Patents by Inventor Heather A. Sorebo

Heather A. Sorebo 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: 8226622
    Abstract: An interlabial absorbent article configured for disposition primarily within the vestibule of a female wearer includes a generally liquid permeable cover sheet, a generally liquid impermeable back sheet, and an absorbent material disposed between the cover sheet and the back sheet. A time-delayed water soluble adhesive combination joins the cover sheet and back sheet together with the absorbent material sandwiched therebetween. The adhesive combination is configured so as to maintain structural integrity of the article for a time period of at least about two hours after the article is immersed in water by being flushed while ensuring that the article breaks up within about 24-72 hours after flushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Patricia Mitchler, Heather Sorebo, Susan Weyenberg, Ann Marie Przepasniak
  • Patent number: 7880052
    Abstract: An absorbent article having an absorbent structure sized and configured for insertion at least partially within the vestibule of a female wearer. The absorbent structure has a saturation capacity as determined by a Saturation Capacity and Retention Capacity Test of at least about 15 grams/gram, a retention capacity as determined by the Saturation Capacity and Retention Capacity Test of at least about 3 grams/gram, and an intake time for a first insult of the absorbent structure as determined by an Intake and Rewet Test of no more than about 30 seconds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason M. English, Richard J. Hantke, Heather A. Sorebo
  • Patent number: 7858841
    Abstract: A body conformance system (22) includes at least one liquid-permeable, flexible containment layer (24), and an operative quantity of substantially free-flowing particulate material (28) constrained by the flexible containment layer (24). In a particular aspect, the substantially free-flowing particulate material (28) can exhibit a selected avalanche-time between avalanches. In another aspect, the particulate material can exhibit a selected, minimum retention capacity. In a further aspect, the system can exhibit a distinctive gap-protrusion area (104). In yet another aspect, the containment layer (24) can include a material that has a relatively high permeability to liquid, but a relatively high resistance to a passage of the particulate material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Patsy A. Krautkramer, William G. Reeves, Heather A. Sorebo, Garry R. Woltman, Wendy L. Hamilton, Emmanuelle C. Damay, Bernhardt E. Kressner, William G. Stoeger
  • Patent number: 7514591
    Abstract: An interlabial absorbent article configured for disposition primarily within the vestibule of a female wearer includes a generally liquid permeable cover sheet, a generally liquid impermeable back sheet, and an absorbent material disposed between the cover sheet and the back sheet. The back sheet has a water vapor transmission rate that is at least about 20% of a water vapor transmission rate of the cover sheet. The cover sheet and said back sheet may have a contact angle mismatch of less than about 25%. The absorbent material may have a density greater than water. Upon being flushed, the article has an initial neutral buoyancy and subsequently sinks within about 7 days from being flushed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Ann Marie Przepasniak, Susan M. Weyenberg, Patricia A. Mitchler, Heather A. Sorebo, Wilfred E. Riddell
  • Patent number: 7288080
    Abstract: An absorbent article (40), such as a labial pad, configured for disposition within the vestibule (42) of a female wearer. The absorbent article (40) may be worn by females for catamenial purposes, incontinence protection, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald L. Edens, James J. Hlaban, Laura J. Keely, Thomas P. Keenan, Sylvia B. Little, Mary L. McDaniel, Stephen L. Nunn, William G. Reeves, Heather A. Sorebo, Susan M. Weyenberg
  • Patent number: 7265258
    Abstract: Absorbent articles comprising fibrous nits and other free-flowing particles are disclosed. In one embodiment, an absorbent article is disclosed comprising free-flowing particles in a central portion which, in conjunction with other absorbent members, provides excellent body fit and good fluid handling performance. In another embodiment, good leakage control is provided by the combined effect of good intake and fluid handling performance of fibrous nits coupled with a wicking barrier between the nits and the longitudinal sides of the articles. An optional central rising member can further enhance the topography of the article when compressed by urging the portion comprising nits to deflect vertically upward. Methods of preparing cellulosic nits and incorporating them into absorbent articles are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Wendy L. Hamilton, Heather A. Sorebo, William G. Reeves, Patsy A. Hansen, Emmanuelle C. Damay, Robert J. Makolin, Joseph DiPalma, Fung-Jou Chen, Jeffrey D. Lindsay
  • Publication number: 20070084737
    Abstract: A portable free-standing kit which can serve as a functional trial product, particularly for children, includes a combination of dry toilet paper and moist wipes. A roll of toilet paper is rotatably mounted on a functional spindle housed within the kit. The moist wipes are provided in a container which is supported by either a shelf or the bottom of the kit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventors: James Cook, Richard Holschuh, Craig Kirouac, Benjamin Sarbo, Heather Sorebo
  • Publication number: 20070084099
    Abstract: Toilet paper contains a repeating graphic pattern that is designed to help children learn to use a proper amount of toilet paper for cleaning. The repeating graphic pattern contains a series of relatively small clue-like objects (such as puppy paw prints) which extend over several consecutive individual toilet paper sheets and which lead to a relatively large target object (such as a puppy), where the toilet paper is to be torn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventors: Benjamin Sarbo, Bart Rabas, Heather Sorebo
  • Publication number: 20070045334
    Abstract: Various pop-up bath tissue dispensing devices are described. In one embodiment, the bath tissue dispenser is configured to dispense bath tissues one at a time. In order to educate a child during toilet training on how much tissue to use, the tissue sheets contained within the dispenser have a size sufficient such that only one sheet is necessary for wiping. The dispenser can include an attachment device for attaching the dispenser to a spindle while still permitting the spindle to hold a conventional roll of bath tissue. In various embodiments, the tissue sheets or the dispenser may include designs or other indicia to either encourage a child during toilet training or to help educate the child during toilet training.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Crystal Sherman, Benjamin Sarbo, Heather Sorebo, Daniel Hoo
  • Patent number: 7178671
    Abstract: A package including at least one absorbent article and packaging. The packaging includes a flexible pocket having a hollow interior, an opening extending into the interior, a flap for covering the opening, and an adhesive closure positioned on the flap for releasably holding the flap in the closed position. The closure is spaced from a distal edge of the flap to permit a portion of the flap to be grasped and separated from the pocket without releasing the closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Ann M. Nichols, Scott R. Martin, James D. McManus, Kami L. Bechyne, Heather A. Sorebo, Mary Lou McDaniel
  • Patent number: 7115116
    Abstract: An absorbent article (40) such as a labial pad configured for disposition within the vestibule (42) of a female wearer. The absorbent article (40) may be worn by females for catamenial purposes, incontinence protection or both. The absorbent article (40) has an absorbent (66) which may include one of various means formed on at least the upper surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Hlaban, Laura J. Keely, Mary L. McDaniel, Patricia A. Mitchler, William G. Reeves, Heather A. Sorebo, Susan M. Weyenberg
  • Publication number: 20060093788
    Abstract: Disposable liquid absorbent mats are described. The mats generally include at least a liquid absorbent layer and a liquid impervious layer. The liquid absorbent layer may be made from a tissue web, a hydroentangled web, an airlaid web, a coform web, and the like. The liquid impervious layer, on the other hand, may comprise a meltspun web, a film, a hydroentangled web, or even a tissue web that has been treated with a sizing agent that renders the web resistant to fluid flow. In one embodiment, the mats can be made so as to have a relatively low caliper so that the mats can be spirally wound into a roll. In other embodiments, however, the mats may be packaged in a stacked arrangement. The mats have various uses and applications. For instance, the mats are well suited for use during food preparation. The mats are well suited to absorbing fluids while preventing the fluids from striking through the product. In some embodiments, the mats are also well suited to serve as an absorbent and cut resistant surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Publication date: May 4, 2006
    Inventors: Richard Behm, Heather Sorebo, Elizabeth Hines, Thomas Shannon, Jeffrey Johnson, Henry Skoog, Fung-jou Chen, Jeffrey Lindsay
  • Patent number: 6955666
    Abstract: An absorbent article (40) such as a labial pad configured for disposition within the vestibule (42) of a female wearer. The labial pad may be worn by females for catamenial purposes, incontinence protection, or both, and has at least one tab (94) extending outward from the periphery thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald L. Edens, James J. Hlaban, Laura J Keely, Thomas P. Keenan, Sylvia B. Little, Mary L. McDaniel, Stephen L. Nunn, William G. Reeves, Heather A. Sorebo, Susan M. Weyenberg
  • Publication number: 20050148959
    Abstract: An interlabial absorbent article configured for disposition primarily within the vestibule of a female wearer includes a generally liquid permeable cover sheet, a generally liquid impermeable back sheet, and an absorbent material disposed between the cover sheet and the back sheet. The back sheet has a water vapor transmission rate that is at least about 20% of a water vapor transmission rate of the cover sheet. The cover sheet and said back sheet may have a contact angle mismatch of less than about 25%. The absorbent material may have a density greater than water. Upon being flushed, the article has an initial neutral buoyancy and subsequently sinks within about 7 days from being flushed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Publication date: July 7, 2005
    Inventors: Ann Przepasniak, Susan Weyenberg, Patricia Mitchler, Heather Sorebo, Wilfred Riddell
  • Publication number: 20050137553
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a packaged absorbent article includes: a package and an absorbent article. The package includes a first end, a second end, and package sides extending from the first end to the second end. The first end is folded along a first fold axis toward the second end such that the package sides fold over toward an inner major surface to form a pouch with pouch sides, and the second end folded along a second fold axis toward the pouch to form a flap. The absorbent article includes a fluid permeable cover disposed over an absorbent member. The article is folded along a longitudinal axis, and the folded absorbent article is disposed in the pouch with the fluid permeable cover disposed adjacent the inner major surface. The package flap engages at least a portion of the pouch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Publication date: June 23, 2005
    Inventors: Kami Bechyne, Eva Sombrano Dapon, Thomas Keenan, Mary McDaniel, Heather Sorebo, Michelle Sroda, Susan Weyenberg
  • Publication number: 20050113775
    Abstract: An absorbent article having an absorbent structure sized and configured for insertion at least partially within the vestibule of a female wearer. The absorbent structure has a saturation capacity as determined by a Saturation Capacity and Retention Capacity Test of at least about 15 grams/gram, a retention capacity as determined by the Saturation Capacity and Retention Capacity Test of at least about 3 grams/gram, and an intake time for a first insult of the absorbent structure as determined by an Intake and Rewet Test of no more than about 30 seconds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Publication date: May 26, 2005
    Inventors: Jason English, Richard Hantke, Heather Sorebo
  • Patent number: 6890325
    Abstract: An absorbent article (40) such as a labial pad configured for disposition within the vestibule (42) of a female wearer. The labial pad may be worn by females for catamenial purposes, incontinence protection, or both, and has at least one tab (94) extending from the periphery thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald L. Edens, James J. Hlaban, Laura J. Keely, Thomas P. Keenan, Sylvia B. Little, Mary L. McDaniel, Stephen L. Nunn, William G. Reeves, Heather A. Sorebo, Susan M. Weyenberg
  • Publication number: 20040144679
    Abstract: A package of individually packaged interlabial pads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Heather A. Sorebo, Kami L. Bechyne, James D. McManus, Mary Lou McDaniel
  • Publication number: 20040122745
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for aiding consumers in determining the proper size of an interlabial absorbent article product. At least one characteristic factor relating to a physical characteristic or trait of a wearer is correlated with a corresponding product size. The correlated data is arranged in a data format and made available to consumers prior to purchase of the absorbent article product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Richard Hantke, Heather Sorebo, Aida Flick
  • Patent number: D518892
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Joseph Hantke, James John Hlaban, Thomas Patrick Keenan, Mary Lou McDaniel, Patricia Ann Mitchler, Stephen Lanard Nunn, Heather A. Sorebo, Susan Marie Weyenberg