The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 17, 2003
Filed:
Aug. 31, 2000
Michael Tod Morman, Alpharetta, GA (US);
Patricia Hsiaoyin Hwang, Alpharetta, GA (US);
Audrie Tomoko Ono, Atlanta, GA (US);
Howard Martin Welch, Woodstock, GA (US);
Charles John Morell, Roswell, GA (US);
Sjon-Paul Lee Conyer, Roswell, GA (US);
Duane Girard Uitenbroek, Little Chute, WI (US);
Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc., Neenah, WI (US);
Abstract
A breathable, substantially liquid impermeable laminate is provided that is permanently conformable to the contours of a wearer's body when used in a personal care absorbent article or a medical article. The laminate includes a breathable (preferably microporous) film and a fibrous nonwoven web. Both the film and the web are extendible in a cross direction to a width at least 25% greater than an original, unstretched width upon application of a stretching force. The web and the film, and the overall laminate, exhibit little or no retractive force once they have been stretched. A diaper or other garment can be constructed in undersized fashion using the laminate, permitting material savings. When the garment is worn, the laminate stretches only where needed to provide a substantially perfect fit on the wearer. The minimal retractive force avoids the skin marks, rashes, etc. that can result from elastic garments.