Specialized Hip-to-Side Silhouettes for Niche Environments

Publication ID: 24-11857401_0009_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:Specialized Variations & Niche Solutions

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Specialized Hip-to-Side Silhouettes for Niche Environments,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857401_0009_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857401_0009_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

Adapting disposable absorbent articles with hip-to-side silhouettes for specific, narrow markets or unique operational environments, such as high-security needs, disaster relief, or extreme weather conditions.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed disposable absorbent articles with hip-to-side silhouettes designed to fit different body sizes and shapes. However, these articles may not be suitable for specific, high-stress environments. This inventive concept addresses the need for specialized disposable absorbent articles that can withstand extreme temperatures, humidity, or rugged terrain, while maintaining the comfort and fit of underwear.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept involves adapting the original hip-to-side silhouette design to accommodate unique operational environments. For example, the absorbent core can be designed to withstand temperatures above 100°F for high-temperature environments or be packaged in a water-resistant film for high-humidity environments. The front belt can be designed with tamper-evident features for high-security needs. The articles can be stored in portable containers for emergency response situations or rugged terrain. A thermal insulation layer can be applied for extreme cold environments.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The novelty of this inventive concept lies in the adaptation of the hip-to-side silhouette design for specific, niche environments. The inventive step involves the deliberate selection and combination of materials, design features, and packaging to create disposable absorbent articles that can operate effectively in extreme conditions, providing a unique solution for users in these environments.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Other embodiments of the inventive concept could include using different materials for the absorbent core, such as superabsorbent polymers or natural fibers, or incorporating additional features like antimicrobial coatings or moisture-wicking layers. The articles could be designed for specific activities, such as hiking or sports, or for users with specific needs, such as incontinence or sensitive skin.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The specialized hip-to-side silhouettes for niche environments have significant commercial potential in industries such as disaster relief, emergency response, high-security facilities, and outdoor recreation. The target market includes organizations and individuals operating in extreme environments, as well as consumers seeking specialized products for specific needs or activities.

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, specifically personal hygiene products with specialized design configurations, requiring expertise in materials science, ergonomic design, and manufacturing of medical/personal care products

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A professional with advanced degree in materials engineering or textile design, with 3-5 years experience in personal protective equipment and absorbent product development, familiar with polymer science, manufacturing techniques, and human factors engineering

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that adapting the hip-to-side silhouette design for specialized environments represents a predictable variation of the source patent's core technical teachings. The fundamental structural elements remain consistent, with modifications targeting specific performance requirements through known material and design interventions. The disclosed variations represent standard engineering problem-solving approaches within the disposable absorbent article domain.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Absorbent article with specific hip-to-side silhouette dimensions
PTD Variation
Adapting silhouette for high-temperature or extreme environment performance
Obviousness Reasoning
Material selection and thermal performance modifications are routine design choices for a PHOSITA, representing predictable engineering solutions to environmental constraints
Source Patent Element
Central chassis with topsheet, backsheet, and absorbent core
PTD Variation
Adding thermal insulation layer or moisture-resistant packaging
Obviousness Reasoning
Incorporating additional protective layers is a standard technique for enhancing product performance in challenging environments, using well-known material science principles
Source Patent Element
Front belt configuration in waist region
PTD Variation
Implementing tamper-evident features for high-security applications
Obviousness Reasoning
Modifying structural elements to enhance security represents an obvious design iteration using standard manufacturing techniques and known mechanical principles
Source Patent Element
Disposable absorbent article with standardized dimensional parameters
PTD Variation
Creating specialized versions for specific user groups or activity contexts
Obviousness Reasoning
Market segmentation through targeted product design is a routine product development strategy, representing an obvious extension of existing technical capabilities
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857401's foundational teachings, the present publication demonstrates that the claimed variations in disposable absorbent article design represent obvious modifications to one of ordinary skill in the art, rendering subsequent claims involving similar environmental adaptations anticipated and non-patentable under standard obviousness analysis.

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