Patents by Inventor David Louis Zenker
David Louis Zenker 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: 9301890Abstract: A method of forming disposable absorbent articles includes forming at least two different types of absorbent articles on a single product line. Each type of absorbent article has an absorbent structure that differs from the absorbent structure of at least one other absorbent article type on the product line. The method further includes creating a visual distinction between the different types of absorbent articles and packaging the different types of absorbent articles in a single package.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2012Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.Inventors: Jayant Chakravarty, David Louis Zenker
-
Publication number: 20040204698Abstract: An absorbent article has a liner adapted for contiguous relationship with the wearer's body, an outer cover in generally opposed relationship with the liner, and an absorbent body disposed between the liner and the outer cover. The absorbent body has an absorbent structure constructed of absorbent fibers and binder fibers activated to form inter-fiber bonds within the absorbent structure. The absorbent structure has a generally unstable configuration and is predisposed to bend toward a generally stable, bent configuration. In a process for making such an absorbent structure, the absorbent structure is airformed, bent to a bent configuration, stabilized in the bent configuration, and then compressed to planarize the absorbent structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2004Publication date: October 14, 2004Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: David Louis Zenker, Mark John Beitz, Jayant Chakravarty
-
Patent number: 6710225Abstract: Absorbent article including an absorbent core having multiple absorbent layers. The absorbent layers interact in a manner which desirably locates absorbed liquid in an appointed, high saturation wicking layer.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2000Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Rob David Everett, Thomas Gerald Bolwerk, Richard Norris Dodge, II, Violet May Grube, Yong Li, Debra Jean McDowall, Shannon Kathleen Melius, Lawrence Howell Sawyer, David Louis Zenker, Xiaomin Zhang, Sylvia Bandy Little, Billie Jean Matthews, Sridhar Ranganathan, Stanley Michael Gryskiewicz, Kuo-Shu Edward Chang
-
Patent number: 6706945Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent article (10) having a longitudinal direction (26), and a lateral, cross direction (24). The article includes a liquid permeable top sheet layer (28), a substantially liquid impermeable backsheet layer (30), and an absorbent structure (32) having a primary retention portion (48) sandwiched between the top sheet and backsheet layers. The retention portion (48) includes a wet-formed mixture of fibers and superabsorbent material. The retention portion has a selected edge-wise compression value, such as an edge-wise compression value of not more than a maximum of about 9 g/gsm, and a modified circular bend value, such as a modified circular bend value of at least minimum of about 0.3 g/gsm. In particular aspects, the retention portion (48) can include cellulosic fibers.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2000Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Shannon Kathleen Melius, David Arthur Fell, Violet May Grube, Andrew Edsel Huntoon, Toan Thanh LeMinh, Sridhar Ranganathan, William Grover Reeves, Lawrence Howell Sawyer, Dave Allen Soerens, Heather Anne Sorebo, Michael William Veith, Palani Raj Ramaswami Wallajapet, David Louis Zenker
-
Patent number: 6610039Abstract: An absorbent article (10) has a longitudinal direction (26) and a lateral direction (24). The article includes a backsheet layer (30), a liquid-permeable topsheet layer (28), and an absorbent body (32) sandwiched between the backsheet layer (30) and topsheet layer (28). A surge management member (46) is joined between the topsheet layer (28) and the absorbent body (32), and the surge management member (46) includes at least a first nonwoven fabric layer (52). In particular aspects, the article (10) can be bent around a wearer's body contours with a reduced tendency to form a transverse channel crease (76) along the cross-direction of the surge management member, particularly when the surge member (46) is curved through the wearer's crotch region.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2000Date of Patent: August 26, 2003Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Hoa La Wilhelm, Alan Francis Schleinz, David Louis Zenker
-
Publication number: 20030149411Abstract: An absorbent article includes a vapor permeable backsheet, a liquid permeable topsheet positioned in facing relation with the backsheet; and an absorbent body located between the backsheet and the topsheet. The absorbent body may include multiple zones of high air permeability or may include materials which provide improved air exchange after being wetted. The absorbent article may also include a ventilation layer between the absorbent body and the backsheet and a surge management layer between the absorbent body and the topsheet. The article exhibits improved air exchange within the article during use. As a result, the article exhibits substantially reduced levels of hydration of the wearer's skin when in use which renders the skin less susceptible to the viability of microorganisms.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2003Publication date: August 7, 2003Inventors: Charles Paul Keuhn, Ronald Lee Edens, Peter Robert Elliker, Michael John Faulks, Sheng-Hsin Hu, Debra Jean McDowall, Shannon Kathleen Melius, Cheryl Ann Mocadlo, Cynthia Marie Phillips, Cathleen Mae Uttecht, Palani Raj Ramaswami Wallajapet, Dmitry Yavich, David Louis Zenker, Frank Jerrel Akin, Margaret Gwyn Latimer, Pamela Jean Mayberry, Susan Carol Paul, Audra Stefanik Wright
-
Patent number: 6582413Abstract: An absorbent article (10) has a longitudinal direction (26), a lateral, transverse direction (24), an article front portion (14), an article back portion (12), and an intermediate portion (16) interconnecting the front and back portions. The article includes an elastomerically stretchable backsheet member (30), a liquid-permeable topsheet layer (28), and an elastomerically stretchable retention portion (48) sandwiched between the backsheet member (30) and the topsheet layer (28). The topsheet layer can be elastomerically stretchable, and the absorbent article (10) can also provide a selected combination of physical properties, such as a composite-article elongation-at-peak-load value which is at least about 50 percent.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Candace Dyan Krautkramer, Rob David Everett, Toan Thanh LeMinh, Debra Jean McDowall, Hoa La Wilhelm, David Louis Zenker
-
Patent number: 6558363Abstract: An absorbent article includes a vapor permeable backsheet, a liquid permeable topsheet positioned in facing relation with the backsheet; and an absorbent body located between the backsheet and the topsheet. The absorbent body may include multiple zones of high air permeability or may include materials which provide improved air exchange after being wetted. The absorbent article may also include a ventilation layer between the absorbent body and the backsheet and a surge management layer between the absorbent body and the topsheet. The article exhibits improved air exchange within the article during use. As a result, the article exhibits substantially reduced levels of hydration of the wearer's skin when in use which renders the skin less susceptible to the viability of microorganisms.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Charles Paul Keuhn, Jr., Ronald Lee Edens, Peter Robert Elliker, Michael John Faulks, Sheng-Hsin Hu, Debra Jean McDowall, Shannon Kathleen Melius, Cheryl Ann Mocadlo, Cynthia Marie Phillips, Cathleen Mae Uttecht, Palani Raj Ramaswami Wallajapet, Dmitry Yavich, David Louis Zenker, Frank Jerrel Akin, Margaret Gwyn Latimer, Pamela Jean Mayberry, Susan Carol Paul, Audra Stefanik Wright
-
Patent number: 6437214Abstract: A distinctive absorbent article includes an absorbent core having multiple absorbent layers, wherein the absorbent layers interact in such a manner which preferentially locates absorbed liquid in an appointed, high saturation wicking layer. The localization of the liquid within this wicking layer increases the potential of this layer to move liquid through capillary action due to the higher saturation level and increased amount of liquid available. The intake capability of the absorbent system is maintained or improved over current systems by keeping a second layer of the absorbent system at low saturation levels through as many insults of the product as possible, while providing optimum intake performance through appropriate control of the composite properties.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2000Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Rob David Everett, Thomas Gerald Bolwerk, Richard Norris Dodge, II, Violet May Grube, Yong Li, Debra Jean McDowall, Shannon Kathleen Melius, Lawrence Howell Sawyer, David Louis Zenker, Xiaomin Zhang, Sylvia Bandy Little, Billie Jean Matthews, Sridhar Ranganathan, Stanley Michael Gryskiewicz
-
Patent number: 6383960Abstract: A distinctive absorbent article includes an absorbent core having multiple absorbent layers, wherein the absorbent layers interact in such a manner which preferentially locates absorbed liquid in an appointed, high saturation wicking layer. The localization of the liquid within this wicking layer increases the potential of this layer to move liquid through capillary action due to the higher saturation level and increased amount of liquid available. The intake capability of the absorbent system is maintained or improved over current systems by keeping a second layer of the absorbent system at low saturation levels through as many insults of the product as possible, while providing optimum intake performance through appropriate control of the composite properties.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2000Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Rob David Everett, Thomas Gerald Bolwerk, Richard Norris Dodge, II, Violet May Grube, Yong Li, Debra Jean McDowall, Shannon Kathleen Melius, Lawrence Howell Sawyer, David Louis Zenker, Xiaomin Zhang, Sylvia Bandy Little, Billie Jean Matthews, Sridhar Ranganathan, Stanley Michael Gryskiewicz, Kuo-Shu Edward Chang
-
Patent number: 6323388Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent article ( 10) having a longitudinal direction ( 26), and a lateral, cross direction ( 24). The article includes a liquid permeable top sheet layer ( 28), a substantially liquid impermeable backsheet layer ( 30), and an absorbent structure ( 32) having a primary retention portion ( 48) sandwiched between the top sheet and backsheet layers. The retention portion ( 48) includes a wet-formed mixture of fibers and superabsorbent material. The retention portion has a selected edge-wise compression value, such as an edge-wise compression value of not more than a maximum of about 9 g/gsm, and a modified circular bend value, such as a modified circular bend value of at least minimum of about 0.3 g/gsm. In particular aspects, the retention portion ( 48) can include cellulosic fibers.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 1999Date of Patent: November 27, 2001Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Shannon Kathleen Melius, David Arthur Fell, Violet May Grube, Andrew Edsel Huntoon, Toan Thanh LeMinh, Sridhar Ranganathan, William Grover Reeves, Lawrence Howell Sawyer, Dave Allen Soerens, Heather Anne Sorebo, Michael William Veith, Palani Raj Ramaswami Wallajapet, David Louis Zenker
-
Publication number: 20010039405Abstract: An absorbent article includes a vapor permeable backsheet, a liquid permeable topsheet positioned in facing relation with the backsheet; and an absorbent body located between the backsheet and the topsheet. The absorbent body may include multiple zones of high air permeability or may include materials which provide improved air exchange after being wetted. The absorbent article may also include a ventilation layer between the absorbent body and the backsheet and a surge management layer between the absorbent body and the topsheet. The article exhibits improved air exchange within the article during use. As a result, the article exhibits substantially reduced levels of hydration of the wearer's skin when in use which renders the skin less susceptible to the viability of microorganisms.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2001Publication date: November 8, 2001Inventors: Charles Paul Keuhn, Ronald Lee Edens, Peter Robert Elliker, Michael John Faulks, Sheng-Hsin Hu, Debra Jean McDowall, Shannon Kathleen Melius, Cheryl Ann Mocadlo, Cynthia Marie Phillips, Cathleen Mae Uttecht, Palani Raj Ramaswami Wallajapet, Dmitry Yavich, David Louis Zenker, Frank Jerrel Akin, Margaret Gwyn Latimer, Pamela Jean Mayberry, Susan Carol Paul, Audra Stefanik Wright
-
Publication number: 20010025164Abstract: An absorbent article (10) has a longitudinal direction (26), a lateral, transverse direction (24), an article front portion (14), an article back portion (12), and an intermediate portion (16) interconnecting the front and back portions. The article includes an elastomerically stretchable backsheet member (30), a liquid-permeable topsheet layer (28), and an elastomerically stretchable retention portion (48) sandwiched between the backsheet member (30) and the topsheet layer (28). The topsheet layer can be elastomerically stretchable, and the absorbent article (10) can also provide a selected combination of physical properties, such as a composite-article elongation-at-peak-load value which is at least about 50 percent.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2001Publication date: September 27, 2001Inventors: Candace Dyan Krautkramer, Rob David Everett, Toan Thanh LeMinh, Debra Jean McDowall, Hoa La Wilhelm, David Louis Zenker
-
Patent number: 6245051Abstract: An absorbent article (10) has a longitudinal direction (26), a lateral direction (24), a first waistband portion (12), a second waistband portion (14) and an intermediate portion (16) interconnecting the first and second waistband portions. The article (10) includes a backsheet layer (30); a liquid permeable top sheet layer (28); and an absorbent structure (32) sandwiched between the backsheet and topsheet layers. The absorbent structure includes a retention portion (48) having a first retention section (47) and a longitudinally opposed second retention section (49). A liquid distribution, waist belt component (52) has a belt first end region (54), a belt second end region (56) and a belt medial region (58) interconnecting the belt first and second end regions.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 1999Date of Patent: June 12, 2001Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: David Louis Zenker, Hoa La Wilhelm, Rob David Everett
-
Patent number: 6238379Abstract: An absorbent article includes a vapor permeable backsheet, a liquid permeable topsheet positioned in facing relation with the backsheet; and an absorbent body located between the backsheet and the topsheet. The absorbent body may include multiple zones of high air permeability or may include materials which provide improved air exchange after being wetted. The absorbent article may also include a ventilation layer between the absorbent body and the backsheet and a surge management layer between the absorbent body and the topsheet. The article exhibits improved air exchange within the article during use. As a result, the article exhibits substantially reduced levels of hydration of the wearer's skin when in use which renders the skin less susceptible to the viability of microorganisms.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 1999Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Charles Paul Keuhn, Jr., Ronald Lee Edens, Peter Robert Elliker, Michael John Faulks, Sheng-Hsin Hu, Debra Jean McDowall, Shannon Kathleen Melius, Cheryl Ann Mocadlo, Cynthia Marie Phillips, Cathleen Mae Uttecht, Palani Raj Ramaswami Wallajapet, Dmitry Yavich, David Louis Zenker, Frank Jerrel Akin, Margaret Gwyn Latimer, Pamela Jean Mayberry, Susan Carol Paul, Audra Stefanik Wright
-
Patent number: 6231557Abstract: An absorbent article (10) has a longitudinal direction (26), a lateral, transverse direction (24), an article front portion (14), an article back portion (12), and an intermediate portion (16) interconnecting the front and back portions. The article includes an elastomerically stretchable backsheet member (30), a liquid-permeable topsheet layer (28), and an elastomerically stretchable retention portion (48) sandwiched between the backsheet member (30) and the topsheet layer (28). The topsheet layer can be elastomerically stretchable, and the absorbent article (10) can also provide a selected combination of physical properties, such as a composite-article elongation-at-peak-load value which is at least about 50 percent.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 1999Date of Patent: May 15, 2001Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Candace Dyan Krautkramer, Rob David Everett, Toan Thanh LeMinh, Debra Jean McDowall, Hoa La Wilhelm, David Louis Zenker
-
Patent number: 5836930Abstract: A distinctive absorbent article comprises a substantially liquid-impermeable outer cover member having a length and a width. The outer cover provides a rear waistband portion and a front waistband portion, and has a layer of polymer film material on an outer surface of the front waistband portion of the outer cover. A liquid permeable topsheet layer is provided for contacting a wearer's skin, and an absorbent body is interposed between the outer cover and the topsheet layer. The absorbent body has a length and width which are smaller than the outer cover length and width, thereby providing end margins and side margins of the outer cover. An adhesive fastening mechanism adheres to the film layer to secure the front and rear waistband portions of the outer cover about the wearer. An elastic member is connected to provide elasticized gathers along a cross-direction of the rear waistband portion of the outer cover.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 1994Date of Patent: November 17, 1998Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, IncInventors: Joanne Mary Lantz, David Louis Zenker, Thomas Harold Roessler, Rob David Everett, Lynn Carol Brud, Barbara Ann Gossen, Eric Mitchell Johns, Cynthia Helen Nordness