Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Alyssa A. Dudkowski
  • Patent number: 8181278
    Abstract: The invention relates to a waist protection garment. The waist protection garment may include: a length corresponding to the waist circumference of a wearer and the length defining two longitudinal sides; a width in a direction perpendicular to the length and the width defining two lateral sides; an outer cover including a fluid impermeable material; a liner in superposed relation to the outer cover and the liner defining a bodyfacing surface and including a liquid permeable material; and a fastener for attaching one lateral side to the other lateral side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Odorzynski, MeeWha Lee, Shannon K. Melius
  • Patent number: 7919668
    Abstract: The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles including one or more discrete components. Representative discrete components include the nonwoven layer of the outer cover, the barrier film layer of the outer cover, the absorbent core, the bodyside liner, fasteners, ears and attachment panels. The discrete components include a continuous detector material. A representative continuous detector material may be an optical brightener. The discrete components also include a masking block. The masking block may decrease or eliminate the detectable presence of an optical brightener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Russell Belau, Robert David Forrester, Michael John Flattum, Bernhardt Edward Kressner
  • Patent number: 7779521
    Abstract: Fibers are hydroentangled at temperatures near or above their glass transition temperature, the resultant fabrics are then rapidly cooled. A process of preparing a nonwoven fabric that includes depositing fibers on a foraminous support; impinging hot or warm water upon the fibers to hydroentangle them; and then rapidly cooling the resultant fabric is disclosed. The hydroentangled fabric resulting from this process, products made from the hydroentangle fabric, and the equipment used to prepare the fabrics are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Vasily Aramovich Topolkaraev, John Herbert Conrad, Jared Lockwood Martin, Stephen Avedis Baratian, Jayant Chakravarty, Richard Warren Tanzer
  • Patent number: 7712640
    Abstract: The present invention relates to mannequin systems that can be used for simulating motion for the performance testing of garments, including absorbent articles. The systems may include an assembled framework and a mannequin secured within the assembled framework. Motion of the mannequin is generated by an integrated system of pneumatic cylinders and a motor drive assembly. The mannequin may be made of a reinforced elastomeric composite material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter D. Honer, Robert C. Pilecky, Frank F. Kromenaker, Shawn J. Sullivan, Simon K. Poruthoor
  • Patent number: 7689456
    Abstract: A method and system for predicting the profit attributable to a proposed sales promotion of a product, wherein the product has a wholesale price and a manufacturing cost per unit sales, including establishing a base volume for sales of the product in the absence of promotions; determining a sales lift for the plurality of single promotions; and correlating the sales lift with promotion information to provide a sales lift model. The method and system also include proposing a promotion having a cost per unit sales for a promotion time period and having a planned sale price for the product; applying the sales lift model to the proposed promotion to predict sales of the product for the promotion time period; and calculating manufacturer profit based upon the product's predicted sales, cost per unit sales for promotion, wholesale price, and manufacturing cost per unit sales during the promotion time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn George Schroeder, Angela Kay Klim, George Murray Heinz, Kelly Loren Phillips, William James Raynor, Jr., Brett David Sengbusch, Jeffrey Dean Lindsay
  • Patent number: 7566491
    Abstract: The present invention is a poufable product that is capable of being converted into a pouf product. The poufable product is comprised of at least one flat ply of flexible sheet material having at least one side edge and at least one cord. The cord engages at least one ply of the flexible sheet material such that the flexible sheet material is capable of bunching on or about the cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Kimberly Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Rebecca Lyn Dilnik, Dawn Lynn Ilnicki Houghton, Tammy Jo Balzar, Pamela Mary Thompson, Mary Rece Holt
  • Patent number: 7490319
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a testing tool for testing of complex software systems having a plurality of interrelated system components and a suite of test scenarios for testing the performance of the plurality of interrelated system components. The testing tool includes an Automated Multidimensional Traceability Matrix system for determining linkages between interrelated system components, a means for identifying a change in one or more of the interrelated system components, a means for applying the Automated Multidimensional Traceability Matrix, a means for executing all of or a subset of the test scenarios associated with the interrelated system components that may be affected by the change and a means for evaluating the results of the executed test scenarios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Mark Blackwell, Luis Reinaldo Guzman, Jr., John Paul Collen, Barbara Marguerite Kokke, Anthony G. Irwin, Jeffrey D. Lindsay
  • Patent number: 7344523
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in structure of disposable garments. The disposable garments of the invention may include an outer layer and an elastic inner layer. The elastic inner layer has an elastic inner layer perimeter and defines an opening, which may be in the form of a slit or aperture, located in an internal position to the elastic inner layer perimeter. The elastic inner layer perimeter may be bonded to the outer layer. The elastic inner layer may include a front piece, a back piece and a crotch piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul T. Van Gompel, Georgia L. Zehner
  • Patent number: 7344525
    Abstract: An absorbent article includes a pair of front ear regions as part of a front waist region, a pair of back ear portions including a mechanical fastener as part of a back waist region, a crotch region connecting the front waist region and the back waist region, and a landing zone including a base material and a first discrete fastener element group embedded in the base material. The first discrete fastener element group includes at least one first discrete fastener element having a profile height. The base material has a profile height that is greater than the profile height of the first discrete fastener element. The landing zone may be associated with the outer cover in the front waist region between the front ear regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Means Linker, III, Duane Girard Uitenbroek, Thomas Harold Roessler
  • Patent number: 7329794
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in structure of disposable garments. The disposable garments of the invention may include an outer layer and an elastic inner layer. The elastic inner layer has an elastic inner layer perimeter and defines an opening, which may be in the form of a slit or aperture, located in an internal position to the elastic inner layer perimeter. The elastic inner layer perimeter may be bonded to the outer layer. The elastic inner layer may include a fastener on an inner surface in a back waist region of the garment and the outer layer may include a fastener on an outer surface in a front waist region of the garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, INc.
    Inventors: Paul T. Van Gompel, Georgia L. Zehner
  • Patent number: 6756520
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and absorbent articles including compositions for protecting and enhancing the barrier function of the skin. The compositions can be applied to the bodyfacing surfaces of absorbent articles so that the compositions come into contact with the skin. The compositions of the invention have improved stability on the bodyfacing surfaces after processing. The compositions of the invention provide several benefits including prevention and alleviation of skin irritations associated with the use of absorbent articles. The compositions can include hydrophilic solvents, high molecular weight polyethylene glycols, fatty alcohols, surfactants, natural fats, natural oils, sterols or sterol derivatives and emollients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Duane Gerard Krzysik, David Roland Otts, Beth Anne Lange, Brenda Marie Nelson, Earl David Brock, Martha Lillian Tate
  • Patent number: 6749860
    Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles including non-aqueous compositions for protecting the barrier function of the skin. The compositions can be applied to the bodyfacing surfaces of absorbent articles so that the compositions come into contact with the skin. The compositions of the invention have improved stability on the bodyfacing surfaces after processing. The compositions of the invention provide several benefits including prevention and alleviation of skin irritations associated with the use of absorbent articles. The compositions can include emollients, viscosity enhancers and extracted botanical actives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: David John Tyrrell, Chantel Spring Buhrow, Beth Anne Lange, Duane Gerard Krzysik, Earl David Brock, James Louis Cahall, Samuel Qcheng Lin, Ronni Lynn Weinkauf, Uma Santhanan
  • Patent number: 6730069
    Abstract: A cloth-like, flexible mechanical fastener including a flexible layer and at least one fastener island, and methods of making the same. The fastener island has a planar perimeter edge, a mechanical fastening material, and a backing material attached to the mechanical fastening material. The backing material is embedded within the flexible layer and the planar perimeter edge is surrounded by the flexible layer. Accordingly, the mechanical fastener offers an improved flexibility and a cloth-like presentation. The improved flexibility and cloth-like presentation reduce the potential for the wearer to be exposed to coarse edges or creases, thereby lowering the possibility of red-marking or irritation of the skin. Moreover, the flexibility of the fastener allows the fastener to better accommodate the movement of the wearer, providing more reliable securement. The cloth-like, flexible mechanical fastener may be of particular use in combination with disposable absorbent articles to secure the article about a wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Warren Tanzer, Karen Marie Menard, Julius Charles Nagy
  • Patent number: 6689932
    Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles including skin care compositions. The skin care compositions of the invention are stable on the bodyside liners of absorbent articles despite not containing an immobilizing agent. Surprisingly, the skin care compositions of the invention even demonstrate less migration away from the bodyside liner than do other compositions that contain so-called “immobilizing agents”. The compositions of the invention possess physical properties, such as melting points, viscosities and hardnesses, comparable to compositions containing immobilizing agents, making them suitable for use on absorbent articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Joseph Kruchoski, Michael Brent Kottek, Duane Gerard Krzysik, Corey Thomas Cunningham, Lewis Preole Orchard, IV
  • Patent number: 6682512
    Abstract: A dynamic-fitting absorbent article that includes a liquid impermeable outer cover (42), a liquid permeable bodyside liner (44) in superimposed relation to the outer cover (42) and a continuous elastic absorbent core (28) disposed between the outer cover (42) and the bodyside liner (44). The continuous elastic absorbent core (28) can extend from about 80 to about 400 percent upon application of a force of from about 60 to about 325 grams. The continuous elastic absorbent core (28) can have a tension reducing geometry in the crotch section of the article. Additionally, the continuous elastic absorbent core can have a dry tensile strength and a wet tensile strength that is at least 95% of the dry tensile strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Duane Girard Uitenbroek, Georgia Lynn Zehner, John Philip Vukos, Wendy Lynn Van Dyke, Paul Windsor Estey
  • Patent number: 6667085
    Abstract: A method of making a prefastened disposable absorbent article includes providing a continuous web of interconnected absorbent articles and releasably attaching a pair of opposed side panels to one of the waist regions on each of the absorbent articles. Each of the opposed side panels includes a primary fastener which releasably engages the one waist region to provide the releasable attachment. Each of the side panels also defines side portions which extend laterally outward beyond the side edges of the absorbent article in the one waist region. The continuous web is selectively cut into discrete absorbent articles which are then folded about a fold line extending in a lateral direction through the crotch region of the article thereby positioning the waist regions of the article in a facing relationship. The method further includes securing the side portions of the side panels to the side edges of the absorbent article in the opposite waist region to provide the prefastened absorbent article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick Sean McNichols
  • Patent number: 6659990
    Abstract: An absorbent article includes a garment facing surface which includes a first zone of vapor permeability which defines a water vapor transmission rate of from about 100 to about 2500 g/sq.m/24 hr and a second zone of vapor permeability which defines a water vapor transmission rate of at least about 3000 g/sq.m/24 hr. The article may include a substantially liquid impermeable, vapor permeable backsheet, a liquid-permeable topsheet positioned in facing relation with the backsheet, an absorbent body located between the backsheet and topsheet, and a vapor permeable barrier layer located between the absorbent body and the backsheet. The barrier layer is smaller in size than the backsheet. In such a configuration, the first zone of vapor permeability comprises the portion of the backsheet which overlays the barrier layer and the second zone of vapor permeability comprises the portion of the backsheet which extends beyond the barrier layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Walter Odorzynski, Joel Scott Sherman
  • Patent number: 6652497
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article defines a first side portion, a second side portion, and a longitudinal centerline between the side portions. The absorbent article comprises an outer cover and an absorbent insert which is connected to the outer cover. The outer cover comprises a first side panel which is located in the first side portion of the absorbent article and a second side panel which is located in the second side portion of the absorbent article. An edge of the first side panel is connected to an edge of the second side panel to provide a seam which extends along the longitudinal centerline between the side portions of the absorbent article. The opposite waist regions on each side panel are configured to encircle the legs of the wearer and releasably engage together about the hips of the wearer. The disposable absorbent article has an aesthetically pleasing garment-like appearance and is readily refastenable about the hips of the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Jody Dorothy Suprise
  • Patent number: D583146
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Dean M. Wydeven
  • Patent number: D590592
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Inventor: Dean M. Wydeven