Patents by Inventor Franz Aschenbrenner
Franz Aschenbrenner 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: 10765566Abstract: An absorbent article has a longitudinal direction, a transverse direction, and a depth direction and includes absorbent article opposing first and second longitudinal ends, and absorbent article opposing lateral side edges extending between the absorbent article opposing first and second longitudinal ends. The absorbent article comprises a liquid permeable first topsheet layer having first topsheet layer opposing lateral side edges, and first topsheet layer opposing longitudinal ends as well as a liquid permeable second topsheet layer subjacent to the liquid permeable first topsheet layer. The liquid permeable second topsheet layer has second topsheet layer opposing lateral side edges, and second topsheet layer opposing longitudinal ends, and is attached at or along two opposing attachment zones to the liquid permeable first topsheet layer along or adjacent the first topsheet layer opposing lateral side edges.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2014Date of Patent: September 8, 2020Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: JaeEun Park, Franz Aschenbrenner, Caishan Tan
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Patent number: 10660803Abstract: An absorbent article which can be more readily adaptable to meet the needs of the individual wearer of the absorbent article. The absorbent article can have a topsheet layer, a backsheet layer, and an absorbent core between the topsheet layer and the backsheet layer. The backsheet layer can have a garment attachment mechanism located on a garment facing surface of the backsheet layer. The absorbent article can further have a protection layer situated over and engaged with the garment attachment mechanism. The protection layer can be capable of being at least partially dis-engaged from the garment attachment mechanism. The protection layer of the absorbent article can be utilized by the wearer to provide additional area of coverage as deemed suitable by the wearer of the absorbent article.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2014Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: KyuLe Lee, Junghyun Park, Franz Aschenbrenner, SeongDae Roh
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Patent number: 9968494Abstract: An absorbent article (20;620;720;820;920;1020) capable of inhibiting leakage of a fluid insult generally extends in a plane defined by a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction. The absorbent article (20;620;720;820;920;1020) contains fluid-shrinkable members (60,61), a topsheet (11;611;711;811), and a base pad (12;812) that includes a baffle (28;828) and an absorbent core (30) positioned between the topsheet (11;611;711;811) and the baffle (28;828). The topsheet (11;611;711;811) extends in the longitudinal direction to define a distal end (153) and an opposing proximal end (152). At least a portion of the proximal end (152) remains generally unbonded to the baffle (28;828). The fluid-shrinkable members (60,61) extend in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article (20;620;720;820;920;1020) so that at least a portion of the fluid-shrinkable members (60,61) are located adjacent to the proximal end (152) of the topsheet (11;611;711;811).Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2011Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Franz Aschenbrenner, Priscilla Eng Choo Goh, Xueen George Hao, DooHong Kim, SangWook Lee, Lin Miao, Meijia Ng, YeinSze Ong, Chunlei Pu
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Publication number: 20170354550Abstract: An absorbent article has a longitudinal direction, a transverse direction, and a depth direction and includes absorbent article opposing first and second longitudinal ends, and absorbent article opposing lateral side edges extending between the absorbent article opposing first and second longitudinal ends. The absorbent article comprises a liquid permeable first topsheet layer having first topsheet layer opposing lateral side edges, and first topsheet layer opposing longitudinal ends as well as a liquid permeable second topsheet layer subjacent to the liquid permeable first topsheet layer. The liquid permeable second topsheet layer has second topsheet layer opposing lateral side edges, and second top-sheet layer opposing longitudinal ends, and is attached at or along two opposing attachment zones to the liquid permeable first topsheet layer along or adjacent the first topsheet layer opposing lateral side edges.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2014Publication date: December 14, 2017Inventors: JaeEun Park, Franz Aschenbrenner, Caishan Tan
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Publication number: 20170239102Abstract: An absorbent article which can be more readily adaptable to meet the needs of the individual wearer of the absorbent article. The absorbent article can have a topsheet layer, a backsheet layer, and an absorbent core between the topsheet layer and the backsheet layer. The backsheet layer can have a garment attachment mechanism located on a garment facing surface of the backsheet layer. The absorbent article can further have a protection layer situated over and engaged with the garment attachment mechanism. The protection layer can be capable of being at least partially dis-engaged from the garment attachment mechanism. The protection layer of the absorbent article can be utilized by the wearer to provide additional area of coverage as deemed suitable by the wearer of the absorbent article.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2014Publication date: August 24, 2017Inventors: KyuLe Lee, Junghyun Park, Franz Aschenbrenner, SeongDae Roh
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Publication number: 20170239101Abstract: An absorbent article which can be more readily adaptable to meet the needs of the individual wearer of the absorbent article includes a topsheet layer, a backsheet layer, and an absorbent core between the topsheet layer and the backsheet layer. The absorbent article further includes an extendable portion capable of being utilized by the wearer to provide additional area of coverage as deemed suitable by the wearer of the absorbent article.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2014Publication date: August 24, 2017Inventors: KyuLe Lee, CaiShan Tan, JaeYoung Yoo, Franz Aschenbrenner
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Publication number: 20170239108Abstract: The present invention discloses and claims an absorbent article which utilizes an absorbent portion that includes superabsorbent yarn as part of the absorbent portion, such that liquid is wicked to the perimeter or select regions of the absorbent portion, or the perimeter of the absorbent article itself, taking full advantage of either the depth, width, length or combination of dimensions of the absorbent portion, or absorbent article. The superabsorbent yarn can be one or more of several types, including encapsulated yarn, multilayered encapsulated yarn, coated yarn and sliver-formed yarn as long as such yarn includes at least two components, those being a superabsorbent polymer and a second material which promotes distribution of liquid along the yarn length. In alternatives of the invention, such absorbent article utilizing the superabsorbent yarn provides passive visual signals to consumers, of article saturation levels prior to leakage.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2017Publication date: August 24, 2017Inventors: YeinSze Ong, Franz Aschenbrenner, DooHong Kim, Meijia Ng
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Patent number: 9675501Abstract: The present invention discloses and claims an absorbent article which utilizes an absorbent portion that includes superabsorbent yarn as part of the absorbent portion, such that liquid is wicked to the perimeter or select regions of the absorbent portion, or the perimeter of the absorbent article itself, taking full advantage of either the depth, width, length or combination of dimensions of the absorbent portion, or absorbent article. The superabsorbent yarn can be one or more of several types, including encapsulated yarn, multilayered encapsulated yarn, coated yarn and sliver-formed yarn as long as such yarn includes at least two components, those being a superabsorbent polymer and a second material which promotes distribution of liquid along the yarn length. In alternatives of the invention, such absorbent article utilizing the superabsorbent yarn provides passive visual signals to consumers, of article saturation levels prior to leakage.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2012Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: YeinSze Ong, Franz Aschenbrenner, DooHong Kim, Meijia Ng
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Patent number: 9675498Abstract: An absorbent article has non-uniform dimensioned side barrier features and includes a lower structure. The article also includes an upper structure in fluid communication with the lower structure. The upper structure is adjacent and bonded to the lower structure. Embossment channels or embossment features and said side barrier feature lateral-most edges define side barrier features having either non-uniform lateral width dimensions or a combination of non-uniform lateral width and non-uniform height dimensions along the longitudinal direction of said article.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2014Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Cai Shan Tan, Franz Aschenbrenner, Jina Gwag, DooHong Kim, SangWook Lee, Meijia Ng, SoHyun S. Park
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Patent number: 9339419Abstract: In a tampon applicator, an elongated barrel has an interior chamber for housing a tampon therein, a grip region generally adjacent an outer end of the barrel, a tip region generally adjacent an inner end of the barrel, and a central region extending longitudinally between the grip region and the tip region. A plunger extends into the barrel at the outer end thereof and is moveable relative to the barrel to expel the tampon from the barrel at its inner end. The outer surface of the barrel at the grip region has a different coefficient of friction than at the central region of the barrel. In other embodiments the coefficient of friction of the barrel outer surface at the central region is different from the coefficient of friction at the tip region.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2008Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.Inventors: Tom William VanDenBogart, Cao Hue Chi Pham, Yein Sze Ong, Franz Aschenbrenner, Du{hacek over (s)}an Pavlik, Gary Mastalish, Irina Tsareva, Lynn Ann Weggel, Anastasia Barlas, Priscilla Eng Choo Goh, EunJung Kang
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Patent number: 9220646Abstract: Disclosed herein is a personal care absorbent article such as a feminine hygiene absorbent personal care article for receiving a body exudate such as menses. The article includes a topsheet layer, a backsheet layer, at least one absorbent core layer positioned between the topsheet layer and the backsheet layer, optionally a pair of wings, and a decolorization means associated with the article for altering the visual appearance and/or physical characteristics of the a body exudate. The use of the decolorization means provides several benefits to the end user including the creation of a visually smaller stain on the top surface of the topsheet layer and a possible reduction in staining of the wearer's apparel should the body exudate leak from or off of the article being worn.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2013Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: SangWook Lee, Shruti Aryal, Franz Aschenbrenner, JunMo Gil, Priscilla Eng Choo Goh, Kenneth G. Heckner, DooHong Kim, Ali Yahiaoui, Jun Zhang
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Patent number: 9161868Abstract: The use of a decolorizing composition for removing colored substances from aqueous fluids (e.g., colored pigments, blood-containing fluids, etc.) is provided. The decolorizing composition contains one or more inorganic salts. In one embodiment, for example, the composition contains a mixture of sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) and monopotassium phosphate (KH2PO4). The decolorizing composition may be placed in fluid communication with an absorbent core, a liquid-permeable layer, or combinations thereof, in an absorbent article to help decolorize blood-containing fluids (e.g., menses) exuded from the body.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2010Date of Patent: October 20, 2015Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Francesca Corbellini, Eckhard Purkner, Elisabeth Baumgarten, Hans Bouten, Arndt Scheidgen, Franz Aschenbrenner, Doohong Kim, Priscilla Eng Choo Goh
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Patent number: 9161869Abstract: A feminine hygiene absorbent personal care article includes a topsheet layer, a backsheet layer, at least one absorbent core layer positioned between the topsheet layer and the backsheet layer and decolorizing agents positioned on at least one decolorizing agent-containing layer, adjacent the article side edges, with the decolorizing agent-containing layer extending laterally beyond the lateral side edges of the absorbent core layer and being noncontinuous over at least a portion of the article in the article transverse direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2013Date of Patent: October 20, 2015Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: SangWook Lee, Shruti Aryal, Franz Aschenbrenner, JunMo Gil, Priscilla Eng Choo Goh, Kenneth G. Heckner, DooHong Kim, Ali Yahiaoui, Jun Zhang
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Patent number: 9044356Abstract: An absorbent article that is capable of inhibiting leakage of a fluid insult is provided. The absorbent article contains a fluid-shrinkable member, topsheet, and a base pad that includes a baffle and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the baffle. The fluid-shrinkable member extends in a longitudinal direction of the article so that at least a portion of the member is located adjacent to an end of the topsheet. At least a portion of the end of the topsheet remains generally unbonded to the baffle. Thus, when the fluid-shrinkable member contracts upon contacting a fluid insult, the end of the topsheet can rise outwardly from the plane of the absorbent article. The raised area creates a barrier to the leakage of fluids from the center of the article towards its end.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2011Date of Patent: June 2, 2015Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Meijia Ng, SangWook Lee, YeinSze Ong, DooHong Kim, Priscilla Eng Choo Goh, Franz Aschenbrenner
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Publication number: 20150141946Abstract: An absorbent article (20;620;720;820;920;1020) capable of inhibiting leakage of a fluid insult generally extends in a plane defined by a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction. The absorbent article (20;620;720;820;920;1020) contains fluid-shrinkable members (60. 61), a topsheet (11;611;711;811), and a base pad (12;812) that includes a baffle (28;828) and an absorbent core (30) positioned between the topsheet (11;611;711;811) and the baffle (28;828). The topsheet (11;611;711;811) extends in the longitudinal direction to define a distal end (153) and an opposing proximal end (152). At least a portion of the proximal end (152) remains generally unbonded to the baffle (28;828). The fluid-shrinkable members (60,61) extend in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article (20;620;720;820;920;1020) so that at least a portion of the fluid-shrinkable members (60,61) are located adjacent to the proximal end (152) of the topsheet (11;611;711;811).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2011Publication date: May 21, 2015Inventors: Franz Aschenbrenner, Priscilla Eng Choo Goh, Xueen George Hao, DooHong Kim, SangWook Lee, Lin Miao, Meijia Ng, YeinSze Ong, Chunlei Pu
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Patent number: 8912383Abstract: A dual mode absorbent tampon comprising a mass of absorbent material compressed into a generally cylindrical shape, in a first mode of the tampon. The mass of absorbent material comprising a homogeneous mixture of a plurality of fibers which comprise at least a first type of fiber and a second type of fiber, where the first type of fiber is bondable to fibers of the plurality of fibers. At least a portion of the first type of fibers are bonded in a pre-determined pattern to adjacent fibers of the plurality of fibers wherein absorption by the tampon causes at least a portion of the mass of absorbent material to expand into a non-cylindrical shape which is dependent upon the pre-determined pattern, in a second mode of the tampon.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2012Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Alexander Schmidt-Forst, Franz Aschenbrenner
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Publication number: 20140358106Abstract: An absorbent article has non-uniform dimensioned side barrier features and includes a lower structure. The lower structure includes a backsheet layer, a first fluid permeable topsheet layer bonded to the backsheet layer, and a first absorbent core layer sandwiched between the first topsheet layer and the backsheet layer, with the first absorbent core layer having lateral-most side edges. The article also includes an upper structure in fluid communication with the lower structure. The upper structure is adjacent and bonded to the lower structure at the first fluid permeable topsheet layer, and includes a second fluid permeable topsheet layer and at least one additional absorbent layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2014Publication date: December 4, 2014Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Cai Shan Tan, Franz Aschenbrenner, Jina Gwag, DooHong Kim, SangWook Lee, Meijia Ng, SoHyun S. Park
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Patent number: 8882735Abstract: An absorbent article has a longitudinal direction, a transverse direction, a first major surface which forms a body-facing surface of the absorbent article, and a second major surface disposed distally from the first major surface which forms a garment-facing surface of the absorbent article. The article includes an absorbent core positioned between the first major surface and the second major surface. The article also includes at least one barrier structure having an inward-facing side and an outward-facing side, and at least one liquid shrinkable string. The at least one barrier structure is disposed on the first major surface, and the inward-facing side of the at least one barrier structure is attached to the absorbent article. In addition, a first portion of the at least one liquid shrinkable string is attached to the at least one barrier structure.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2008Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Yein Sze Ong, Meijia Ng, Priscilla Eng Choo Goh, Kwee Ling Cheng, DooHong Kim, Franz Aschenbrenner
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Patent number: 8847002Abstract: An absorbent article that contains a topsheet having embossed regions is provided. The embossed regions propagate in a longitudinal direction of the article in the form of a wave having one or more alternating crests (peaks) and troughs (valleys). Such a wave pattern helps slow down the flow of bodily fluid by directing it along a tortuous path defined by the densified edges rather than in a straight line. Among other things, this reduction in flow rate can help provide sufficient time for the absorbent core to absorb the fluid, which is particularly helpful when it is already partially filled with fluid. Nevertheless, bodily fluids can still sometimes pool near the crests and/or troughs and result in leakage. To help counteract this tendency, the present inventors have discovered that a plurality of apertures can be employed in the topsheet that are arranged in a column that generally extends in a longitudinal direction of the article.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2011Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Priscilla Goh Eng Goh, YeinSze Ong, Meijia Ng, SangWook Lee, DooHong Kim, Franz Aschenbrenner
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Publication number: 20140180235Abstract: In a body adhering absorbent article, an absorbent structure is configured for disposition adjacent a female wearer's vaginal region to absorb bodily fluids discharged by the wearer. A shell supports the absorbent structure at the vaginal region and has an adhesive on a body-facing surface for adhering the shell directly to the wearer. The article may be configurable between folded and unfolded configurations. Securement components may be provided for securing the article in a folded configuration during wear and/or to the wearer's undergarment. A method of adhering a body adhering absorbent article to a wearer includes adhering the article to the wearer with a portion of the article positioned generally at a predetermined target region.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2014Publication date: June 26, 2014Inventors: Adrienne Rae Loyd, Candace Dyan Krautkramer, Carmen Lira, Katie Ann Boland, Katie McMillen, Heidi Carrion, Meijia Ng, Cecilia Cheng, Priscilla Eng Choo Goh, DooHong Kim, Franz Aschenbrenner, YeinSze Ong