US4500315A — Superthin absorbent product

Claim 1

Independent Claim 219 words

A disposable absorbent compressed composite laminate comprising a first layer, a second layer, and a transition area integrally and intimately connecting said first and second layers and being substantially coextensive therewith, said first layer comprising a fibrous web having a dry bulk recovery of at least about 60 percent, an initial dry bulk of at least about 20 cc/gm, and a weight less than about 2 oz/yd 2 , and a plurality of particles or globules of superabsorbent material disposed randomly and intermittently throughout said first layer, said particles or globules being of a size and spacing whereby said particles do not interfere with the absorption of liquid by adjacent particles, said second layer comprising randomly disposed, frictionally entangled particles selected from the group consisting of cellulosic fibers, peat moss, and mixtures thereof, said particles being sufficiently closely spaced to adjacent particles to promote rapid movement of liquid along the plane of said layer, and said transition area comprising portions of said entangled particles extending into and becoming integral with said first layer with portions of said entangled particles in intimate contact with said superabsorbent material, said composite laminate in its compressed form being less than one-half its thickness in an uncompressed form and upon contact with liquid, regains at least 75 percent of its thickness in uncompressed form.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 219 words

A disposable absorbent compressed composite laminate comprising a first layer, a second layer, and a transition area integrally and intimately connecting said first and second layers and being substantially coextensive therewith, said first layer comprising a fibrous web having a dry bulk recovery of at least about 60 percent, an initial dry bulk of at least about 20 cc/gm, and a weight less than about 2 oz/yd 2 , and a plurality of particles or globules of superabsorbent material disposed randomly and intermittently throughout said first layer, said particles or globules being of a size and spacing whereby said particles do not interfere with the absorption of liquid by adjacent particles, said second layer comprising randomly disposed, frictionally entangled particles selected from the group consisting of cellulosic fibers, peat moss, and mixtures thereof, said particles being sufficiently closely spaced to adjacent particles to promote rapid movement of liquid along the plane of said layer, and said transition area comprising portions of said entangled particles extending into and becoming integral with said first layer with portions of said entangled particles in intimate contact with said superabsorbent material, said composite laminate in its compressed form being less than one-half its thickness in an uncompressed form and upon contact with liquid, regains at least 75 percent of its thickness in uncompressed form.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 19 words

The compressed composite laminate of claim 1 wherein said first layer is a nonwoven fabric of synthetic staple fibers.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 12 words

The compressed composite of claim 2 wherein the nonwoven fabric is polyester.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 17 words

The compressed composite laminate of claim 1 wherein said second layer is chemically delignified wood pulp fibers.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 14 words

The compressed composite laminate of claim 1 wherein said second layer is peat moss.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 36 words

The compressed composite laminate of claim 1 wherein the superabsorbent material is present in an amount from about 200 percent to about 1,500 percent by dry weight based on the dry weight of said fibrous web.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 161 words

A disposable absorbent compressed composite comprising an absorbing layer, a transition area, and a wicking layer, said absorbing layer comprising a fibrous web having a dry bulk recovery of at least about 60 percent, an initial dry bulk of at least about 20 cc/gm, and a weight of less than about 2 oz/yd 2 , said wicking layer comprising particles selected from the group consisting of cellulosic fibers, peat moss, and mixtures thereof, some of said particles extending into and becoming integral with said absorbing layer to provide said transition area, said absorbing layer having interspersed therein superabsorbent material arranged so as not to gel block and present in an amount between about 200 percent and 1,500 percent dry weight basis based on said fibrous web dry weight basis, said composite in its compressed form being less than one-half its thickness in an uncompressed form and upon contact with liquid regains at least 75 percent of its thickness in uncompressed form.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 161 words

A disposable absorbent compressed composite comprising an absorbing layer, a transition area, and a wicking layer, said absorbing layer comprising a fibrous web having a dry bulk recovery of at least about 60 percent, an initial dry bulk of at least about 20 cc/gm, and a weight of less than about 2 oz/yd 2 , said wicking layer comprising particles selected from the group consisting of cellulosic fibers, peat moss, and mixtures thereof, some of said particles extending into and becoming integral with said absorbing layer to provide said transition area, said absorbing layer having interspersed therein superabsorbent material arranged so as not to gel block and present in an amount between about 200 percent and 1,500 percent dry weight basis based on said fibrous web dry weight basis, said composite in its compressed form being less than one-half its thickness in an uncompressed form and upon contact with liquid regains at least 75 percent of its thickness in uncompressed form.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 18 words

The compressed composite of claim 7 wherein said absorbing layer is a nonwoven fabric of synthetic staple fibers.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 12 words

The compressed composite of claim 8 wherein the nonwoven fabric is polyester.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 16 words

The compressed composite of claim 7 wherein said wicking layer is chemically delignified wood pulp fibers.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 13 words

The compressed composite of claim 7 wherein said wicking layer is peat moss.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 33 words

The compressed composite of claim 7 wherein said superabsorbent is present in an amount from about 400 percent to about 1,200 percent dry weight basis based on said fibrous web dry weight basis.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 172 words

A disposable diaper containing an absorbent pad wherein said absorbent pad is an absorbent compressed composite comprising an absorbing layer, a transition area, and a wicking layer, said absorbing layer comprising a fibrous web having a dry bulk recovery of at least about 60 percent, an initial dry bulk of at least about 20 cc/gm, and a weight of less than about 2 oz/yd 2 , said wicking layer comprising particles selected from the group consisting of cellulosic fibers, peat moss, and mixtures thereof, some of said particles extending into and becoming integral with said absorbing layer to provide said transition area, said absorbing layer having interspersed therein superabsorbent material arranged so as not to gel block and present in an amount between about 200 percent and 1,500 percent dry weight basis based on said fibrous web dry weight basis, said composite in its compressed form being less than one-half its thickness in an uncompressed form and upon contact with liquid regains at least 75 percent of its thickness in uncompressed form.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 172 words

A disposable diaper containing an absorbent pad wherein said absorbent pad is an absorbent compressed composite comprising an absorbing layer, a transition area, and a wicking layer, said absorbing layer comprising a fibrous web having a dry bulk recovery of at least about 60 percent, an initial dry bulk of at least about 20 cc/gm, and a weight of less than about 2 oz/yd 2 , said wicking layer comprising particles selected from the group consisting of cellulosic fibers, peat moss, and mixtures thereof, some of said particles extending into and becoming integral with said absorbing layer to provide said transition area, said absorbing layer having interspersed therein superabsorbent material arranged so as not to gel block and present in an amount between about 200 percent and 1,500 percent dry weight basis based on said fibrous web dry weight basis, said composite in its compressed form being less than one-half its thickness in an uncompressed form and upon contact with liquid regains at least 75 percent of its thickness in uncompressed form.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 19 words

The disposable diaper of claim 13 wherein said absorbent pad is comprised of two or more absorbent compressed composites.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 37 words

The disposable diaper of claim 13 wherein the absorbing layer of said compressed composite is comprised of a polyester nonwoven web and the wicking layer of said compressed composite is comprised of chemically delignified wood pulp fibers.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 21 words

The disposable diaper of claim 13 wherein said compressed composite is comprised of an absorbing layer sandwiched between two wicking layers.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 240 words

A sanitary napkin comprising an absorbent structure partially encompassed by a liquid barrier with a moisture-permeable overwrap, said absorbent structure being a disposable absorbent compressed composite laminate comprising a first layer, a second layer, and a transition area integrally and intimately connecting said first and second layers and being substantially coextensive therewith, said first layer comprising a fibrous web having a dry bulk recovery of at least about 60 percent, an initial dry bulk of at least about 20 cc/gm, and a weight less than about 2 oz/yd 2 , and a plurality of particles or globules of superabsorbent material disposed randomly and intermittently throughout said first layer, said particles or globules being of a size and spacing whereby said particles do not interfere with the absorption of liquid by adjacent particles, said second layer comprising randomly disposed frictionally entangled particles selected from the group consisting of cellulosic fibers, peat moss, and mixtures thereof, said particles being sufficiently closely spaced to adjacent particles to promote rapid movement of liquid along the plane of said layer, and said transition area comprising portions of said entangled particles extending into and becoming integral with said first layer with portions of said entangled particles in intimate contact with said superabsorbent material, said composite laminate in its compressed form being less than one-half its thickness in an uncompressed form and upon contact with liquid, regains at least 75 percent of its thickness in uncompressed form.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 240 words

A sanitary napkin comprising an absorbent structure partially encompassed by a liquid barrier with a moisture-permeable overwrap, said absorbent structure being a disposable absorbent compressed composite laminate comprising a first layer, a second layer, and a transition area integrally and intimately connecting said first and second layers and being substantially coextensive therewith, said first layer comprising a fibrous web having a dry bulk recovery of at least about 60 percent, an initial dry bulk of at least about 20 cc/gm, and a weight less than about 2 oz/yd 2 , and a plurality of particles or globules of superabsorbent material disposed randomly and intermittently throughout said first layer, said particles or globules being of a size and spacing whereby said particles do not interfere with the absorption of liquid by adjacent particles, said second layer comprising randomly disposed frictionally entangled particles selected from the group consisting of cellulosic fibers, peat moss, and mixtures thereof, said particles being sufficiently closely spaced to adjacent particles to promote rapid movement of liquid along the plane of said layer, and said transition area comprising portions of said entangled particles extending into and becoming integral with said first layer with portions of said entangled particles in intimate contact with said superabsorbent material, said composite laminate in its compressed form being less than one-half its thickness in an uncompressed form and upon contact with liquid, regains at least 75 percent of its thickness in uncompressed form.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 28 words

The sanitary napkin of claim 17 wherein said absorbent structure comprises two compressed composite laminates superimposed one upon the other with the absorbing layers immediately adjacent one another.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 233 words

A tampon having as its absorbent portion a disposable absorbent compressed composite laminate comprising a disposable absorbent compressed composite laminate comprising a first layer, a second layer, and a transition area integrally and intimately connecting said first and second layers and being substantially coextensive therewith, said first layer comprising a fibrous web having a dry bulk recovery of at least about 60 percent, an initial dry bulk of at least about 20 cc/gm, and a weight less than about 2 oz/yd 2 , and a plurality of particles or globules of superabsorbent material disposed randomly and intermittently throughout said first layer, said particles or globules being of a size and spacing whereby said particles do not interfere with the absorption of liquid by adjacent particles, said second layer comprising randomly disposed frictionally entangled particles selected from the group consisting of cellulosic fibers, peat moss, and mixtures thereof, said particles being sufficiently closely spaced to adjacent particles to promote rapid movement of liquid along the plane of said layer, and said transition area comprising portions of said entangled particles extending into and becoming integral with said first layer with portions of said entangled particles in intimate contact with said superabsorbent material, said composite laminate in its compressed form being less than one-half its thickness in an uncompressed form and upon contact with liquid, regains at least 75 percent of its thickness in uncompressed form.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 233 words

A tampon having as its absorbent portion a disposable absorbent compressed composite laminate comprising a disposable absorbent compressed composite laminate comprising a first layer, a second layer, and a transition area integrally and intimately connecting said first and second layers and being substantially coextensive therewith, said first layer comprising a fibrous web having a dry bulk recovery of at least about 60 percent, an initial dry bulk of at least about 20 cc/gm, and a weight less than about 2 oz/yd 2 , and a plurality of particles or globules of superabsorbent material disposed randomly and intermittently throughout said first layer, said particles or globules being of a size and spacing whereby said particles do not interfere with the absorption of liquid by adjacent particles, said second layer comprising randomly disposed frictionally entangled particles selected from the group consisting of cellulosic fibers, peat moss, and mixtures thereof, said particles being sufficiently closely spaced to adjacent particles to promote rapid movement of liquid along the plane of said layer, and said transition area comprising portions of said entangled particles extending into and becoming integral with said first layer with portions of said entangled particles in intimate contact with said superabsorbent material, said composite laminate in its compressed form being less than one-half its thickness in an uncompressed form and upon contact with liquid, regains at least 75 percent of its thickness in uncompressed form.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 24 words

The tampon of claim 19 wherein said compressed composite laminate is comprised of two wicking layers one on each side of an absorbing layer.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 231 words

A wipe comprising a nonwoven fabric as a substrate having affixed thereto a disposable absorbent compressed composite laminate comprising a first layer, a second layer, and a transition area integrally and intimately connecting said first and second layers and being substantially coextensive therewith, said first layer comprising a fibrous web having a dry bulk recovery of at least about 60 percent, an initial dry bulk of at least about 20 cc/gm, and a weight less than about 2 oz/yd 2 , and a plurality of particles or globules of superabsorbent material disposed randomly and intermittently throughout said first layer, said particles or globules being of a size and spacing whereby said particles do not interfere with the absorption of liquid by adjacent particles, said second layer comprising randomly disposed frictionally entangled particles selected from the group consisting of cellulosic fibers, peat moss, and mixtures thereof, said particles being sufficiently closely spaced to adjacent particles to promote rapid movement of liquid along the plane of said layer, and said transition area comprising portions of said entangled particles extending into and becoming integral with said first layer with portions of said entangled particles in intimate contact with said superabsorbent material, said composite laminate in its compressed form being less than one-half its thickness in an uncompressed form and upon contact with liquid, regains at least 75 percent of its thickness in uncompressed form.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 231 words

A wipe comprising a nonwoven fabric as a substrate having affixed thereto a disposable absorbent compressed composite laminate comprising a first layer, a second layer, and a transition area integrally and intimately connecting said first and second layers and being substantially coextensive therewith, said first layer comprising a fibrous web having a dry bulk recovery of at least about 60 percent, an initial dry bulk of at least about 20 cc/gm, and a weight less than about 2 oz/yd 2 , and a plurality of particles or globules of superabsorbent material disposed randomly and intermittently throughout said first layer, said particles or globules being of a size and spacing whereby said particles do not interfere with the absorption of liquid by adjacent particles, said second layer comprising randomly disposed frictionally entangled particles selected from the group consisting of cellulosic fibers, peat moss, and mixtures thereof, said particles being sufficiently closely spaced to adjacent particles to promote rapid movement of liquid along the plane of said layer, and said transition area comprising portions of said entangled particles extending into and becoming integral with said first layer with portions of said entangled particles in intimate contact with said superabsorbent material, said composite laminate in its compressed form being less than one-half its thickness in an uncompressed form and upon contact with liquid, regains at least 75 percent of its thickness in uncompressed form.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1988-02-19	1988-08-20	1989-02-19	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	1992-02-19	1992-08-20	1993-02-19	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	1996-02-19	1996-08-20	1997-02-19	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Superthin absorbent product

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