P&G Wipo Applications Q4 2008

The last quarter of 2008 brought some news in WIPO P&G applications.
There are 2 clear trends that are worth to highlight

1.- fluffless core
2.- tampon

the first trend shows P&G keep on working on topic of fluffless core for diapers after the first series of applications started in 2004. This time there are 6 applications about more or less the same invention and used to protect as wide as possible the same topic.

WO 2008/155722
WO 2008/155711
WO 2008/155710
WO 2008/155702
WO 2008/155701
WO 2008/155699

Innovation claimed in this series of documents about fluffless core is the positioning of SAP in small spot on 2 different webs. Afterwards these spots are covered with a glue and bonded together. The result is a sandwich of 2 webs with SAP in the middle. SAP spots are located in a way to macth specularly the others on the opposite web and fill the empty spaces (see pic). The result is a continuosly distributed SAP core and very stable in both dry and wet conditions. Nice product! A sample of process used to produce such a core is described as well.

The second trend is tampon. Probably P&G is going to invest more in this promising field. We will check it out in the next months if this series of application in this quarter is just a case or not. Anyway these 5 applications deal with both product design and process. Mainly they are related to ways to improve tampon aspect and performances.

• WO 2008/135925 claims a system to apply an "indicator" to tampons in order to communicate features and performances.
• WO 2008/135924 gives idea to improve appearance of tampons applying some embossing on their “heads”.
• WO 2008/129464 this application is about a way to improve tampon performances applying a physical discontinuity to the core. Discontinuity allows controlling expansion of tampon when absorbing menses and improve performances with low flows.
• WO 2008/129463 introduces some longitudinal creases and describe process to manufacture them.
• WO 2008/126016 Simple application disclosing an idea to make evident a grip on the tampon applicator.

Since usually tampons are very anonymous these applications seem P&G have the intention to find a way to differentiate the product more and more in the future.
Anyway they don't seem so original ideas but we will see how they will be developed in the future.

Other applications are related to packaging. One of them WO 2008/132684 is useful to combine in a single more powerful product different devices. This application reports a combination of sanitary napkins with a wipe and a powder. The combination of wipe to clean vaginal area, then powder to deodorize and finally sanitary napkin provide a better sensation and performance to wearer.

Finally 2 applications are related to pantyliners and printings. Especially one of them WO 2008/146222 introduces a synergy between printing and embossing.In order to substitute prints, because it is not desirable to print webs that are in contact with the skin, the applicant thought is it possible to use an embossing with same theme and size in order to "simulate" the prints. This improves appearance of the product. Groovy.