Patents by Inventor Heather Sorebo

Heather 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).

  • 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
  • Publication number: 20040116883
    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: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    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
  • Publication number: 20040067214
    Abstract: A method and system (22) for reducing malodor includes a providing of an operative quantity of particles of adsorbent material with a carrier structure (24), and a configuring of the carrier structure to contact at least one viscous, aqueous body-liquid during an intended use of the carrier structure. The carrier structure (24) has been configured to reduce malodor from the viscous body-liquid. In particular features, particles of adsorbent material (28) have been configured to include a total quantity of particle pores, and at least a significant portion of the particle pores have been configured to provide an operative quantity of target pores. In other features, the target pores have been configured to withdraw and hold water from said body-liquid, and have been configured to hold the water in a manner that renders the water substantially inaccessible to odor-causing organisms. In a further feature, the target pores can be configured to provide a selected target pore-size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Patsy A. Krautkramer, William G. Reeves, Heather A. Sorebo, Emmanuelle C. Damay
  • Patent number: 6716203
    Abstract: An individually wrapped feminine care absorbent article package includes an absorbent article contained within a pouch having an openable flap. The pouch is made from a wrapper material having an inner film layer and at least one fibrous material outer layer having a tactile cloth-like softness as compared to the film layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Heather A. Sorebo, Wendy Benhke, Julie Bednarz, David R. Wagner, Robert J. Koenig, Kimberly A. Stanford
  • Publication number: 20040054331
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    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
  • Patent number: 6705465
    Abstract: A package including a plurality of absorbent articles, and recloseable packaging. The packaging includes a flexible pocket having a hollow interior, an opening extending into the interior, a flap for covering the opening, and a closure positioned on the pocket and/or the flap for releasably holding the flap in a closed position. The closure permits the flap to be positioned in a different location on the pocket during successive closings when successive articles are removed from the interior of the pocket to permit the packaging to conform to the remaining articles in the interior of the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Lu Ling, Jacqueline M. Maxton, Ann M. Nichols, Jeffery R. Cottingham, Hao Xueen, Kami L. Bechyne, James D. McManus, Heather A. Sorebo, Mary Lou McDaniel
  • Patent number: 6679104
    Abstract: An in-vitro method is provided for determining an optimal combination of materials with respect to a particular menstrual flow condition for use in a feminine care absorbent article. The method involves using a simulated menstrual fluid at a controlled subject flow rate that corresponds to an actual menstrual flow condition, and observing the performance of different material combinations in the in-vitro test as an indication of their respective performance in actual use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Heather Sorebo
  • Patent number: 6667424
    Abstract: Absorbent articles comprising fibrous nits and other free-flowing particles are provided. In one embodiment, an absorbent article includes 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. Also provided are methods of preparing cellulosic nits and incorporating them into absorbent articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    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: 20030208178
    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 notch (100) generally formed in the periphery thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    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: 20030116462
    Abstract: A feminine care absorbent article package includes an absorbent article contained within a pouch having a panel member extending across the back of the pouch. The panel member is alternately pulled over the open top of the pouch to open and re-seal the pouch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Heather A. Sorebo, Wendy Benhke, Julie Bednarz, David R. Wagner, Robert J. Koenig
  • Publication number: 20030120241
    Abstract: An individually wrapped feminine care absorbent article package includes an absorbent article contained within a pouch having an openable flap. The pouch is made from a wrapper material having an inner film layer and at least one fibrous material outer layer having a tactile cloth-like softness as compared to the film layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Heather A. Sorebo, Wendy Benhke, Julie Bednarz, David R. Wagner, Robert J. Koenig, Kimberly A. Stanford
  • Publication number: 20030120234
    Abstract: An in-vitro method is provided for determining an optimal combination of materials with respect to a particular menstrual flow condition for use in a feminine care absorbent article. The method involves using a simulated menstrual fluid at a controlled subject flow rate that corresponds to an actual menstrual flow condition, and observing the performance of different material combinations in the in-vitro test as an indication of their respective performance in actual use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Heather Sorebo
  • Publication number: 20030089633
    Abstract: A package of individually packaged interlabial pads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Heather A. Sorebo, Kami L. Bechyne, James D. McManus, Mary Lou McDaniel, Emily M. Moe
  • Patent number: 6562192
    Abstract: Free flowing particles useful in absorbent articles are disclosed, including fibrous nits and methods of preparing fibrous nits. In one embodiment, fibrous nits are prepared from disperging cellulosic fibers in the presence of a nit conditioner which modifies nit particle size and properties for improved performance of the particles. In other embodiments, nits are prepared in multiple disperging steps or by disperging fibers under two or more conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    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
  • Patent number: D473939
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    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
  • Patent number: D473940
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    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
  • Patent number: D474537
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    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
  • Patent number: D476080
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    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
  • Patent number: D476415
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Lee Edens, James John Hlaban, Laura Jay Keely, Thomas Patrick Keenan, Sylvia Bandy Little, Mary Lou McDaniel, Stephen Lanard Nunn, William Grover Reeves, Heather A. Sorebo, Susan Marie Weyenberg
  • Patent number: D476736
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    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