Patents Assigned to Kimberly-Clark Corporation
  • Patent number: 4834736
    Abstract: An anatomically form-fitting, generally self-adjusting disposable absorbent garment comprising a breathable elastomeric nonwoven laminar outer cover having an absorbent insert structure attached and integrated thereinto while allowing substantially unrestricted functional stretchability of the outer cover. The insert is attached to the outer cover by selectively breakable sonic bonds along either of the waist and leg openings of the outer cover to accommodate various body shapes and sizes. Upon exertion of certain stresses against the garment by wearers having larger waist and/or leg sizes, the bonds break away and restore the inherent stretch properties of the corresponding region of the outer cover. The breakable bonds also maintain a neat, aesthetic appearance of the product and minimize interference of loose, unattached material during processing, storage and use of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1989
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Leona G. Boland, Georgia L. Zehner, Robert A. Stevens
  • Patent number: 4834774
    Abstract: Novel, and improved fuel articles having a plurality of novel characteristics and having a typical mass density of 0.6 to 1.2 g/cc and a bulk density of 0.2 to 0.4 times the mass density. The greatest distance dg from a point in the fuel article to the nearest point on the nearest one of the upstanding walls is between 0.15 and 0.60 times the height of the fuel article. Charcoal fuel articles of the invention ignite faster than conventional pillow-shaped charcoal fuel articles and deliver substantially more usable cooking heat flux to the cooking surface of a standard charcoal cooker than do conventional pillow-shaped briquettes. The coal article may have a central body portion having a minor circumference, a plurality of fingers projecting from the central body portion, and a hole in the central body portion. The fingers may have finger ends wherein the ratio of the major circumference defined by the finger ends to the minor circumference is at least about 1.25:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1989
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Fay, III, Frederick J. Hrubecky, Doris A. Mills, Carl J. Gierke, Wilbert Heikkinen, Rory D. Williams, James I. Lang
  • Patent number: 4834733
    Abstract: A distinctive absorbent article includes a backsheet layer and an absorbent body superposed in adjacent, facing relation with the backsheet layer. An actuating member connects to the article in liquid communication with the absorbent body and is composed of a liquid-contractible material. The liquid-contractible material is capable of shrinking upon contact with an aqueous liquid while maintaining a substantially unitary configuration. An indicating mechanism is connected to the actuating member for designating a wetness condition of the absorbent body, and is translatable along a selected path in response to the shrinkage of the actuating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1989
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew E. Huntoon, Thomas H. Roessler
  • Patent number: 4834742
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent garment (10) of the type having opposed waistband portions (14 ) separated by an intermediate portion (16), comprises a breathable elastomeric nonwoven fabric outer cover (12) having an absorbent structure (32) integral therewith, including a liquid-impervious baffle (36), a liquid-pervious bodyside liner (34), and an absorbent core (38) therebetween. The absorbent structure (32) preferably forms an insert attached to the outer cover (12) without restricting the stretchability thereof. The garment (10) has a generally asymmetrical hourglass profile with leg cut-out openings (18) converging together to define a narrow crotch with front (28) and rear (30) panels on either side thereof, having pairs of front (20, 22) and rear (24, 26) ear portions, respectively. Laterally-opposed pairs of rear fastener members (42, 44) and front (46, 48) fastener members extend across the rear ear portions (20, 22) and front ear portions (24, 26), respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1989
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: John C. Wilson, Robert A. Stevens, Thomas W. Odorzynski, Bruce M. Siebers, Gregory J. Rajala
  • Patent number: 4834739
    Abstract: An absorbent article for absorption of human exudate is disclosed having an absorbent, a bodyside layer, a backing layer and a skid-resistant coating applied to at least one of the layers. The coating has a coefficient of friction of greater than 1 and a Sheffield smoothness rating of greater than about 200 when utilizing a modified ASTM test. The nonadhesive coating facilitates positioning the article relative to the anatomy of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1989
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Paul M. Linker, III, Ruth A. Lachapell
  • Patent number: 4834738
    Abstract: An anatomically form-fitting, generally self-adjusting disposable absorbent garment comprises a breathable elastomeric nonwoven laminar outer cover, resiliently stretchable preferably in a cross-body direction from about 20% to about 200%, including a pair of leg openings, front and rear waist sections together defining a waist opening, a crotch section situated between the leg openings and front and rear panels separated by the crotch section. An absorbent insert structure, substantially superposable on the front and rear panels and the crotch section, includes a liquid impermeable barrier and a liquid permeable bodyside liner, with an absorbent composite disposed therebetween. Longitudinally opposed ends of the absorbent insert are attached to the waist sections, integrating the insert into the outer cover while allowing substantially unrestricted functional stretchability thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1989
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: David P. Kielpikowski, Duane G. Uitenbroek, Deborah L. Proxmire
  • Patent number: 4833003
    Abstract: Layered meltblown abrasive sheets, suitable as wet wipes, exhibit liquid concentration stability over long periods of time. Stacks of these sheets maintain equal liquid concentration from the top to the bottom of the stack notwithstanding evaporation losses through the top of the stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1989
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Maung H. Win, Stephen S. Hata, William A. Abba, James Olszewski
  • Patent number: 4828912
    Abstract: Highly effective and useful method, composition and product for annihilating harmful respiratory viruses and inhibiting the spread of diseases, including the common cold. The product includes one or more carboxylic acids such as citric, malic, succinic, benzoic and the like in an effective amount and may also include a surfactant. Embodiments include impregnated or coated substrates such as facial tissue, nonwoven materials, and the like. In one application, treated tissue, when substituted for ordinary facial tissue and used in wiping the nasal area of a person suffering from a virus-borne infection is effective in annihilating the virus on contact with the treated tissue. This, in turn, prevents the spread of the virus-related illness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Shafi U. Hossain, Kenneth R. Smith
  • Patent number: 4828911
    Abstract: A stable, nonreactive, thermoplastic polymer blend comprising form about 10 to about 95 percent by weight of a superabsorbent, thermoplastic polymeric composition and from about 90 to about 5 percent by weight of at least one thermoplastic polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventor: Michael T. Morman
  • Patent number: 4828556
    Abstract: A breathable, multilayer, clothlike barrier especially suitable for use as an outer cover or baffle in such disposable absorbent articles as diapers, sanitary napkins, and incontinent pads, which barrier has at least three layers:A. a first layer which is a porous meltblown nonwoven web having a first side and a second side;B. a second layer joined to the first side of the first layer, which second layer is a continuous film of a poly(vinyl alcohol), in which:the film is not microporous in that it is substantially free of voids which connect the two surfaces of the film; andthe film has an average thickness of from about 3 to about 250 microns; andC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Ralph V. Braun, Lance Garrett, Robert J. Phelan, Richard S. Yeo
  • Patent number: 4823404
    Abstract: A protective garment is described that is particularly suitable for application such as spray painting and the like. The garment includes a top with a "Z" closure front opening and a separate bottom. The front of both the top and bottom is made from a nonwoven having a smooth calendered outer surface and an uncalendered inner body facing surface, and the back of both the top and bottom is made from a breathable material. The result is a very high degree of comfort and protection from contamination, as well as reduced pilling and release of fibers from the garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1989
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Lori A. Morell, Joyce A. Wessel
  • Patent number: 4824451
    Abstract: HEPA or pre-HEPA filter media are made by forming a web of melt-blown polypropylene fibers. The melt-blown process is accomplished at a low through-put of about 1 pound per inch of die width per hour and at a high fluid flow rate of about 250 to 325 standard cubic feet per minute. The resulting web has fibers with an average diameter of about 5 microns and surface pores of less than 30 microns in size. By cold calendering the web with pressure of between 100 and 300 psi, further filter efficiency can be achieved. The resulting calendered web has surface pore sizes less than 20 microns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1989
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Clifford M. Vogt, Peter W. Shipp, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4824689
    Abstract: The tactile properties of virucidal tissue products containing carboxylic acids are improved by the incorporation of a water-soluble humectant, such as polyethylene glycol. The product is made by blending a water-soluble humectant with a carboxylic acid-containing virucidal composition at a temperature of from about 100.degree. C. to about 150.degree. C. to solubilize the blend, and applying the solubilized blend to the surface of a cellulosic web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1989
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Cary K. Kuenn, Daniel S. Westbrook
  • Patent number: 4823427
    Abstract: An abrasion-resistant elastic cloth which exhibits excellent dust pickup and dust retention is disclosed. A dust mop head cover may be formed from the cloth fabric. The dust mop head cover may be secured to the mop head without fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1989
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Lesley L. Gibbs, Charles J. Morell
  • Patent number: 4822666
    Abstract: There is disclosed a radiation stabilized fabric of polypropylene polymer or copolymer of polypropylene. Radiation stabilization results from adding by weight 0.5%-1.0% of a long-chain aliphatic ester, particularly hexadecyl 3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1989
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventor: Robert L. Hudson
  • Patent number: 4819397
    Abstract: There is disclosed a wall panel and wall paneling system which panels include a light weight polystyrene tray having an compartment. Within the compartment is installed a insulative, resilient insert. A fabric facing or web is loosely stretched across the opening of the tray's compartment to enclose the insert within the compartment, and the fabric is glued to the walls of the tray. When the wall panel is installed, by gluing it to the existing walls, molding strips engage the side walls of the tray to hold adjacent panels together, to stretch the fabric facing more tightly across the opening of the compartment, and to expose the molding strips and side walls as uniformly spaced vertical battens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventor: Robert J. Gerndt
  • Patent number: 4820572
    Abstract: An elastomeric nonwoven web is formed by meltblowing fibers composed of a polyether block amide copolymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas M. Killian, Tony J. Wisneski
  • Patent number: 4820577
    Abstract: A nonwoven superabsorbent web comprising fibers composed of a superabsorbent, thermoplastic polymeric composition, such as a nonwoven superabsorbent web comprising a plurality of substantially randomly deposited monofilaments of a thermoplastic superabsorbent. Such a web is prepared by meltblowing a thermoplastic superabsorbent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Michael T. Morman, Sharon L. Greene, Jose F. Pazos, Augusto Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 4818600
    Abstract: A breathable barrier which includes:A. a first layer which is a porous sheet having a first side and a second side; andB. a second layer joined to the first side of the first layer, which second layer is a continuous film of a polymeric latex material, in which:the film is not microporous in that it is substantially free of voids which connect the two surfaces of the film; andthe film has an average thickness of from about 10 to about 250 microns;wherein the first layer side of the second layer is intimately comingled with at least some of the fibers at the surface of the first side of the first layer, none of the pores at the surface of the first side of the first layer are so large as to significantly adversely affect the barrier properties of the breathable barrier as a consequence of the comingling, and the breathable barrier has a water vapor transmission rate at 37.degree. C. and about 50 percent relative humidity of from about 100 to about 2,200 g/m.sup.2 /24 hours and is impermeable to 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Ralph V. Braun, Christine H. Brown, Steven W. Fitting, Lance J. Garrett, Jr., David C. Law, Robert E. Weber
  • Patent number: 4818597
    Abstract: There is disclosed nonwoven composite fabric comprising a central melt-blown web preferably formed of collected, entangled, elastic or adhesive nonwoven fibers comprising poly (ethylene-vinyl acetate), where the central web is polar and of relatively low melting point. This central web is positioned next to or bonded to two other insulative nonwoven webs of non-polar, melt-blown fibers, which in turn are positioned next to or bonded to two outer nonwoven webs of spun-bonded fibers. The composites are useful for health care fabrics such as drapes, protective covers, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Diego H. DaPonte, Norman K. Fox, Robert A. Funk