U.S. patent application number 10/303215 was filed with the patent office on 2003-04-10 for disposable front opening brief with pre-selected pad shape and location.
Invention is credited to Niedermeyer, William P..
Application Number | 20030066122 10/303215 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32392416 |
Filed Date | 2003-04-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030066122 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Niedermeyer, William P. |
April 10, 2003 |
Disposable front opening brief with pre-selected pad shape and
location
Abstract
This invention describes a disposable front opening garment made
with two centrally overlapped segments and pads of different shape
and size located therebetween while maintaining the openable
feature. Pre-selected pad size and placement between segments and
selected pads inside the garment have impervious leakproof elements
along edges and provide leak resistant pads for bi-level
protection. The garment substrate includes stretchable rear panel
portions and/or extensible tapes for overlapping connection of
front and rear panels and a stretchable front closure tape for
overllspped girth adjustment. Stretched elastic strands on each
segment. spaced from edges of both pads provide cuffs for leg
sealing in another embodiment, a third pad is added to a
contractable support panel with cuffs to provide tri-levrl
protection. Another embodiment for selective absorbency of single,
double or triple pads permits use of a medical catheter while
maintaining the front opening, The inventive products are used by
stepping through the leg apertures and applying the expandable
front tape, or applying folding the front panel over a prone user's
crotch and fastening side panel and front closure tapes.
Inventors: |
Niedermeyer, William P.;
(Green Bay, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
William P. Niedermeyer
1024 Mt. Mary Drive
Green Bay
WI
54311
US
|
Family ID: |
32392416 |
Appl. No.: |
10/303215 |
Filed: |
November 25, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10303215 |
Nov 25, 2002 |
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08889461 |
Jul 8, 1997 |
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5864890 |
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10303215 |
Nov 25, 2002 |
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09286355 |
Apr 5, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/403 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 2013/4531 20130101;
A61F 13/505 20130101; A61F 13/4915 20130101; A61F 13/15699
20130101; A61F 13/496 20130101; A61F 13/49 20130101; A41B 2400/52
20130101; A41B 9/008 20130101; A61F 13/5638 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/403 |
International
Class: |
A41B 009/02 |
Claims
Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and
desired to protect by letters patent are the following:
1. A disposable garment having a top rear panel portion on one side
of a transverse fold line and a bottom front panel portion on the
other side of a transverse fold line forming an intermediate crotch
region comprising: first and second shaped segments each having a
length between the rear panel and front panel end margins of the
garment and a width substantially equal to one half width of the
garment plus an amount for overlap, said first and second shaped
segments superposed in partially overlapped mirror-image
orientation forming overlapped first and second segments and
innermost and outermost segments, said mirror image orientation
defining a longitudinally extending overlapping central region of
said garment, said shaped segments including curvilinear cutouts
defining a crotch region intermediate front and rear panels and
linear side margins on each segment, said first and second segments
bonded together in the rear panel portion of the overlapped central
area to define a unitary rear panel, said front panel opening
defined by non-bonded surfaces of two facing areas in the front
panel, an absorbent pad superposed with and selectively bonded
between first and second segments, said pad having margins spaced
from end and side margins of the overlapped segments, stretched
elastic members bondably attached at intervals along a segment side
margin and contractable within a pre-selected portion between end
margins of a segment, at least one stretchable side fastening means
protruding from the rear panel side margin of each segment, at
least one central stretchable closure fastening means attached to
said first segment of the front panel for securement of the first
and second segments near the top of the front panel opening.
2. The garment of claim 1 wherein the absorbent pad is enclosed by
impervious subtrates, bonded together around the pad periphery and
having a pervious top surface to form a pad assemnly bonded to and
between a segment and an inner liner sheet to form a segment
assembly, said segment assembly joined to another to form a
garment.
3. The garment of claim 1 wherein the pad between segments extends
from near the front end margin to the crotch region and is bonded
to the inside of the outer segment.
4 The garment of claim 1 wherein the pad between segments extends
from adjacent the front and rear end margins and is bonded to the
inside of the outer first segment.
5 The garment of claim 1 wherein a pad on a segment of the garment
is located on both sides of a transverse fold line in the crotch
region
6. The garment of claim 1 wherein a first pad between segments is
attached to the first segment and operatively coacts with a
mirror-image second pad attached to the inside of the second inner
segment.
7 The garment of claim 6 wherein the first and coacting second pads
include portions extending from the overlapped area toward the side
margin of the front and rear panels.
8. The garment of claim 1 wherein an inside liner sheet of
subtantially similar size and shape as a segment is bonded to end
and side margins to enclose first an absorbent pad between a liner
and segment before overlapping and bonding to other elements in the
rear panel area.
9 The garment of claim 1 wherein a v-folded strip encloses a linear
margin of at least one segment and an edge of at least one
absorbent pad superposed thereon, and a liner sheet.
10. The garment of claim 1 wherein each of the segments is
transversly extended along both linear side margins of the rear
panel from the top end margin of the rear panel to the curvilinear
crotch cutout for overlap of the front panel after being
transversely folded..
11 The garment of claim 1 wherein the side fastening means has a
length substantially equal to the length of the front panel side
margin and operatively connects to the front panel to form waist
and leg openings.
12 The garment of claim 1 wherein said side margin and front
closure fastening means includes intermediate stretchable portions
and each fastening means includes at least one resealable portion
at an end.
13 The garment of claim 1 wherein the pad between segments
cooperates with a second pad having pervious top and bottom
surfaces said second pad superposed on and attached to the inner
segment.
14 The garment of claim 1 wherein the absorbent pad between
segments and a second pad attached to the inside of the assembled
garment coact with a third pad attached to a support panel secured
at the ends to the inside segment.
15 The garment of claim 14 wherein the width of the support panel
is at least equal to the width of the overlap in the crotch
region.
16 The garment of claim 1 wherein the end margins of a pad between
segments terminates at a spaced distance from the front end of a
garment assembly that includes a support panel with elastic strands
to form cuffs in the support panel, with apertures in the
overlapped segments and support panel defining a catheter path.
17 The garment of claim 1 wherein coextensive linear and
curvilinear side margins of the first and second segments extend
transversely beyond side margins of a pad between segments and have
contractable stretched elastic strands attached to said segments at
spaced intervals adjacent the crotch area, said strands being
parallel to spaced from, and are contractable along the
pre-selected longitudinal side margins of a segment.
18 The garment of claim 4 wherein a selected separate pad for the
front panel overlapped area is inserted between unbonded segments
of the front opening by the user and is held in place by selective
attachment to one of the facing segmant surfaces that form the
front opening.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. Nos. 08/889461 09/286,355 filed Apr. 5, 1999.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to disposable garments having
a front panel opening that are put on by stepping through the leg
openings, pulling up, and attaching an expandable closure tape
across the front opening/closure.
[0003] Applying these garments differs from prior art and current
`pull-on` disposable garments which are expandable around the waist
without a front opening and are applied by stepping through the leg
openings and pulling the garment upward into position about the
lower torso, as described in typical U.S. Pat. No. 6,258,077 B
1
[0004] The present invention describes the expandable side tapes
along with the expandable front tape, and in combination with
absorbent pads of pre-selected shape and absorbency, how the front
opening is instrumental in placement and shape of the pad or pads
used for absobent products such as disposable diapers, training
pants, adult care products and for feminine hygiene use.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Disposable diapers currently available include larger sizes
with extra absorbency for children generally over 2 yrs old.
[0006] These `heavy duty` diapers usually include elements such as
expandable waist portions with some degree of control over tighness
around the waist depending on where side tapes are secured on the
front panel, and their use is a prelude to the end of diaper
use.
[0007] Other products in the marketplace represnt the next phase in
toilet training and include complete garments with waist features
that allow expansion of the garment as it is pulled up around the
torso.
[0008] One popular product uses a plurality of elastic strands on
front and rear panels to provide elasticity, albeit, once
manufactured, the amount of waist expansion is fixed. What is
confortable for one user may not represent the same comfort level
for another user in the same wieght range.
[0009] The fixed amount of expansion in current `training pants`
can lead to pressure marks around the waist because of high tension
forces from the strands, and can also cause the inner absorbent
core to be gathered at the waist opening allowing exudates to leak
out at the waist.
[0010] Use of transversely aligned elastic strands thus has
functional limitations but is also a major problem in the
manufacturing process.
[0011] Another current approach for a "disposable pull-on pant" is
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,258,077 which uses an expandable
laminate for front and rear elastic waist components bonded to an
intermediate "chassis" section that provides supporto pf the
absorbent pad for collection and absorption of exudates in the
intermediate crotch region.
[0012] Since the front and rear expandable end panels extend
downward from the waist margins a substantial amount, the greater
expandable area decreases the unit force applied to the torso,
lessening the possibility of skin marking and leaks, however the
referenced '077 B 1 product has a fixed amount of maximum expansion
and may limit use over a larger range of waist and torso sizes.
[0013] Like the training pants with transverse strands, the '077 B
1 product relies on the pre-selected amount of expansion to fit a
limited range of sizes. Further, current products do not have a
front opening for inspection or possible replacement of saturated
pads.
[0014] Once used, the entire garment id discarded, exacerbating
landfill problems, particlarly as applied to larger adult sizes for
incontinent care, feminine care and underwear with integral
absorbent pads.
[0015] As a different approach, the inventive products essentially
start with briefs/garments as a carrier for internal absorbent pads
with a wide choice of shapes, location and degrees of absorbency
without the stresses induced by transverse elastic strands or
elastic waist components with finite stretch.
[0016] The inventive products can be overlapped at the sides and
with the overlapping front closure provides a comfortable level of
tension depending on where the user chooses to attach the tapes
(including tapes with stretchable portions in the center).
[0017] Side overlap can be assured with wider panels and tapes, or
by extensions of the base material along side margins (having an
assembled rear panel wider than the front) without affecting
function of the front opening/closure.
[0018] Since high tension forces can be controlled in the
brief/garment structure, paper or paper/cotton composites can be
used and made `separable` from absorbent components with a higher
bio-degradeability quotient than materials currently used. Further
advances in air-laid paper composites could include bio-degradeable
inner components.
[0019] The inventive approach is applicable to diaper, adult and
feminine care, as disposable underwear with or without pads,
allowing for the addition of an extra overnight pad, and includes
pre-selected levels of absorbency with single, double or three pad
arrangements.
[0020] The flexibility of design to serve these multiple uses are
described in the objectives hereinbelow.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0021] Generally, the invention describes briefs constructed from
two similarly shaped overlapped segments with selective bonding to
form a unitary rear panel and an openable front panel.
[0022] With side and front tapes, the briefs thus formed are used
as a garment to hold absorbent pads on pre-selected surfaces which
permits the user to choose products for single, double and even
triple pad protection.
[0023] Rather than the single absorbent core used in current
products, use of 2 or more thin pads permits the bottom pad to be
enclosed within a `pouch` for maximum protection against
leakage.
[0024] Thus,a primary object of this inveniton is to provide briefs
as a `container` for absorbent pads of different shapes for central
absorbency or with wings for extended absorbency beyond the central
overlapped area.
[0025] Another object of this invention is to provide a range of
product widths and waist sizes by varying the amount of
overlap.
[0026] An object is to provide a garment with an absorbent central
pad of pre-selected size while maintaining the front opening
feature.
[0027] A further object is to provide a plurality of pads having
extended wings while maintaining the front opening feature for
urinary use or inspection through the front opening without
foldover of the wings.
[0028] An object is to provide segment support surfaces for
attachment of absorbent pads having a length at least equal to the
length of the unfolded garment.
[0029] Another object is to furnish pads having a length less than
the unfolded garment length for registered placement spaced from
the end, and superposed on each half segment with an inner liner
sheet added for contact with the users torso.
[0030] An object of this invention is to combine the garment
defined above and an absorbent half pad in the overlapped area of
the front panel and attached to a front panel surface of one
segment only.
[0031] A further object is to provide a full length pad in the
central overlaped area for attachment to both inner and outer
segments in the rear panel and attachment to only the inside
surface of the outer segment in order to maintain the front
opening.
[0032] A further object is to provide for a pad between segment
overlap and secure pad position and garment integrity by bonding
the two segments through pad apertures in the central overpapped
area of the rear panel.
[0033] An object of this invention is to provide full length pads
having one or more extended wings for between segment
attachment.
[0034] In addition to the between segment pad, it is a further
object of this invention to provide a full length pad attached to
the inside innermost surfaces of the garment to provide double pad
protection in selected portions of the garment.
[0035] For selected adult or feminine use, in addition to the
`double` protection above, it is a further object to provide a
third pad attached to and held by a support panel having contracted
margins to form a concave shaped `pouch` for a third pad and/or
body parts.
[0036] Another object is to provide a plurality of apertures in the
support panel and each of the superposed segments to define a path
for a catheter tube from the pouch to a remote reservoir.
[0037] Another object of the invention is to provide pads with air
laid absorbent cores having superabsorbent compounds therein.
[0038] An object of this invention is to provide a soft porous
liner sheet on each of the cooperating segments that from the
garment body.
[0039] Another object is to provide reclosable and stretchable side
margin and front closure tapes for tensioned attachment of rear and
front panels at the preferred comfort level to prevent marking of
the torso without gathering the inside members or segments.
[0040] It is an object of the invention to provide segments,
support panels and absorbent pads using surfaces that are
selectively coated or laminated with an impermeable coating or film
on any selected surface.
[0041] Another object is to provide space between front panel
segments for insertion and attachment of (separately supplied)
supplemental pads between segments of the front panel by the user
for overnight and other heavy duty requirements.
[0042] These and other objects and advantages of the invention will
become more fully understood from the following detailed
description of the invention when read in conjunction with the
drawings
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0043] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the inventive garment viewed from
the inside illustrating a pad in the front panel region enclosed
within a segment and liner sheet as an overlapping first assembly
bonded to a second assembly in the rear panel area.
[0044] FIG. 2 is an enlarged schematic side elevation viewed along
2-2 of FIG. 1 illustrating front and rear seals for a pad enclosed
within a selectively perforated top film and a non-porous bottom
film as components of a first assembly.
[0045] FIG. 3A is a schematic end view of FIG. 1 viewed along line
3A-3A' of FIG. 2 illustrating a pad wrapped inside a sealed
enclosure for side seals and bonding of the sealed pad between the
first segment and liner.
[0046] FIG. 3B is a schematic end view of FIG. 1 viewed along line
3B-3B' of FIG. 2 illustrating bonding of liner sheets to segments
and superposed segments to each other in the overlapped area of the
rear panel.
[0047] FIG. 4A is an enlarged side elevation perspective from the
top illustrating the pad enclosure of FIG. 2.
[0048] FIG. 4B is an enlarged end perspective view illustrating a
pad enclosure with permeable top and bottom substrates having
selective areas of non-porous coating.
[0049] FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating a linear pad portion
between segments extending from the front panel area to the rear
panel area,
[0050] FIG. 6 is a perspective front view of the garment in FIG. 5
with a pad in the front and rear panel overlapped areas between
segments and the openable front.
[0051] FIG. 7 is a simplified side elevation of FIG. 5 viewed along
line 7-7.
[0052] FIG. 8A is a simplified cross section along 8A-8A' of FIG. 7
illustrating the unbonded surfaces between segment assemblies to
define a front opening.
[0053] FIG. 8B is a simplified cross section along line 8B-8B' of
FIG. 7 illustrating bonding between segment assemblies to define a
unitary rear panel.
[0054] FIGS. 9A-9C are schematic perspective views looking at the
inside of the garment.
[0055] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of the left hand second inner
segment illustrating the segment outline with a superposed sealed
absorbent pad with wing extensions to form a segment
sub-assembly.
[0056] FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the right hand first outer
segment illustrating the segment outline with a superposed sealed
pad having wing extensions and prepared for bonding to the inner
segment sub-assembly.
[0057] FIG. 9C is a perspective view of the segment assemblies of
FIGS. 9A and 9B bonded together in the rear panel area to from a
garment with a pad between segments coacting with a second pad,
with the asssembled segments being openable in front.
[0058] FIG. 10 is an end view along line 10-10' of FIG. 11 combined
with a fragmentary top view schematic of the garment in FIG. 9C
illustrating the overlapped segment assemblies with pads having end
and side seals including along contoured margins.
[0059] FIG. 11 is a plan view of the assembled garment of FIG. 9C
illustrating a pad between segments and the overlying cooperating
pad to provide an assembly with double pad absorbency in the
central area and single pad thickness in end and side sealed pad
wings.
[0060] FIG. 12 is a top view perspective of the segment assembly of
FIGS. 9c, 10, 11 in combination with another pad on a support panel
having cuffs in addition to cuffs on segments.
[0061] FIG. 13 is a schematic cross section along line 13-13' in
FIG. 12.
[0062] FIG. 14 is a perspective view from the front of the folded
garment illustrating the front opening and an extended tab of a
supplemental pad for manual insertion between segments of the front
panel by user.
[0063] FIG. 15 is a perspective front view of the supplemental pad
shown in FIG. 14,
[0064] FIG. 16A is a perspective view of the inner support panel in
FIG. 17 illustrating an aperture for a catheter path.
[0065] FIG. 16B is a perspective top view of the inner segment
illustrating a bonding area for attachment of the pad support panel
shown in FIG. 16A.
[0066] FIG. 16C is a perspective top view of the outer segment with
pad attached to the front panel between segments and a rear panel
bonding area before attachment of the outer segment.
[0067] FIG. 16D is a top perspective view of the garment from the
inside with components and apertures of 16A-16D as assembled.
[0068] FIG. 17 is a cross section along line 17-17' of FIG. 16D
illustrating the arrangement of elements and apertures that define
the catheter path when the garment is worn.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0069] As described herein, garment refers to a disposable article
of wear having leg openings and a front opening panel with closure
means. The garment is applied to the user by opening the front
panel before the wearer `steps into` the garment and after pulling
it around the torso, fastening the tape.
[0070] Intended as a containing garment for one or more absorbent
pads depending on use, and given the selection of stretchable
materials available, the garment `container`, together with pads of
pre-selected shape and placement, provides absorbent protection
used for infants and children, adults for incontinent use and
feminine hydiene applications.
[0071] In FIG. 1, a disposable garment 1 is assembled from two
mirror image segments; outer segment 5 and inner segment 6 which
faces the user's body.
[0072] For use, the garment is folded transversely about line F-F'
before tapes 19-19' are attached to define a waist and leg
openings.
[0073] The unfolded garment 1 has a rear panel 2, front panel 3 and
by virtue of cutouts 10,10' a crotch region 4. The garment segments
extend from rear panel end margin 7 to front panel end margin
8.
[0074] In FIG. 1, segments 5, 6 are overlapped in a central region
9 and each has a width substantially equal to half the width W of
the garment plus about half the width of the overlap. Segment width
is increased slightly to add elastic strands adjacent cutouts 10,
10' to form `cuff`
[0075] It is understood that segments of non-woven or paper
comoposite materials have a wide range of functional
characteristics including porosity and extensibility, and that
longitudinal or registered patterns of impervious coating can be
applied to contain liquids.
[0076] Also, depending on pre-selected pad width, the amount of
overlap between segments can be varied with the same segment widths
to change size of garment width and waist openings without
functional effect on these products.
[0077] In FIG. 1, before outer segment 5 and inner segment 6 are
superposed and overlapped an amount 9, a linear series of dots 12,
12' between side margins 11, 11' bond the segments to form a
unitary rear panel 2. Bonding does not occur between facing
surfaces of the segments in the front panel area 3 thus defining a
front panel opening 14.
[0078] For closure and use, tape 20 connects segments 5 and 6 in
the front panel region 3.
[0079] In FIG. 1, liner sheets 21, 22 are removed by cutaway to
expose underlying components including absorbrent pad 15 enclosed
by and bonded to top overwrapping substrate 23 and bottom substrate
24 which are sealed together in adjacent pad end margins 16,16' and
side margins 17,17'.
[0080] In FIG. 1, a narrow area of bonding 25,25' secures the liner
sheets 21, 22 along segment margins. Longitudinal edge reinforcing
strip 26 encloses one margin of the liner, pad and substrates, and
segment 5. (also shown in FIGS. 5, 6).
[0081] Front release tape 20 and side margin tapes 19, 19' have
extensible portions for stretch of the waist enclosure during
use.
[0082] In FIG. 1 and similar embodiments of FIGS. 7,8 absorbent pad
15, comprised of air laid fibers with bonding agents to impart
monolithic density and strength, is between segments 5 and 6 and
attached to the inside surface of outer segment 5. Pad 15 extends
from the front end of segment 5 to adjacent the fold line F-F'.
[0083] In FIG. 2, segment assembly 5' and 6' are bonded together in
rear panel area 2 with bonding patterrn 12, it being understood
that a series of dots, lines or areas can be used and bonding can
include adhesives, heat sealing or sonic bonding.
[0084] For FIG. 2, the bonding legend describes attachment of
superposed elements to join them into an outer segment assembly 5'
and inner segment assembly 6'.
[0085] The bonding legend for FIG. 2 also applies to FIGS. 3,
7.
[0086] In FIG. 2, bonding means include: 29--outer segment 5 to
lower substrate 24: bonding 30--lower substrate 24 to pad 15:
bonding 31--top of pad 15 to upper substrate 23; bonding
32--substrates 23 to 24; bonding 33--liner 21 to upper substrate
23; bonding 34--liner 21 to outer segment 5 to form assembly
5'.
[0087] In FIG. 2 bonding means also include: bonding 35--liner 22
to inner segment assembly 6'; and bonding 12--between overlapping
assemblies 5' and 6'.
[0088] In FIG. 2, absorbent pad 15 is sealed between upper
non-pervious substrate 23 having perforations in a selected central
area and lower non-pervious substrate 24. Pad 15 and substrates 23,
24 are enclosed between segment 5 an liner sheet 21 which faces
toward the user's body.
[0089] In FIG. 2,an absorbent pad 15 enclosed within non-pervious
film or coated substrates 23, 24 forms a pad assembly described in
detail in FIGS. 4A and 4B.
[0090] In FIG. 2, outer segment assembly 5' is bonded to
overlapping assembly 6' to form the unitary rear panel and left
unbonded in the front panel area.
[0091] In FIG. 2, the top pad encloseing substrate 23 is shown
dashed to indicate a perforated or apertured pervious surface 23
which allows fluids to pass into the absorbent pad. The bottom
substrate 24 is non-pervioud to retain fluids inside the pad
enclosure. In FIGS. 2, pad end seal areas are designated
27,27'.
[0092] In FIG. 3A, the pad side seals 28, 28' are completed to
leakproof the pad enclosure as detailed in FIG. 4A below.
[0093] In FIG. 3A, the same bonding attachments as in FIG. 2
enclose pad 15 which is bonded to the inside surface of segment 5
in the overlap area of front panel 3.
[0094] The pad assembly of FIGS. 2 and 3 is confined to the front
panel area for urinary or menstral leakage.
[0095] In FIG. 3B, attachments involve segment 5, pad enclosures
23, 24 (without the pad) and liner sheet 21 bonded together as an
outer assembly 5'. Inner segment 6 and liner sheet 22 form inner
assembly 6'. Assemblies 5' and 6' are bonded together as at 12 to
form a unitary rear panel, and remain unbonded in the front panel
area to define the panel opening 14.
[0096] In FIG. 4A pad 15 has a length of less than the distance
between end margins of the underlying segment to provide space for
end seals.
[0097] In FIG. 4A, items 16, 16' and 17, 17' are the pad end and
side margins respectively.
[0098] In FIG. 4A, pad 15 is enclosed between upper substrate 23
and lower substrate 24, both impervious materials such as film or
coated substrates.
[0099] In FIG. 4A, seals 27,27' and side seals 28,28' are bonded by
means described above. With film,a perforated area 23' allows fluid
passage to the pad.
[0100] Perforations are preferably registered (FIG. 4A) and stop
short of the ends thus providing positive seals on four sides and a
central area of pervious material for fluid transmission to the
enclosed pad.
[0101] Other substrates properly coated for top and bottom seals
can be registered for positive end and side seals, or can be
continuous and non-registered to provide positive sealing along the
sides but with some limited fluid leakage in the end seal central
area described in FIG. 4B.
[0102] In FIG. 4B, pad portions are spaced from both ends. Upper
substrate 23 is a film or pervious material 36 strip coated or
laminated along side margins with a non-pervious agent.
[0103] Lower substrate 24 is coated full width to provide a
leakproof bottom surface to retain fluid for absorption by the
enclosed [ad 15. In this instance, the side seals 28,28' enclose
pad 15 sides, but pad ends can transmit fluid through upper end
material 23.
[0104] It is understood that the enclosure of 4A is preferred
because of positive sealing all sides despite some manufacturring
advantages with the embodiment of FIG. 4B.
[0105] In FIG. 5, pad 15 with the enclosure of FIG. 4A extends from
end margin 7 of the rear panel to end margin 8 of front panel
3.
[0106] In FIG. 5, end seal 16 of the longer pad is adjacent rear
panel end margin 7 rather than terminating near the fold line F-F'
as in FIGS. 1-3.
[0107] Details of bonding for FIG. 5 are accurately shown in the
bonding legend of FIG. 2. The garment with extended pad is shown in
FIG. 6.
[0108] In FIG. 6, pad 15' is positioned in central area 9 between
segment assemblies 5', 6'. and bondably attached to the inside
surface of outer segment 5. Segment assemblies 5' and 6' are only
bonded together in the rear panel region 3.
[0109] The detailed bonding legend described in FIG. 2 applies to
FIG. 7.
[0110] In FIG. 7, bonding between assemblies 5', 6' creates the
unitary rear panel and the absence of bonds in the front defines
the opening 14.
[0111] In the simplified end elevation of FIG. 8A, pad 15 is bonded
at 24 to the inside of segment 5 and left unbonded between segments
5, 6 for a front panel opening 14.
[0112] In FIG. 8B, pad 15 is bonded at 24 to segment 5 and bonded
on the top surface at 12 to join segment assemblies 5', 6' in the
rear panel area 2.
[0113] FIGS. 9A to 9C show a two-tier combination garment that
includes a pad between segment assemblies.
[0114] In FIG. 9A, a sealed absorbent pad 115' with two wings is
attached to the inside surface of inner segment assembly 6'
comprised of segment 6, sealed pad assembly 115' with enclosing
elements, and a liner sheet (not referenced for clarity).
[0115] In FIG. 9B, a sealed pad 115 with two wings is bonded for
attachment to the outer segment assembly 5' comprised of segment 5,
sealed pad 115 with substrates and a liner (not referenced).
[0116] In FIG. 9C, the inner segment sub-assembly 6' is superposed
over outer sub-assembly 5' in central overlapped region 9 and
bonded to the rear panel region 12. to create a unitary rear panel
having unbonded front panel overlap for a front opening.
[0117] In FIG. 10, pad 115 with two extending wings is bonded to
outer segment 5 in overlapping cooperation with a pad 115' bonded
to inner segment 6.
[0118] Pads 115,115' are spaced from ends 7, 8 to provide room for
end seals 27, 27', and spaced from side margins for side seals
28,28'.
[0119] Each pad is enclosed with a top substrate 23 having a
pervious area 23'.
[0120] In FIG. 10, bottom substrate 37 enclosing pad 115 is coated
full width to prevent leakage to underlying segment 5. Top
substrate 23 for pad 115 as well as both top 23 and bottom 24
substrates for pad 115' have pervious central regions to allow
fluid transmission to underlying elements.
[0121] While providing double pads in the central area of overlap
(see FIG. 5) the four single thickness wings are sealed adjacent
cutout margins 28, 28' and side margins (see 28" for pad 115'). Pad
115 linear and side seals are not visible and not shown in phantom
for clarity,
[0122] In FIG. 10, the outside edge of film or coated substrate
extends across the cutout crotch portions and the outline edge 40
of segment 5 and 41 of segmnt 6
[0123] Liner sheets 21, 22 are on the inside of each segment
subassembly and in combination, provide a soft hourglass shaped two
piece surface on the inside of the garment.
[0124] In FIG. 11, selected elements previously described are not
shown for clarity, including side margin 19 and front closure 20
tapes,reinforcing strip 26, elastic strands 18 on both segments and
side areas 28.
[0125] In FIG. 11, the outlines for segments 5,6 are referenced
near the bottom as 40, 41 respectively and include segment
extensions 42, 42' so that foldover insures closing the side gap
between front and rear panels.
[0126] In FIG. 11 with the liner sheet cutaway, outside edges for
film or coasted substrates 38, 39 indicate that film portions 43,
43' extend beyond outer pad margins and are capable of being bonded
to seal side margins and portions 27, 27' of the end seals not in
the pervious central area of overlap 9.
[0127] In FIG. 11, each segment assembly 5', 6' includes a segment,
sealed pad as described above and a liner sheet.
[0128] In FIG. 11, a cutaway of the top pervious film shows pad
115'.
[0129] In FIG. 11, pads are sealed in end areas 27 and side areas
28 (see FIGS. 4A, 4B), and enclosed between liner sheet 21 and
segments 5, and between liner 22 and segment 6.
[0130] In FIG. 12, the overlapped mirror image segments 5, 6, and
similar cooperating pads 115,115' (each with two extended wings)
are shown with another pad 215 to provide triple pad thickness in
the central area and single thichkness in each of the wing
areas
[0131] Outer segment assembly 5' consists of segment 5, pad 115
with wings enclosed by film or substrates for margin seals which
are positioned between segment 5 and liner sheet 22 (not
shown).
[0132] Segment assembly 6' includes the same members in mirror
image cooperation with pad 115'.
[0133] In FIGS. 9A-11, the overlapping segments and pads as well as
types of sealing are described in detail and used on the garment of
FIG. 12.
[0134] FIG. 12 is viewed from the inside. Pad 115 is bonded to and
supported by panel 44 of pre-seleced width.
[0135] Panel 44 is attached at both ends to inner segment 6 (see
dashed spots at ends of the overlapped area).
[0136] In FIG. 12, stretched elastic strands 45 are attached at
spaced intervals to panel 44 and when the garment is folded about
line F-F' form shirred `cuff` edges 46 of panel 44 see FIG. 13
also).
[0137] In FIG. 13, panel 44 is attached at both ends to segment 6.
Pad 115 is bonded to segment 5 along its full length. Outer
assembly 5' (segment 5 and pad 115 shown) is bonded to inner
assembly 6' (segment 6 and pad 115') as at 12 in the rear panel
only.
[0138] The absence of bonding 12 in the front panel creates front
panel opening 14..
[0139] In FIG. 13, front and rear panels are attached with side
margin tapes 19,19'. The front opening 14 between segment
assemblies 5',6' is closed by attaching front closure tape 20 to a
front panel portion of segment 6.
[0140] In FIG. 14, a completed garment in use is opened by
detaching closure tape 20 to expose pad 115 bonded to the front
panel of outer segment 5.
[0141] In FIG. 14, a supplemental pad 47 is placed between pad 115
and the inside surface of segment 6 for additional absorbency.
[0142] Tab 48 extends beyond the margin of opening 14 and is
grasped to remove the supplemental pad 47 for inspection or
replacement.
[0143] In FIG. 15, supplemental pad 47 is shown in place for use.
Adhesive areas 48 are secured to the inside of segment 6.
[0144] In FIG. 15 the pad is sealed along edges as at 50. Removalbe
cover strips for adhesive 49 and a liner sheet are not shown.
[0145] In FIG. 16A support panel 44 is attached at both ends to
inside segment 6 and has stretched elastic strands that contract to
form a shirred `pocket` 46 (see FIG. 17) when the garment if folded
for use.
[0146] Aperture 51 allows a catheter tube to pass through panel
44.
[0147] In FIG. 16B, aperture 52 in inside segment 6 allows the tube
to pass through segment 6 and be directed rearward obove pad 15
affixed to the inside surface of segment 5.
[0148] In FIG. 16C, segments 5, 6 are bonded together in area 12 of
the rear panel. (see also FIG. 17). Pad 15 is bonded to a front
portion of segment 5. The catheter tube is passed over pad 15 and
through aperture 53 to an external reservoir.
[0149] In FIG. 17, a garment is folded near in crotch area 4.
Stretched elastic strands 45 contract the panel along both side
margins to form shirred side edges 46 of a `pocket for body parts
and a catheter or an absorbent pad.
[0150] In FIG. 17, the catheter path is shown dashed and passes
through three apertures, 51 in support panel 44, 52 in segment 6,
and 53 in outer segment 5.
[0151] It is further to be understood that the present invention
may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the
spirit or special attributes; and it is therefore, not restrictive,
reference being made to the appended claims rather than to the
foregoing description to indicate the scope of the invention.
* * * * *