Patents by Inventor A. Todd Leak
A. Todd Leak 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).
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Patent number: 7063245Abstract: There is provided a wet wipes dispensing system. The system includes a plurality of separably joined wet wipes and the plurality of separably joined wet wipes include a lubricant. The system also includes a dispenser including a sealed chamber, the sealed chamber housing the plurality of separably joined wet wipes therein. The dispenser also includes a flexible elastic sealing orifice through which wet wipes from the plurality of separably joined wet wipes can be dispensed from the sealed chamber. At least a portion of the lubricant is automatically transferable to the flexible elastic sealing orifice when wet wipes from the plurality of separably joined wet wipes are dispensed from the sealed chamber through the flexible elastic sealing orifice whereby a drag relationship between the wet wipes and the flexible elastic sealing orifice is reduced by at least about 20%.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2001Date of Patent: June 20, 2006Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Michael John Faulks, Yung Hsiang Huang, Jennifer Cappel Larson, Steven John Romme, A. Todd Leak, Paige Annette Dellerman, Ligia A. Rivera
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Patent number: 6994698Abstract: Disclosed is a mechanical fastening tab formed from a substrate adapted to be joined to a disposable absorbent product and a first mechanical fastener component. The fastening tab has a Gurley stiffness value of less than about 1000 milligrams in an area of the fastening tab which includes said first mechanical fastening component. Also disclosed are disposable products comprising such mechanical fastening tabs.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 1994Date of Patent: February 7, 2006Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: A. Todd Leak, Apiromraj Srisopark Roslansky, Paul Theodore Van Gompel, Georgia Lynn Zehner, Edward Herman Ruscher, Yung Hsiang Huang
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Patent number: 6869554Abstract: A hook fastener member having rows of molded hook-shaped fastener elements that lie in planes aligned with the rows, with generally planar plate portions at the outermost ends of at least some of the fastener elements, the plate portions lying generally parallel to the base of the fastener member. The plate portions can enhance engagement of the hook fastener members with mating loop fastener members, particularly with low loft non-woven loop fastener members. A method of making fastener members is provided. Molten resin is extruded and applied to a molding roller, creating preforms. The outermost portions of at least some of the preforms are flattened, thereby forming generally plate shaped portions. Disposable absorbent garments advantageously incorporate the hook fastener members.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2003Date of Patent: March 22, 2005Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.Inventors: George A. Provost, Mark J. Condon, A. Todd Leak, Apiromraj S. Roslansky, Paul J. Serbiak
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Patent number: 6627289Abstract: Disclosed is an improved fastening tape for use on a disposable absorbent garment. The fastening tape comprises a first substrate and an interlocking material attached to said first substrate. The interlocking material extends the entire width of the fastening tape, and the interlocking material is longitudinally spaced from both transverse edges of the fastening tape. Also disclosed is a process for manufacturing the fastening tape. The process involves providing a continuous length of an interlocking material having a width and traveling in a first direction. The interlocking material is attached to a first substrate to form a composite. The composite is then cut along a second direction to form fastening tapes suitable for attachment on a disposable absorbent garment. The second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2000Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Rebecca Lyn Dilnik, Allen Todd Leak, Mark Michael Mleziva, Michael A. Snyder, Patrick Sean McNichols, Scott Leslie Williams, Robert John Leveille, Scott Lee Pennings, Paul John Serbiak, Bruce Michael Siebers, Robert Eugene Vogt, Georgia Lynn Zehner, Thomas David Ehlert, John Gerard Hein, Timothy Raymond Heindel, Tim Joseph Janssen, Kathleen Ann Peterson
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Publication number: 20030135964Abstract: A hook fastener member having rows of molded hook-shaped fastener elements that lie in planes aligned with the rows, with generally planar plate portions at the outermost ends of at least some of the fastener elements, the plate portions lying generally parallel to the base of the fastener member. The plate portions can enhance engagement of the hook fastener members with mating loop fastener members, particularly with low loft non-woven loop fastener members. A method of making fastener members is provided. Molten resin is extruded and applied to a molding roller, creating preforms. The outermost portions of at least some of the preforms are flattened, thereby forming generally plate shaped portions. Disposable absorbent garments advantageously incorporate the hook fastener members.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2003Publication date: July 24, 2003Applicant: Velcro Industries, B.V., a Netherlands corporationInventors: George A. Provost, Mark J. Condon, A. Todd Leak, Apiromraj S. Roslansky, Paul J. Serbiak
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Publication number: 20030100878Abstract: Disclosed is a mechanical fastening tab formed from a substrate adapted to be joined to a disposable absorbent product and a first mechanical fastener component. The fastening tab has a Gurley stiffness value of less than about 1000 milligrams in an area of the fastening tab which includes said first mechanical fastening component. Also disclosed are disposable products comprising such mechanical fastening tabs.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 1994Publication date: May 29, 2003Inventors: A. TODD LEAK, APIROMRAJ S. ROSLANSKY, PAUL T. VAN GOMPEL, GEORGIA L. ZEHNER, EDWARD H. RUSCHER, YUNG HSIANG HUANG
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Patent number: 6526633Abstract: A hook fastener member having rows of molded hook-shaped fastener elements that lie in planes aligned with the rows, with generally planar plate portions at the outermost ends of at least some of the fastener elements, the plate portions lying generally parallel to the base of the fastener member. The plate portions can enhance engagement of the hook fastener members with mating loop fastener members, particularly with low loft non-woven loop fastener members. A method of making fastener members is provided. Molten resin is extruded and applied to a molding roller, creating preforms. The outermost portions of at least some of the preforms are flattened, thereby forming generally plate shaped portions. Disposable absorbent garments advantageously incorporate the hook fastener members.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2001Date of Patent: March 4, 2003Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.Inventors: George A. Provost, Mark J. Condon, A. Todd Leak, Apiromraj S. Roslansky, Paul J. Serbiak
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Publication number: 20020088815Abstract: There is provided a wet wipes dispensing system. The system includes a plurality of separably joined wet wipes and the plurality of separably joined wet wipes include a lubricant. The system also includes a dispenser including a sealed chamber, the sealed chamber housing the plurality of separably joined wet wipes therein. The dispenser also includes a flexible elastic sealing orifice through which wet wipes from the plurality of separably joined wet wipes can be dispensed from the sealed chamber. At least a portion of the lubricant is automatically transferable to the flexible elastic sealing orifice when wet wipes from the plurality of separably joined wet wipes are dispensed from the sealed chamber through the flexible elastic sealing orifice whereby a drag relationship between the wet wipes and the flexible elastic sealing orifice is reduced by at least about 20%.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2001Publication date: July 11, 2002Inventors: Michael John Faulks, Yung Hsiang Huang, Jennifer Cappel Larson, Steven John Romme, A. Todd Leak, Paige Annette Dellerman, Ligia A. Rivera
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Patent number: 6406468Abstract: Disclosed is an improved fastening tape for use on a disposable absorbent garment. The fastening tape comprises a first substrate and an interlocking material attached to said first substrate. The interlocking material extends the entire width of the fastening tape, and the interlocking material is longitudinally spaced from both transverse edges of the fastening tape. Also disclosed is a process for manufacturing the fastening tape. The process involves providing a continuous length of an interlocking material having a width and traveling in a first direction. The interlocking material is attached to a first substrate to form a composite. The composite is then cut along a second direction to form fastening tapes suitable for attachment on a disposable absorbent garment. The second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 1995Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Rebecca Lyn Dilnik, Allen Todd Leak, Mark Michael Mleziva, Scott Lee Pennings, Paul John Serbiak, Bruce Michael Siebers, Thomas David Ehlert, John Gerard Hein, Timothy Raymond Heindel, Tim Joseph Janssen, Kathleen Ann Peterson
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Patent number: 6406467Abstract: Disclosed is an improved fastening tape for use on a disposable absorbent garment. The fastening tape comprises a first substrate and an interlocking material attached to said first substrate. The interlocking material extends the entire width of the fastening tape, and the interlocking material is longitudinally spaced from both transverse edges of the fastening tape. Also disclosed is a process for manufacturing the fastening tape. The process involves providing a continuous length of an interlocking material having a width and traveling in a first direction. The interlocking material is attached to a first substrate to form a composite. The composite is then cut along a second direction to form fastening tapes suitable for attachment on a disposable absorbent garment. The second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 1995Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Rebecca Lyn Dilnik, Allen Todd Leak, Mark Michael Mleziva, Michael A. Snyder, Patrick Sean McNichols, Scott Leslie Williams, Robert John Leveille, Scott Lee Pennings, Paul John Serbiak, Bruce Michael Siebers, Robert Eugene Vogt, Georgia Lynn Zehner, Thomas David Ehlert, John Gerard Hein, Timothy Raymond Heindel, Tim Joseph Janssen, Kathleen Ann Peterson
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Publication number: 20020053119Abstract: A hook fastener member having rows of molded hook-shaped fastener elements that lie in planes aligned with the rows, with generally planar place portions at the outermost ends of at least some of the fastener elements, the plate portions lying generally parallel to the base of the fastener member. The plate portions can enhance engagement of the hook fastener members with mating loop fastener members, particularly with low loft non-woven loop fastener members. A method of making fastener members is provided. Molten resin is extruded and applied to a molding roller, creating preforms. The outermost portions of at least some of the preforms are flattened, thereby forming generally plate shaped portions. Disposable absorbent garments advantageously incorporate the hook fastener members.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2001Publication date: May 9, 2002Applicant: Velcro Industries B.V., a Netherlands corporationInventors: George A. Provost, Mark J. Condon, A. Todd Leak, Apiromraj S. Roslansky, Paul J. Serbiak
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Patent number: 6357088Abstract: A hook fastener member having rows of molded hook-shaped fastener elements that lie in planes aligned with the rows, with generally planar plate portions at the outermost ends of at least some of the fastener elements, the plate portions lying generally parallel to the base of the fastener member. The plate portions can enhance engagement of the hook fastener members with mating loop fastener members, particularly with low loft non-woven loop fastener members. A method of making fastener members is provided. Molten resin is extruded and applied to a molding roller, creating preforms. The outermost portions of at least some of the preforms are flattened, thereby forming generally plate shaped portions. Disposable absorbent garments advantageously incorporate the hook fastener members.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.Inventors: George A. Provost, Mark J. Condon, A. Todd Leak, Apiromraj S. Roslansky, Paul J. Serbiak
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Publication number: 20010000365Abstract: A hook fastener member having rows of molded hook-shaped fastener elements that lie in planes aligned with the rows, with generally planar plate portions at the outermost ends of at least some of the fastener elements, the plate portions lying generally parallel to the base of the fastener member. The plate portions can enhance engagement of the hook fastener members with mating loop fastener members, particularly with low loft non-woven loop fastener members. A method of making fastener members is provided. Molten resin is extruded and applied to a molding roller, creating preforms. The outermost portions of at least some of the preforms are flattened, thereby forming generally plate shaped portions. Disposable absorbent garments advantageously incorporate the hook fastener members.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2000Publication date: April 26, 2001Applicant: Velcro Industries B.V. Netherlands corporationInventors: George A. Provost, Mark J. Condon, A. Todd Leak, Apiromraj S. Roslansky, Paul J. Serbiak
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Patent number: 6206679Abstract: An enhanced flexibility fastener product has a base and hook elements extending from the base. Rip-stops integrally molded with the base and with the hook elements are offset relative to the hook elements to reduce widthwise stiffness of the fastener product. Edge margins of the fastener are feathered in that they taper or otherwise reduce in thickness over an extended distance, preferably from at or near the hooks to an edge, resulting in a softer, less irritating fastener tape. Fasteners according to the invention are particularly advantageous on disposable absorbent garments such as diapers, sanitary napkins, and other articles of wear which come into contact with a user's skin.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 1997Date of Patent: March 27, 2001Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.Inventors: George A. Provost, James V. Stumpf, A. Todd Leak, Apiromraj S. Roslansky
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Patent number: 6140551Abstract: An absorbent article, such as the shown diaper (10), has a front waistband portion (14), a back waistband portion (12) and an intermediate portion (16) interconnecting said front and back waistband portions. The article includes a backsheet member (30), a liquid permeable topsheet layer (28), and an absorbent body (32) sandwiched between the topsheet layer (28) and backsheet member (30). The backsheet member includes an air permeable, polymer sheet layer (96), and a first, outward nonwoven fibrous web (94) attached to or otherwise operatively joined with a major facing surface (78) of the polymer sheet layer (96) at a plurality of individual, spaced apart thermal bonds (98).Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 1998Date of Patent: October 31, 2000Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Jean Feyen Niemeyer, Thomas Allan Eby, David Willis Heyn, Allen Todd Leak, Jeffrey Lawrence McManus, Steven Walter Moster, Dale Arthur Peterson, Alan Francis Schleinz, Gordon Allen Shaw, Michael Donald Sperl, Gregory Todd Sudduth, Paula Kay Zoromski
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Patent number: 6075178Abstract: An absorbent article (10) has a front waistband portion (14), a back waistband portion (12) and an intermediate portion (16). The article comprises a flexible backsheet member (30), and a liquid permeable topsheet layer (28). An absorbent body structure (32), with a retention portion (48), is sandwiched between the backsheet member (30) and the topsheet layer (28), and a wetness indicator (40) visually shows a presence of liquid in selected areas of the article. The wetness indicator is provided by at least one indicator section of the backsheet member (30) which includes a polymer sheet layer (96). Desirably, The wetness indicator is provided by at least one indicator section of the backsheet member (30) which includes a backsheet laminate material having a fibrous nonwoven web (94) attached to a polymer sheet layer (96).Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 1998Date of Patent: June 13, 2000Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Hoa La Wilhelm, Jennifer Marie Bauerle, David Willis Heyn, Allen Todd Leak, Dale Arthur Peterson, Carl Gerard Rippl, Diane Michele Underhill, Jerome James Workman, Jr.
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Patent number: 5997522Abstract: An enhanced flexibility fastener product has a base and hook elements extending from the base. Rip-stops integrally molded with the base and with the hook elements are offset relative to the hook elements to reduce widthwise stiffness of the fastener product. Edge margins of the fastener are feathered in that they taper or otherwise reduce in thickness over an extended distance, preferably from at or near the hooks to an edge, resulting in a softer, less irritating fastener tape. Fasteners according to the invention are particularly advantageous on disposable absorbent garments such as diapers, sanitary napkins, and other articles of wear which come into contact with a user's skin.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 1997Date of Patent: December 7, 1999Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.Inventors: George A. Provost, James V. Stumpf, A. Todd Leak, Apiromraj S. Roslansky
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Patent number: 5953797Abstract: A hook fastener member having rows of molded hook-shaped fastener elements that lie in planes aligned with the rows, with generally planar plate portions at the outermost ends of at least some of the fastener elements, the plate portions lying generally parallel to the base of the fastener member. The plate portions can enhance engagement of the hook fastener members with mating loop fastener members, particularly with low loft non-woven loop fastener members. A method of making fastener members is provided. Molten resin is extruded and applied to a molding roller, creating preforms. The outermost portions of at least some of the preforms are flattened, thereby forming generally plate shaped portions. Disposable absorbent garments advantageously incorporate the hook fastener members.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 1996Date of Patent: September 21, 1999Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.Inventors: George A. Provost, Mark J. Condon, A. Todd Leak, Apiromraj S. Roslansky, Paul J. Serbiak
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Patent number: 5843056Abstract: An absorbent article includes a substantially liquid impermeable, vapor permeable composite backsheet, a liquid-permeable topsheet positioned in facing relation with the backsheet and an absorbent body located between the backsheet and topsheet. The composite backsheet includes a polymeric film of relatively low basis weight and a nonwoven facing layer which enhances the strength of the composite backsheet and a provides a clothlike feel to the composite backsheet.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 1996Date of Patent: December 1, 1998Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Kristeen Elaine Good, Allen Todd Leak, Dale Arthur Peterson, Daniel Robert Schlinz
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Patent number: 5763041Abstract: A laminate suitable for use as the hook component of a hook-and-loop fastener. The laminate comprises a first extensible substantially non-elastic layer and a second layer comprising a nonwoven material. The nonwoven material is prebonded by a number of first spaced-apart bond sites to form first bonded and first unbonded areas. The second layer is attached to the first layer by a plurality of second spaced-apart bond sites to form a bulked laminate having a plurality of second bonded and second unbonded areas. The second bonded and second unbonded areas together define a surface area of said bulked laminate with said second bonded areas covering from about 5 to about 20 percent of the surface area. At least 50 percent of the second bonded areas have an area of less than about 4 square millimeters and have a density of greater than about 2 bonds per square centimeter.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1995Date of Patent: June 9, 1998Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: A. Todd Leak, Mark Michael Mleziva, Duane Girard Uitenbroek, Monica Signoret Diaz, Lance James Garrett, Jr.