Enhanced Hip-to-Side Silhouettes for Disposable Absorbent Articles

Publication ID: 24-11857401_0006_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_0006_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857401_0006_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

The present disclosure introduces a series of direct improvements and enhancements to disposable absorbent articles, focusing on optimized product silhouettes, advanced materials, and integrated sensors for enhanced user experience and sustainability.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed hip-to-side silhouettes for boxer brief type disposable absorbent articles, but it had limitations in terms of moisture wicking, skin irritation, and customization options. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing improved topsheet designs, optimized product silhouettes, and integrated sensors for real-time feedback.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The new claims introduce several key innovations. Claim 1 presents an improved topsheet design with micro-channels for enhanced fluid transport and a soft, breathable outer layer for comfort. Claim 2 describes a method for manufacturing arrays of disposable absorbent articles with optimized product silhouettes, tailored to specific body sizes and shapes. Claim 3 outlines a system for customizing disposable absorbent articles to individual user preferences, leveraging a database of user profiles and corresponding product silhouettes. Claim 4 embeds an integrated sensor in the absorbent core to detect moisture levels and provide real-time feedback to the user. Claim 5 focuses on optimizing environmental sustainability through eco-friendly materials, waste minimization, and recyclability.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce several non-obvious innovations, including the use of micro-channels in the topsheet, the integration of sensors for real-time feedback, and the customization system based on user profiles. These advancements overcome the limitations of the original patent and provide a more comfortable, sustainable, and user-centric experience.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments may include variations in the topsheet design, such as different micro-channel patterns or materials. The customization system could be adapted for different demographics or user groups. The integrated sensor could be replaced with alternative sensing technologies or used in conjunction with other features, such as temperature or pH sensors.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The enhanced hip-to-side silhouettes for disposable absorbent articles have significant commercial potential in the hygiene and healthcare industries, particularly in the markets for baby diapers, adult incontinence products, and feminine care products. The focus on sustainability and customization may appeal to environmentally conscious consumers and individuals seeking personalized products.

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), with expertise in product design, materials engineering, fluid management, and ergonomic silhouette optimization for body-conforming garments

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A professional with advanced degree in materials science, biomedical engineering, or textile design, having 3-5 years experience in developing personal hygiene products, familiar with fluid transport mechanisms, manufacturing processes, and user-centered design principles

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of the source patent's core teachings about optimizing disposable absorbent article silhouettes. The disclosed micro-channel topsheet, sensor integration, and customization methods are logical technological progressions that apply known engineering techniques to incrementally improve product performance and user experience. These variations demonstrate standard problem-solving approaches within the technical domain of personal hygiene product design.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Absorbent article with defined hip-to-side silhouette dimensions
PTD Variation
Micro-channel topsheet design for enhanced fluid transport
Obviousness Reasoning
Known fluid management techniques in textile engineering, predictable improvement in moisture wicking performance using standard channel geometries
Source Patent Element
Product designed for different body sizes and shapes
PTD Variation
User profile-based customization system for product silhouettes
Obviousness Reasoning
Logical extension of existing size variability concepts, applying database-driven personalization techniques common in consumer product design
Source Patent Element
Central chassis with topsheet, backsheet, and absorbent core
PTD Variation
Integrated moisture sensing technology embedded in absorbent core
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable application of miniature sensor technologies to existing product architecture, representing a known approach to adding real-time monitoring capabilities
Source Patent Element
Disposable absorbent article manufacturing process
PTD Variation
Eco-friendly materials and waste minimization strategies
Obviousness Reasoning
Standard industry trend toward sustainability, using known green material substitution and manufacturing optimization techniques
Source Patent Element
Product designed for underwear-like fit and comfort
PTD Variation
Soft, breathable outer layer with enhanced ergonomic properties
Obviousness Reasoning
Incremental design improvement using well-established textile engineering principles for comfort optimization
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857401 and the comprehensive technical disclosure herein, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed variations obvious and predictable extensions of existing disposable absorbent article design principles. The disclosed innovations represent standard problem-solving approaches within the field, utilizing known techniques to incrementally improve product performance, user experience, and manufacturing sustainability.

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