Kimberly-clark Corporation

Martha E Bolick

Theodore B Lang

Rebecca J Weber

An incontinent pad, for wearing as a bed protector about the hips and covering the perineal area of a wearer, is constructed of layers of absorbent and moisture impermeable layers. The pad is generally rectangular in shape, and has two symmetrical cuts extending from the longer portion of the pad toward the center, so as to divide the lower portion of the pad into a central hexagonal section which is folded to produce a breather moisture-retainer pouch, for juxtaposition near the urinary outlet of a wearer; and two triangular portions which are adjacent to the bed or other surface, the hexagonal portion is attached to the portion remaining under the patient, to form a seal along the thighs of the wearer for containment of moisture. The incontinent pad in use on a male or female wearer forms a bed protector with a thigh seal, offering a second line of defense against the escape of moisture.

Incontinent pad

Improved one-piece bib construction having a neck opening in the form of a triangle with one side generally parallel to the shoulders of the wearer when in use. The opening is formed by severing along the sides of the triangle not parallel to the wearer's shoulders and preferably folding inward along the other side so that a double layer of absorbent material is located in the front neck and chest area of the wearer. The result is a bib that tends to conform closely to the wearer thus reducing gaps and unprotected areas. Embodiments include those wherein the angle opposite the side parallel the shoulders is about 30.degree. to 120.degree. and the longest side comprises 30% to 95% of the total bib width and is centrally located. Materials include absorbent fibrous webs such as cellulose tissue which may be combined with a film backing as well as sheets of impervious films.

Suspension system intended primarily for disposable items such as incontinent pads, disposable diapers, and the like but having other uses as well. The garment is intended to be worn about the crotch area and generally is rectangular in shape although various fold configurations in the crotch area may be utilized for improved comfort and fit. The suspension system includes two elastic strips of generally similar construction and having dimensions selected in accordance with the invention to provide the self-centering and improved comfort and fit features. The ends of the elastic strips are provided with buttons or other fastening means intended to cooperate with means provided in the garment material so that, in use, the elastic provides a vertical vector of force maintaining the garment snugly in place. Preferably the straps in use form an angle in the range of from 25.degree. to 45.degree. from horizontal when viewed from a standing frontal position. Garments of the invention provide self-centering characteristics and close fit to the perineal area resulting in a reduced tendency to leak, increased comfort and further may be used in connection with a wide variety of sizes of individuals. In addition, the invention provides a garment that can be lowered easily when changing clothes, checking for wetness or using bathroom facilities and then replaced.

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Winnebago County, WI, United States of America

Martha E Bolick