Medline Industries has filed a patent for an apparatus that assists caregivers in aligning absorbent articles on wearers. The apparatus includes a mat with grasping elements and is designed to engage and disengage from the absorbent article while it is still on the wearer, reducing incidents of ripping and tearing. GlobalData’s report on Medline Industries gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy.

According to GlobalData’s company profile on Medline Industries, robotic exoskeletons was a key innovation area identified from patents. Medline Industries's grant share as of June 2023 was 1%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.

An apparatus for aligning and applying absorbent articles

Source: United States Patent and Trademark Office(USPTO). Credit: Medline Industries LP

A recently filed patent (Publication Number: US20230181383A1) describes an apparatus designed to assist caregivers in the application of absorbent articles, such as diapers, to wearers. The apparatus consists of an application mat that extends laterally between two ends and longitudinally, with a central axis. The mat has a flat first surface and a flat second surface. The apparatus includes a landing zone and two grasping elements positioned between the central axis and each lateral end of the mat.

The purpose of the apparatus is to securely engage an absorbent article, allowing for easy placement on the wearer. Importantly, the apparatus can be disengaged and removed from the absorbent article while it remains on the wearer. This feature enhances convenience and efficiency for caregivers.

The landing zone on the application mat includes indicia, which may be markings or symbols, to designate the proper placement of fasteners for specific absorbent article sizes. This ensures accurate and consistent application of the absorbent article.

The first grasping element is attached to the second surface of the application mat. It can form a loop, with its ends positioned adjacent to the edges of the mat or spaced apart from the edges. The grasping element may also have a void extending through the first and second surfaces of the mat.

In an alternative embodiment, the first grasping element is affixed to both the first and second surfaces of the application mat. Its first end is positioned between the surfaces, and its second end may be positioned between the surfaces or affixed to the second surface.

Overall, this apparatus provides a practical solution for caregivers by simplifying the process of applying absorbent articles to wearers. Its design features, such as the landing zone with indicia and the grasping elements, contribute to efficient and accurate application. The ability to disengage and remove the apparatus while the absorbent article remains on the wearer adds to its convenience.

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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies