Absorbent article having anti-wicking crimp seal

• US H1,746 H
• Filed: 01/22/1997
• Issued: 08/04/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 05/21/1993
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Iii, Robert E. Lee Marshall, Michael Edward Carrier, Richard George Coe
• Original Assignee: Iii, Robert E. Lee Marshall, Michael Edward Carrier, Richard George Coe
• Inventors: Carrier, Michael Edward, Marshall, III, Robert E. Lee, Coe, Richard George
• Primary Examiner(s): Jordan, Charles T.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Chelliah, Meena
• Application Number:
  US87/880,73
• Time in Patent Office: 559 Days
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/15 Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body non-absorbent catamenial receptacles A61F5/44; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/4757 the means being located outside the perimeter of the absorbent core A61F13/4752 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/49413 the edge leakage prevention means being an upstanding barrier
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/5116 being formed of multiple layers A61F13/5123 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/515 characterised by the interconnection of the topsheet and the backsheet
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/531 having a homogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad A61F13/538, A61F13/539 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/51066 for rendering the surface hydrophilic
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/51147 being polymeric films
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/51165 with the combination of films and nonwovens
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/51409 being a film
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/51452 being nonwovens
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/530481 having superabsorbent materials, i.e. highly absorbent polymer gel materials

Abstract

An absorbent article is disclosed for absorbing liquids, including body fluids such as menstrual discharges or urine. The absorbent article has a liquid impermeable backsheet on which is disposed an absorbent core, and first and second liquid permeable topsheet layers. The edge of the absorbent core defines a perimeter, and the first and second topsheet layers and the backsheet each extend laterally beyond the perimeter to define a continuous border segment surrounding the absorbent core. A liquid impermeable seal is formed in the border segment which surrounds the perimeter for preventing lateral migration of liquid from the absorbent core beyond the seal. The seal is formed to extend from an outer surface of the first topsheet layer to an outer surface of the backsheet, for establishing a capillary gradient in the second topsheet layer, thereby inhibiting wicking of fluid therethrough.

Claims

1. An absorbent article for absorbing liquids, comprising:

a first liquid permeable topsheet layer;

a second liquid permeable topsheet layer;

a liquid impermeable backsheet;

an absorbent core disposed between said backsheet and said second topsheet layer, said second topsheet layer being disposed between said absorbent core and said first topsheet layer, and wherein said first topsheet layer, said second topsheet layer and said backsheet each extend laterally beyond the perimeter of said absorbent core to define a continuous border segment surrounding said absorbent core; and

a liquid impermeable seal formed in said border segment and surrounding at least a portion of said perimeter of said absorbent core, said seal extending from an outer surface of said first topsheet layer to an outer surface of said backsheet, such that said seal is adapted to prevent migration of liquid from said absorbent core laterally outward beyond said seal.