Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
157 words
A disposable absorbent article for personal use having a waste barrier cuff comprising: a backsheet which forms an article outside layer when used by a person; a waste absorbent layer positioned inside of said backsheet; and a waste barrier cuff disposed adjacent a margin of the absorbent article defining a waste containment pocket with said backsheet, said cuff being an embossed thermoplastic film having a pattern embossed therein in a normal unstretched state, said film having thick and thin areas and a plurality of post-embossed stretched areas along lines spaced substantially uniformly across a surface area of both sides of said embossed film, said stretched areas being separated by unstretched areas and having a thickness less than said unstretched areas, said thin areas of said embossed film in its normal unstretched state being stretched more readily than said thick areas, said film being ultrasoft and quiet in comparison with said embossed film in its normal unstretched state.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
157 words
A disposable absorbent article for personal use having a waste barrier cuff comprising: a backsheet which forms an article outside layer when used by a person; a waste absorbent layer positioned inside of said backsheet; and a waste barrier cuff disposed adjacent a margin of the absorbent article defining a waste containment pocket with said backsheet, said cuff being an embossed thermoplastic film having a pattern embossed therein in a normal unstretched state, said film having thick and thin areas and a plurality of post-embossed stretched areas along lines spaced substantially uniformly across a surface area of both sides of said embossed film, said stretched areas being separated by unstretched areas and having a thickness less than said unstretched areas, said thin areas of said embossed film in its normal unstretched state being stretched more readily than said thick areas, said film being ultrasoft and quiet in comparison with said embossed film in its normal unstretched state.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
58 words
The absorbent article of claim 1 further comprising: a liquid-pervious liner which forms an article inside layer when the absorbent article is used by the person; said absorbent layer positioned between said backsheet and said liner; and said cuff disposed adjacent a margin of the absorbent article defining a waste containment pocket with said liner and said backsheet.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said thermoplastic film is selected from a group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, and copolymers thereof.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said thermoplastic film has a thickness on the order of about 0.5 to about 10 mils.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
11 words
The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said backsheet is liquid-impervious.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
35 words
The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein the absorbent article is selected from the group consisting of a disposable diaper, an incontinent article, a bandage, a surgical dressing, a surgical drape, and a catamenial pad.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
172 words
A disposable diaper having waste barrier leg cuffs comprising: a liquid-pervious frontsheet which forms a diaper inside layer when worn by an infant; a backsheet which forms a diaper outside layer when worn by the infant; an absorbent layer positioned between said backsheet and said frontsheet; and a waste barrier leg cuff disposed adjacent opposite margins of the disposable diaper defining a waste containment pocket with said frontsheet and said backsheet, said leg cuff being an embossed thermoplastic film having a pattern embossed therein in a normal unstretched state, said film having thick and thin areas and a plurality of post-embossed stretched areas along lines spaced substantially uniformly across a surface area of both sides said embossed film, said stretched areas being separated by unstretched areas and having a thickness less than said unstretched areas, said thin areas of said embossed film in its normal unstretched state being stretched more readily than said thick areas, said film being ultrasoft and quiet in comparison with said embossed film in its normal unstretched state.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
172 words
A disposable diaper having waste barrier leg cuffs comprising: a liquid-pervious frontsheet which forms a diaper inside layer when worn by an infant; a backsheet which forms a diaper outside layer when worn by the infant; an absorbent layer positioned between said backsheet and said frontsheet; and a waste barrier leg cuff disposed adjacent opposite margins of the disposable diaper defining a waste containment pocket with said frontsheet and said backsheet, said leg cuff being an embossed thermoplastic film having a pattern embossed therein in a normal unstretched state, said film having thick and thin areas and a plurality of post-embossed stretched areas along lines spaced substantially uniformly across a surface area of both sides said embossed film, said stretched areas being separated by unstretched areas and having a thickness less than said unstretched areas, said thin areas of said embossed film in its normal unstretched state being stretched more readily than said thick areas, said film being ultrasoft and quiet in comparison with said embossed film in its normal unstretched state.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
The disposable diaper of claim 7 wherein said thermoplastic film has a thickness on the order of about 0.5 to about 2 mils.