Patents Represented by Attorney Scott A. Baum
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Patent number: 6797365Abstract: Disclosed is a laminate and absorbent articles made from the laminate where it can be used as an outer cover. In one embodiment, the laminate includes: a liquid-impermeable first layer having a first surface, a second layer having an interior surface adjacent the first surface and an exterior surface, at least a portion of the interior surface is joined to the first surface by an adhesive applied to the exterior surface, and the adhesive having a first bond peel strength of about 1 g/mm or greater. In another embodiment, the laminate induces: a liquid-impermeable first layer having a first surface, a nonwoven second layer having an interior surface adjacent the first surface and an exterior surface, at least a portion of the interior surface is joined to the first surface by first bonds having a first bond peel strength about 1 g/mm or greater, and at least a portion of the interior surface is joined to the first surface by second bonds having a second bond peel strength about 3 g/mm or less.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2002Date of Patent: September 28, 2004Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: David Allen Stagray, David Charles Musil, Amanda Rae Butler, Sheila Marie Heyrman
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Patent number: 6783826Abstract: The disclosure describes a commode liner made from a first and a second opposing member defining a top with an opening, a bottom, and a pair of opposing sides. The pair of opposing sides includes a separation distance D, which varies from the top to the bottom, and the distance D is larger at the top than at the bottom. The opposing members can be formed from a latently dispersible barrier composite material including an exposed low strength barrier component, an internal water sensitive layer, and a water permeable, inextensible, water dispersible support layer. When exposed to aqueous conditions on the barrier side, the composite prevents it from passing through to the other layers. When exposed to aqueous conditions on the opposite side, the commode liner readily disperses and may be disposed of by flushing in a toilet, for example. Examples of barrier layers include polylactic acid. Examples of water sensitive layers include polyvinyl alcohol.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2001Date of Patent: August 31, 2004Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Earle H. Sherrod, John E. Kerins, Richard L. Shick, Ann L. McCormack
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Patent number: 6766843Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for transferring a discrete portion of a first web traveling at a first speed onto a second web traveling a second speed. The apparatus includes a converting mechanism capable of forming at least one discrete portion out of the first web. An anvil roll is positioned in close proximity to the converting mechanism and can travel at a rotational speed equal to the first speed. The anvil roll is a vacuum roll that is capable of directing the discrete portion away from the converting mechanism. A transfer roll is arranged in close proximity to the anvil roll and initially travels at a rotational speed equal to the first speed. The transfer roll forms a gap with the anvil roll through which the discrete portion can pass. The transfer roll is also a vacuum roll that is capable of directing the discrete portion away from the anvil roll. The transfer roll is capable of changing rotational speed to match the second speed during a single revolution.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2003Date of Patent: July 27, 2004Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Ronald Alex Hilt, Randy Keith Burr
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Patent number: 6766919Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible orifice for pop-up style dispensing with a wet wipes dispenser. The orifice includes a flexible, rubber-like sheet having a top surface and a bottom surface. A continuous slit extends across the top and bottom surfaces of the sheet and enables a wet wipe to pass from the bottom surface to the top surface or from the top surface to the bottom surface. The continuous slit has at least one curved portion connected with at least one non-curved portion. Alternately, the continuous slit has at least one zigzag portion connected with a pair of end leg portions.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2002Date of Patent: July 27, 2004Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Yung Hsiang Huang, Timothy Walter Shoaf, Robert Samuel Schlaupitz, Gerald Keith Sosalla, Paige Annette Dellerman, Stephen Robert Kehn, James Ronald Bath, Rodney Carlton Christianson
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Patent number: 6745975Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 24, 2001Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Michael John Faulks, Yung Hsiang Huang, William Robert Newman, Herb F. Velazquez, Ligia A. Rivera, Paige Annette Dellerman, Steven John Romme, Cherry Ann Bochmann, Gerald P. DeGreen, Jeffrey M. Kalman
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Patent number: 6736287Abstract: A product comprising an absorbent paper material and a dispenser adapted to hanging from a support such as a towel bar or a hook is disclosed. The dispenser can be optionally located on a surface instead of hung from a support, and a space at the bottom of the dispenser protects the absorbent paper material from damage due to liquid spills on the surface. The dispenser has an advantage of two distinct dispensing modes, and protection of the unused absorbent paper material from liquid spills.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2003Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Barbara O. Sauer, Richard Frederick House, Paul Roy Schmidt, Herb F. Velazquez
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Patent number: 6730171Abstract: The present invention is a foam applicator system for applying foam to a tissue web. The foam applicator system comprises a foam applicator capable of applying a liquid-based composition to a tissue web. The foam applicator includes an extrusion head comprising a first nozzle bar and a second nozzle bar and having an inner surface and an outer surface. A first end of a flexible scraper is operatively associated with the first nozzle bar of the extrusion head. A second end of the flexible scraper outward from the first end of the flexible scraper. The foam applicator system may also comprise a vacuum slot positioned opposing the extrusion head with the tissue web therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2001Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Joseph George Capizzi, Strong C. Chuang
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Patent number: 6702225Abstract: A dispenser for premoistened wipes having a removable tray. The dispenser includes a housing which may include a frame and a cover. The housing defines an interior space in which the premoistened wipes may be placed. A removable tray having a liquid retaining receptacle portion may be positioned below the interior space and wipes. The tray may also include a raised portion having a support surface for the premoistened wipes. The raised portion may be formed by a plurality of ribs, guide rolls or a combination thereof. The tray may also include a grip to facilitate its insertion and removal from the dispenser. The premoistened wipes may be dispensed by passing the wipes through a gap between two dispenser rollers. The dispenser may also include an impingement edge which extends adjacent the two dispensing rollers.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1999Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: William R. Newman, Herb F. Velazquez, Jerry P. DeGreen
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Patent number: 6698681Abstract: An apparatus and method for winding tissue webs into a parent roll is disclosed which results in greater uniformity in the wound tissue roll and improved turn-up efficiency. The apparatus and method includes engaging the tissue web against a reel spool with an air permeable flexible member, such as a transfer belt, which traverses a winding region that includes an unsupported span between two support rolls. The web is transferred from the transfer belt to the parent roll as the parent roll is urged against the tissue web residing on the transfer belt at a point within the winding region. Located along at least a portion of the air permeable transfer belt within the winding region is a pressure reduction means adjacent the belt. The pressure reduction means serves to stabilize the tissue web on the belt improving sheet handling and turn-up efficiency. A sensor measures the deflection of the transfer belt during winding.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Fredrick Addison Guy, Samuel Jeb Chambliss, Joseph Kevin Beckett, Bernie Michael Baldwin
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Patent number: 6695245Abstract: An apparatus and method for turning-up a web is disclosed that results in greater efficiency. The method has been found to work especially well when the web is a bulky tissue web, but is also suitable for other web materials. The apparatus includes a reel spool having a cylindrical surface, the cylindrical surface includes at least one axial line of adhesive and a plurality of apertures operatively connected to a source of vacuum.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Daniel John Schultz, Frank Stephen Hada
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Patent number: 6588626Abstract: A product comprising an absorbent paper material and a dispenser adapted to hanging from a support such as a towel bar or a hook is disclosed. The dispenser can be optionally located on a surface instead of hung from a support, and a space at the bottom of the dispenser protects the absorbent paper material from damage due to liquid spills on the surface. The dispenser has an advantage of two distinct dispensing modes, and protection of the unused absorbent paper material from liquid spills.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2000Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Barbara O. Sauer, Richard Frederick House, Paul Roy Schmidt, Herb F. Velazquez
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Patent number: 6585713Abstract: An absorbent article includes a garment having opposite waist regions separated by a crotch region. At least one of the waist regions includes an expansion panel adapted to elongate in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the garment. The absorbent article also includes a pair of elastomeric strap members that are adapted to attach to the waist regions.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 1996Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Lynn Kirkpatrick LeMahieu, David Arthur Fell, Sarah Jane Marie Freiburger, Marianne Keevill Leick, Michael Tod Morman
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Patent number: 6575952Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a thin incontinence pad or pantyliner, is disclosed which has a multilayered absorbent core for providing protection against involuntary urine loss. The absorbent article includes a liquid permeable bodyside liner, a liquid-impermeable baffle, and first and second absorbents positioned between the liner and the baffle. The first absorbent is a stabilized material containing a superabsorbent and has a predetermined basis weight. The second absorbent is positioned below the first absorbent and contains a different superabsorbent from the superabsorbent present in the first absorbent. The second absorbent has a basis weight that is equal or greater than the basis weight of the first absorbent.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2001Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Robert Rex Kirk, Jody Dorothy Suprise
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Patent number: 6569139Abstract: A disposable absorbent underpants for containing body fluid includes a first pair of leg elastics, a second pair of leg elastics, and a third pair of leg elastics. Each of the third pair of leg elastics is a distinct member containing at least one strand of elastic that is partially enclosed by a carrier sheet. Each of the third pair of leg elastics is separated from at least one of the first or the second pair of leg elastics by a gap.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2000Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Paul Joseph Datta, Michael Barth Venturino
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Patent number: 6569141Abstract: An absorbent article is disclosed having a refastenable mechanism. The absorbent article has a front portion, a back portion and a crotch portion. The crotch portion connects the front portion to the back portion. The back portion has a first end, a second end and first and second side edges. The back portion is divided into a first section and a second section. The first section is extendable in at least one direction and has a length L2 measured perpendicularly from the first end of the back portion to a line drawn parallel thereto. The second section has a length L3 measured perpendicularly from the second end of the back portion to the line drawn parallel to the first end whereby a ratio L2/L3 is established which ranges from between about 0.1 to about 2. First and second fasteners are positioned and secured adjacent to one of the first and second side edges of the back portion and are secured thereto.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2000Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Mary Anne Bruemmer-Prestley, Sarah Jane Marie Freiburger, Nefetari Edris Bordain, Suzanne Marie Schmoker
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Patent number: 6550517Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for transferring a discrete portion of a first web traveling at a first speed onto a second web traveling a second speed. The apparatus includes a converting mechanism capable of forming at least one discrete portion out of the first web. An anvil roll is positioned in close proximity to the converting mechanism and can travel at a rotational speed equal to the first speed. The anvil roll is a vacuum roll that is capable of directing the discrete portion away from the converting mechanism. A transfer roll is arranged in close proximity to the anvil roll and initially travels at a rotational speed equal to the first speed. The transfer roll forms a gap with the anvil roll through which the discrete portion can pass. The transfer roll is also a vacuum roll that is capable of directing the discrete portion away from the anvil roll. The transfer roll is capable of changing rotational speed to match the second speed during a single revolution.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2000Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Ronald Alex Hilt, Randy Keith Burr
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Patent number: 6524423Abstract: This invention relates to a method of transferring a discrete portion of a first web onto a second web. The method includes advancing the first web at a first speed and advancing the second web at a second speed. The first web is directed to a converting mechanism where a discrete portion is formed. The discrete portion is then transferred onto a vacuum anvil roll that is rotating at the speed of the first web. The method further includes transferring the discrete portion from the vacuum anvil onto a transfer roll that is also traveling at the first speed. The transfer roll is a vacuum roll that is driven by a servomotor and is capable of changing speeds quickly. The speed of the transfer roll is varied to match the speed of the second web and the discrete portion is transferred onto the second web.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2000Date of Patent: February 25, 2003Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Ronald Alex Hilt, Randy Keith Burr
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Patent number: 6514235Abstract: An absorbent article is disclosed having a refastenable mechanism. The absorbent article has a front portion, a back portion and a crotch portion. The crotch portion connects the front portion to the back portion. The front portion has a first end, a second end, a first side edge and a second side edge. First and second lateral sections are releasably attached to the front portion and each of the first and second lateral sections has an outer edge. The back portion has first and second side edges and first and second ends. The back portion is divided into a first section and a second section. The first section has a length L2 measured perpendicularly from the first end of the back portion to a line drawn parallel thereto. The second section has a length L3 measured perpendicularly from the second end of the back portion to the line drawn parallel to the first end whereby a ratio L2/L3 is established which ranges from between about 0.1 to about 2.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2000Date of Patent: February 4, 2003Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Sarah Jane Marie Freiburger, Mary Anne Bruemmer-Prestley, Suzanne Marie Schmoker, Nefetari Edris Bordain, David Arthur Fell
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Patent number: 6511465Abstract: A disposable absorbent article is disclosed having a front portion, a back portion and a crotch portion. The crotch portion joins the front portion to the back portion. The back portion has a first end and a second end. The back portion is divided into a first section and a second section. The first section is extendable in a transverse direction and has a length L2 measured perpendicularly from the first end of the back portion to a line drawn parallel thereto. The second section has a length L3 measured perpendicularly from the second end of the back portion to the line drawn parallel to the first end. The second section has a first side edge, a second side edge, a first area A1 and a second area A2. The first area A1 represents an area bounded by the first and second side edges, the second end, and the line drawn parallel to the first end. The second area A2 represents an area bounded by first and second lines, the second end, and the line drawn parallel to the first end.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2000Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Sarah Jane Marie Freiburger, Mary Anne Bruemmer-Prestley, Nefetari Edris Bordain, Suzanne Marie Schmoker, David Arthur Fell
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Patent number: 6508799Abstract: A disposable absorbent article is disclosed having a front portion, a back portion and a crotch portion. The crotch portion joins the front portion to the back portion. The back portion has a first end and a second end. The back portion is divided into a first section and a second section. The first section is extendable in a transverse direction and has a length L2 measured perpendicularly from the first end of the back portion to a line drawn parallel thereto. The second section has a length L3 measured perpendicularly from the second end of the back portion to the line drawn parallel to the first end. The second section has a first side edge, a second side edge, a first area A1 and a second area A2. The first area A, represents an area bounded by the first and second side edges, the second end, and the line drawn parallel to the first end. The second area A2 represents an area bounded by first and second lines, the second end, and the line drawn parallel to the first end.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2000Date of Patent: January 21, 2003Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Sarah Jane Marie Freiburger, Mary Anne Bruemmer-Prestley, Nefetari Edris Bordain, Suzanne Marie Schmoker, David Arthur Fell