Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
184 words
An absorbent article suitable for use as a disposable diaper and the like; said absorbent article comprising a unitary assemblage of randomly arranged fibers in the form of a web, said web having a transverse dimension defined between spaced, elongate side edges and an elongate dimension defined between spaced end edges; a medial portion of said web having a greater basis weight and greater average thickness than flanking end and side portions thereof for establishing a step configuration in a upper surface of said web in both the elongate and transverse directions; adhesive means on said upper surface of said web for bonding together exposed surface fibers in said upper surface to provide an abrasion resistant, non-pilling, facing layer, and to aid in maintaining the structural integrity of said web and stabilizing means for stabilizing a lower surface of said web; said upper surface being adapted to be positioned in contact with a wearer with the medial portion of the web in the perineal region, the flanking side portions about the thigh regions, and the flanking end portions about the front and back regions.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
184 words
An absorbent article suitable for use as a disposable diaper and the like; said absorbent article comprising a unitary assemblage of randomly arranged fibers in the form of a web, said web having a transverse dimension defined between spaced, elongate side edges and an elongate dimension defined between spaced end edges; a medial portion of said web having a greater basis weight and greater average thickness than flanking end and side portions thereof for establishing a step configuration in a upper surface of said web in both the elongate and transverse directions; adhesive means on said upper surface of said web for bonding together exposed surface fibers in said upper surface to provide an abrasion resistant, non-pilling, facing layer, and to aid in maintaining the structural integrity of said web and stabilizing means for stabilizing a lower surface of said web; said upper surface being adapted to be positioned in contact with a wearer with the medial portion of the web in the perineal region, the flanking side portions about the thigh regions, and the flanking end portions about the front and back regions.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein said flanking end and side portions have substantially the same basis weight and thickness.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The absorbent article according to claim 2, wherein said stabilizing means is adhesive on said lower surface for bonding together exposed surface fibers in said lower surface.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The absorbent article according to claim 2, wherein said stabilizing means includes a moisture-impervious sheet secured to said lower surface.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
62 words
The absorbent article according to claim 2, wherein said randomly arranged fibers include a major proportion by weight of short cellulosic fibers of a papermaking length less than 1/4 inch, and a minor proportion by weight of reinforcing fibers having an average length over 1/4 inch interspersed and randomly intermingled with said short cellulosic fibers to enhance the strength of said web.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
The absorbent article according to claim 2, wherein said medial portion includes sections of different basis weights, the greatest basis weight being a section where it is most needed to absorb body fluids.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
36 words
The absorbent article according to claim 2, wherein said adhesive means only partially penetrates through the thickness of said web in the medial portion thereof to leave interior fibers of said medial portion unbonded by adhesive.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
The absorbent article according to claim 7, including compressed regions in the upper surface of the medial portion of the web to enhance wicking of fluids along said medial region.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
31 words
The absorbent article according to claim 8, further including compressed regions in said flanking side and end portions disposed in a predetermined pattern and separated by substantially uncompressed high loft regions.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
32 words
The absorbent article according to claim 9, wherein said adhesive means defines bonded networks completely through the web in only the compressed regions of the flanking end and flanking side portions thereof.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
89 words
The absorbent article according to claim 2, wherein said medial portion joins said flanking side portions along side boundaries and joins said end portions along end boundaries, at least a portion of said side boundaries being recessed to define a narrow center crotch section adapted to be positioned in the perineal region of a wearer, saiD medial portion further including a forward section and rearward section disposed, respectively, on opposite sides of the crotch section, said forward and rearward sections having a greater transverse dimension than said crotch section.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
34 words
The absorbent article according to claim 11, wherein said medial portion includes sections of different basis weights, the greatest basis weight being in a section where it is most needed to absorb body fluids.