Enhanced Hip-to-Side Silhouettes for Disposable Absorbent Articles

Publication ID: 24-11857401_0001_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Enhanced Hip-to-Side Silhouettes for Disposable Absorbent Articles,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857401_0001_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857401_0001_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,401.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

This inventive concept introduces improvements to disposable absorbent articles, enhancing their comfort, fit, and performance. The design advancements address the limitations of the original patent, providing better fluid absorption, reduced material waste, and improved ergonomics.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed disposable absorbent articles with a hip-to-side silhouette, but these designs had limitations. The Relaxed Product Side Length was restricted, affecting the overall product shape and comfort. This inventive concept tackles these limitations by introducing an improved topsheet design, optimized pattern cutting, and ergonomic features.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept comprises five key enhancements: 1) an improved topsheet design with enhanced wicking properties for faster liquid absorption; 2) a system for configuring arrays of disposable absorbent articles by product size and type, with visual indicators for distinguishing between product lines and sub-brands; 3) a method for manufacturing disposable absorbent articles with reduced material waste through optimized pattern cutting and minimized scrap generation; 4) an ergonomic design featuring a curved waistband and contoured leg cuffs for improved fit and comfort; and 5) a disposable absorbent article with enhanced leak protection through a secondary absorbent core positioned adjacent to the primary absorbent core.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The inventive concept's novelty lies in the combination of these five enhancements, which collectively provide a significant improvement over the original patent. The improved topsheet design, optimized manufacturing method, and ergonomic features are non-obvious and provide a distinct advantage in terms of comfort, performance, and sustainability.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include variations in the topsheet design, such as different materials or structures, or modifications to the ergonomic features, like adjustable waistbands or customizable leg cuffs. Additionally, the manufacturing method could be adapted for use with different materials or production lines.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the hygiene and personal care industry, particularly in the market for disposable absorbent articles. The enhanced comfort, fit, and performance of these articles could appeal to consumers seeking premium products, while the reduced material waste and optimized manufacturing method could attract manufacturers looking to improve their sustainability and efficiency.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61F13/49011
A A61 A61F13/496
A A61 A61F13/49061
A A61 A61F13/4963
A A61 A61F13/511
A A61 A61F13/514
A A61 A61F2013/49068
A A61 A61F2013/49088

Field of Art

Disposable Absorbent Articles (Personal Hygiene Products), specifically focused on design, manufacturing, and ergonomic optimization of boxer brief and underwear-like disposable articles

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A technical professional with expertise in textile engineering, materials science, and product design for personal hygiene products, possessing knowledge of fluid absorption technologies, manufacturing processes, and ergonomic design principles

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's enhancements represent predictable variations and incremental improvements to the source patent's core disposable absorbent article design. The technical solutions proposed are consistent with known design optimization strategies in the field of personal hygiene products. The modifications address standard design challenges such as fluid absorption, manufacturing efficiency, and wearer comfort through straightforward engineering approaches.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Central chassis with topsheet, backsheet, and absorbent core
PTD Variation
Enhanced topsheet with improved wicking properties and secondary absorbent core for leak protection
Obviousness Reasoning
Known technique of modifying fluid acquisition layers to improve absorption performance, representing a predictable solution to enhance product functionality
Source Patent Element
Product designed for different body sizes and shapes
PTD Variation
System for configuring product arrays with visual indicators for size and type differentiation
Obviousness Reasoning
Logical extension of existing product sizing strategies, utilizing standard product management and branding techniques
Source Patent Element
Hip-to-side silhouette optimized for underwear-like fit
PTD Variation
Ergonomic design with curved waistband and contoured leg cuffs
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable design optimization addressing wearer comfort through known ergonomic design principles
Source Patent Element
Disposable absorbent article manufacturing process
PTD Variation
Method for reducing material waste through optimized pattern cutting
Obviousness Reasoning
Standard manufacturing engineering approach to improve production efficiency and reduce costs
Source Patent Element
Basic disposable article structural configuration
PTD Variation
Alternative embodiments with customizable waistbands and leg cuffs
Obviousness Reasoning
Finite set of design variations representing standard product customization techniques in personal hygiene product development
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857401 and the published technical disclosure, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed variations obvious and anticipated, as the proposed enhancements represent predictable design optimizations within the established technological framework of disposable absorbent articles, thus rendering subsequent claims obvious under 35 U.S.C. Section 103.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,401
TitleHip-to-side silhouettes for boxer brief type disposable absorbent articles and arrays
Assignee(s)The Procter & Gamble Company