Patents by Inventor Craig M. Thoms

Craig M. Thoms 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).

  • Patent number: 7958590
    Abstract: A cleaning tool is disclosed for cleaning adjacent surfaces. In one embodiment, for instance, the cleaning tool may be used as a toilet bowl brush. The cleaning tool includes a handle comprised of a first handle member pivotally attached to a second handle member. Each handle member terminates in a clamping plate. The clamping plates move towards and away from each other as the handle members are likewise moved towards and away from each other. The handle can include a locking member that engages the first handle member with the second handle member in order to clamp or hold a cleaning pad in between the clamping plates. The clamping plates can include raised wave-like protrusions that further assist in gripping a cleaning pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Susan M. Trefethren, Craig M. Thoms, Brian James Ludka, Maggie VanderHeiden Berger, Christopher James Uecker, Carl Gerard Rippl, Peter Laurence
  • Publication number: 20090152160
    Abstract: A distinctive composite article has a package with a compartment for containing an article, and a drape. The drape has an end that is attached to an outer surface of the package. The drape is folded, and the package is folded about the drape for storage. In use, the package and then the drape are unfolded. The package may be opened to access the article(s) located within.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Keenan M. Thompson, Daniel J. Heuer, Craig M. Thoms
  • Publication number: 20080250590
    Abstract: A cleaning tool is disclosed for cleaning adjacent surfaces. In one embodiment, for instance, the cleaning tool may be used as a toilet bowl brush. The cleaning tool includes a handle comprised of a first handle member pivotally attached to a second handle member. Each handle member terminates in a clamping plate. The clamping plates move towards and away from each other as the handle members are likewise moved towards and away from each other. The handle can include a locking member that engages the first handle member with the second handle member in order to clamp or hold a cleaning pad in between the clamping plates. The clamping plates can include raised wave-like protrusions that further assist in gripping a cleaning pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Susan M. Trefethren, Craig M. Thoms, Brian James Ludka, Maggie VanderHeiden Berger, Christopher James Uecker, Carl Gerard Rippl, Peter Laurence
  • Publication number: 20080147022
    Abstract: A skin care delivery device is disclosed. The skin care delivery device includes a substrate containing a skin care composition. The skin care composition can comprise, for instance, any suitable lotion or other similar material. In accordance with the present disclosure, a backing is releasably engaged to one surface of the substrate. The backing facilitates folding and unfolding of the delivery device. Once applied to a user's skin, the backing can be peeled away and discarded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Walter G. Bauer, Craig M. Thoms, Kroy D. Johnson, Ed John Foley
  • Patent number: 6969228
    Abstract: A palletizing system for stacking materials is provided. The system utilizes support members to minimize leaning of stacked materials. These support members are inserted through openings defined by one or more slip sheets. In particular, these openings are spaced about the perimeter of the slip sheet so that support members may be inserted therethrough. Thus, indentation or deformation of the outer edges of the materials is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig M. Thoms
  • Publication number: 20040191048
    Abstract: A palletizing system for stacking materials is provided. The system utilizes support members to minimize leaning of stacked materials. These support members are inserted through openings defined by one or more slip sheets. In particular, these openings are spaced about the perimeter of the slip sheet so that support members may be inserted therethrough. Thus, indentation or deformation of the outer edges of the materials is minimized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig M. Thoms
  • Publication number: 20040182875
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing interfolded disposable sheets is disclosed. The dispenser includes a removable top that is releasably attached to the first sheet in the stack contained in the container. In accordance with the present invention, when the removable top is pulled off the container, the first sheet in the stack is partially withdrawn from the container. After being partially withdrawn, however, the sheet releases from the removable top.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventor: Craig M. Thoms
  • Patent number: 6715633
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing interfolded disposable sheets is disclosed. The dispenser includes a removable top that is releasably attached to the first sheet in the stack contained in the container. In accordance with the present invention, when the removable top is pulled off the container, the first sheet in the stack is partially withdrawn from the container. After being partially withdrawn, however, the sheet releases from the removable top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig M. Thoms
  • Publication number: 20030168467
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing interfolded disposable sheets is disclosed. The dispenser includes a removable top that is releasably attached to the first sheet in the stack contained in the container. In accordance with the present invention, when the removable top is pulled off the container, the first sheet in the stack is partially withdrawn from the container. After being partially withdrawn, however, the sheet releases from the removable top.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig M. Thoms