Patents Represented by Attorney R. Joseph Foster, III
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Patent number: 8317022Abstract: The package includes a housing portion having a transparent window region. A plurality of disposable absorbent pants is disposed within the housing portion. Each pant defines a waistband region which abuts a waist end. Each waistband region comprises a front waistband portion and a back waistband portion. Each pant further defines a crotch region which abuts a crotch end. At least a first pant is folded and positioned such that at least a portion of the waistband region of the first pant is visible through the transparent window region. Specified portions of the first pant may be obscured by an opaque border region. The first pant may include a back-label indicator that is visible through the transparent window region. A second pant may also be visible through the transparent window region.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2010Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Todd Ralph Hagner, Gregory James Fries, George Ikuya Nukuto, Jennifer Lea Westemeyer, Cynthia Lee Hogan
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Patent number: 8277430Abstract: An absorbent garment includes a body panel having a terminal waist edge, at least first and second layers terminating at the terminal waist edge and at least one elastic element disposed between the first and second layers. The body panel has at least first and second adhesive regions. The first adhesive region is defined by the at least one elastic element, which is strand coated with a first adhesive. The second region is defined by a control coating of a second adhesive applied between the first and second layers. In one embodiment, the first region has a greater sensory softness than the second region. In one embodiment, the body panel, in an unstretched condition, has a surface softness with a mean deviation of coefficient of friction less than about 0.020 in the first adhesive region.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2004Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Kimberly-Clarl Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Jeffery M. Tabor, Melanie Milslagle, Joseph A. Mlinar, Thomas J Vanselow
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Patent number: 8262305Abstract: The present disclosure provides a package for storing and applying a liquid or semi-liquid composition to an exposed surface. The package has a body having a first side, a second side, a first end, a second end, and an interior cavity located between the first and second ends wherein the first and second sides connect the first end to the second end, and an opening at the first end. A liquid or semi-liquid composition, meant to be applied to the surface, is located and stored in the interior cavity of the body. A substrate is included over the opening of the package capable of transferring the liquid or semi-liquid composition onto the surface. In an exemplary aspect, the package further includes a cover portion positioned over the opening which encloses the substrate and seals the opening in the package.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2008Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Uyen Tuong Ngoc Lam, Corey Thomas Cunningham
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Patent number: 8230998Abstract: A flexible packaging bags for containing and dispensing articles. More particularly, the present invention relates to a flexible packaging bag having a hanging element, permitting hanging of the bag after the bag has been initially opened.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2010Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: James A. Boldra, Jane L. Clough, Edward J. Foley, Keith R. Haen, Linda K. Lemerande
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Patent number: 8066444Abstract: A device including a base layer; a wipe layer attached to the base layer to define an interior space between the wipe and base layers; a plurality of blisters positioned within the interior space, each blister having a blister volume, wherein the sum of the blister volumes is a total blister volume; and an indication disposed on the wipe layer or the base layer corresponding to a single blister or a group of blisters indicating the ratio of the blister volume of that single blister or the sum of the blister volumes of that group of blisters to the total blister volume is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2006Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Carl G. Rippl, Chi Hao P. Duong
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Patent number: 8030226Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to wet wipes having liquid wipe compositions that including an anti-adhesion component that reduces sheet-to-sheet adhesion, improves the stack height, increases flexibility and maintains strength in the wet wipe. The liquid wipe compositions include an organopolysiloxane having the following structure: wherein p+q=0 to 2000, R1 is independently selected from a monovalent hydrocarbon group or hydroxyl group, and R2 and R3 are independently selected from a monovalent hydrocarbon group, a hydroxyl group, a monovalent hydrocarbon group functional in amine, a monovalent hydrocarbon group functional in polyether, a monovalent hydrocarbon group functional in quaternary, and a monovalent hydrocarbon group functional in polyampholyte.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2009Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Elizabeth Oriel Bradley, Troy Michael Runge, Steven Michael Hurley, Christopher James Uecker, Corey Thomas Cunningham, Nathan John Vogel, Timothy James Van Himbergen, William Clayton Bunyard, Dave Allen Soerens
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Patent number: 8028837Abstract: A package that is opened by deforming or bending the package along the die cut on the surface of the package is disclosed. The package will fracture or break at a die cut providing an opening in the package to access the contents inside. The package is formed with a semi-rigid layer affixed to a flexible backing layer forming an inner cavity. A die cut extends from at least an area adjacent one edge of the semi-rigid layer to at least an area adjacent another edge of the semi-rigid layer to provide a fracture point for the package to break. At least a portion of the die cut extends along both the lateral width and the longitudinal width of the semi-rigid layer to allow a greater surface area of the substrate to be accessible. Thus, dispensing of the substrate is easier for the user.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2008Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Matthew Edward Gerstle, Edward John Foley
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Patent number: 8016155Abstract: A dispenser is disclosed which is capable of dispensing articles from two locations. The dispenser includes first and second members pivotally connected together by a first hinge to form a first entrance into the dispenser. The first and second members are capable of housing a plurality of wet or dry, sheet-like articles. The first entrance provides reach-in access wherein multiple sheet-like articles can be withdrawn at one time. The second member also has a second entrance formed therein from which the sheet-like articles can be individually withdrawn. The dispenser further includes a third member secured to the first member by a hinge that is coaxially aligned with the first hinge. The third member is capable of pivoting on its hinge to cover the second entrance.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2007Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Christopher Vincent Decker, Christopher Michael Bechyne, Stephen Robert Kehn, Cleary E. Mahaffey, Herb Flores Velazquez, John Martin Wydeven
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Patent number: 8017534Abstract: Disclosed is a fibrous nonwoven structure comprising meltblown fibrous materials and at least one secondary fibrous material and method of preparing. In one aspect, the fibrous nonwoven structure has a formation index of between 70 and 135. In another aspect, the fibrous nonwoven structure has an opacity that is greater than 72 percent at a basis weight of between about 35 and 55 grams per square meter. The fibrous nonwoven substrate may be utilized as a moist wipe.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2009Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: James Benjamin Harvey, Anthony Mark Gambaro, Paul Alan Giles, David Jon Baer, Allen Frederic Vater
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Patent number: 7998495Abstract: A non-irritating antimicrobial multi-layer or multi-ply tissue product made by treating an inner layer or ply or an inner surface of an inner layer or ply with one or more antimicrobial agents and treating the one or more outer layers or plies or the outer surfaces of the layers or plies with one or more irritation-inhibiting agents, and methods of making and using the same. The antimicrobial agent will remain confined to the inner portion of the tissue product, thereby preventing irritation to the user, and the irritation-inhibiting composition treated layer(s) or ply(s) provides a pleasing, soothing, non-irritating tactile quality to the tissue product. The non-irritating antimicrobial multi-layer or multi-ply tissue product further comprises an absorption enhancing agent. In one embodiment, the irritation-inhibiting composition comprises an oil, in which case the tissue product will also entrap any absorbed contaminant, holding it in contact with the antimicrobial agent.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2008Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Brian Patrick Argo, Timothy Maurice McFarland, Pamela Mary Thompson
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Patent number: 7924142Abstract: Generally stated, the present disclosure relates to wiping substrates such as wet wipes and dry wipes that include a thermal grill utilized to deliver a warming sensation. In an exemplary aspect, disposed on at least one structural layer of the wipe substrate is a thermal grill. The thermal grill includes an alternating pattern of thermally active areas and secondary areas that provide a feeling of warmth to a user of the wipe across the entire surface of the wipe. The thermally active portions of the wipe include a temperature change substance that when in liquid communication with an activation agent is adapted to provide a temperature change of at least 5° C. from the temperature of the secondary portion. By providing a thermal grill with thermally active portions, the entire wipe gives the user of the wipe a warming sensation.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2008Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Jason C. Cohen, Dave Allen Soerens, John David Amundson
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Patent number: 7922035Abstract: By controlling the profile of a folded stack when placed into an oval dispenser, it is possible to reduce the compression of the folded stack by the dispenser's sidewall, thereby reducing or eliminating sheet tears when dispensing the sheet-material from the dispenser. In particular, by making the folded stack thicker in the middle and thinner at the edges, as a result of providing a variable width flat stack prior to folding the flat stack, the folded stack will better fit into an oblong or circular dispenser.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2006Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Leslie Thomas Long, Jon Christensen, Craig A. Blodgett
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Patent number: 7772138Abstract: The present invention is directed to ion-sensitive, hard water dispersible polymers. The present invention is also directed to a method of making ion-sensitive, hard water dispersible polymers and their applicability as binder compositions. The present invention is further directed to fiber-containing fabrics and webs comprising ion-sensitive, hard water dispersible binder compositions and their applicability in water dispersible personal care products.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2002Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Michael R. Lostocco, W. Clayton Bunyard, Kelly D. Branham
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Patent number: 7726513Abstract: A product for hanging from a paper roll holder having at least one arm including a sheet-material dispenser and at least one hanging member for attaching the sheet-material dispenser to the at least one arm. In one embodiment of the invention, the second end of the hanging member that is removably attachable to the arm of the paper roll holder included an elastomeric strap for wrapping about both arms of a toilet paper holder. Since the sheet-material dispenser is attached to the arms of the paper roll holder, it is not necessary to remove the sheet-material dispenser when removing the spindle of the paper roll holder to change the paper roll.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2006Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Robert Samuel Schlaupitz, Herb Flores Velazquez, Meara Catherine Kelley, David James Wilks, David N. Woods, Scott G. Manke, Zachary Robert Kowalski
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Patent number: 7612031Abstract: The present invention is directed to a health-and-hygiene appliance comprising a dispersible component and a releasable component. Some or all of the releasable component is not homogeneously distributed throughout the dispersible component. Instead, the releasable component is disposed adjacent or proximate to the dispersible component, as would occur if the dispersible component was coated, sprayed, injected, deposited, printed, or otherwise associated with a formed dispersible component. One example of such an appliance is a cleansing product in which, on exposure to liquid, such as water, the dispersible component disperses or disintegrates, thereby releasing, and making available, all or substantially all of the releasable component, in this case a soap, cleanser, or other formulation. The releasable component may be released prior to, concurrent with, and/or after dispersal or disintegration of the dispersing component. The appliance can be sized for convenient handling by a caregiver or user—e.g.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2005Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Frederick J. Lang, Brendon F. Ribble
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Patent number: 7585797Abstract: A dispersible nonwoven web having at least three layers including a first outer layer, a middle layer, and a second outer layer. The first and the second outer layers including a plurality of short fibers, a triggerable binder, and at least one of the first or second outer layers including a plurality of long fibers. The middle layer including a plurality of short fibers, a triggerable binder, and optionally a plurality of long fibers. The dispersible nonwoven web having a weight percent of the long fibers in at least one of the first or the second outer layers that is greater than a weight percent of the long fibers in the middle layer.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2007Date of Patent: September 8, 2009Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Nathan John Vogel, Dana Lynn Ramshak, Kevin Christopher Possell, Robert Irving Gusky
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Patent number: 7530471Abstract: A wet wipes dispenser including a top having a dispensing orifice, a bottom, and a sidewall. At least one lid for retaining moisture in the wet wipes dispenser and for access to a stack of wet wipes located inside of the wet wipes dispenser. At least one restraining member positioned inside of the wet wipes dispenser to hold the stack of wet wipes within the wet wipes dispenser elevated at a distance, H, from the dispensing orifice when the wet wipes dispenser is inverted.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2006Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Jason C. Cohen, Robert S. Schlaupitz, Eric D. Johnson, Steve R. Kehn
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Patent number: 7465266Abstract: The invention relates to a stack of wipes for use in a wipes dispenser. The stack includes a plurality of wipes, each wipe of the plurality of wipes formed from a portion of a common material. Each wipe includes a leading edge portion with a pleat-like zone located along at least a portion of a length of the leading edge portion and the pleat-like zone is distinct from an adjoining main portion of each wipe. Each wipe is folded upon itself at least once and each wipe is positioned relative to adjacent wipes to form the stack of wipes.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2004Date of Patent: December 16, 2008Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Scott Richard Lange, Kenneth Bradley Close
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Patent number: D630939Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2009Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Timothy James Peters, Andrew Dale Brinkdopke, Elizabeth Oriel Bradley, Robert Samuel Schlaupitz, Meghan Marie McGuire, Martin John Behling, II
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Patent number: D663632Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2010Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Timothy James Peters, Ryan Leslie Fulscher, Robert Samuel Schlaupitz, Kieron H. Tse, Tyson Manullang