Patents by Inventor Richard W. Tanzer

Richard W. Tanzer 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: 8317767
    Abstract: An absorbent article includes a liquid intake region, a liquid retention region, a barrier region, and plural strips of microlayer material located adjacent to the liquid retention region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Vukos, Vasily A. Topolkaraev, Thomas W. Odorzynski, Palani Raj Ramaswami Wallajapet, Georgia L. Zehner, Duane G. Uitenbroek, Richard W. Tanzer
  • Patent number: 7179952
    Abstract: An absorbent article for absorbing body liquids, comprising a unitary system of microlayered film constructed and arranged to carry out the multiple functions of liquid intake, liquid uptake and distribution, liquid retention and liquid barrier requisite for such an absorbent article. The unitary system comprises a series of sequentially arranged topside, inside and bottom side regions having different properties needed to perform the functions of the absorbent article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Vukos, Vasily A. Topolkaraev, Thomas W. Odorzynski, Palani Raj Ramaswami Wallajapet, Georgia L. Zehner, Duane G. Uitenbroek, Richard W. Tanzer
  • Patent number: 7172008
    Abstract: A method of making a touch fastener includes coextruding, side-by-side, a plurality of lanes of polymeric material to form a sheet-form base. The sheet-sheet form base includes a lane of a first polymeric material disposed between two lanes of a second polymeric material, the second polymeric material is different from the first polymeric material. The method further includes molding a plurality of discrete fastener element stems extending outwardly from and integral with the sheet-form base in each of the two lanes of the second polymeric mateial and forming engageable heads on the stems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventors: Brian J. Vanbenschoten, Ernesto S. Tachauer, Wallace L. Kurtz, Jr., Heidi S. Tremblay, Paul A. Dandurand, William P. Clune, Alexander J. Neeb, Joseph E. Pierce, Richard J. Schmidt, Richard W. Tanzer
  • Publication number: 20030078555
    Abstract: Body-activated adhesives having adhesive properties which increase with exposure to temperature and humidity approximating the temperature and humidity proximate to the human body, particularly the temperature and humidity of the human crotch. The adhesive compositions are useful as adhesive coatings or layers in various personal care products, such as pantiliners. Pantiliners containing the adhesive compositions can be manufactured without a peel strip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: John Kerins, Dave A. Soerens, Richard W. Tanzer, William S. Pomplun
  • Patent number: 5593399
    Abstract: An absorbent article comprises a first, liquid-permeable carrier layer and at least a second carrier layer. A carrier attaching mechanism secures together the carrier layers to provide substantially attached zones and a multiplicity of substantially unattached zones thereof. The substantially unattached zones provide a plurality of pocket regions, and high-absorbency material is located within the pocket regions to provide an absorbent laminate having a laminate length and a laminate width. A selected plurality of the pocket regions can, for example, be configured with an elongate shape having a major axis length and a relatively shorter minor axis width. The selected plurality of elongate pocket regions is included within a dispersed pocket array having a non-contiguous, labyrinth configuration of pockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Richard W. Tanzer, Frank P. Abuto, Stanley R. Kellenberger, Daniel R. Laux, Brian K. Nortman, William S. Pomplun, Carl G. Rippl, Mark L. Robinson, Lorry F. Sallee, Wen Z. Schroeder, Sandra M. Yarbrough, David L. Zenker
  • Patent number: 5562645
    Abstract: The present invention provides a distinctive article which includes at least one absorbent, fibrous web layer which is substantially non-hydroentangled. The fibrous web layer can have a basis weight of at least about 60 gsm, and a density of not more than about 0.25 gm/cc. The fibrous web layer can further have a peak geometric mean tensile strength of at least about 250 grams-force per centimeter of width, and can have a fiber content in which at least about 90 wt % of the fibers are composed of fibers having a fiber length of not more than about 0.4 inch (about 1 cm). In particular configurations, the article includes a backsheet layer, and a liquid permeable topsheet layer which is disposed in facing relation with the backsheet layer. An absorbent structure is interposed between the backsheet layer and the topsheet layer, and the absorbent structure has an overall absorbent capacity of at least about 300 grams of saline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Richard W. Tanzer, Mark L. Robinson, Fung-Jou Chen, Richard J. Kamps, Lorry F. Sallee
  • Patent number: 5433715
    Abstract: An absorbent article comprises a first, liquid-permeable carrier layer and at least a second carrier layer. A water sensitive attaching mechanism secures together the carrier layers to provide substantially attached zones and substantially unattached zones thereof. The substantially unattached zones provide a plurality of pocket regions, and a high absorbency material is located within the pocket regions to provide an absorbent laminate. A secondary attaching mechanism secures together the carrier layers along selected secondary attachment regions and provides a substantially water-insensitive connection therebetween. The secondary attachment regions are substantially restricted to locations spaced from the pocket regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Richard W. Tanzer, Frank P. Abuto, Stanley R. Kellenberger, Daniel R. Laux, Brian K. Nortman, William S. Pomplun, Carl G. Rippl, Mark L. Robinson, Lorry F. Sallee, Wen Z. Schroeder, Sandra M. Yarbrough, David L. Zenker
  • Patent number: 5425725
    Abstract: An absorbent article comprises a first, liquid-permeable carrier layer and at least a second carrier layer. A carrier attaching mechanism, such as a water-sensitive adhesive, secures together the carrier layers to provide substantially attached zones and a multiplicity of substantially unattached zones thereof. The substantially unattached zones provide a plurality of pocket regions, and a high-absorbency material is located within the pocket regions to provide an absorbent laminate. Matrix fibers are dispersed within the high-absorbency material in the pocket regions, and the matrix fibers are present in a selected amount which, in particular aspects of the invention, can be within the range of about 0.1-10 weight percent, as determined with respect to the total weight of the absorbent material contained in the pockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Richard W. Tanzer, Frank P. Abuto, Stanley R. Kellenberger, Daniel R. Laux, Brian K. Nortman, William S. Pomplun, Carl G. Rippl, Mark L. Robinson, Lorry F. Sallee, Wen Z. Schroeder, Sandra M. Yarbrough, David L. Zenker
  • Patent number: 5411497
    Abstract: An absorbent article comprises a first, liquid-permeable carrier layer and at least a second carrier layer. A water sensitive attaching mechanism secures together the carrier layers to provide substantially attached zones and substantially unattached zones thereof. The substantially unattached zones provide a plurality of pocket regions, and a high absorbency material is located within the pocket regions to provide an absorbent laminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Richard W. Tanzer, Frank P. Abuto, Stanley R. Kellenberger, Daniel R. Laux, Brian K. Nortman, William S. Pomplun, Carl G. Rippl, Mark L. Robinson, Lorry F. Sallee, Sandra M. Yarbrough, David L. Zenker
  • Patent number: 5364380
    Abstract: An absorbent article is disclosed for absorbing and retaining human exudate. The article includes an absorbent having a first surface facing the body of a user and a second surface aligned approximately opposite to the first surface. A liquid-impermeable baffle is positioned adjacent to at least the second surface of the absorbent while a fluid-permeable cover is positioned adjacent to at least the first surface of the absorbent. A deodorizing mixture is positioned within the article and is positioned to remain dry for a substantial period of time. The mixture is an anhydrous, non-buffer blend of at least basic and pH neutral odor absorbing particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Richard W. Tanzer, Mary A. Bruemmer, Anthonette A. Gossens
  • Patent number: 5342333
    Abstract: An absorbent article is disclosed for absorbing and retaining human exudate. The article includes an absorbent having a first surface facing the body of a user and a second surface aligned approximately opposite to the first surface. A liquid-impermeable baffle is positioned adjacent to at least the second surface of the absorbent while a fluid-permeable cover is positioned adjacent to at least the first surface of the absorbent. A deodorizing mixture is positioned within the article and is positioned to remain dry for a substantial period of time. The mixture is an anhydrous, non-buffer blend of at least basic and pH neutral odor absorbing particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Richard W. Tanzer, Mary A. Bruemmer, Anthonette A. Gossens
  • Patent number: 5122407
    Abstract: An absorbent pad has a cover formed of non-woven fibrous material, which is coated with a fluorocarbon polymer and odor absorber(s). The cover sheet is apertured around a critical zone to overcome undesired surface tension effects. The method of producing the cover includes providing a water-based mixture that includes 1% by weight of a fluorocarbon composition. An odor absorbing reagent is added to the mixture which then is applied to a nonwoven web of fibrous material. The treated web is dried to remove the excess water from the mixture, and the fluorocarbon composition component is cured to form a hydrophobic coating around the reagent and to bind the reagent to the web. The drying and curing steps can be accomplished by applying a flow of air heated to a temperature in a range from about 100.degree. C. to about 120.degree. C. to the web until the water has been removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Richard S. Yeo, Mary G. Weber, Stephanie R. Majors, Richard W. Tanzer
  • Patent number: 5037412
    Abstract: An absorbent article is disclosed for absorbing and retaining human exudate. The article includes an absorbent having a first surface facing the body of a user and a second surface aligned approximately opposite to the first surface. A liquid-impermeable baffle is positioned adjacent to at least the second surface of the absorbent while a fluid permeable cover is positioned adjacent to at least the first surface of the absorbent. A deodorizing mixture is positioned within the article and is positioned to remain dry for a substantial period of time. The mixture is an anhydrous, non-buffer blend of acidic, basic and pH neutral odor absorbing particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Richard W. Tanzer, Mary A. Bruemmer, Anthonette A. Gossens