Patents by Inventor Paul W. Christoffel

Paul W. Christoffel 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: 9399540
    Abstract: A dispensing container includes a plurality of sheets of products stored within a housing. The container includes a dispensing orifice having a length that extends along a longitudinal axis from a first end to a second end. In particular embodiments, the dispensing orifice has a maximum width disposed not less than 20% and not more than 49% of the distance from the first end to the second end, a midpoint width disposed halfway between the first end and the second end, the midpoint width being less than the maximum width, and a third width disposed 80% of the distance from the first end to the second end, the third width being no greater than 80% of the maximum width. In particular embodiments, the dispensing orifice is symmetrical about a longitudinal axis but asymmetrical about a transverse axis. In particular embodiments, the dispensing orifice has an ovoid shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Lisa L. Bushman, Paul W. Christoffel, Lawrence J. Romano, III, Zachary J. Lee
  • Publication number: 20140001196
    Abstract: A dispensing container includes a plurality of sheets of products stored within a housing. The container includes a dispensing orifice having a length that extends along a longitudinal axis from a first end to a second end. In particular embodiments, the dispensing orifice has a maximum width disposed not less than 20% and not more than 49% of the distance from the first end to the second end, a midpoint width disposed halfway between the first end and the second end, the midpoint width being less than the maximum width, and a third width disposed 80% of the distance from the first end to the second end, the third width being no greater than 80% of the maximum width. In particular embodiments, the dispensing orifice is symmetrical about a longitudinal axis but asymmetrical about a transverse axis. In particular embodiments, the dispensing orifice has an ovoid shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventors: Lisa L. Bushman, Paul W. Christoffel, Lawrence J. Romano, III, Zachary J. Lee
  • Publication number: 20140001072
    Abstract: A storing and dispensing container for product. The container includes a flexible pouch for storing product. A flip top, having a lid connected to a flange by a hinge, is affixed to an outer surface of the pouch at the top portion of the pouch. The flange surrounds an interior region. The interior region includes a removable portion which can be removed to reveal a dispensing orifice. The interior region defines an interior region area. The removable portion area is no greater than 80% of the interior region area, and the removable portion abuts the flange at a tear apex.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventors: Paul W. Christoffel, Lisa L. Bushman, Lawrence J. Romano, III, Zachary J. Lee
  • Patent number: 7207979
    Abstract: A refastenable absorbent garment comprises a front body panel comprising a pair of side portions defining opposite side edges and a landing portion extending between said side portions, wherein the landing portion and each of the side portions are separated by a line of weakness. A rear body panel comprises opposite side edges that are joined to the opposite side edges of the front body panel to form a side seam. A hook-type fastener member comprises a carrier member secured to the side portions of the front body panel in front of the side seam and a plurality of hooks extending from the carrier member, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of hooks are engaged with the landing portion. A method for making the absorbent garment, and for securing the absorbent garment to a user, also are provided. In another aspect, an absorbent garment comprises a body panel having a length and a fastening member comprising at least two engagement portions releasably engaging the body panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Cindy L. Price, Suzanne M. Schmoker, Lori S. Schutkoske, Paul T. Van Gompel, Paul W. Christoffel, Sarah Jane Marie Freiburger, Mary Anne Bruemmer-Prestley
  • Publication number: 20030135191
    Abstract: A refastenable absorbent garment comprises a front body panel comprising a pair of side portions defining opposite side edges and a landing portion extending between said side portions, wherein the landing portion and each of the side portions are separated by a line of weakness. A rear body panel comprises opposite side edges that are joined to the opposite side edges of the front body panel to form a side seam. A hook-type fastener member comprises a carrier member secured to the side portions of the front body panel in front of the side seam and a plurality of hooks extending from the carrier member, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of hooks are engaged with the landing portion. A method for making the absorbent garment, and for securing the absorbent garment to a user, also are provided. In another aspect, an absorbent garment comprises a body panel having a length and a fastening member comprising at least two engagement portions releasably engaging the body panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventors: Cindy L. Price, Suzanne M. Schmoker, Lori S. Schutkoske, Paul T. Van Gompel, Paul W. Christoffel, Sarah Jane Marie Freiburger, Mary Anne Bruemmer-Prestley