Body conforming textile holder and absorbent article

• US 7,846,145 B2
• Filed: 11/08/2005
• Issued: 12/07/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 11/08/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: RUSL LLC
• Original Assignee: RUSL LLC
• Inventors: Carstens, Jerry Edward
• Primary Examiner(s): Stephens; Jacqueline F.
• Application Number:
  US11/269,255
• Publication Number:
  US 20070106242A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,855 Days
• Field of Search: 604/385.01, 604/385.22, 604/385.24, 604/385.26, 604/402, 604/400, 604/396
• US Class Current: 604/385.22
• CPC Class Codes: A41B 2300/32 using hook and loop-type fasteners
• CPC Class Codes: A41D 13/005 with controlled temperature
• CPC Class Codes: A41D 13/1161 Means for fastening to the user's head
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0001 Body part
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0226 adhesive, self-sticking
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0228 with belt or strap, e.g. with buckle
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/023 with pockets for receiving packs or pouches
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0231 hook and loop-type fastener
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0261 medicated
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 7/03 thermophore, i.e. self-heating, e.g. using a chemical reaction
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 7/032 using oxygen from the air, e.g. pocket-stoves
• CPC Class Codes: A62B 23/00 Filters for breathing-protection purposes gas-filters in general B01D
• CPC Class Codes: D04B 1/22 specially adapted for knitting goods of particular configuration
• CPC Class Codes: D10B 2501/041 Gloves
• CPC Class Codes: D10B 2501/061 Piped openings (pockets)
• CPC Class Codes: D10B 2509/028 Elastic support stockings or elastic bandages

Abstract

A body conforming, reusable, washable, textile holder for removably holding at least one article in close bodily contact. The holder may be a wrap or tube constructed to enclose a portion of the body where the article is to be held. The article may be a therapeutic article, such as a heat generating thermal pack, a cooling pack, or other article comprising a therapeutic agent; an absorbent article; a sensing article; or a filter article. The invention also relates to a system comprising the body conforming holder and an article for use therewith, and a method for holding such an article in close bodily contact by wearing the holder.

Claims

1. An absorbent system comprising:

a) a body conforming, reusable, washable, textile holder for removably holding at least one absorbent article in close bodily contact, said holder being a wrap or tube constructed to enclose a portion of the body where the absorbent article is to be held, and comprising an elastic region comprising elastic woven or knit material suitable for use in a reusable, washable holder, said elastic woven or knit material suitable for use in a reusable, washable holder, said elastic region having a high stretch in both the lateral and longitudinal directions as measured by having a Holding Force (HF-4.0) of greater than about 0.1 kgf and a Holding Force (HF-2.5) of less than about 1.0 kgf; and

b) at least one absorbent article capable of being removably held in close bodily contact by said holder, said article comprising a liquid pervious body facing side, a liquid impervious side opposite the body facing side, and an absorbent component between the liquid pervious side and the liquid impervious side, wherein the liquid pervious side and the liquid impervious side are arranged to form a unitary structure.

2. A system according to claim 1 wherein both the absorbent article and the holder are vapor permeable.

3. A system according to claim 1 wherein the absorbent article is disposable.

4. A system according to claim 1 wherein the holder comprises knit material and elastomeric fiber material.

5. A system according to claim 1 wherein the elastic region of the holder has a Holding Force (HF-3.0) of less than about 1.0 kgf.

6. A system according to claim 1 wherein the elastic region of the holder has a Holding Force (HF-5.0) of less than about 1.0 kgf.

7. A system according to claim 1 wherein the holder is constructed to hold the absorbent article in a selected location.

8. A system according to claim 7 wherein the holder comprises at least one pocket for receiving and supporting the absorbent article.

9. A system according to claim 1 wherein the holder comprises a first fastening material and the absorbent article comprises a second fastening material that cooperatively engages the first fastening material and enables the absorbent article to be removably affixed to the holder.

10. A system according to claim 9 wherein the first and second fastening materials comprise mechanical fastening material.

11. A system according to claim 1 wherein the absorbent article is removably affixed to the holder using adhesive material.

12. A system according to claim 1 wherein the holder comprises at least two cooperating fastening materials affixed to opposed surfaces of the holder that can be positioned to removably enclose the portion of the body where the absorbent article is to be held.

13. A system according to claim 12 wherein the fastening materials comprise mechanical fastening material.

14. A system according to claim 1 wherein the absorbent article comprises a therapeutic agent that is transferable to the wearer'"'"'s body in an effective amount to provide a desired therapeutic benefit.

15. A system according to claim 14 wherein the therapeutic agent comprises an aromatic compound, a pharmaceutical active, a lotion, an emollient, a moisturizing agent, or mixtures thereof.

16. A system according to claim 1 wherein the absorbent article is designed for wound care.

17. An absorbent system comprising:

a) a body conforming, reusable, washable, textile holder for removably holding at least one absorbent article in close bodily contact, wherein the holder is a wrap comprising at least two cooperating fastening materials affixed to opposed surfaces of the holder that can be positioned to removably enclose as portion of the body where the absorbent article is to be held, and comprising an elastic region comprising elastic woven or knit material suitable for use in a reusable, washable holder, said elastic region having a high stretch in both the lateral and longitudinal directions as measured by having a Holding Force (HF-4.0) of greater than about 0.1 kgf and a Holding Force (HF-2.5) of less than about 1.0 kgf; and

b) at least one absorbent article capable of being removably held in close bodily contact by said holder, said article comprising a liquid pervious body facing side, as liquid impervious side opposite the body facing side, and an absorbent component between the liquid pervious side and the liquid impervious side, wherein the liquid pervious side and the liquid impervious side are arranged to form a unitary structure.

18. A system according to claim 17 wherein the fastening materials comprise mechanical fastening material.

19. A system according to claim 17 wherein the elastic region of the holder has a Holding Force (HF-3.0) of less than about 1.0 kgf.

20. An absorbent system comprising:

a) a body conforming, reusable, washable, textile holder for removably holding at least one absorbent article in close bodily contact, wherein the holder is a tube that can be positioned to enclose a portion of the body where the absorbent article is to be held, and comprising an elastic region comprising elastic woven or knit material suitable for use in a reusable, washable holder, said elastic region having a high stretch in both the lateral and longitudinal directions as measured by having a Holding Force (HF-4.0) of greater than about 0.1 kgf and a Holding Force (HF-2.5) of less than about 1.0 kgf; and

b) at least one absorbent article capable of being removably held in close bodily contact by said holder, said article comprising a liquid pervious body facing side, a liquid impervious side opposite the body facing side, and an absorbent component between the liquid pervious side and the liquid impervious side, wherein the liquid pervious side and the liquid impervious side are arranged to form a unitary structure.

21. A system according to claim 20 wherein the elastic region of the holder has a Holding Force (HF-3.0) of less than about 1.0 kgf.

22. A system according to claim 20 wherein the holder is a glove, headgear, or a sock.