Patents by Inventor Janis Hughes

Janis Hughes 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: 20070141352
    Abstract: A multilayer film including an elastomeric polymeric core layer and a polymeric skin layer on each side of the core layer. The polymeric skin layers are not elastomeric and the multilayer film is elastic in the cross-direction. The multilayered film is elastic in the cross-direction, has a non-tacky surface feel, and has machine-direction stiffness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Inventors: Patricia Calhoun, Chiehlung Hsu, Janis Hughes, Tamara Mace, Prasad Potnis, Glynis Walton, Gregory Hall
  • Publication number: 20070049894
    Abstract: A stretch activated disposable article, such as a wipe or mitt, includes an upper material layer, and a lower material layer joined to the upper material layer such that a space is defined between the material layers. A functional element, for example a fluid composition, is stored in the space between the upper and lower material layers and becomes functional upon being exposed through the upper material layer with use of the article. The upper material layer includes a plurality of materially weakened positions along the surface thereof that are configured to part or separate upon stretching of the upper material layer to expose the functional element through the upper material layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: James Fitts, Janis Hughes, Bryon Day, Ann McCormack, Wing-Chak Ng, Varunesh Sharma
  • Publication number: 20060251858
    Abstract: An elastic, breathable barrier sheet material and laminates thereof are disclosed that include a first layer including an apertured elastic film and a second layer including an extensible, breathable, non-elastic film, wherein the first layer is bonded to the second layer. Desirably, the second layer is unapertured. The elastic materials are useful, for example, in personal care products. Also disclosed is a process for making an elastic, breathable barrier laminate structure that includes the steps of: forming an elastic film; aperturing the elastic film; forming an extensible, breathable, non-elastic film; and bonding the apertured elastic film to the extensible, breathable, non-elastic film to form an elastic, breathable barrier film laminate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Publication date: November 9, 2006
    Inventors: Oomman Thomas, Janis Hughes
  • Publication number: 20060247591
    Abstract: Absorbent articles having form fitting properties are disclosed. In particular, the absorbent articles include at least one waist elastic member that extends a substantial distance in the longitudinal direction. The waist elastic member, for instance, may be positioned in a front region of the article, in a back region of the article or in both the front and back regions. The waist elastic member comprises a breathable elastic film. In order for the film to be breathable, the film includes apertures. The apertures appear on the film according to a particular pattern and having a particular diameter so that the film retains desired stretch properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Publication date: November 2, 2006
    Inventors: Janis Hughes, Varunesh Sharma, Prasad Potnis, Gregory Hall, Thomas Roessler, Peiguang Zhou, Stephen Baumgartner
  • Publication number: 20060246802
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are color change laminate materials suitable for a variety of uses. The color change laminate materials include at least two layers of extensible materials having visually distinct coloration, and indicate a stretched or extended state by exposing the previously covered coloration of a lower layer. The color change laminate materials may also indicate the amount of stretching or extension is applied to the laminate. When the laminate includes elastic materials capable of stretch and recovery, the color change laminate materials may further be reversible color change laminate materials that can display color change upon extension and then recover the extension and return to the original coloration. Such color change laminate materials and reversible color change laminate materials are highly useful for use in garments or other textile type applications, in or on personal care products, protective wear products, health care and medical care products, bandages and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Publication date: November 2, 2006
    Inventors: Janis Hughes, Bryon Day, James Fitts, Ann McCormack, Wing-Chak Ng, Varunesh Sharma
  • Publication number: 20060246803
    Abstract: A composite nonwoven fabric having latent elasticity is provided having a latently elastic core comprising a first component that includes a thermoplastic elastomer and a second component that includes a single site catalyzed polyolefin, and at least one gatherable facing material laminated to the elastic core. The first and second components may be, for example, in the form of alternating filaments of styrenic block copolymer and single site catalyzed polyolefin or in the form of conjugate filaments having a first section of styrenic block copolymer and a second section of single site catalyzed polyolefin. Also disclosed are methods of making the latently elastic stretch bonded laminates and personal care articles containing the latently elastic stretch bonded laminates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Publication date: November 2, 2006
    Inventors: Charles Smith, Patricia Calhoun, James Fitts, Janis Hughes, Tamara Mace, Glynis Walton