Patents by Inventor Michael Faulks

Michael Faulks 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: 8672916
    Abstract: An absorbent garment having a garment-like outer shell and an absorbent assembly adapted for adjustable positioning therein is disclosed. In particular embodiments, the absorbent garment includes garment shell, at least one inner attachment member, and an absorbent assembly. The inner attachment member can be disposed at a waist region of the garment shell. The absorbent assembly can include a fastening component disposed at an end region, the first fastening component adapted for refastenable engagement to the inner attachment member. The inner attachment member can be configured such that a user may adjust a position of the refastenable engagement to the inner attachment member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Lynn Brud, Michael Faulks, Emily Tran
  • Publication number: 20110288520
    Abstract: An absorbent garment having a garment-like outer shell and an absorbent assembly adapted for adjustable positioning therein is disclosed. In particular embodiments, the absorbent garment includes garment shell, at least one inner attachment member, and an absorbent assembly. The inner attachment member can be disposed at a waist region of the garment shell. The absorbent assembly can include a fastening component disposed at an end region, the first fastening component adapted for refastenable engagement to the inner attachment member. The inner attachment member can be configured such that a user may adjust a position of the refastenable engagement to the inner attachment member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: Lynn Brud, Michael Faulks, Emily Tran
  • Patent number: 7993322
    Abstract: An absorbent garment having a garment-like outer shell and an absorbent assembly adapted for adjustable positioning therein is disclosed. In particular embodiments, the absorbent garment includes garment shell, at least one inner attachment member, and an absorbent assembly. The inner attachment member can be disposed at a waist region of the garment shell. The absorbent assembly can include a fastening component disposed at an end region, the first fastening component adapted for refastenable engagement to the inner attachment member. The inner attachment member can be configured such that a user may adjust a position of the refastenable engagement to the inner attachment member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Lynn Brud, Michael Faulks, Emily Tran
  • Publication number: 20100305168
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a personal-care composition in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion comprises an anionic pairing agent, a cationic active, and an anionic thickener. In another embodiment, the anionic pairing agent is pre-formed from the neutralization of an acid with a base. In another embodiment, the anionic pairing agent is formed in situ from the neutralization of an acid with a base. In one embodiment, the molar ratio of the base to the acid is at least about 0.70. In another embodiment, the equivalent ratio of the anionic pairing agent to the cationic active is at least about 0.70. The personal-care composition allows for previously unattainable levels of the cationic active to locate within the oil phase of the emulsion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: Larry Rich Robinson, Gary Robert Kelm, Denver Michael Faulk
  • Publication number: 20100305169
    Abstract: A personal-care composition in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion comprises a water phase, an oil phase, an anionic pairing agent, a cationic active, and an anionic thickener. In one embodiment, the anionic pairing agent is pre-formed from the neutralization of an acid with a base. In another embodiment, the anionic pairing agent is formed in situ from the neutralization of an acid with a base. At least 25% by weight of the cationic active is present in the oil phase. In certain embodiments, a method for regulating keratinous tissue condition and a method for improving deliverability of a cationic active in the presence of an anionic thickener comprise the steps of: providing the aforementioned personal-care composition, and applying the composition to keratinous tissue in need of treatment. The personal-care composition allows for previously unattainable levels of the cationic active to locate within the oil phase of the emulsion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: Larry Rich Robinson, Gary Robert Kelm, Denver Michael Faulk
  • Publication number: 20070142812
    Abstract: Absorbent articles with stretch direction properties are disclosed, having at least three stretch zones. A first edge zone and a second edge zone are separated by a middle zone. The middle zone, which may the same length as each edge zone, has different stretch-direction characteristics than the edge zones. The middle zone may stretch in a single direction, whereas the edge zones may stretch in a different single direction or in bi- or multi-axial directions. The flaps may be created from the edge zones. Through this construction, the absorbent article exhibits improved fit and appearance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Inventors: Robert Popp, Lawrence Sawyer, Joseph Coenen, Christopher Olson, Michael Faulks, James Carr
  • Publication number: 20060149210
    Abstract: An improved mechanical fastening system that includes a male component and a female component is disclosed. The female component is adapted for releasable engagement with the male component, and the female component comprises a fibrous web, wherein the fibrous web comprises a layer of elastomeric fibers. A disposable absorbent article employing the improved mechanical fastening system is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Publication date: July 6, 2006
    Inventors: Lawrence Sawyer, Robert Popp, Joseph Coenen, Michael Faulks, Christopher Olson, James Carr
  • Publication number: 20060141891
    Abstract: An absorbent structure has a macro absorbent structure with a plurality of aggregate clusters intermixed therein. The aggregate clusters have a periphery, an interior, and thermoplastic binder fibers. The thermoplastic binder fibers have thermoplastic binder fiber ends. The thermoplastic binder fiber ends are located at the periphery of the aggregate clusters. The interior of the aggregate clusters are substantially free of thermoplastic binder fiber ends. The macro absorbent structure and the aggregate clusters may also include thermoplastic binder fibers, staple fibers, superabsorbent particles and the like. A method of making absorbent structures includes a first absorbent structure, dividing the first absorbent structure to create aggregate clusters, providing a stream of the aggregate clusters, providing polymeric fibers, merging the aggregate cluster stream and polymeric fiber stream into a single product stream, and making a second absorbent structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Publication date: June 29, 2006
    Inventors: Shannon Melius, Jeffrey La Fortune, Michael Faulks, David Fell, Michael Venturino
  • Publication number: 20060004341
    Abstract: Absorbent articles with carefully controlled stretch properties are disclosed. In particular, the articles exhibit stretch not only in the lateral direction but also in the longitudinal direction. Specifically, the articles have a biaxial stretch ratio, which refers to a ratio of stretch along the hip circumference of the article to the amount of stretch in the longitudinal direction, that is from about 1.0 to about 2.5, and particularly from about 1.1 to about 1.5. Absorbent articles made in accordance with the present invention are capable of accommodating a relatively large size range of wearers. The articles also exhibit improved fit and prevent sagging or drooping of the crotch region, even after the crotch region has been wetted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Publication date: January 5, 2006
    Inventors: Christopher Olson, James Carr, Lawrence Sawyer, Michael Faulks, Robert Popp, Mark Mleziva
  • Publication number: 20060004342
    Abstract: Absorbent articles with carefully controlled stretch properties are disclosed. In particular, the absorbent articles have a percentage of stretch in the lateral direction at the widest portion in the front region of the article and/or in the back region in the range of from about 25% to about 150%. Additionally, at least about 70% of the above stretch resides in a first edge zone and in a second edge zone of the chassis. The first edge zone and the second edge zone are separated by a middle zone. The middle zone, which has the same length as each edge zone, is stretchable, but to a lesser extent than the edge zones. Through this construction, the absorbent article exhibits improved fit and appearance. Of particular advantage, the carefully controlled stretch properties prevent sagging or drooping of the crotch region, even after the crotch region has been wetted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Publication date: January 5, 2006
    Inventors: Lawrence Sawyer, Robert Popp, Christopher Olson, James Carr, Mark Mleziva, Michael Faulks
  • Publication number: 20050256489
    Abstract: Absorbent articles with carefully controlled stretch properties are disclosed. In particular, the absorbent articles have a percentage of stretch in the longitudinal direction from the midpoint of the crotch region to a front waistband and/or to a back waistband in the range of from about 5% to about 30%. Additionally, about 80% of the above stretch resides in a front waist zone and/or in a back waist zone. Through this construction, the absorbent article exhibits improved fit and appearance. Of particular advantage, the carefully controlled stretch properties prevent sagging or drooping of the crotch region, even after the crotch region has been wetted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Publication date: November 17, 2005
    Inventors: Lawrence Sawyer, Robert Popp, Christopher Olson, James Carr, Mark Mleziva, Michael Faulks
  • Publication number: 20050131382
    Abstract: An absorbent garment having a garment-like outer shell and an absorbent assembly adapted for adjustable positioning therein is disclosed. In particular embodiments, the absorbent garment includes garment shell, at least one inner attachment member, and an absorbent assembly. The inner attachment member can be disposed at a waist region of the garment shell. The absorbent assembly can include a fastening component disposed at an end region, the first fastening component adapted for refastenable engagement to the inner attachment member. The inner attachment member can be configured such that a user may adjust a position of the refastenable engagement to the inner attachment member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Publication date: June 16, 2005
    Inventors: Lynn Brud, Michael Faulks, Emily Tran
  • Publication number: 20050112338
    Abstract: A method to reduce the noise produced by movement of a substrate is disclosed. One embodiment of the method includes applying a noise-reducing coating material at an add-on rate of at least about three grams per square meter to a target region of a first surface of a substrate so as to substantially completely coat the target area, wherein the noise-reducing coating material comprises a polymeric material. Also disclosed is a reduced-noise composite material that can be employed in a disposable personal care device. The reduced-noise composite material can include a substrate layer which defines a first surface having a surface area and a target area, and a noise-reducing layer which substantially completely coats the target region. The noise-reducing layer has a basis weight of at least about three grams per square meter. Also disclosed is a reduced-noise disposable personal care device, which may in particular embodiments be a disposable absorbent article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Publication date: May 26, 2005
    Inventors: Michael Faulks, Jason Wehner
  • Publication number: 20050006399
    Abstract: There is provided a system for dispensing a plurality of perforated wipes having a perforation detach strength characteristic. The system includes a dispenser having a dispensing force characteristic and including a sealable chamber. The chamber is configured to retain the plurality of perforated wipes therein. A dispensing opening is in communication with the chamber. The opening is adapted to dispense wipes from the plurality of perforated wipes through the opening and out of the dispenser. A wiper blade is positioned in the dispenser to engage at least a portion of the wipes as the wipes dispense through the opening. When dispensing, a ratio of the perforation detach strength characteristic to the dispensing force characteristic is greater than 1:1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Publication date: January 13, 2005
    Inventors: Michael Faulks, Yung Huang, William Newman, Herb Velazquez, Ligia Rivera, Paige Dellerman, Steven Romme, Cherry Bochmann, Gerald DeGreen, Jeffrey Kalman