US4637819A — Macroscopically expanded three-dimensional polyme…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 230 words

A macroscopically expanded, three-dimensional fluid-handling polymeric web having first and second surfaces located in substantially parallel planes which are remote from one another, said web including a multiplicity of fluid-handling capillary networks of macroscopic cross-section for rapidly transmitting fluids which are dynamically deposited on said first surface of said web to said second surface of said web using the dynamic and gravitational head of the fluid as a primary driving force, each of said macroscopic cross-section capillary networks originating as an aperture in said first surface of said web and having a continuously interconnected sidewall extending in the direction of said second surface of said web, said continuously interconnected sidewall terminating to form at least one aperture in said second surface of said web, whereby the bulk of said dynamically deposited fluid is transmitted from said first surface to said second surface of said web by said macroscopic cross-section capillary networks, said first surface of said web in which said macroscopic cross-section capillary networks originate further including a multiplicity of fluid-handling capillary networks which are substantially smaller in cross-section than said macroscopic cross-section fluid-handling capillary networks, said smaller fluid-handling capillary networks exhibiting a degree of capillary suction sufficient to transmit static fluid contained on the surface of objects which contact said first surface of said web generally in the direction of said second surface of said web by capillary attraction.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 230 words

A macroscopically expanded, three-dimensional fluid-handling polymeric web having first and second surfaces located in substantially parallel planes which are remote from one another, said web including a multiplicity of fluid-handling capillary networks of macroscopic cross-section for rapidly transmitting fluids which are dynamically deposited on said first surface of said web to said second surface of said web using the dynamic and gravitational head of the fluid as a primary driving force, each of said macroscopic cross-section capillary networks originating as an aperture in said first surface of said web and having a continuously interconnected sidewall extending in the direction of said second surface of said web, said continuously interconnected sidewall terminating to form at least one aperture in said second surface of said web, whereby the bulk of said dynamically deposited fluid is transmitted from said first surface to said second surface of said web by said macroscopic cross-section capillary networks, said first surface of said web in which said macroscopic cross-section capillary networks originate further including a multiplicity of fluid-handling capillary networks which are substantially smaller in cross-section than said macroscopic cross-section fluid-handling capillary networks, said smaller fluid-handling capillary networks exhibiting a degree of capillary suction sufficient to transmit static fluid contained on the surface of objects which contact said first surface of said web generally in the direction of said second surface of said web by capillary attraction.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 64 words

The web of claim 1, wherein said smaller cross-section capillary networks originate as an aperture in said first surface of said web and have a continuously interconnected sidewall extending in a direction opposite said second surface of said web, said continuously interconnected sidewall terminating to form at least one aperture in a third surface remote from the first and second surfaces of said web.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 26 words

The web of claim 2, wherein said apertures in said third surface of said web form volcano-like cusps which exhibit a soft and silky tactile impression.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 24 words

The web of claim 1, wherein the perpendicular distance between the first and second surfaces of said web is at least about 7 mils.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 25 words

The web of claim 1, wherein the perpendicular distance between said first and said second surfaces of said web is at least about 15 mils.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 71 words

The web of claim 1, wherein the cross-sectional shape of each of said smaller capillary networks is defined by a major axis which coincides with the maximum cross-sectional dimension of said network and a minor axis which coincides with the minimum cross-sectional dimension of said network, as measured perpendicular to said major axis of said network, and wherein the maximum dimension of said minor axis is less than about 20 mils.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 71 words

The web of claim 1, wherein the cross-sectional shape of each of said smaller capillary networks is defined by a major axis which coincides with the maximum cross-sectional dimension of said network and a minor axis which coincides with the minimum cross-sectional dimension of said network, as measured perpendicular to said major axis of said network, and wherein the maximum dimension of said minor axis is less than about 10 mils.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 68 words

The web of claim 1, wherein each of said macroscopic cross-section capillary networks is defined by a major axis which coincides with the maximum cross-sectional dimension of said network and a minor axis which coincides with the minimum cross-sectional dimension of said network, as measured perpendicular to said major axis of said network, and wherein the minimum dimension of said minor axis is at least about 20 mils.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 15 words

The web of claim 1, wherein said macroscopic cross-section capillary networks are irregular in shape.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 14 words

The web of claim 1, wherein said smaller capillary networks are of irregular cross-section.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 16 words

The web of claim 1, wherein said macroscopic cross-section capillary networks are of dissimilar cross-sectional area.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 15 words

The web of claim 1, wherein said smaller capillary networks are of dissimilar cross-sectional area.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 252 words

A macroscopically expanded, three-dimensional, resilient, fluid-handling polymeric web having first and second surfaces located in substantially parallel planes which are separated from one another by a distance of at least about 7 mils, said web including a multiplicity of fluid-handling capillary networks of macroscopic cross-section for rapidly transmitting fluids which are dynamically deposited on said first surface of said web to said second surface of said web using the dynamic and gravitational head of the fluid as a primary driving force, each of said macroscopic cross-section capillary networks having a minor axis dimension of at least about 20 mils and originating as an aperture in said first surface of said web and having a continuously interconnected sidewall extending in the direction of said second surface of said web, said continuously interconnected sidewall terminating to form at least one aperture in said second surface of said web, whereby the bulk of said dynamically deposited fluid is transmitted from said first surface to said second surface of said web by said macroscopic cross-section capillary networks, said first surface of said web in which said macroscopic cross-section capillary networks originate further including a multiplicity of fluid-handling capillary networks which are substantially smaller in cross-section than said macroscopic cross-section fluid-handling capillary networks, said smaller fluid-handling capillary networks exhibiting a degree of capillary suction sufficient to transmit static fluid contained on the surface of objects which contact said first surface of said web generally in the direction of said second surface of said web by capillary attraction.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 252 words

A macroscopically expanded, three-dimensional, resilient, fluid-handling polymeric web having first and second surfaces located in substantially parallel planes which are separated from one another by a distance of at least about 7 mils, said web including a multiplicity of fluid-handling capillary networks of macroscopic cross-section for rapidly transmitting fluids which are dynamically deposited on said first surface of said web to said second surface of said web using the dynamic and gravitational head of the fluid as a primary driving force, each of said macroscopic cross-section capillary networks having a minor axis dimension of at least about 20 mils and originating as an aperture in said first surface of said web and having a continuously interconnected sidewall extending in the direction of said second surface of said web, said continuously interconnected sidewall terminating to form at least one aperture in said second surface of said web, whereby the bulk of said dynamically deposited fluid is transmitted from said first surface to said second surface of said web by said macroscopic cross-section capillary networks, said first surface of said web in which said macroscopic cross-section capillary networks originate further including a multiplicity of fluid-handling capillary networks which are substantially smaller in cross-section than said macroscopic cross-section fluid-handling capillary networks, said smaller fluid-handling capillary networks exhibiting a degree of capillary suction sufficient to transmit static fluid contained on the surface of objects which contact said first surface of said web generally in the direction of said second surface of said web by capillary attraction.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 64 words

The web of claim 13, wherein said smaller cross-section capillary networks originate as an aperture in said first surface of said web and have a continuously interconnected sidewall extending in a direction opposite said second surface of said web, said continuously interconnected sidewall terminating to form at least one aperture in a third surface remote from the first and second surfaces of said web.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 26 words

The web of claim 13, wherein said apertures in said third surface of said web form volcano-like cusps which exhibit a soft and silky tactile impression.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 71 words

The web of claim 13, wherein the cross-sectional shape of each of said smaller capillary networks is defined by a major axis which coincides with the maximum cross-sectional dimension of said network and a minor axis which coincides with the minimum cross-sectional dimension of said network, as measured perpendicular to said major axis of said network, and wherein the maximum dimension of said minor axis is less than about 20 mils.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 71 words

The web of claim 13, wherein the cross-sectional shape of each of said smaller capillary networks is defined by a major axis which coincides with the maximum cross-sectional dimension of said network and a minor axis which coincides with the minimum cross-sectional dimension of said network, as measured perpendicular to said major axis of said network, and wherein the maximum dimension of said minor axis is less than about 10 mils.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 17 words

The web of claim 13, wherein each of said macroscopic cross-section capillary networks exhibits a cylindrical shape.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 15 words

The web of claim 13, wherein said macroscopic cross-section capillary networks are irregular in shape.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 14 words

The web of claim 13, wherein said smaller capillary networks are of irregular cross-section.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 16 words

The web of claim 13, wherein said macroscopic cross-section capillary networks are of dissimilar cross-sectional area.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 15 words

The web of claim 13, wherein said smaller capillary networks are of dissimilar cross-sectional area.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 257 words

An absorbent bandage comprising an absorbent element having a wearer contacting topsheet secured in superposed relation thereto, said topsheet comprising a macroscopically expanded, three-dimensional fluid-handling polymeric web having a first wearer contacting surface and second absorbent element contacting surface located in substantially parallel planes which are remote from one another, said web including a multiplicity of fluid-handling capillary networks of macroscopic cross-section for rapidly transmitting fluids which are dynamically deposited on said first surface of said web to said second surface of said web using the dynamic and gravitational head of the fluid as a primary driving force, each of said macroscopic cross-section capillary networks originating as an aperture in said first surface of said web and having a continuously interconnected sidewall extending in the direction of said second surface of said web, said continuously interconnected sidewall terminating to form at least one aperture in said second surface of said web, whereby the bulk of said dynamically deposited fluid is transmitted from said first surface to said second surface of said web by said macroscopic cross-section capillary networks, said first surface of said web in which said macroscopic cross-section capillary networks originate further including a multiplicity of fluid-handling capillary networks which are substantially smaller in cross-section than said macroscopic cross-section fluid-handling capillary networks, said smaller fluid-handling capillary networks exhibiting a degree of capillary suction sufficient to transmit static fluid contained on the surface of objects which contact said first surface of said web generally in the direction of said second surface of said web by capillary attraction.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 257 words

An absorbent bandage comprising an absorbent element having a wearer contacting topsheet secured in superposed relation thereto, said topsheet comprising a macroscopically expanded, three-dimensional fluid-handling polymeric web having a first wearer contacting surface and second absorbent element contacting surface located in substantially parallel planes which are remote from one another, said web including a multiplicity of fluid-handling capillary networks of macroscopic cross-section for rapidly transmitting fluids which are dynamically deposited on said first surface of said web to said second surface of said web using the dynamic and gravitational head of the fluid as a primary driving force, each of said macroscopic cross-section capillary networks originating as an aperture in said first surface of said web and having a continuously interconnected sidewall extending in the direction of said second surface of said web, said continuously interconnected sidewall terminating to form at least one aperture in said second surface of said web, whereby the bulk of said dynamically deposited fluid is transmitted from said first surface to said second surface of said web by said macroscopic cross-section capillary networks, said first surface of said web in which said macroscopic cross-section capillary networks originate further including a multiplicity of fluid-handling capillary networks which are substantially smaller in cross-section than said macroscopic cross-section fluid-handling capillary networks, said smaller fluid-handling capillary networks exhibiting a degree of capillary suction sufficient to transmit static fluid contained on the surface of objects which contact said first surface of said web generally in the direction of said second surface of said web by capillary attraction.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 38 words

The absorbent bandage of claim 23, wherein said absorbent elements exhibits a greater degree of capillary suction than the smaller capillary networks, whereby said static fluid is drawn through said smaller capillary networks and into said absorbent element.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 21 words

The absorbent bandage of claim 23, including a moisture-impervious backsheet secured adjacent the surface of said absorbent element opposite said topsheet.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 238 words

A macroscopically expanded, three-dimensional fluid-handling polymeric web having first and second surfaces located in substantially parallel planes which are remote from one another, said web including a multiplicity of dual purpose fluid-handling capillary networks, said dual purpose capillary networks having a macroscopic cross-section portion for rapidly transmitting fluids which are dynamically deposited on said first surface of said web to said second surface of said web using the dynamic and gravitational head of the fluid as a primary driving force, each of said dual purpose capillary networks originating as an aperture in said first surface of said web and having a continuously interconnected sidewall extending in the direction of said second surface of said web, said continuously interconnected sidewall terminating to form at least one aperture in said second surface of said web, whereby the bulk of said dynamically deposited fluid is transmitted from said first surface to said second surface of said web by said macroscopic cross-section portion of said dual purpose capillary networks, the perimeter of each of said dual purpose capillary networks also including at least one fluid-handling capillary network portion of substantially smaller cross-section than said macroscopic cross-section portion, said smaller fluid-handling capillary network portion exhibiting a degree of capillary suction sufficient to transmit static fluid contained on the surface of objects which contact said first surface of said web generally in the direction of said second surface of said web by capillary attraction.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 238 words

A macroscopically expanded, three-dimensional fluid-handling polymeric web having first and second surfaces located in substantially parallel planes which are remote from one another, said web including a multiplicity of dual purpose fluid-handling capillary networks, said dual purpose capillary networks having a macroscopic cross-section portion for rapidly transmitting fluids which are dynamically deposited on said first surface of said web to said second surface of said web using the dynamic and gravitational head of the fluid as a primary driving force, each of said dual purpose capillary networks originating as an aperture in said first surface of said web and having a continuously interconnected sidewall extending in the direction of said second surface of said web, said continuously interconnected sidewall terminating to form at least one aperture in said second surface of said web, whereby the bulk of said dynamically deposited fluid is transmitted from said first surface to said second surface of said web by said macroscopic cross-section portion of said dual purpose capillary networks, the perimeter of each of said dual purpose capillary networks also including at least one fluid-handling capillary network portion of substantially smaller cross-section than said macroscopic cross-section portion, said smaller fluid-handling capillary network portion exhibiting a degree of capillary suction sufficient to transmit static fluid contained on the surface of objects which contact said first surface of said web generally in the direction of said second surface of said web by capillary attraction.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 16 words

The web of claim 26, wherein said dual purpose capillary networks exhibit a star shaped cross-section.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 16 words

The web of claim 26, wherein said dual purpose capillary networks exhibit a snowflake shaped cross-section.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 16 words

The web of claim 26, wherein said dual purpose capillary networks exhibit a dogbone shaped cross-section.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 18 words

The web of claim 27, wherein the points of said star comprise said smaller fluid-handling capillary network portion.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1990-01-19	1990-07-21	1991-01-20	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	1994-01-19	1994-07-21	1995-01-20	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	1998-01-19	1998-07-21	1999-01-20	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Macroscopically expanded three-dimensional polymeric web for transmitting both dynamically deposited and statically contacted fluids from one surface to the other

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