Absorbing aqueous matter

• US 6,054,631 A
• Filed: 05/08/1998
• Issued: 04/25/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 05/21/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Convatec Technologies, Inc. (ConvaTec Group Plc)
• Original Assignee: Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
• Inventors: Gent, John A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Weiss, John G.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Peppers, III, Miley Craig
• Application Number:
  US09/074,716
• Time in Patent Office: 718 Days
• Field of Search: 156/276, 156/219, 156/290, 604/368, 604/358, 604/367, 604/378, 604/379, 604/380, 604/385.1
• US Class Current: 604/367
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/15658 Forming continuous, e.g. composite, fibrous webs, e.g. involving the application of pulverulent material on parts thereof
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 156/1039 Surface deformation only of sandwich or lamina [e.g., embossed panels]

Abstract

In a method of making high-absorbency articles for use in wound care, incontinence, ostomy applications, and other more varied uses, a loose high-absorbency powder is arranged between a pair of sheets. The sheets and powder are compressed in certain areas. Loose powder is extracted e.g. by vacuum or gravity, and by cutting and sealing, packet-like articles are produced.

Claims

1. A method of making one or more articles capable of absorbing aqueous matter comprising:

a. arranging loose high-absorbent powder generally uniformly between upper and lower sheets;

b. compressing the powder and sheets in specific areas so as to structurally consolidate the powder in the compressed areas, while the powder in the surrounding areas remains loose; and

c. extracting the loose powder.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising sealing the regions of the upper and lower sheets around the periphery of the consolidated areas to form sealed packet-like regions.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising cutting the regions around the consolidated areas.

4. The method according to claim 2, further comprising cutting the regions around the consolidated areas.

5. The method according to claim 1, in which the high-absorbent material includes at least one composition selected from the group comprising superabsorbents, absorbent gelling materials, natural, synthetic and modified natural polymer and silica gels.

7. The method according to claim 1, in which the high-absorbent material includes at least one composition selected from the group comprising alginates, reticular carboxymethylcelluloses, grafted starches and synthetic derivatives of acrylamides or polyacrylates.

8. The one or more articles capable of absorbing aqueous matter made pursuant to the method of claim 1.

6. The method according to claim l, in which the high-absorbent material is an alkali metal polyacrylate.