The Procter & Gamble Company patent applications published on November 30th, 2023

Summary of the patent applications from The Procter & Gamble Company on November 30th, 2023

The Procter & Gamble Company has recently filed several patents related to various products and technologies. These patents cover a range of areas, including virtual 3D store environments, nonwoven fabrics, absorbent articles, and tampons.

In terms of virtual 3D store environments, the company has developed systems and methods for automatically creating these environments. This involves loading 3D imaging assets and using a 3D engine to generate a virtual 3D area with positioned products. A photorealistic virtual 3D store environment is then created based on this area and a 3D structural model.

In the area of nonwoven fabrics, the company has developed a through-air thermally bonded fabric with a visually discernible pattern of three-dimensional features. The fabric has different values for an intensive property in its first and second regions and has a low TS7 value. The company has also developed a method for creating a soft and lofty continuous fiber nonwoven web by using a spinneret with multiple orifices and removing or diverting fluid to maintain loft and softness.

In the field of absorbent articles, the company has developed various improvements. These include treating the topsheet of an absorbent article to repel liquid and applying a surfactant to enhance liquid absorption and leakage prevention. The company has also developed absorbent articles with specific properties such as bending stiffness, absorption and rewetting values, and flex bond channel dimensions.

Finally, the company has filed a patent for tampons with withdrawal cords made primarily of natural plant fiber and limited wicking capability. The tampons contain a minimal amount of material derived from petroleum and are manufactured using a specific scouring solution with a lower pH.

Summary of notable applications:

• Systems and methods for automatically creating virtual 3D store environments.
• Through-air thermally bonded nonwoven fabric with a visually discernible pattern of three-dimensional features.
• Method for creating a soft and lofty continuous fiber nonwoven web.
• Absorbent articles with improved liquid repellency and surfactant application.
• Absorbent articles with specific properties such as bending stiffness and flex bond channel dimensions.
• Tampons with withdrawal cords made primarily of natural plant fiber and limited wicking capability.

Patent applications for The Procter & Gamble Company on November 30th, 2023

CLEANING IMPLEMENT WITH A RHEOLOGICAL SOLID COMPOSITION (18450176)

Main Inventor

Matthew Lawrence LYNCH

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a cleaning tool that consists of an erodible foam and a rheological solid composition. 

• The cleaning implement is designed to clean a specific surface.
• It includes a foam material that can be worn away during the cleaning process.
• The foam is in contact with the surface that needs to be cleaned.
• The cleaning tool also contains a rheological solid composition.
• The composition consists of a crystallizing agent and an aqueous phase.
• The crystallizing agent helps to solidify the composition.
• The aqueous phase provides a liquid component to aid in the cleaning process.
• The combination of the foam and the rheological solid composition creates an effective cleaning tool.

Abstract

A cleaning implement for cleaning a target surface is provided that includes an erodible foam adapted to contact a surface to be cleaned and a rheological solid composition comprising a crystallizing agent and an aqueous phase.

LAMINATE(S) COMPRISING BEAMED ELASTICS AND ABSORBENT ARTICLE(S) COMPRISING SAID LAMINATE(S) (18213284)

Main Inventor

Gary Dean LaVON

Brief explanation

- The patent application relates to an absorbent article, such as a diaper, and various components of the article.

- These components include the chassis, inner leg cuffs, outer leg cuffs, ear panels, side panels, waistbands, and belts. - The article incorporates tightly spaced, very fine, and low strain elastics to provide a comfortable fit for the wearer. - The elastics have specific measurements, such as being less than 4 mm in spacing, less than 300 dtex in fineness, and less than 300% in strain. - The elastics deliver low pressure (less than 1 psi) under them, as measured by the Pressure-Under-Strand method. - The article also has a suitable modulus (between about 2 gf/mm and 15 gf/mm) to make it easy to apply and keep in place, even when the core is loaded with liquid. - The article's design aims to provide comfort, a secure fit, and the ability to hold at least 50 mls of liquid.

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to one or a combination of an absorbent article's chassis, inner leg cuffs, outer leg cuffs, ear panels, side panels, waistbands, and belts that may comprise one or more pluralities of tightly spaced (less than 4 mm, less than 3 mm, less than 2 mm, and less than 1 mm) and/or very fine (less than 300, less than 200, less than 100 dtex) and/or low strain (less than 300%, less than 200%, less than 100%) elastics to deliver low pressure less than 1 psi (according to the conditions defined by the Pressure-Under-Strand method below) under the elastics, while providing adequate modulus of (between about 2 gf/mm and 15 gf/mm) to make the article easy to apply and to comfortably maintain the article in place on the wearer, even with a loaded core (holding at least 50 mls of liquid), to provide for the advantages described above.

TAMPON WITH NATURALLY HYDROPHOBIC COMPONENTS (17751970)

Main Inventor

Khalid QURESHI

Brief explanation

- The abstract describes a patent application for a tampon with a withdrawal cord made primarily of natural plant fiber like cotton.

- The withdrawal cord contains no more than 5 percent by weight of material derived from petroleum. - The tampon has limited wicking capability, meaning it does not absorb or transfer fluids as quickly as other tampons. - The patent application also includes a method for manufacturing these tampons, which involves using a scouring solution with a lower pH than usual for cleaning cotton fibers.

Abstract

A tampon comprising an absorbent pledget and a withdrawal cord attached to the pledget is disclosed. The withdrawal cord may be constituted predominantly (by weight) of natural plant fiber such as cotton, and comprise no more than 5 percent by weight material derived from petroleum, while exhibiting limiting wicking capability. A method for manufacturing tampons with withdrawal cords including cotton fiber is disclosed, including a scouring step in which the scouring solution is of relatively lower pH than is conventional for scouring cotton, is disclosed.

ABSORBENT ARTICLE (18198303)

Main Inventor

Christopher Philip BEWICK-SONNTAG

Brief explanation

- The patent application describes a disposable absorbent article, such as a diaper or sanitary napkin, that includes a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core structure.

- The absorbent core structure consists of an upper nonwoven layer, a lower nonwoven layer, and an inner core layer. - The upper nonwoven layer is made of polymer fibers and has a basis weight (weight per unit area) of 35 to 85 grams per square meter (gsm). - The lower nonwoven layer is also made of polymer fibers and has a basis weight of 10 to gsm. - The inner core layer is located between the upper and lower nonwoven layers and is made up of 50% to 85% cellulosic fibers and 15% to 50% superabsorbent particles, by weight. - The absorbent core structure has an average density between 0.045 and 0.15 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm). - The upper and lower nonwoven layers are sealed to contain the inner core layer within them, specifically at the left and right side regions.

Abstract

A disposable absorbent article having a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core structure disposed therebetween. The absorbent core structure includes an upper nonwoven layer comprising polymer fibers and having a basis weight of from about 35 to about 85 gsm; a lower nonwoven layer comprising polymer fibers and having a basis weight of from about 10 to about gsm; and an inner core layer disposed between the upper and lower nonwoven layers. The inner core layer comprises from about 50% to about 85% cellulosic fibers, by weight of the inner core layer, and from about 15% to about 50% superabsorbent particles, by weight of the inner core layer. The absorbent core structure has an average density of between about 0.045 g/cmand about 0.15 g/cm. The inner core layer is contained within the nonwoven layers by substantially sealing at least a left and right side region of the upper and lower nonwoven layers.

ABSORBENT ARTICLE WITH ABSORBENT CORE STRUCTURE PERIMETER SEAL ARRANGEMENTS (18198309)

Main Inventor

Christopher Philip BEWICK-SONNTAG

Brief explanation

- The patent application describes a disposable absorbent article, such as a diaper, with a topsheet, backsheet, and absorbent core structure.

- The absorbent core structure consists of an upper nonwoven layer, a lower nonwoven layer, and a portion of an inner core layer. - The inner core layer is contained within the upper and lower nonwoven layers by sealing a portion of the first and second side regions of the upper nonwoven layer with a portion of the first and second side regions of the lower nonwoven layer at a lateral perimeter seal. - An adhesive is used between the upper and nonwoven layers in the perimeter seal. - The lateral perimeter seal is positioned in the middle region and has a longitudinal seal length that is from about 45% to about 90% of the longitudinal inner core length.

Abstract

A disposable absorbent article having a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core structure therebetween. The absorbent core structure having an upper nonwoven layer, a lower nonwoven layer, and a portion of an inner core layer disposed therebetween. The portion of the inner core layer is contained within the upper and lower nonwoven layers by sealing a portion of the first and second side regions of the upper nonwoven layer with a portion of the first and second side regions of the lower nonwoven layer at a lateral perimeter seal. An adhesive is positioned between the upper and nonwoven layers in the perimeter seal. The lateral perimeter seal is positioned in the middle region and has a longitudinal seal length that is from about 45% to about 90% of the longitudinal inner core length.

ABSORBENT ARTICLE (18198307)

Main Inventor

Christopher Philip BEWICK-SONNTAG

Brief explanation

- The patent application describes a disposable absorbent article, such as a diaper or sanitary napkin, with a topsheet, backsheet, and absorbent core structure.

- The absorbent core structure consists of an upper nonwoven layer, a lower nonwoven layer, and an inner core layer. - The inner core layer contains a combination of cellulosic fibers and superabsorbent particles. - The absorbent article has specific properties, including a CD Dry Bending Stiffness between 10 N mm and 30 N mm, and a 5Cycle Wet % Recovery between 29% and 40%. - The CD Dry Bending Stiffness is measured using the Wet and Dry CD and MD 3 Point Bend Method, while the 5Cycle Wet % Recovery is measured using the Wet and Dry Bunched Compression Method.

Abstract

A disposable absorbent article having a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core structure disposed between the topsheet and backsheet. The absorbent core structure includes an upper nonwoven layer comprising polymer fibers; a lower nonwoven layer comprising polymer fibers; and an inner core layer disposed between the upper and lower nonwoven layers. The inner core layer may include from about 50% to about 85% cellulosic fibers, by weight of the inner core layer, and from about 15% to about 50% superabsorbent particles, by weight of the inner core layer. The absorbent article may have a CD Dry Bending Stiffness between about 10 N mmto about 30 N·mmas measured according to the Wet and Dry CD and MD 3 Point Bend Method and a 5Cycle Wet % Recovery of between about 29% and about 40% as measured according to the Wet and Dry Bunched Compression Method.

ABSORBENT ARTICLE HAVING FLEX BOND CHANNEL REGIONS (18198308)

Main Inventor

Christopher Philip BEWICK-SONNTAG

Brief explanation

- The patent application describes a disposable absorbent article with a front end, back end, and middle region.

- The article includes a topsheet, backsheet, and absorbent core structure. - A flex bond channel region is formed in the middle region. - The absorbent core structure consists of an upper nonwoven layer, lower nonwoven layer, and inner core layer. - The flex bond channel region has specific dimensions, including a dry channel depth of at least 1.0 mm and a channel width of 1.0 mm to 3.0 mm. - The flex bond channel region has a CD Bending Resistance Index of 1.1 to 3.0 and a Dry MD Bending Resistance of less than 0.04 N/mm.

Abstract

A disposable absorbent article having a front end region, a back end region, and a middle region disposed between the front and back end regions. The absorbent article includes a topsheet; a backsheet; an absorbent core structure disposed between the topsheet and backsheet; and a flex bond channel region formed in at least the middle region. The absorbent core structure includes an upper nonwoven layer having polymer fibers; a lower nonwoven layer having polymer fibers; and an inner core layer disposed between the upper and lower nonwoven layers. The flex bond channel region has a dry channel depth of at least 1.0 mm and a channel width of from about 1.0 mm to about 3.0 mm. The flex bond channel region has a CD Bending Resistance Index of from about 1.1 to about 3.0, and a Dry MD Bending Resistance of less than about 0.04 N/mm.

ABSORBENT ARTICLE FOR FLUID MANAGEMENT (18198306)

Main Inventor

Christopher Philip BEWICK-SONNTAG

Brief explanation

The patent application describes a disposable absorbent article with a topsheet, backsheet, and absorbent core structure.

• The absorbent core structure includes an upper nonwoven layer, a lower nonwoven layer, and an inner core layer.
• The inner core layer contains cellulosic fibers and superabsorbent particles.
• The nonwoven layers seal the inner core layer on the left and right sides.
• The absorbent article has a specific bending stiffness and a specific value for absorption and rewetting.

Abstract

A disposable absorbent article having a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core structure disposed therebetween. The absorbent core structure includes an upper nonwoven layer comprising polymer fibers, a lower nonwoven layer comprising polymer fibers, and an inner core layer disposed between the upper and lower nonwoven layers. The inner core layer includes from about 50% to about 85% cellulosic fibers, by weight of the inner core layer, and superabsorbent particles. The inner core layer is contained within the nonwoven layers by substantially sealing at least a left side region and a right side region of the upper and lower nonwoven layers. The absorbent article has a CD Dry Bending Stiffness between about 10 to about 30 N·mmas measured according to the Wet and Dry CD and MD 3 Point Bend Method and a Total IFF+SFF value of between about 20 and about 200 mg as measuring according to the Acquisition Time and Rewet Method.

ABSORBENT ARTICLE WITH TOPSHEET TREATED TO REDUCE SURFACTANT MIGRATION (18450459)

Main Inventor

Misael Omar AVILES

Brief explanation

- The patent application describes an absorbent article, such as a diaper or sanitary pad, with a topsheet that has been treated to repel liquid.

- The topsheet is joined to a backsheet, with an absorbent core in between. - The absorbent core has an inner surface that faces the wearer's skin and an outer surface that faces the wearer's garment. - A surfactant, which is a substance that reduces surface tension, is applied to at least a portion of the outer surface of the topsheet. - The surfactant is applied specifically to the areas of the topsheet that have been treated to repel liquid. - The combination of the hydrophobic treatment and the hydrophilic surfactant helps to improve the overall performance of the absorbent article in terms of liquid absorption and leakage prevention.

Abstract

An absorbent article having a liquid pervious topsheet wherein at least a portion of the topsheet has been treated to become hydrophobic; a backsheet joined to said topsheet; an absorbent core disposed between said topsheet and said backsheet, said absorbent core having an inner surface oriented toward the skin of the wearer when said absorbent article is being worn and an outer surface oriented toward the garment of the wearer when said absorbent article is being worn; and a surfactant applied to at least a portion of said outer surface of said topsheet wherein the topsheet has been treated hydrophobic and wherein the hydrophilic surfactant is added to the areas treated hydrophobic.

METHODS OF CREATING SOFT AND LOFTY NONWOVEN WEBS (18449737)

Main Inventor

Han XU

Brief explanation

- The patent application describes a method for creating a soft and lofty continuous fiber nonwoven web.

- The method involves using a spinneret with multiple orifices to provide molten polymer. - A fluid is then used to draw or push the molten polymer through some of the orifices towards a moving porous member positioned below the spinneret. - This forms individual continuous fiber strands, which are deposited on the moving porous member at a first location to create an intermediate continuous fiber nonwoven web. - To maintain loft and softness in the deposited web, some of the fluid is removed or diverted proximate to the first location.

Abstract

A method of creating a soft and lofty continuous fiber nonwoven web is provided. The method includes providing molten polymer to a spinneret defining a plurality of orifices, and flowing a fluid intermediate the spinneret and a moving porous member. The moving porous member is positioned below the spinneret. The method includes using the fluid to draw or push the molten polymer, in a direction that is toward the moving porous member, through at least some of the plurality of orifices to form a plurality of individual continuous fiber strands. The method includes depositing the continuous fiber strands on the moving porous member at a first location to create an intermediate continuous fiber nonwoven web, and removing and/or diverting some of the fluid proximate to the first location to maintain loft and softness in the deposited intermediate continuous fiber nonwoven web.

Shaped Nonwoven (18447657)

Main Inventor

Arman Ashraf

Brief explanation

- The patent application describes a through-air thermally bonded nonwoven fabric.

- The fabric has a visually discernible pattern of three-dimensional features on one of its surfaces. - Each feature consists of a first region and a second region, which have different values for an intensive property. - The fabric has a TS7 value of less than 15 dB Vrms on at least one surface. - The first surface has a higher TS7 value than the second surface.

Abstract

A through-air thermally bonded nonwoven fabric is provided. The nonwoven fabric can include a first surface and a second surface and a visually discernible pattern of three-dimensional features on one of the first or second surface. Each of the three-dimensional features can define a microzone comprising a first region and a second region. The first and second regions can have a difference in values for an intensive property, wherein at least one of the surfaces has a TS7 value of less than about 15 dB Vrms, and wherein the first surface has a TS7 value that is higher than the second surface TS7 value.

Three-Dimensional (3D) Image Modeling Systems and Methods for Automatically Generating Virtual 3D Store Environments (17825067)

Main Inventor

Diana Jobson Cheshire

Brief explanation

- The patent application describes systems and methods for automatically creating virtual 3D store environments.

- These systems and methods involve loading a set of 3D imaging assets, including product texture images and standard product models, from a computer memory. - A virtual 3D area is generated using a 3D engine, which takes input from a matrix file depicting one or more 3D products. - The 3D engine positions the virtual 3D products based on positioning data in the matrix file. - A virtual 3D store environment is then generated based on the virtual 3D area and a 3D structural model. - The resulting virtual 3D store environment can be rendered as a photorealistic environment in virtual 3D space.

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) image modeling systems and methods are described for automatically generating virtual 3D store environments. The 3D image modeling systems and methods comprise loading, from a computer memory, a product set of 3D imaging assets including product texture images and standard product model(s). A virtual 3D area is generated by a 3D engine inputting a matrix file that depicts one or more 3D products. The 3D engine positions the one or more virtual 3D products based on positioning data in the matrix file. A virtual 3D store environment is generated based on the virtual 3D area and a 3D structural model. The virtual 3D store environment is configured for rendering as a photorealistic environment in virtual 3D space.