Patents by Inventor Heather S. Mortell

Heather S. Mortell 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).

  • Discretion in absorbent garments
    Publication number: 20090062765
    Abstract: A hygiene discretion system includes at least two articles where at least one is an absorbent garment including a shell with an absorbent member attached to the shell and at least one non-absorbent garment. The shell of the disposable absorbent garment substantially matches the non-absorbent garment. In some aspects, a secondary garment is also provided which coordinates with one of the other garments. In some aspects, replacement garments are provided. Any number of the garments may be placed in the same container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: James R. Schermerhorn, Heather S. Mortell
  • Method for bonding surfaces on a web
    Patent number: 7179343
    Abstract: A method for bonding a strip, such as a leg elastic or the like, to an opening on a web of material. The method includes providing a web that includes at least one opening and defines at least a first bonding surface adjacent each opening. For each opening the method includes: deforming the web to modify the shape of the opening, providing a strip defining a second bonding surface, bonding together at least portions of the first and second bonding surfaces of the modified opening and relaxing the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. VanEperen, Joseph D. Coenen, Jack L. Couillard, Walter A. Mattingly, Robert L. Popp, Heather S. Mortell
  • Aesthetically improved side panels for disposable garment and methods of making the same
    Patent number: 7056313
    Abstract: A personal care garment having side seams with a discreet or aesthetically pleasing appearance. The side seams can extend from a waist opening to each of two leg openings between a front side panel and a back side panel. In one embodiment, a ribbon cover is attached to an outer surface of the garment to secure the side seam and provide a finished, aesthetically pleasing appearance. In another embodiment, an embossing pattern can be applied to the side seam to provide a finished, aesthetically pleasing appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Franke, Cynthia Louise Wyngaard, Heather S. Mortell
  • Process for making a garment having hanging legs
    Patent number: 6964238
    Abstract: A distinctive process for making a garment having a waist opening and a pair of hanging legs is disclosed. The process includes providing a first web and a second web and joining the first web and the second web to provide a crotch seam. Portions of the webs may also be removed to provide a crotch gap. The first web is drawn from the second web and at least a portion of the webs are slit to provide a garment chassis. Edges of the garment chassis may be fastened together to provide the garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Heather S. Mortell, Joseph D. Coenen
  • Aesthetically improved side panels for disposable garments and methods of making the same
    Patent number: 6939335
    Abstract: A pant-like absorbent garment having side seams extending from a waist opening to each of two leg openings between a front side panel and a back side panel. The side seams are offset or folded to conceal the post-bonding edges and provide a finished or aesthetically pleasing appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Franke, Cynthia Louise Wyngaard, Heather S. Mortell
  • Aesthetically improved side panels for disposable garment and methods of making the same
    Publication number: 20030120252
    Abstract: A personal care garment having side seams with a discreet or aesthetically pleasing appearance. The side seams can extend from a waist opening to each of two leg openings between a front side panel and a back side panel. In one embodiment, a ribbon cover is attached to an outer surface of the garment to secure the side seam and provide a finished, aesthetically pleasing appearance. In another embodiment, an embossing pattern can be applied to the side seam to provide a finished, aesthetically pleasing appearance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventors: Mark S. Franke, Cynthia Louise Wyngaard, Heather S. Mortell
  • Aesthetically improved side panels for disposable garments and methods of making the same
    Publication number: 20030120254
    Abstract: A pant-like absorbent garment having side seams extending from a waist opening to each of two leg openings between a front side panel and a back side panel. The side seams are offset or folded to conceal the post-bonding edges and provide a finished or aesthetically pleasing appearance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventors: Mark S. Franke, Cynthia Louise Wyngaard, Heather S. Mortell