layers at side edges of a pad. Further, the described invention has assisted in reducing overall topsheet layer stain size as a result of both decolorizing structures on layers and the use of stain masking technology in conjunction with such decolorizing structures. Such reduction in stain size has led to smaller topsheet layer stain sizes, and relatively larger, interiorly-situated or absorbent core layer stain sizes (overall stain size surface area) when compared to the topsheet layer stain size. Such reduced color (in lateral pad areas) and reduced stain size, can help provide comfort, and instill confidence to some consumers who wear such absorbent products. Finally, by separating color producing components of menses within the feminine hygienic pad, by use of strategically placed and constructed decolorizing structures, lower viscosity components of menses may be absorbed more efficiently by the absorbent core layer structures.
While the invention has been described in detail with respect to the specific embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing, may readily conceive of alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to these embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be assessed as that of the appended claims and any equivalent thereto.
This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/618,172 filed on Mar. 30, 2012 and from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/695,481 filed on Aug. 31, 2012, the subject matter of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2236529 | Epstein et al. | Apr 1941 | A |
| 2418907 | Schreiber | Apr 1947 | A |
| 2542909 | De Wet et al. | Feb 1951 | A |
| 3124135 | Olson | Mar 1964 | A |
| 3287222 | Raymond et al. | Nov 1966 | A |
| 3338992 | Kinney | Aug 1967 | A |
| 3341394 | Kinney | Sep 1967 | A |
| 3347236 | David | Oct 1967 | A |
| 3397697 | Rickard | Aug 1968 | A |
| 3398097 | Kersnar et al. | Aug 1968 | A |
| 3490454 | Goldfarb et al. | Jan 1970 | A |
| 3502538 | Petersen | Mar 1970 | A |
| 3502763 | Hartmann | Mar 1970 | A |
| 3542615 | Dobo et al. | Nov 1970 | A |
| 3635828 | Benjamin et al. | Jan 1972 | A |
| 3663445 | Augustin et al. | May 1972 | A |
| 3692618 | Dorschner et al. | Sep 1972 | A |
| 3783872 | King | Jan 1974 | A |
| 3802817 | Matsuki et al. | Apr 1974 | A |
| 3814101 | Kozak | Jun 1974 | A |
| 3849241 | Butin et al. | Nov 1974 | A |
| 3953351 | Keller | Apr 1976 | A |
| 3979318 | Tokiwa et al. | Sep 1976 | A |
| 4100324 | Anderson et al. | Jul 1978 | A |
| 4190563 | Bosley et al. | Feb 1980 | A |
| 4250257 | Lee et al. | Feb 1981 | A |
| 4259383 | Eggensperger et al. | Mar 1981 | A |
| 4288225 | Roland et al. | Sep 1981 | A |
| 4340563 | Appel et al. | Jul 1982 | A |
| 4357939 | Jackson et al. | Nov 1982 | A |
| 4363322 | Andersson | Dec 1982 | A |
| 4381784 | Aberson et al. | May 1983 | A |
| 4431560 | Lake et al. | Feb 1984 | A |
| 4532232 | Larsson et al. | Jul 1985 | A |
| 4585650 | Newberry, Jr. et al. | Apr 1986 | A |
| 4594327 | Zuk | Jun 1986 | A |
| 4636209 | Lassen | Jan 1987 | A |
| 4655759 | Romans-Hess et al. | Apr 1987 | A |
| 4673524 | Dean | Jun 1987 | A |
| 4693713 | Chmelir et al. | Sep 1987 | A |
| 4773423 | Hakky | Sep 1988 | A |
| 4798603 | Meyer et al. | Jan 1989 | A |
| 4801494 | Datta et al. | Jan 1989 | A |
| 4803153 | Shibata et al. | Feb 1989 | A |
| 4847089 | Kramer et al. | Jul 1989 | A |
| 4855108 | Masuda et al. | Aug 1989 | A |
| 4886512 | Damico et al. | Dec 1989 | A |
| 4892534 | Datta et al. | Jan 1990 | A |
| 4908026 | Becker et al. | Mar 1990 | A |
| 4933092 | Aunet et al. | Jun 1990 | A |
| 5009716 | Gerson | Apr 1991 | A |
| 5037412 | Tanzer et al. | Aug 1991 | A |
| 5064541 | Jeng et al. | Nov 1991 | A |
| 5118428 | Sand et al. | Jun 1992 | A |
| 5147698 | Cole | Sep 1992 | A |
| 5223284 | Kulczycki, Jr. et al. | Jun 1993 | A |
| 5248309 | Serbiak et al. | Sep 1993 | A |
| 5262153 | Mishima et al. | Nov 1993 | A |
| 5281208 | Thompson et al. | Jan 1994 | A |
| 5284703 | Everhart et al. | Feb 1994 | A |
| 5340493 | Principato | Aug 1994 | A |
| 5340495 | Mulcahy et al. | Aug 1994 | A |
| 5350624 | Georger et al. | Sep 1994 | A |
| 5382400 | Pike et al. | Jan 1995 | A |
| 5389282 | Saijo et al. | Feb 1995 | A |
| 5401267 | Couture-Dorschner et al. | Mar 1995 | A |
| 5407442 | Karapasha | Apr 1995 | A |
| 5415640 | Kirby et al. | May 1995 | A |
| 5434059 | Balaraman et al. | Jul 1995 | A |
| 5447689 | Gibboni et al. | Sep 1995 | A |
| 5505720 | Hujber et al. | Apr 1996 | A |
| 5527892 | Borsotti et al. | Jun 1996 | A |
| 5558659 | Sherrod et al. | Sep 1996 | A |
| 5558834 | Chu et al. | Sep 1996 | A |
| 5575785 | Gryskiewicz et al. | Nov 1996 | A |
| 5595754 | Ito et al. | Jan 1997 | A |
| 5607414 | Richards et al. | Mar 1997 | A |
| 5607760 | Roe | Mar 1997 | A |
| 5614295 | Quincy, III et al. | Mar 1997 | A |
| 5649916 | Dipalma et al. | Jul 1997 | A |
| 5652148 | Doshi et al. | Jul 1997 | A |
| 5660798 | Doshi et al. | Aug 1997 | A |
| 5695679 | Christie et al. | Dec 1997 | A |
| 5755710 | Menard | May 1998 | A |
| 5762642 | Coles et al. | Jun 1998 | A |
| 5766552 | Doshi et al. | Jun 1998 | A |
| 5770543 | Garst et al. | Jun 1998 | A |
| 5785696 | Inoue et al. | Jul 1998 | A |
| 5795344 | Chappell | Aug 1998 | A |
| 5807361 | Kajikawa et al. | Sep 1998 | A |
| 5810798 | Finch et al. | Sep 1998 | A |
| 5883231 | Achter et al. | Mar 1999 | A |
| 5899893 | Dyer et al. | May 1999 | A |
| 5912194 | Everhart et al. | Jun 1999 | A |
| 5961505 | Coe et al. | Oct 1999 | A |
| 6110158 | Kielpikowski | Aug 2000 | A |
| 6117523 | Sugahara | Sep 2000 | A |
| 6168654 | Nohr et al. | Jan 2001 | B1 |
| 6171682 | Raidel et al. | Jan 2001 | B1 |
| 6172276 | Hetzler et al. | Jan 2001 | B1 |
| 6231719 | Garvey et al. | May 2001 | B1 |
| 6241714 | Raidel et al. | Jun 2001 | B1 |
| 6322544 | Laughlin et al. | Nov 2001 | B1 |
| 6348253 | Daley et al. | Feb 2002 | B1 |
| 6350711 | Potts et al. | Feb 2002 | B1 |
| 6369293 | Reeves et al. | Apr 2002 | B1 |
| 6436080 | Carlucci et al. | Aug 2002 | B1 |
| 6471728 | Smith et al. | Oct 2002 | B2 |
| 6511465 | Freiburger et al. | Jan 2003 | B1 |
| 6528698 | Mizutani et al. | Mar 2003 | B2 |
| 6534149 | Daley et al. | Mar 2003 | B1 |
| 6548731 | Mizutani et al. | Apr 2003 | B2 |
| 6559353 | Sheridan | May 2003 | B1 |
| 6580015 | Reeves et al. | Jun 2003 | B2 |
| 6586653 | Graeme, III et al. | Jul 2003 | B2 |
| 6613028 | Daley et al. | Sep 2003 | B1 |
| 6642430 | Busam et al. | Nov 2003 | B1 |
| 6663611 | Blaney et al. | Dec 2003 | B2 |
| 6667424 | Hamilton et al. | Dec 2003 | B1 |
| 6669932 | Imanaka et al. | Dec 2003 | B2 |
| 6673374 | Murad | Jan 2004 | B2 |
| 6673982 | Chen et al. | Jan 2004 | B1 |
| 6677498 | Chen et al. | Jan 2004 | B2 |
| 6696240 | Kloepfer et al. | Feb 2004 | B1 |
| 6703538 | Lassen et al. | Mar 2004 | B2 |
| 6730819 | Pesce | May 2004 | B1 |
| 6812169 | Potts et al. | Nov 2004 | B2 |
| 6838423 | Irvin et al. | Jan 2005 | B2 |
| 6867344 | Potts et al. | Mar 2005 | B2 |
| 6875617 | Alam | Apr 2005 | B2 |
| 6888044 | Fell et al. | May 2005 | B2 |
| 6896669 | Krautkramer et al. | May 2005 | B2 |
| 6929629 | Drevik et al. | Aug 2005 | B2 |
| 6932929 | Krautkramer et al. | Aug 2005 | B2 |
| 6974891 | Wallstroem | Dec 2005 | B2 |
| 6984770 | Graeme, III et al. | Jan 2006 | B2 |
| 7105715 | Carlucci et al. | Sep 2006 | B2 |
| 7160278 | Mizutani et al. | Jan 2007 | B2 |
| 7241627 | Wilhelm et al. | Jul 2007 | B2 |
| D558335 | Willhaus | Dec 2007 | S |
| 7316673 | Drevik et al. | Jan 2008 | B2 |
| 7388123 | Cowell et al. | Jun 2008 | B2 |
| 7402157 | Christon et al. | Jul 2008 | B2 |
| 7429689 | Chen et al. | Sep 2008 | B2 |
| 7431715 | Guidotti et al. | Oct 2008 | B2 |
| 7431775 | Wang et al. | Oct 2008 | B2 |
| 7504551 | Herfert et al. | Mar 2009 | B2 |
| 7687681 | Di et al. | Mar 2010 | B2 |
| 7695726 | Rosevear et al. | Apr 2010 | B2 |
| 7722906 | Kandil | May 2010 | B2 |
| 7723093 | Kwon et al. | May 2010 | B2 |
| 7837944 | Auner et al. | Nov 2010 | B2 |
| 7846281 | Muvundamina | Dec 2010 | B2 |
| 7879744 | Seidling et al. | Feb 2011 | B2 |
| 7928282 | Dibb et al. | Apr 2011 | B2 |
| 8003780 | Kim et al. | Aug 2011 | B2 |
| 8029487 | Bagger-Sjoebaeck et al. | Oct 2011 | B2 |
| 8148598 | Tsang et al. | Apr 2012 | B2 |
| 8211078 | Noel | Jul 2012 | B2 |
| 8241915 | Adamczyk et al. | Aug 2012 | B2 |
| 8283515 | Lagerstedt-Eidrup et al. | Oct 2012 | B2 |
| 8367013 | Kaylor et al. | Feb 2013 | B2 |
| 8461411 | Digiacomantonio et al. | Jun 2013 | B2 |
| 8461412 | Febo et al. | Jun 2013 | B2 |
| 8569221 | Cunningham et al. | Oct 2013 | B2 |
| 8847002 | Goh et al. | Sep 2014 | B2 |
| 20020022813 | Bewick-Sonntag et al. | Feb 2002 | A1 |
| 20020054918 | Murad | May 2002 | A1 |
| 20020082571 | Krivan et al. | Jun 2002 | A1 |
| 20020120242 | Tyrrell et al. | Aug 2002 | A1 |
| 20030100877 | Erdman | May 2003 | A1 |
| 20030103916 | Imanaka et al. | Jun 2003 | A1 |
| 20030109839 | Costea et al. | Jun 2003 | A1 |
| 20030114811 | Christon et al. | Jun 2003 | A1 |
| 20030114818 | Benecke et al. | Jun 2003 | A1 |
| 20030119202 | Kaylor et al. | Jun 2003 | A1 |
| 20030124336 | Keane et al. | Jul 2003 | A1 |
| 20030130631 | Springer et al. | Jul 2003 | A1 |
| 20030162681 | Hage et al. | Aug 2003 | A1 |
| 20030204178 | Febo et al. | Oct 2003 | A1 |
| 20030208173 | Lagerstedt-Eidrup et al. | Nov 2003 | A1 |
| 20040015145 | Miura et al. | Jan 2004 | A1 |
| 20040022678 | Komagoe et al. | Feb 2004 | A1 |
| 20040060112 | Fell et al. | Apr 2004 | A1 |
| 20040064119 | Guidotti et al. | Apr 2004 | A1 |
| 20040127883 | Cowell et al. | Jul 2004 | A1 |
| 20050079637 | Wilhelm et al. | Apr 2005 | A1 |
| 20050148488 | Jekel et al. | Jul 2005 | A1 |
| 20050163730 | Rosevear et al. | Jul 2005 | A1 |
| 20050214241 | Kandil | Sep 2005 | A1 |
| 20050256022 | May et al. | Nov 2005 | A1 |
| 20060111266 | Abera et al. | May 2006 | A1 |
| 20060127437 | Kennedy et al. | Jun 2006 | A1 |
| 20060189817 | Horlacher et al. | Aug 2006 | A1 |
| 20060198797 | Giniger | Sep 2006 | A1 |
| 20060222675 | Sabnis et al. | Oct 2006 | A1 |
| 20070027049 | Rigg | Feb 2007 | A1 |
| 20070055210 | Kao | Mar 2007 | A1 |
| 20070087954 | Wang et al. | Apr 2007 | A1 |
| 20070093770 | Ecker et al. | Apr 2007 | A1 |
| 20070116748 | Isele et al. | May 2007 | A1 |
| 20070122360 | Oniki et al. | May 2007 | A1 |
| 20070197987 | Tsang et al. | Aug 2007 | A1 |
| 20080276379 | MacDonald et al. | Nov 2008 | A1 |
| 20080277621 | MacDonald et al. | Nov 2008 | A1 |
| 20080299609 | Kwon et al. | Dec 2008 | A1 |
| 20090036856 | Woltman et al. | Feb 2009 | A1 |
| 20090047363 | Itoi et al. | Feb 2009 | A1 |
| 20090061718 | Seidling et al. | Mar 2009 | A1 |
| 20090062172 | Cunningham et al. | Mar 2009 | A1 |
| 20090062764 | MacDonald et al. | Mar 2009 | A1 |
| 20090105676 | Brusk et al. | Apr 2009 | A1 |
| 20090156536 | Kim et al. | Jun 2009 | A1 |
| 20090157021 | Sullivan et al. | Jun 2009 | A1 |
| 20090238847 | Itoi et al. | Sep 2009 | A1 |
| 20090280553 | Mikami et al. | Nov 2009 | A1 |
| 20090306615 | Olsson | Dec 2009 | A1 |
| 20100028638 | Reichardt et al. | Feb 2010 | A1 |
| 20110004174 | Carlucci et al. | Jan 2011 | A1 |
| 20110251575 | Kuroda et al. | Oct 2011 | A1 |
| 20110288514 | Kuroda et al. | Nov 2011 | A1 |
| 20120109088 | Komatsu et al. | May 2012 | A1 |
| 20120115718 | Nakashita et al. | May 2012 | A1 |
| 20120141975 | Sato et al. | Jun 2012 | A1 |
| 20120165773 | Nakashita et al. | Jun 2012 | A1 |
| 20120215192 | Corbellini et al. | Aug 2012 | A1 |
| 20120296303 | Ng et al. | Nov 2012 | A1 |
| 20130012900 | Uda et al. | Jan 2013 | A1 |
| 20130158494 | Ong et al. | Jun 2013 | A1 |
| 20130261584 | Lee et al. | Oct 2013 | A1 |
| 20130261585 | Lee | Oct 2013 | A1 |
| 20130261586 | Lee et al. | Oct 2013 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 1034932 | Aug 1989 | CN |
| 1616115 | May 2005 | CN |
| 200948202 | Sep 2007 | CN |
| 10 2009 029 194 | Apr 2011 | DE |
| 0 019 371 | Nov 1980 | EP |
| 0 355 842 | Feb 1990 | EP |
| 0 470 275 | Feb 1992 | EP |
| 0 560 630 | Nov 1998 | EP |
| 1 034 799 | Sep 2000 | EP |
| 1 034 801 | Sep 2000 | EP |
| 1 034 803 | Sep 2000 | EP |
| 1 034 804 | Sep 2000 | EP |
| 1 358 894 | Nov 2003 | EP |
| 1 295 711 | Apr 2006 | EP |
| 1 356 797 | Dec 2006 | EP |
| 1 159 014 | Apr 2007 | EP |
| 1 842 513 | Oct 2007 | EP |
| 2 269 661 | Nov 2012 | EP |
| 792531 | Mar 1958 | GB |
| 1 349 955 | Apr 1974 | GB |
| 2 090 137 | Jul 1982 | GB |
| 2 390 853 | Jan 2004 | GB |
| 63-134050 | Jun 1988 | JP |
| 01-186809 | Jul 1989 | JP |
| 01-213231 | Aug 1989 | JP |
| 03-172400 | Jul 1991 | JP |
| 03-215267 | Sep 1991 | JP |
| 7028890 | Apr 1995 | JP |
| 2001-070339 | Mar 2001 | JP |
| 4184253 | Nov 2008 | JP |
| 10-2009-0100645 | Sep 2009 | KR |
| WO 9746219 | Dec 1997 | WO |
| WO 9810928 | Mar 1998 | WO |
| WO 9926588 | Jun 1999 | WO |
| WO 0037039 | Jun 2000 | WO |
| WO 0051655 | Sep 2000 | WO |
| WO 0051656 | Sep 2000 | WO |
| WO 0112241 | Feb 2001 | WO |
| WO 0116268 | Mar 2001 | WO |
| WO 03041752 | May 2003 | WO |
| WO 03052390 | Jun 2003 | WO |
| WO 2005107670 | Nov 2005 | WO |
| WO 2006062679 | Jun 2006 | WO |
| WO 2006117055 | Nov 2006 | WO |
| WO 2007085626 | Aug 2007 | WO |
| WO 2008139340 | Nov 2008 | WO |
| WO 2008139341 | Nov 2008 | WO |
| WO 2009027856 | Mar 2009 | WO |
| WO 2009062998 | May 2009 | WO |
| WO 2009133518 | Nov 2009 | WO |
| WO 2010017158 | Feb 2010 | WO |
| WO 2011027295 | Mar 2011 | WO |
| WO 2012074512 | Jun 2012 | WO |
| Entry |
|---|
| Co-pending U.S. Appl. No. 13/851,927, filed Mar. 27, 2013, by Lee et al. for “Absorbent Articles with Decolorizing Agents.” |
| Co-pending U.S. Appl. No. 13/851,941, filed Mar. 27, 2013, by Lee et al. for “Absorbent Articles with Improved Stain Decolorization.” |
| American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) Designation: E1164-02, “Standard Practice for Obtaining Spectrometric Data for Object-Color Evaluation,” pp. 1-8, published Aug. 2002. |
| Cost, Frank, “Pocket Guide to Digital Printing,” Delmar Publishers, Albany, NY, ISBN 0-8273-7592-1, pp. 144-145. |
| Field Guide to Stains—How to Identify and Remove Virtually Every Stain Known to Man, Quirk Productions, Inc., 2002, pp. 199-202. |
| Japanese Industrial Standard, JIS Z 8722:2000, “Methods of Colour Measurement—Reflecting and Transmitting Objects,” 2000, 1-57 and 1 correction page, “Errata.”. |
| Lindon, Jack et al., “A Biological Menses Simulant Using a “Batch” Homogenization Process With Varying Levels of Rheological Properties,” ip.com, IPCOM000198395D, Aug. 6, 2010, pp. 1-13. |
| Fatty acid. Wikipedia, Internet web page “http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fatty—acid”, viewed and printed Jul. 25, 2013, pp. 1-14. |
| Oxidizing agent. Wikipedia, Internet web page “http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxidizer”, viewed and printed Jul. 25, 2013, pp. 1-6. |
| On-the-spot cleanup, Consumer Reports, Jun. 1998, p. 10. |
| Seeing Spots? Don't Rely on Quick Stain Removers, Consumer Reports, Aug. 2006, p. 9. |
| Stain Removers: Which Are Best?, Consumer Reports, Mar. 2000, p. 52. |
| Cacace, M.G. et al., “The Hoffmeister Series: Salt and Solvent Effects on Interfacial Phenomena,” Quarterly Reviews of Biophysics, vol. 30, No. 3, 1997, pp. 241-277. |
| Senczuk, Anna M. et al., “Hydrophobic Interaction Chromatography in Dual Salt System Increases Protein Binding Capacity,” Biotechnology and Bioengineering, vol. 103, No. 5, Aug. 1, 2009, pp. 930-935. |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20130261585 A1 | Oct 2013 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61618172 | Mar 2012 | US | |
| 61695481 | Aug 2012 | US |
