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:
Sep. 21, 2010
Filed:
Apr. 08, 2004
Sridhar Ranganathan, Suwanee, GA (US);
Fred R. Radwanski, Stone Mountain, GA (US);
Jenny L. Day, Woodstock, GA (US);
Jeffrey J. Krueger, Marietta, GA (US);
Gregory M. Lefkowitz, Gainesville, FL (US);
Stanley R. Kellenberger, Appleton, WI (US);
Hoa LA Wilhelm, Appleton, WI (US);
Sridhar Ranganathan, Suwanee, GA (US);
Fred R. Radwanski, Stone Mountain, GA (US);
Jenny L. Day, Woodstock, GA (US);
Jeffrey J. Krueger, Marietta, GA (US);
Gregory M. Lefkowitz, Gainesville, FL (US);
Stanley R. Kellenberger, Appleton, WI (US);
Hoa La Wilhelm, Appleton, WI (US);
Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc., Neenah, WI (US);
Abstract
An absorbent structure expands to a greater extent along one surface than along an opposite surface when in the presence of a liquid. The absorbent structure may include a single layer, or two or more layers intimately bonded to one another. When in the presence of a liquid, the more expandable surface causes an increase in concavity in the X-Y plane of the structure, with the concavity being in the direction of the less expandable surface. One or both surfaces can be treated to adjust the respective level of expandability. By inducing a formed shape upon hydration swelling, a trough shape can be generated to facilitate absorbent properties, containment, and fit. The invention includes absorbent articles having such an absorbent structure incorporated therein.