Products with materials that shrink in one dimension and expand in another dimension
US12102516B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 22, 2018 |
| Grant date | Oct 1, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 1, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2013/53773
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A disposable absorbent product includes a double-network polymer element including a cross-linked, covalently-bonded polymer and a reversible, partially ionicly-bonded polymer, wherein the element has a moisture level less than or equal to 15 percent of the total weight of the element, wherein the element comprises a latent retractive force, and wherein the element is configured to release the retractive force to achieve a dimensional change in the disposable absorbent product with exposure of the element to an aqueous liquid. Manufacturing a disposable absorbent product includes producing a double-network hydrogel; elongating by force and dehydrating while still elongated the double-network hydrogel, wherein elongating and dehydrating captures a latent retractive force in the element; and positioning the element in a disposable absorbent product such that a dimensional change in the disposable absorbent product is achieved with exposure of the element to an aqueous liquid.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.