Expandable absorbent core and method of manufacture
AssigneeCurt G. Joa, Inc.
InventorsChristopher J. Nelson, Scott A. Roehrborn, Troy L. Bruckschen
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An expandable absorbent structure comprises an expansion loop core configured to expand in response to absorption of a liquid and an expansion loop material structure surrounding the expansion loop core and having a trough therein, wherein the trough is formed from a first portion of the expansion loop material structure folded over a second portion of the expansion loop material structure at a first elbow of the expansion loop material structure. In response to an increase in size of the expansion loop core, the expansion loop core presses against the expansion loop material structure to cause a length of the trough to decrease.
Claims13
An expandable absorbent structure comprising:
- an expansion loop core configured to expand in response to absorption of a liquid;
- an expansion loop material structure directly surrounding the expansion loop core and having a trough therein, wherein the trough is formed from a first portion of the expansion loop material structure folded over a second portion of the expansion loop material structure at a first elbow of the expansion loop material structure, and wherein the expansion loop material structure has a first leg joined to a second leg;
- and
- a bond formed between the first leg and the second leg in close proximity to an end of the first leg and an end of the second leg;
- wherein, in response to an increase in size of the expansion loop core, the expansion loop core presses against the expansion loop material structure to cause a length of the trough to decrease.
An absorbent product comprising:
- a first core;
- and
- an expansion loop positioned adjacently to the first core and comprising:
- a second core configured to expand in response to absorption of a liquid;
- and
- a loop material directly surrounding the second core and comprising:
- a first portion;
- a second portion overlapping the first portion, wherein the loop material has a first leg joined to a second leg;
- a bond formed between the first leg and the second leg in close proximity to an end of the first leg and an end of the second leg;
- and
- a first elbow joining the first portion to the second portion;
- wherein the first portion, the second portion, and the first elbow form a trough;
- wherein the first core and the second core expand in response to liquid absorption;
- and
- wherein, in response to expansion of the second core, the second core presses against the loop material to cause a length of the trough to decrease.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.