Patents by Inventor Heidi Bauerlein Hopkins

Heidi Bauerlein Hopkins 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: 11911247
    Abstract: A thong-style absorbent article can have a waist region, a back extension extending from a back waist portion of the waist region, and a chassis extending between a front waist portion of the waist region and the back extension. The chassis can have a generally triangular shape and a pair of containment features positioned at the longitudinal direction side edges of the chassis. An exudate management system can be positioned between the pair of containment features and can have a first exudate management component and a second exudate management component. In various embodiments, the absorbent article can be adjustable in size and positioning about the wearer to provide for improved fit of the absorbent article and reduced leakage of exudate from the absorbent article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Heidi Bauerlein Hopkins, Suzanne Marie Schmoker
  • Patent number: 11771605
    Abstract: An absorbent article can have a topsheet layer, a liquid impermeable layer, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet layer and the liquid impermeable layer. The absorbent article can further include an exudate management layer in fluid communication with the topsheet layer. In various embodiments, the exudate management layer can be positioned on a body facing surface of the topsheet layer. In various embodiments, the exudate management layer can be positioned between the topsheet layer and the absorbent core. The exudate management layer has a first component which defines an opening for direct passage of body exudates into the absorbent core. The exudate management layer has a second component which at least partially overlaps the first component of the exudate management layer and further extends in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article in a direction towards the posterior region of the absorbent article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Suzanne Marie Schmoker, Heidi Bauerlein Hopkins, Alyssa Kimberly DeYoung, Ellen E. Pelky, Kimberly M. Downs, Andrew Thomas Hammond, Kyle Mark Barriger, Michael Donald Sperl, Russell J. Brumm
  • Publication number: 20230190544
    Abstract: An absorbent article can have a topsheet layer, a liquid impermeable layer, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet layer and the liquid impermeable layer. The absorbent article can further include an exudate management layer in fluid communication with the topsheet layer. In various embodiments, the exudate management layer can be positioned on a body facing surface of the topsheet layer. In various embodiments, the exudate management layer can be positioned between the topsheet layer and the absorbent core. The exudate management layer has a first component which defines an opening for direct passage of body exudates into the absorbent core. The exudate management layer has a second component which at least partially overlaps the first component of the exudate management layer and further extends in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article in a direction towards the posterior region of the absorbent article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2023
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Inventors: Andrew Thomas Hammond, Kyle Mark Barriger, Michael Douglas Sperl, Russell J. Brumm, Suzanne Marie Schmoker, Heidi Bauerlein Hopkins, Alyssa Kimberly DeYoung, Ellen E. Pelky, Kimberly M. Downs
  • Patent number: 11596561
    Abstract: An absorbent article can have a topsheet layer, a liquid impermeable layer, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet layer and the liquid impermeable layer. The absorbent article can further include an exudate management layer in fluid communication with the topsheet layer. In various embodiments, the exudate management layer can be positioned on a body facing surface of the topsheet layer. In various embodiments, the exudate management layer can be positioned between the topsheet layer and the absorbent core. The exudate management layer has a first component which defines an opening for direct passage of body exudates into the absorbent core. The exudate management layer has a second component which at least partially overlaps the first component of the exudate management layer and further extends in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article in a direction towards the posterior region of the absorbent article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew Thomas Hammond, Kyle Mark Barriger, Michael Douglas Sperl, Russell J. Brumm, Suzanne Marie Schmoker, Heidi Bauerlein Hopkins, Alyssa Kimberly DeYoung, Ellen E. Pelky, Kimberly M. Downs
  • Publication number: 20230053299
    Abstract: An absorbent article can have a topsheet layer, a liquid impermeable layer, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet layer and the liquid impermeable layer. The absorbent article can further include an exudate management layer in fluid communication with the topsheet layer. In various embodiments, the exudate management layer can be positioned on a body facing surface of the topsheet layer. In various embodiments, the exudate management layer can be positioned between the topsheet layer and the absorbent core. The exudate management layer has a first component which defines an opening for direct passage of body exudates into the absorbent core. The exudate management layer has a second component which at least partially overlaps the first component of the exudate management layer and further extends in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article in a direction towards the posterior region of the absorbent article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2022
    Publication date: February 16, 2023
    Inventors: Suzanne Marie Schmoker, Heidi Bauerlein Hopkins, Andrew Thomas Hammond, Kyle Mark Barriger, Michael Donald Sperl, Russell J. Brumm, Alyssa Kimberly DeYoung, Ellen E. Pelky, Kimberly M. Downs
  • Publication number: 20230018131
    Abstract: An absorbent article has a top sheet, a back sheet, and an absorbent assembly positioned between the back sheet and the top sheet. The absorbent article includes a fluid intake layer positioned between the absorbent assembly and the top sheet. The fluid intake layer has a rearward-facing arch located in a back portion of the fluid intake layer. The fluid intake layer has an opening. The absorbent article includes a first lateral stiffener and a second lateral stiffener extending along a majority of the longitudinal side edges of the fluid intake layer. The absorbent article includes a first flexure, a second flexure, and a third flexure in a rear portion of the absorbent article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2022
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Inventors: Suzanne Marie Schmoker, Heidi Bauerlein Hopkins, Sohyun Sara Park, Christopher Peter Olson
  • Patent number: 11523946
    Abstract: An absorbent article can have a topsheet layer, a liquid impermeable layer, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet layer and the liquid impermeable layer. The absorbent article can further include an exudate management layer in fluid communication with the topsheet layer. In various embodiments, the exudate management layer can be positioned on a body facing surface of the topsheet layer. In various embodiments, the exudate management layer can be positioned between the topsheet layer and the absorbent core. The exudate management layer has a first component which defines an opening for direct passage of body exudates into the absorbent core. The exudate management layer has a second component which at least partially overlaps the first component of the exudate management layer and further extends in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article in a direction towards the posterior region of the absorbent article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Suzanne Marie Schmoker, Heidi Bauerlein Hopkins, Andrew Thomas Hammond, Kyle Mark Barriger, Michael Donald Sperl, Russell J. Brumm, Alyssa Kimberly DeYoung, Ellen E. Pelky, Kimberly M. Downs
  • Patent number: 11478384
    Abstract: An absorbent article has a top sheet, a back sheet, and an absorbent assembly positioned between the back sheet and the top sheet. The absorbent article includes a fluid intake layer positioned between the absorbent assembly and the top sheet. The fluid intake layer has a rearward-facing arch located in a back portion of the fluid intake layer. The fluid intake layer has an opening. The absorbent article includes a first lateral stiffener and a second lateral stiffener extending along a majority of the longitudinal side edges of the fluid intake layer. The absorbent article includes a first flexure, a second flexure, and a third flexure in a rear portion of the absorbent article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Suzanne Marie Schmoker, Heidi Bauerlein Hopkins, Sohyun Sara Park, Christopher Peter Olson
  • Publication number: 20210137753
    Abstract: An absorbent article can have a topsheet layer, a liquid impermeable layer, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet layer and the liquid impermeable layer. The absorbent article can further include an exudate management layer in fluid communication with the topsheet layer. In various embodiments, the exudate management layer can be positioned on a body facing surface of the topsheet layer. In various embodiments, the exudate management layer can be positioned between the topsheet layer and the absorbent core. The exudate management layer has a first component which defines an opening for direct passage of body exudates into the absorbent core. The exudate management layer has a second component which at least partially overlaps the first component of the exudate management layer and further extends in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article in a direction towards the posterior region of the absorbent article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Publication date: May 13, 2021
    Inventors: Andrew Thomas Hammond, Kyle Mark Barriger, Michael Douglas Sperl, Russell J. Brumm, Suzanne Marie Schmoker, Heidi Bauerlein Hopkins, Alyssa Kimberly DeYoung, Ellen E. Pelky, Kimberly M. Downs
  • Publication number: 20200276060
    Abstract: An absorbent article has a top sheet, a back sheet, and an absorbent assembly positioned between the back sheet and the top sheet. The absorbent article includes a fluid intake layer positioned between the absorbent assembly and the top sheet. The fluid intake layer has a rearward-facing arch located in a back portion of the fluid intake layer. The fluid intake layer has an opening. The absorbent article includes a first lateral stiffener and a second lateral stiffener extending along a majority of the longitudinal side edges of the fluid intake layer. The absorbent article includes a first flexure, a second flexure, and a third flexure in a rear portion of the absorbent article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2020
    Publication date: September 3, 2020
    Inventors: Suzanne Marie Schmoker, Heidi Bauerlein Hopkins, Sohyun Sara Park, Christopher Peter Olson
  • Patent number: 10695232
    Abstract: An absorbent article has a top sheet, a back sheet, and an absorbent assembly positioned between the back sheet and the top sheet. The absorbent article includes a fluid intake layer positioned between the absorbent assembly and the top sheet. The fluid intake layer has a rearward-facing arch located in a back portion of the fluid intake layer. The fluid intake layer has an opening. The absorbent article includes a first lateral stiffener and a second lateral stiffener extending along a majority of the longitudinal side edges of the fluid intake layer. The absorbent article includes a first flexure, a second flexure, and a third flexure in a rear portion of the absorbent article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Suzanne Marie Schmoker, Heidi Bauerlein Hopkins, Sohyun Sara Park, Christopher Peter Olson
  • Publication number: 20200038258
    Abstract: An absorbent article can have a topsheet layer, a liquid impermeable layer, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet layer and the liquid impermeable layer. The absorbent article can further include an exudate management layer in fluid communication with the topsheet layer. In various embodiments, the exudate management layer can be positioned on a body facing surface of the topsheet layer. In various embodiments, the exudate management layer can be positioned between the topsheet layer and the absorbent core. The exudate management layer has a first component which defines an opening for direct passage of body exudates into the absorbent core. The exudate management layer has a second component which at least partially overlaps the first component of the exudate management layer and further extends in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article in a direction towards the posterior region of the absorbent article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventors: Suzanne Marie Schmoker, Heidi Bauerlein Hopkins, Andrew Thomas Hammond, Kyle Mark Barriger, Michael Donald Sperl, Russell J. Brumm, Alyssa Kimberly DeYoung, Ellen E. Pelky, Kimberly M. Downs
  • Publication number: 20200008988
    Abstract: An absorbent article can have a topsheet layer, a liquid impermeable layer, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet layer and the liquid impermeable layer. The absorbent article can further include an exudate management layer in fluid communication with the topsheet layer. In various embodiments, the exudate management layer can be positioned on a body facing surface of the topsheet layer. In various embodiments, the exudate management layer can be positioned between the topsheet layer and the absorbent core. The exudate management layer has a first component which defines an opening for direct passage of body exudates into the absorbent core. The exudate management layer has a second component which at least partially overlaps the first component of the exudate management layer and further extends in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article in a direction towards the posterior region of the absorbent article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventors: Suzanne Marie Schmoker, Heidi Bauerlein Hopkins, Alyssa Kimberly DeYoung, Ellen E. Pelky, Kimberly M. Downs, Andrew Thomas Hammond, Kyle Mark Barriger, Michael Donald Sperl, Russell J. Brumm
  • Publication number: 20200008986
    Abstract: A thong-style absorbent article can have a waist region, a back extension extending from a back waist portion of the waist region, and a chassis extending between a front waist portion of the waist region and the back extension. The chassis can have a generally triangular shape and a pair of containment features positioned at the longitudinal direction side edges of the chassis. An exudate management system can be positioned between the pair of containment features and can have a first exudate management component and a second exudate management component. In various embodiments, the absorbent article can be adjustable in size and positioning about the wearer to provide for improved fit of the absorbent article and reduced leakage of exudate from the absorbent article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventors: Heidi Bauerlein Hopkins, Suzanne Marie Schmoker
  • Publication number: 20170246045
    Abstract: An absorbent article has a top sheet, a back sheet, and an absorbent assembly positioned between the back sheet and the top sheet. The absorbent article includes a fluid intake layer positioned between the absorbent assembly and the top sheet. The fluid intake layer has a rearward-facing arch located in a back portion of the fluid intake layer. The fluid intake layer has an opening. The absorbent article includes a first lateral stiffener and a second lateral stiffener extending along a majority of the longitudinal side edges of the fluid intake layer. The absorbent article includes a first flexure, a second flexure, and a third flexure in a rear portion of the absorbent article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Suzanne Marie SCHMOKER, Heidi Bauerlein HOPKINS, Sohyun Sara PARK, Christopher Peter OLSON
  • Patent number: 9011397
    Abstract: An absorbent article is configured for controlled deformation when insulted by a user and includes an absorbent body having a body-facing surface, a garment-facing surface, and a first graphic visible at the body-facing surface; and a deformable top component positioned adjacent to the body-facing surface, the top component having a longitudinal direction, a transverse direction, a longitudinally-extending centerline, a transverse-extending centerline, and a peripheral edge, wherein the top component includes an attached region and a cantilevered region, and wherein the cantilevered region includes a translucent portion through which the first graphic is at least partially visible. The article also includes a fluid shrinkable string attached to the deformable top component in a pattern capable of providing forces to the top component when insulted by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Heidi Bauerlein Hopkins, Adrienne Rae Loyd, Ramona Zenkich
  • Patent number: 8946500
    Abstract: An absorbent article includes an absorbent core, a garment-facing surface, a body-facing surface, a first graphic visible at the body-facing surface, and a top component affixed to the article body and including an attached region and a cantilevered region, wherein the cantilevered region includes a translucent portion through which the first graphic is at least partially visible. The translucent portion can include a second graphic, wherein the first graphic and the second graphic combine to form the appearance of a third graphic. The article can also include a baffle forming at least part of the garment-facing surface, wherein the baffle includes a baffle graphic, and wherein at least a portion of the article body is translucent such that the baffle graphic is visible at the body-facing surface such that the first graphic and the baffle graphic combine to form the appearance of a fourth graphic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Heidi Bauerlein Hopkins, Adrienne Rae Loyd, Ramona Zenkich
  • Patent number: D772403
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Heidi Bauerlein Hopkins, Suzanne Marie Schmoker, Sohyun Sara Park
  • Patent number: D777910
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Heidi Bauerlein Hopkins, Suzanne Marie Schmoker, Sohyun Sara Park
  • Patent number: D777911
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael John Niemeyer, Emily Nicole Schmitz, Susan Marie Trefethren, Heidi Bauerlein Hopkins, Mary Lou McDaniel, Katie Ann Boland, Susan Mary Oates