Patents by Inventor Duane Girard Uitenbroek

Duane Girard Uitenbroek has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6552245
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article is provided which includes a substantially liquid-impermeable, extensible outer cover, a liquid permeable, extensible bodyside liner, and an absorbent body located between the outer cover and the bodyside liner. The extensible outer cover and extensible bodyside liner can be configured to provide a substantially permanent deformation of at least about 10 percent when subjected to a tensile force of 100 gmf per inch (per 2.54 cm) of width according to the Material Elongation and Deformation Tensile Test set forth herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Harold Roessler, Paul Joseph Datta, Mark George Everson, Yung Hsiang Huang, Gary Lee Travis, Duane Girard Uitenbroek, Paul Theodore VanGompel, Michael Tod Morman
  • Patent number: 6533987
    Abstract: The present invention relates to shape deformable materials, which are capable of (1) being deformed, (2) storing an amount of shape deformation, and (3) recovering at least a portion of the shape deformation when exposed to electromagnetic radiation (EMR) energy. The shape deformable materials can advantageously be in the form of films, fibers, filaments, strands, nonwovens, and pre-molded elements. The shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to form products, which are both disposable and reusable. More specifically, the shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to produce products such as disposable diapers, training pants, incontinence products, and feminine care products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Vasily A. Topolkaraev, Thomas Walter Odorzynski, Dave Allen Soerens, Michael J. Garvey, Duane Girard Uitenbroek
  • Patent number: 6506186
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article is provided which includes a substantially liquid-impermeable outer cover, a liquid permeable bodyside liner, an absorbent body located between the outer cover and the bodyside liner, and a pair of leg elastics located on the laterally opposed side edges of the article in at least the intermediate section of the article. The outer cover can be configured to provide a substantially permanent deformation of at least about 10 percent when subjected to a tensile force of 100 gmf per inch (per 2.54 cm) of width according to the Material Elongation and Deformation Tensile Test set forth herein. The permanent deformation of the outer cover in use can result in the article having a substantially permanent leg elastic deformation value of at least about 3 percent when subjected to the Product Deformation Test set forth herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Harold Roessler, Paul Joseph Datta, Mark George Everson, Yung Hsiang Huang, Gary Lee Travis, Duane Girard Uitenbroek, Paul Theodore VanGompel, Michael Tod Morman
  • Patent number: 6503236
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article is provided which includes a substantially liquid-impermeable outer cover, a liquid permeable bodyside liner, an absorbent body located between the outer cover and the bodyside liner, and a pair of fasteners located on the laterally opposed side edges in one of the waist sections of the absorbent article. The outer cover can be configured to provide a substantially permanent deformation of at least about 10 percent when subjected to a tensile force of 100 gmf per inch (per 2.54 cm) of width according to the Material Elongation and Deformation Tensile Test set forth herein. The outer cover can further define a water vapor transmission rate of at least about 800 g/m2/24 hr. The permanent deformation of the outer cover in use can result in a longitudinal breathability gradient ratio between the outer cover in the waist section and the crotch or intermediate section of the article of at least about 1.25 according to the Product Deformation Test set forth herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Duane Girard Uitenbroek, Yung Hsiang Huang, Thomas Harold Roessler, Paul Theodore VanGompel, John Philip Vukos, Michael Tod Morman
  • Patent number: 6479154
    Abstract: A breathable, elastic multilayered film including a core layer of a first elastomer and at least one filler and at least one skin layer of a second elastomer; wherein the first elastomer is a polyolefin and the second elastomer is selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic polyurethanes, polyetheramides, block copolymers, and combinations thereof. Alternatively, at least one support layer may be bonded to the multilayered film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Glynis Allicia Walton, Susan Elaine Shawver, James Russell Fitts, Jr., Jennifer Rebecca Reavis, Richard Macferran Shane, Duane Girard Uitenbroek
  • Publication number: 20020115772
    Abstract: The present invention relates to shape deformable materials, which are capable of (1) being deformed, (2) storing an amount of shape deformation, and (3) recovering at least a portion of the shape deformation when exposed to electromagnetic radiation (EMR) energy. The shape deformable materials can advantageously be in the form of films, fibers, filaments, strands, nonwovens, and pre-molded elements. The shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to form products, which are both disposable and reusable. More specifically, the shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to produce products such as disposable diapers, training pants, incontinence products, and feminine care products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Vasily A. Topolkaraev, Thomas Walter Odorzynski, Dave Allen Soerens, Michael J. Garvey, Duane Girard Uitenbroek
  • Publication number: 20020115977
    Abstract: The present invention relates to shape deformable materials, which are capable of (1) being deformed, (2) storing an amount of shape deformation, and (3) recovering at least a portion of the shape deformation when exposed to electromagnetic radiation (EMR) energy. The shape deformable materials can advantageously be in the form of films, fibers, filaments, strands, nonwovens, and pre-molded elements. The shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to form products, which are both disposable and reusable. More specifically, the shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to produce products such as disposable diapers, training pants, incontinence products, and feminine care products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Vasily A. Topolkaraev, Thomas Walter Odorzynski, Dave Allen Soerens, Michael J. Garvey, Duane Girard Uitenbroek
  • Publication number: 20020112950
    Abstract: The present invention relates to shape deformable materials, which are capable of (1) being deformed, (2) storing an amount of shape deformation, and (3) recovering at least a portion of the shape deformation when exposed to electromagnetic radiation (EMR) energy. The shape deformable materials can advantageously be in the form of films, fibers, filaments, strands, nonwovens, and pre-molded elements. The shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to form products, which are both disposable and reusable. More specifically, the shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to produce products such as disposable diapers, training pants, incontinence products, and feminine care products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Vasily A. Topolkaraev, Thomas Walter Odorzynski, Dave Allen Soerens, Michael J. Garvey, Duane Girard Uitenbroek
  • Patent number: 6419798
    Abstract: The present invention relates to shape deformable materials, which are capable of (1) being deformed, (2) storing an amount of shape deformation, and (3) recovering at least a portion of the shape deformation when exposed to electromagnetic radiation (EMR) energy. The shape deformable materials can advantageously be in the form of films, fibers, filaments, strands, nonwovens, and pre-molded elements. The shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to form products, which are both disposable and reusable. More specifically, the shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to produce products such as disposable diapers, training pants, incontinence products, and feminine care products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Vasily A. Topolkaraev, Thomas Walter Odorzynski, Dave Allen Soerens, Michael J. Garvey, Duane Girard Uitenbroek
  • Patent number: 6414217
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article is provided which includes a substantially liquid-impermeable outer cover, a liquid permeable bodyside liner, an absorbent body located between the outer cover and the bodyside liner, and a pair of fasteners located on the laterally opposed side edges in one of the waist sections of the absorbent article. The outer cover can be configured to provide a substantially permanent deformation of at least about 10 percent when subjected to a tensile force of 100 gmf per inch (per 2.54 cm) of width according to the Material Elongation and Deformation Tensile Test set forth herein. The outer cover can further define a water vapor transmission rate of at least about 800 g/m2/24 hr. The permanent deformation of the outer cover in use can result in a lateral breathability gradient ratio between the outer cover in the waist section and the crotch or intermediate section of the article of at least about 1.25 according to the Product Deformation Test set forth herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Duane Girard Uitenbroek, Yung Hsiang Huang, Thomas Harold Roessler, Paul Theodore VanGompel, John Philip Vukos, Michael Tod Morman
  • Publication number: 20020052591
    Abstract: An absorbent article having a leg elastic member captured between a biaxially extensible outer cover and a biaxially extensible bodyside liner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Inventors: Georgia Lynn Zehner, Duane Girard Uitenbroek, John Philip Vukos
  • Publication number: 20020052590
    Abstract: An absorbent article which minimizes or avoid component bonding within the interior area thereof is provided to improve or increase the independence of the components which constitute the article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Inventors: Georgia Lynn Zehner, John Philip Vukos, Duane Girard Uitenbroek
  • Patent number: 6096668
    Abstract: An elastic liquid impermeable laminate is disclosed having an extensible barrier film; an 8 g/m.sup.2 to 100 g/m.sup.2 elastomeric nonwoven web comprising fibers of low density polyethylene having a density less than 0.89 g/cm.sup.3 ; and an extensible cloth-like outer layer, such as a nonwoven web of spunbonded fibers. The barrier laminate can be laminated by thermal point bonding to create patterns having improved loft, excellent hand and while achieving peel strengths in excess of 500 grams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Paul Abuto, William Bela Haffner, Joy Francine Jordan, Ann Louise McCormack, Duane Girard Uitenbroek
  • Patent number: 5897541
    Abstract: Disclosed is a laminated material comprising a first layer of material and a second layer of material. The first layer of material includes opaque areas and transparent areas. The second layer of material has a coloration which is different than the first layer of material and is adjacent the first layer of material so that the coloration of the second layer of material is visible through the transparent areas of the first layer of material. Also disclosed is an absorbent garment including such a laminated material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Duane Girard Uitenbroek, Kathleen Ann O'Rourke
  • Patent number: 5882769
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bulk-stretched pillowed laminate of two or more layers in which at least one of the layers is stretched before other layers are attached to it. In one execution, a thermoplastic film is stretched until it permanently deforms. Then, while still in a stretched state, a nonwoven web is laminated to the film and the resultant composite is allowed to relax slightly causing the nonwoven layer to gather and pucker, which in turn gives the composite a thicker and bulkier feel and appearance. The material of the present invention, while having a wide variety of uses, is particularly well-suited for use as an outercover for personal care absorbent articles, including diapers, training pants and sanitary napkins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Ann Louise McCormack, Duane Girard Uitenbroek
  • Patent number: 5846232
    Abstract: An absorbent article includes extensible zones. These extensible zones enable the absorbent article to expand and fit a broad size range of users. The extensible zones enable a broad range of adjustment in waist and leg opening dimensions by extension and retraction of the extensible zones. The bodyside liner layer and the outer cover layer preferably comprise spunbonded layers stretched in one direction and correspondingly narrowed in another direction. The extensible zones typically include an elastic layer between, and mounted to extend with, the outer cover layer and the bodyside liner layer. The elastic layer can comprise an elastic film or strands of material. An absorbent core is located between the bodyside liner layer and the outer cover layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul John Serbiak, Duane Girard Uitenbroek
  • Patent number: 5763041
    Abstract: A laminate suitable for use as the hook component of a hook-and-loop fastener. The laminate comprises a first extensible substantially non-elastic layer and a second layer comprising a nonwoven material. The nonwoven material is prebonded by a number of first spaced-apart bond sites to form first bonded and first unbonded areas. The second layer is attached to the first layer by a plurality of second spaced-apart bond sites to form a bulked laminate having a plurality of second bonded and second unbonded areas. The second bonded and second unbonded areas together define a surface area of said bulked laminate with said second bonded areas covering from about 5 to about 20 percent of the surface area. At least 50 percent of the second bonded areas have an area of less than about 4 square millimeters and have a density of greater than about 2 bonds per square centimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: A. Todd Leak, Mark Michael Mleziva, Duane Girard Uitenbroek, Monica Signoret Diaz, Lance James Garrett, Jr.
  • Patent number: D422078
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: John Philip Vukos, Georgia Lynn Zehner, Duane Girard Uitenbroek, Timothy James Blenke