Patents by Inventor Kathleen Irene Ratliff
Kathleen Irene Ratliff 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).
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Patent number: 9700079Abstract: A boxer-style pant and a method of making a boxer-style pant having side seams, a contracted crotch region, and hanging legs. A web is provided. The web is cut along transversely opposed edges of the web to define leg openings. The leg openings may be formed by cutting slits along the transversely opposed edges of the web. The web is contracted in a selected area between the leg openings. Front and back regions are then joined together to form the side seams. An absorbent structure may be attached to the web.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2004Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Assignee: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.Inventors: Mark Steven Franke, Kathleen Irene Ratliff, Heather Schenck Mortell, Robert Lee Popp, Joseph Daniel Coenen
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Patent number: 8747379Abstract: A disposable absorbent article includes an absorbent chassis and a fastening system that together define a refastenable pant. The refastenable pant includes a pair of elastomeric front side panels extending from the waist opening to each leg opening, a pair of elastomeric back side panels extending from the waist opening to each leg opening, and a pair of refastenable seams extending from the waist opening to each leg opening and positioned between the elastomeric front and back side panels.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2010Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Amy Lynn Fletcher, Lisa Ann Dimitrijevs, Christopher Peter Olson, Kathleen Irene Ratliff, Shirlee Ann Weber, Susan Lee West
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Publication number: 20140155858Abstract: A disposable absorbent article includes an absorbent chassis and a fastening system that together define a refastenable pant. The refastenable pant includes a pair of elastomeric front side panels extending from the waist opening to each leg opening, a pair of elastomeric back side panels extending from the waist opening to each leg opening, and a pair of refastenable seams extending from the waist opening to each leg opening and positioned between the elastomeric front and back side panels.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2014Publication date: June 5, 2014Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Amy Lynn Fletcher, Lisa Ann Dimitrijevs, Christopher Peter Olson, Kathleen Irene Ratliff, Shirlee Ann Weber, Susan Lee West
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Patent number: 8632515Abstract: An absorbent garment has a chassis. A first region of the chassis includes a first panel and at least one first side panel. A second region of the chassis includes a second panel and at least one second side panel. A resilient fastening component is permanently attached to an inner surface of the at least one first side panel and releasably attached to an outer surface of the at least one second side panel. At least one of the first region and the second region is folded at least twice such that at least portions of the at least one first side panel and the at least one second side panel are positioned between the first and second panels and the resilient fastening component is tucked between the folded absorbent assembly and lies in a plane parallel to a plane in which a first part of the absorbent assembly lies.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2012Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Robert Lee Popp, Marcille Faye Ruman, Kathleen Irene Ratliff
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Patent number: 8579876Abstract: A folded disposable absorbent garment has an absorbent chassis, a pair of front side panels extending from a front region of the absorbent chassis, and a pair of back side panels extending from a back region of the absorbent chassis. A first fastening component is disposed on each of the front side panels and a second fastening component is disposed on each of the back side panels. Each of the second fastening components is releasably attached to a respective one of the first fastening components to define a pair of refastenable seams. The front side panels and the back side panels are folded such that each of the refastenable seams overlies an outer surface of one of the front region and the back region of the absorbent chassis in a plane generally parallel to the front and back regions of the absorbent chassis.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2010Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Robert Lee Popp, Marcille Faye Ruman, Kathleen Irene Ratliff
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Patent number: 8556877Abstract: An absorbent pant garment including a pair of front and back side panels on opposite transverse sides of the garment, with a refastenable seam formed between the front and back side panels including a fastening component on the front side panel and a mating fastening component on the back side panel, with elasticity in the front and/or back side panel. Each of the front and back side panels includes a waist and a leg end edge, with a portion of the waist end edge and a portion of the leg end edge substantially parallel to one another adjacent a distal edge for a distance greater than a transverse width of the fastening component or mating fastening component bonded thereto. These parallel portions of the side panel edges space the fastening and mating fastening components away from major stress points of the garment, thereby reducing the likelihood of fastener pop-opens.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2012Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Robert Lee Popp, Kathleen Irene Ratliff, Marcille Faye Ruman, Henry Louis Carbone, II, Matthew Lee Koele
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Patent number: 8372052Abstract: Packaged garments having pre-fastened, refastenable seams tucked in a certain position can preserve fastener performance. Such refastenable seams are particularly suitable for side seams on pant-like absorbent garments. Prior to packaging the garment, the refastenable seams are pre-fastened and tucked into the garment such that any resilient fastening components lie flat in a plane parallel to a plane in which front and back waist portions of the garment lie. When the garment is compressed and packaged, the resilient fastening components remain flat and do not become creased or crushed.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2008Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Robert Lee Popp, Marcille Faye Ruman, Kathleen Irene Ratliff
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Patent number: 8343127Abstract: A disposable absorbent article includes a fastening system that can be repeatedly fastened, unfastened and refastened. The refastenable seams formed by the fastening system components provide a garment-like appearance.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 1999Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Lisa Ann Dimitrijevs, Amy Lynn Fletcher, Christopher Peter Olson, Kathleen Irene Ratliff, Shirlee Ann Weber, Susan Lee West
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Publication number: 20120298287Abstract: An absorbent pant garment including a pair of front and back side panels on opposite transverse sides of the garment, with a refastenable seam formed between the front and back side panels including a fastening component on the front side panel and a mating fastening component on the back side panel, with elasticity in the front and/or back side panel. Each of the front and back side panels includes a waist and a leg end edge, with a portion of the waist end edge and a portion of the leg end edge substantially parallel to one another adjacent a distal edge for a distance greater than a transverse width of the fastening component or mating fastening component bonded thereto.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2012Publication date: November 29, 2012Applicant: Kimberly-Clark World, Inc.Inventors: Robert Lee POPP, Kathleen Irene RATLIFF, Marcille Faye RUMAN, Henry Louis CARBONE, II, Matthew Lee KOELE
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Patent number: 8235962Abstract: An absorbent pant garment having a leg opening shape and fastener placement that, together, minimize the likelihood of fastener pop-opens during use. The garment includes a pair of front and back side panels on opposite transverse sides of the garment, with a refastenable seam formed between the front and back side panels including a fastening component on the front side panel and a mating fastening component on the back side panel, with elasticity in the front and/or back side panel. Each of the front and back side panels includes a waist end edge and a leg end edge, with a portion of the waist end edge and a portion of the leg end edge substantially parallel to one another adjacent a distal edge for a distance greater than a transverse width of the fastening component or mating fastening component bonded thereto.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2002Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Robert Lee Popp, Kathleen Irene Ratliff, Marcille Faye Ruman, Henry Louis Carbone, II, Matthew Lee Koele
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Publication number: 20100298803Abstract: A folded disposable absorbent garment has an absorbent chassis, a pair of front side panels extending from a front region of the absorbent chassis, and a pair of back side panels extending from a back region of the absorbent chassis. A first fastening component is disposed on each of the front side panels and a second fastening component is disposed on each of the back side panels. Each of the second fastening components is releasably attached to a respective one of the first fastening components to define a pair of refastenable seams. The front side panels and the back side panels are folded such that each of the refastenable seams overlies an outer surface of one of the front region and the back region of the absorbent chassis in a plane generally parallel to the front and back regions of the absorbent chassis.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2010Publication date: November 25, 2010Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.Inventors: Robert Lee Popp, Marcille Faye Ruman, Kathleen Irene Ratliff
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Publication number: 20100121293Abstract: A disposable absorbent article includes an absorbent chassis and a fastening system that together define a refastenable pant. The refastenable pant includes a pair of elastomeric front side panels extending from the waist opening to each leg opening, a pair of elastomeric back side panels extending from the waist opening to each leg opening, and a pair of refastenable seams extending from the waist opening to each leg opening and positioned between the elastomeric front and back side panels.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2010Publication date: May 13, 2010Inventors: Amy Lynn Fletcher, Lisa Ann Dimitrijevs, Christopher Peter Olson, Kathleen Irene Ratliff, Shirlee Ann Weber, Susan Lee West
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Patent number: 7695464Abstract: A disposable absorbent article includes an absorbent chassis and a fastening system that together define a refastenable pant. The refastenable pant includes a pair of elastomeric front side panels extending from the waist opening to each leg opening, a pair of elastomeric back side panels extending from the waist opening to each leg opening, and a pair of refastenable seams extending from the waist opening to each leg opening and positioned between the elastomeric front and back side panels.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2005Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Amy Lynn Fletcher, Lisa Ann Dimitrijevs, Christopher Peter Olson, Kathleen Irene Ratliff, Shirlee Ann Weber, Susan Lee West
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Publication number: 20080195074Abstract: Packaged garments having pre-fastened, refastenable seams tucked in a certain position can preserve fastener performance. Such refastenable seams are particularly suitable for side seams on pant-like absorbent garments. Prior to packaging the garment, the refastenable seams are pre-fastened and tucked into the garment such that any resilient fastening components lie flat in a plane parallel to a plane in which front and back waist portions of the garment lie. When the garment is compressed and packaged, the resilient fastening components remain flat and do not become creased or crushed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2008Publication date: August 14, 2008Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.Inventors: Robert Lee Popp, Marcille Faye Ruman, Kathleen Irene Ratliff
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Patent number: 6976978Abstract: A disposable pant garment is made from a web by joining front and back side panels attached to the garment chassis. The side panels have diagonal edges in order to result in side seams on the garment which run diagonally on the garment side. This diagonal side seam provides superior fit and releasability, especially in the case of refastenable side seams such as may be used for training pants. One or more of the side panels may be constructed from a plurality of pieces.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2002Date of Patent: December 20, 2005Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Marcille Faye Ruman, Kathleen Irene Ratliff
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Patent number: 6849067Abstract: A disposable absorbent article includes an absorbent chassis and a fastening system that together define a refastenable pant. The refastenable pant includes a pair of elastomeric front side panels extending from the waist opening to each leg opening, a pair of elastomeric back side panels extending from the waist opening to each leg opening, and a pair of refastenable seams extending from the waist opening to each leg opening and positioned between the elastomeric front and back side panels.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2003Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Amy Lynn Fletcher, Lisa Ann Dimitrijevs, Christopher Peter Olson, Kathleen Irene Ratliff, Shirlee Ann Weber, Susan Lee West
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Patent number: 6761711Abstract: A disposable absorbent article includes an absorbent chassis and a fastening system that together define a refastenable pant. The refastenable pant includes a pair of elastomeric front side panels extending from the waist opening to each leg opening, a pair of elastomeric back side panels extending from the waist opening to each leg opening, and a pair of refastenable seams extending from the waist opening to each leg opening and positioned between the elastomeric front and back side panels.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 1999Date of Patent: July 13, 2004Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Amy Lynn Fletcher, Lisa Ann Dimitrijevs, Christopher Peter Olson, Kathleen Irene Ratliff, Shirlee Ann Weber, Susan Lee West
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Patent number: 6716205Abstract: A pant-like absorbent garment having a combined leg elastic and leak guard flap feature. A chassis of the absorbent garment includes an outer cover and a body side liner with at least one elastomeric member folded within the body side liner around each of two leg openings defined by the chassis to form a finished edge around each leg opening. The folded edge of the body side liner is then folded again to create a fully functional flap with the appearance of a leg elastic in the crotch area. The resulting absorbent garment has a three-dimensional leg elastic assembly that creates a bucket for containing body fluids, and furthermore, creates a tailored, soft, comfortable leg and side seal.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2000Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Robert Lee Popp, Kathleen Irene Ratliff
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Publication number: 20040064126Abstract: A disposable absorbent article includes an absorbent chassis and a fastening system that together define a refastenable pant. The refastenable pant includes a pair of elastomeric front side panels extending from the waist opening to each leg opening, a pair of elastomeric back side panels extending from the waist opening to each leg opening, and a pair of refastenable seams extending from the waist opening to each leg opening and positioned between the elastomeric front and back side panels.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventors: Amy Lynn Fletcher, Lisa Ann Dimitrijevs, Christopher Peter Olson, Kathleen Irene Ratliff, Shirlee Ann Weber, Susan Lee West
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Publication number: 20040002691Abstract: An absorbent pant garment having a leg opening shape and fastener placement that, together, minimize the likelihood of fastener pop-opens during use. The garment includes a pair of front and back side panels on opposite transverse sides of the garment, with a refastenable seam formed between the front and back side panels including a fastening component on the front side panel and a mating fastening component on the back side panel, with elasticity in the front and/or back side panel. Each of the front and back side panels includes a waist end edge and a leg end edge, with a portion of the waist end edge and a portion of the leg end edge substantially parallel to one another adjacent a distal edge for a distance greater than a transverse width of the fastening component or mating fastening component bonded thereto.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2002Publication date: January 1, 2004Inventors: Robert Lee Popp, Kathleen Irene Ratliff, Marcille Faye Ruman, Henry Louis Carbone, Matthew Lee Koele