Patents by Inventor Duane Girard Uitenbroek
Duane Girard Uitenbroek 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: 7628778Abstract: A self-forming seal absorbent article is provided and includes a biaxially extensible outer cover, a biaxially extensible bodyside liner forming a wearer adjacent surface, a biaxially extensible absorbent core assembly interposed between the outer cover and the bodyside liner, and a pair of laterally-spaced apart and longitudinally-extending containment flap members disposed along the wearer adjacent surface of the bodyside liner.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2001Date of Patent: December 8, 2009Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Georgia Lynn Zehner, Duane Girard Uitenbroek, John Philip Vukos
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Patent number: 7608069Abstract: An absorbent article having a leg elastic member captured between a biaxially extensible outer cover and a biaxially extensible bodyside liner.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2001Date of Patent: October 27, 2009Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Georgia Lynn Zehner, Duane Girard Uitenbroek, John Philip Vukos
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Patent number: 7344525Abstract: An absorbent article includes a pair of front ear regions as part of a front waist region, a pair of back ear portions including a mechanical fastener as part of a back waist region, a crotch region connecting the front waist region and the back waist region, and a landing zone including a base material and a first discrete fastener element group embedded in the base material. The first discrete fastener element group includes at least one first discrete fastener element having a profile height. The base material has a profile height that is greater than the profile height of the first discrete fastener element. The landing zone may be associated with the outer cover in the front waist region between the front ear regions.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2002Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Paul Means Linker, III, Duane Girard Uitenbroek, Thomas Harold Roessler
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Patent number: 7074484Abstract: The present invention relates to shape deformable materials, which are capable of (1) being deformed, (2) storing an amount of shape deformation, and (3) recovering at least a portion of the shape deformation when exposed to electromagnetic radiation (EMR) energy. The shape deformable materials can advantageously be in the form of films, fibers, filaments, strands, nonwovens, and pre-molded elements. The shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to form products, which are both disposable and reusable. More specifically, the shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to produce products such as disposable diapers, training pants, incontinence products, and feminine care products.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2000Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Vasily A. Topolkaraev, Thomas Walter Odorzynski, Dave Allen Soerens, Michael J. Garvey, Duane Girard Uitenbroek
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Patent number: 6982231Abstract: An elastomeric, breathable laminate having enhanced breathability is formed by bonding a breathable, microporous, extendible/elastic film to a nonwoven facing material. The facing material can be necked to impart cross-directional stretchability. Once the film and the facing material are bonded together, the resulting laminate is stretched in one or more areas to impart higher breathability to selected areas of the laminate. The breathable laminate with enhanced breathability is particularly useful as an outer cover for diapers and other personal care products.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2000Date of Patent: January 3, 2006Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Duane Girard Uitenbroek, Susan Elaine Shawver, Paul Windsor Estey, Cindy Janja Blackstock, William Bela Haffner, Glynis Allicia Walton
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Patent number: 6969378Abstract: A biaxial stretch, form-fitting, pant-like, absorbent garment has a stretchable outer cover, a stretchable body side liner, and a stretchable absorbent assembly. The outer cover and the body side liner are desirably biaxially stretchable. The absorbent assembly can either be biaxially stretchable or segmented with longitudinal stretch. The absorbent garment is easy to apply, has a self-adjusting feature, and delivers enhanced fit and comfort during use without restricting a wearer's movement.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2000Date of Patent: November 29, 2005Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: John Philip Vukos, Georgia Lynn Zehner, Duane Girard Uitenbroek, Richard Warren Tanzer, Nancy E. Dawson
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Patent number: 6914018Abstract: A breathable laminate having biaxial elastic stretch, cloth-like aesthetics, and a fluid barrier is formed by bonding a breathable elastic film to a nonwoven facing material. The facing material can be inherently machine direction and cross direction stretchable, or can be necked to impart cross direction stretchability, and can be creped or crimped to impart machine direction stretchability. Alternatively, machine direction stretchability of the laminate can be achieved by bonding the elastic film in a pre-stretched condition to the facing material. The breathable laminate is particularly useful as an outer cover for diapers and other personal care products.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2000Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Duane Girard Uitenbroek, Michael Tod Morman
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Patent number: 6909028Abstract: A thermally stable microporous breathable film is provided comprising at least 35% filler, by weight of the filled-film, and a thermoplastic polymer blend of a first polyethylene polymer and a second polyethylene polymer. The first polyethylene polymer comprises 30%-70% by weight of the polymer blend and can have a density between about 0.86 g/cm3 and 0.89 g/cm3 and the second polyethylene polymer can have a density between about 0.90 g/cm3 and 0.92 g/cm3. The filled-film can be uniaxially or biaxially oriented to form a microporous film and/or film laminate having good body conformance and which retains a high WVTR at 37° C. and above.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 1998Date of Patent: June 21, 2005Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Susan Elaine Shawver, Paul Windsor Estey, William Bela Haffner, Cindy Janja Blackstock, Glynis Allicia Walton, Duane Girard Uitenbroek
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Patent number: 6881205Abstract: An absorbent article which minimizes or avoid component bonding within the interior area thereof is provided to improve or increase the independence of the components which constitute the article.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2001Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Georgia Lynn Zehner, John Philip Vukos, Duane Girard Uitenbroek
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Patent number: 6827806Abstract: The present invention provides a method of placing elasticized areas in a nonwoven web construction such as may be suitable for the waistbands or leg openings of disposable absorbent pant garments, cuffs on sleeves of medical garments, or the like. A web, or webs, of extendible nonwoven material which make up the substrate for the elasticized area are printed with an elastic adhesive in its fluid or semi-fluid and untensioned state to provide a tensioning force against distension of the web during wearing of the garment for conformable, well fitting, elasticized cuff areas and may further be used to reinforce biaxially extendible web components such as the backsheet web.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2001Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Duane Girard Uitenbroek, John Philip Vukos, Michael Tod Morman, Thomas Harold Roessler, Thomas Walter Odorzynski, Michael Joseph Garvey
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Publication number: 20040135286Abstract: A method for producing a nonwoven web material having cross-machine direction extensibility in which a nonwoven web is conveyed through a machine which elongates the nonwoven web in a cross-machine direction (CD). The elongated nonwoven web is then necked, forming a cross-machine direction extensible nonwoven web material. The CD extensible nonwoven web material is highly stretchable and is suitable for use in personal care articles, such as diapers, incontinence garments, and feminine care products, as well as other articles, such as wipes, face masks, tissues, bandages and wound dressings.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2003Publication date: July 15, 2004Inventors: Sandy Chi-Ching Ying, Michael Tod Morman, Susan Elaine Shawver, Paul Windsor Estey, Jay Sheldon Shultz, Duane Girard Uitenbroek
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Publication number: 20040110442Abstract: A method of forming fibers into a web includes the steps of co-extruding a first elastomeric component and a second thermoplastic component; directing the first and second components through a fiber spin pack to form a plurality of continuous molten fiber spinlines, where the first elastomeric component is present in an amount greater than about 70 percent by weight of the molten fibers and the second thermoplastic component is present in an amount of between about 10 and 30 percent by weight of the molten fibers; attenuating the spinlines and routing the plurality of molten fibers through a quench chamber to form a plurality of cooled fibers; routing the plurality of cooled fibers through a fiber draw unit, whereby the fibers are pulled downward; allowing the pulled fibers to be deposited onto a forming surface thereby forming a web wherein the fibers are relaxed; stabilizing the web; and bonding the web to produce a web demonstrating greater than about 25 percent machine direction stretch recovery.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2003Publication date: June 10, 2004Inventors: Hannong Rhim, Sjon-Paul Conyer, Paul Windsor Estey, Ramonica Frances Green, Bernhardt Edward Kressner, Michael Tod Morman, Prasad Shrikrishna Potnis, Susan Elaine Shawver, Vasily Aramovich Topolkaraev, Duane Girard Uitenbroek
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Publication number: 20040102745Abstract: An absorbent article that may include an outer cover, a bodyside liner and an absorbent core located between the outer cover and the liner. The article may also include a pair of front ear regions as part of a front waist region. The article may also include a pair of back ear portions including a mechanical fastener as part of a back waist region. The article may also include a crotch region connecting the front waist region and the back waist region. Further, the article may include a landing zone including a base material and a first discrete fastener element group embedded in the base material. The first discrete fastener element group may include at least one first discrete fastener element. The first discrete fastener element may have a profile height and the base material may have a profile height that is greater than the profile height of the first discrete fastener element. The landing zone may be associated with the outer cover in the front waist region of the article between the front ear regions.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2002Publication date: May 27, 2004Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Paul Means Linker, Duane Girard Uitenbroek, Thomas Harold Roessler
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Patent number: 6702800Abstract: A form-fitting, pant-like, absorbent garment that delivers an optimal amount and direction of stretch to provide optimal fit and comfort. The absorbent garment has an outer cover with a back panel, a crotch panel and a front panel. The back panel and the front panel can each stretch in a transverse direction, and the crotch panel can stretch in a longitudinal direction. Seams joining the front and back panels to the crotch panel provide non-stretch zones that may be positioned to control fit forces. The garment provides enhanced fit and comfort during use, and ease of application with a self-adjusting feature.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2000Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: John Philip Vukos, Georgia Lynn Zehner, Duane Girard Uitenbroek, Richard Warren Tanzer
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Patent number: 6682512Abstract: A dynamic-fitting absorbent article that includes a liquid impermeable outer cover (42), a liquid permeable bodyside liner (44) in superimposed relation to the outer cover (42) and a continuous elastic absorbent core (28) disposed between the outer cover (42) and the bodyside liner (44). The continuous elastic absorbent core (28) can extend from about 80 to about 400 percent upon application of a force of from about 60 to about 325 grams. The continuous elastic absorbent core (28) can have a tension reducing geometry in the crotch section of the article. Additionally, the continuous elastic absorbent core can have a dry tensile strength and a wet tensile strength that is at least 95% of the dry tensile strength.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2001Date of Patent: January 27, 2004Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Duane Girard Uitenbroek, Georgia Lynn Zehner, John Philip Vukos, Wendy Lynn Van Dyke, Paul Windsor Estey
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Patent number: 6679869Abstract: A laminate including an elastic nonwoven layer and a barrier film layer can stretch freely and provide a high level of breathability. The elastic layer and the film layer can be minimally bonded to one another, such as around a periphery of one or both layers. The laminate is particularly suitable for making absorbent articles.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2000Date of Patent: January 20, 2004Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Robert Schlinz, Duane Girard Uitenbroek, Thomas W. Odorzynski, Jody D. Suprise
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Publication number: 20030208171Abstract: A self-forming seal absorbent article is provided and includes a biaxially extensible outer cover, a biaxially extensible bodyside liner forming a wearer adjacent surface, a biaxially extensible absorbent core assembly interposed between the outer cover and the bodyside liner, and a pair of laterally-spaced apart and longitudinally-extending containment flap members disposed along the wearer adjacent surface of the bodyside liner.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2001Publication date: November 6, 2003Inventors: Georgia Lynn Zehner, Duane Girard Uitenbroek, John Philip Vukos
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Publication number: 20030120243Abstract: A dynamic-fitting absorbent article that includes a liquid impermeable outer cover (42), a liquid permeable bodyside liner (44) in superimposed relation to the outer cover (42) and a continuous elastic absorbent core (28) disposed between the outer cover (42) and the bodyside liner (44). The continuous elastic absorbent core (28) can extend from about 80 to about 400 percent upon application of a force of from about 60 to about 325 grams. The continuous elastic absorbent core (28) can have a tension reducing geometry in the crotch section of the article. Additionally, the continuous elastic absorbent core can have a dry tensile strength and a wet tensile strength that is at least 95% of the dry tensile strength.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2001Publication date: June 26, 2003Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, IncInventors: Duane Girard Uitenbroek, Georgia Lynn Zehner, John Philip Vukos, Wendy Lynn Van Dyke, Paul Windsor Estey
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Publication number: 20030111166Abstract: The present invention provides a method of placing elasticized areas in a nonwoven web construction such as may be suitable for the waistbands or leg openings of disposable absorbent pant garments, cuffs on sleeves of medical garments, or the like. A web, or webs, of extendible nonwoven material which make up the substrate for the elasticized area are printed with an elastic adhesive in its fluid or semi-fluid and untensioned state to provide a tensioning force against distension of the web during wearing of the garment for conformable, well fitting, elasticized cuff areas and may further be used to reinforce biaxially extendible web components such as the backsheet web.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2001Publication date: June 19, 2003Inventors: Duane Girard Uitenbroek, John Philip Vukos, Michael Tod Morman, Thomas Harold Roessler, Thomas Walter Odorzynski, Michael Joseph Garvey
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Patent number: 6579274Abstract: A breathable, substantially liquid impermeable laminate is provided that is permanently conformable to the contours of a wearer's body when used in a personal care absorbent article or a medical article. The laminate includes a breathable (preferably microporous) film and a fibrous nonwoven web. Both the film and the web are extendible in a cross direction to a width at least 25% greater than an original, unstretched width upon application of a stretching force. The web and the film, and the overall laminate, exhibit little or no retractive force once they have been stretched. A diaper or other garment can be constructed in undersized fashion using the laminate, permitting material savings. When the garment is worn, the laminate stretches only where needed to provide a substantially perfect fit on the wearer. The minimal retractive force avoids the skin marks, rashes, etc. that can result from elastic garments.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2000Date of Patent: June 17, 2003Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Michael Tod Morman, Patricia Hsiaoyin Hwang, Audrie Tomoko Ono, Howard Martin Welch, Charles John Morell, Sjon-Paul Lee Conyer, Duane Girard Uitenbroek