Patents by Inventor Kenneth B. Buell

Kenneth B. Buell 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: 6476289
    Abstract: Absorbent article such as disposable diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders and the like, that have a unique elastic waist feature that improves the dynamic fit of the elasticized waistband as well as the containment characteristics of the absorbent article. The elastic waist feature preferably comprises an interconnecting panel zone, a first flexural hinge zone joining the interconnecting panel zone with the containment assembly, an elasticized waistband, and a second flexural hinge zone joining the elasticized waistband with the interconnecting panel zone. The elasticized waistband comprises a shaping panel zone; a waistline panel zone; and a predisposed, resilient, waistband flexural hinge zone joining the shaping panel zone and the waistline panel zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Kenneth B. Buell, Sandra H. Clear, Danielia T. Falcone
  • Patent number: 6027483
    Abstract: A web material which exhibits an elastic-like behavior along at least one axis when subjected to an applied and subsequently released elongation. The web material includes a strainable network having at least two visually distinct regions of the same material composition. The first region undergoes a molecular-level deformation and the second region initially undergoes a substantially geometric deformation when the web material is subjected to an applied elongation in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of elongation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventors: Charles W. Chappell, Eugene R. Sorensen, Kenneth B. Buell, John J. Curro, Michele A. Mansfield
  • Patent number: 5931827
    Abstract: Pull-on garments provided with an intermittent lap seam joining the front region and the back region together at spaced apart locations to provide a breathable seam. In a preferred embodiment, the pull-on garment includes a chassis layer comprising a continuous sheet that defines a front region, a back region, and a crotch region; a first belt layer joined to the chassis layer in the front region; a second belt layer joined to the chassis layer in the back region; elastic panel members positioned between the belt layers and the chassis layers which laminate is mechanically stretched to form elastically extensible stretch laminates in both the front region and the back region in the side panels; and intermittent lap seams joining the front region to the back region at spaced apart locations so as to form the leg openings and waist openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Kenneth B. Buell, Edward P. Carlin
  • Patent number: 5916663
    Abstract: A web material which exhibits an elastic-like behavior along at least one axis when subjected to an applied and subsequently released elongation. The web material includes a strainable network having at least two visually district regions of the same material composition. The first region undergoes a molecular-level deformation and the second region initially undergoes a substantially geometric deformation when the web material is subjected to an applied elongation in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of elongation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Inventors: Charles W. Chappell, Eugene R. Sorensen, Kenneth B. Buell, John J. Curro, Michele A. Mansfield
  • Patent number: 5891544
    Abstract: A package including a web material that exhibits an elastic-like behavior along at least one axis when subjected to an applied and subsequently released elongation. The web material includes a strainable network having at least two visually distinct regions of the same material composition. The first region undergoes a molecular-level deformation and the second region initially undergoes a substantially geometric deformation when the web material is subjected to an applied elongation in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of elongation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Charles W. Chappell, Eugene R. Sorensen, Kenneth B. Buell, John J. Curro, Michele A. Mansfield, Tom Henrich
  • Patent number: 5723087
    Abstract: A web material which exhibits an elastic-like behavior along at least one axis when subjected to an applied and subsequently released elongation. The web material includes a strainable network having at least two visually distinct regions of the same material composition. The first region undergoes a molecular-level deformation and the second region initially undergoes a substantially geometric deformation when the web material is subjected to an applied elongation in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of elongation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Charles W. Chappell, Eugene R. Sorensen, Kenneth B. Buell, John J. Curro, Michele A. Mansfield
  • Patent number: 5691035
    Abstract: A web material which exhibits an elastic-like behavior along at least one axis when subjected to an applied and subsequently released elongation. The web material includes a strainable network having at least two visually distinct regions of the same material composition. The first region undergoes a molecular-level deformation and the second region initially undergoes a substantially geometric deformation when the web material is subjected to an applied elongation in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of elongation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Charles W. Chappell, Eugene R. Sorensen, Kenneth B. Buell, John J. Curro, Michele A. Mansfield
  • Patent number: 5685874
    Abstract: Pull-on garments provided with an intermittent lap seam joining the front region and the back region together at spaced apart locations to provide a breathable seam. In a preferred embodiment, the pull-on garment includes a chassis layer comprising a continuous sheet that defines a from region, a back region, and a crotch region; a first belt layer joined to the chassis layer in the front region; a second belt layer joined to the chassis layer in the back region; elastic panel members positioned between the belt layers and the chassis layers which laminate is mechanically stretched to form elastically extensible stretch laminates in both the front region and the back region in the side panels; and intermittent lap seams joining the front region to the back region at spaced apart locations so as to form the leg openings and waist openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Kenneth B. Buell, Edward P. Carlin
  • Patent number: 5634916
    Abstract: Absorbent articles such as diapers, incontinent briefs, training pants, diaper holders and liners, feminine hygiene garments, and the like, designed to provide sustained dynamic fit about the wearer during use as well as to improve the containment of body exudates and wearer comfort/mobility. Such an absorbent article has an absorbent core preferably designed to fit within the low motion zone of the wearer so that dynamic forces imparted by movements of the wearer on the absorbent core are minimized. The absorbent article is also provided with a closure system for anchoring the absorbent article on the wearer to sustain the dynamic fit of the absorbent article throughout wearing. The closure system is designed so that a primary line of tension, fitting at an angle to the body, is formed to secure the absorbent article on a wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Gary D. Lavon, Edward P. Carlin, Kenneth B. Buell, Thomas A. Desmarais, John A. Chang, Christina S. Mueller, Takako Haga
  • Patent number: 5628741
    Abstract: Absorbent articles having a unique elastic feature improving the dynamic fit as well as containment characteristics. The elastic feature preferably includes an elastomeric member and a nonelastic web; a portion of the nonelastic web coincides with at least a portion of the elastomeric member; this portion of the nonelastic web being mechanically prestrained. Mechanical prestraining of the nonelastic web improves not only the extension of the elastomeric member, but also the heat-shrink contraction of preferred elastomeric members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Kenneth B. Buell, James W. Richardson, Douglas H. Benson
  • Patent number: 5591152
    Abstract: Absorbent article such as disposable diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders and the like, that have a unique elastic waist feature that improves the dynamic fit of the elasticized waistband as well as the containment characteristics of the absorbent article. The elastic waist feature preferably comprises an interconnecting panel zone, a first flexural hinge zone joining the interconnecting panel zone with the containment assembly, an elasticized waistband, and a second flexural hinge zone joining the elasticized waistband with the interconnecting panel zone. The elasticized waistband comprises a shaping panel zone; a waistline panel zone; and a predisposed, resilient, waistband flexural hinge zone joining the shaping panel zone and the waistline panel zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Kenneth B. Buell, Sandra H. Clear, Danielia T. Falcone
  • Patent number: 5569234
    Abstract: Pull-on garments provided with a continuous belt in the front region and the back region to distribute the forces generated during use in order to better fit the pull-on garment on the wearer. In a preferred embodiment, the pull-on garment comprises a chassis layer comprising a continuous sheet that defines a front region, a back region, and a crotch region; a first belt layer joined to the chassis layer in the front region; a second belt layer joined to the chassis layer in the back region; elastic panel members positioned between the belt layers and the chassis layers which laminate is mechanically stretched to form elastically extensible stretch laminates in both the front region and the back region in the side panels; and seams joining the front region to the back region so as to form the leg openings and waist openings. The continuous chassis layer and belt layers thus form the continuous belt of the pull-on garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Kenneth B. Buell, Edward P. Carlin
  • Patent number: 5527304
    Abstract: Absorbent article such as disposable diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders and the like, that have a unique elastic waist feature that improves the dynamic fit of the elasticized waistband as well as the containment characteristics of the absorbent article. The elastic waist feature preferably comprises an interconnecting panel zone, a first flexural hinge zone joining the interconnecting panel zone with the containment assembly, an elasticized waistband, and a second flexural hinge zone joining the elasticized waistband with the interconnecting panel zone. The elasticized waistband comprises a shaping panel zone; a waistline panel zone; and a predisposed, resilient, waistband flexural hinge zone joining the shaping panel zone and the waistline panel zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: The Proctor & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Kenneth B. Buell, Sandra H. Clear, Danielia T. Falcone
  • Patent number: 5518801
    Abstract: A web material which exhibits an elastic-like behavior along at least one axis when subjected to an applied and subsequently released elongation. The web material includes a strainable network having at least two visually distinct regions of the same material composition. The first region undergoes a molecular-level deformation and the second region initially undergoes a substantially geometric deformation when the web material is subjected to an applied elongation in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of elongation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Charles W. Chappell, Eugene R. Sorensen, Kenneth B. Buell, John J. Curro, Michele A. Mansfield
  • Patent number: 5507736
    Abstract: Absorbent article such as disposable diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders and the like, that have a unique elastic waist feature that improve the dynamic fit of the elasticized waistband as well as the containment characteristics of the absorbent article. The elastic waist feature comprises an "expansive tummy panel" that is capable of expanding well-beyond the dimensions of the absorbent article set by the primary fastening system (and the original dimensions of the end edge) so as to accommodate wearers, especially large infants, with large expansile waists so as to reduce the sagging/slipping of the absorbent article. The extension forces of the elasticized waistband are lower than the extension forces of the elasticized side panels so as to accommodate such expansion. In preferred embodiments of the elastic waist feature, the elasticized waistband is formed from a stretch laminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Sandra H. Clear, Danielia T. Falcone, Kenneth B. Buell
  • Patent number: 5499978
    Abstract: Absorbent article such as disposable diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders and the like, that have a unique elastic waist feature that improves the dynamic fit of the elasticized waistband as well as the containment characteristics of the absorbent article. The elastic waist feature preferably comprises an interconnecting panel zone, a first flexural hinge zone joining the interconnecting panel zone with the containment assembly, an elasticized waistband, and a second flexural hinge zone joining the elasticized waistband with the interconnecting panel zone. The elasticized waistband comprises a shaping panel zone; a waistline panel zone; and a predisposed, resilient, waistband flexural hinge zone joining the shaping panel zone and the waistline panel zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Kenneth B. Buell, Sandra H. Clear, Danielia T. Falcone
  • Patent number: 5383871
    Abstract: A closure system for anchoring the absorbent article on the wearer. The closure system provides a primary line of tension around the wearer that fits predominantly within the low motion zone to enhance the dynamic fit and to anchor the absorbent core in place so that it will not slip/slide during use. The primary line of tension established by the closure system is disposed at an angle on the wearer. In preferred embodiments, the closure system is provided with tape tabs of a specified design, to allow the wearer to easily form the "angled" primary line of tension about the wearer. The closure system is also provided with a landing member designed to enhance the opportunity for the user to establish this primary line of tension equally each time the closure system is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Edward P. Carlin, Kenneth B. Buell, Gary D. Lavon, Dean J. Daniels
  • Patent number: 5358500
    Abstract: Absorbent articles such as diapers, incontinent briefs, training pants, diaper holders and liners, feminine hygiene garments, and the like, designed to provide sustained dynamic fit about the wearer during use as well as to improve the containment of body exudates and wearer comfort/mobility. Such an absorbent article has an absorbent core preferably designed to fit within the low motion zone of the wearer so that dynamic forces imparted by movements of the wearer on the absorbent core are minimized. The absorbent article is also provided with a closure system for anchoring the absorbent article on the wearer to sustain the dynamic fit of the absorbent article throughout wearing. The closure system is designed so that a primary line of tension, fitting at an angle to the body, is formed to secure the absorbent article on a wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Gary D. Lavon, Edward P. Carlin, Kenneth B. Buell, Thomas A. Desmarais, John A. Chang, Christina-Susanne Mueller, Takako Haga
  • Patent number: 5330458
    Abstract: Absorbent articles having a unique elastic feature improving the dynamic fit as well as containment characteristics. The elastic feature preferably comprises an elastomeric member and a segment of the backsheet; a portion of the backsheet segment coincides with at least a portion of the elastomeric member; this portion of the backsheet segment being mechanically prestrained. Mechanical prestraining of the backsheet segment improves not only the extension of the elastomeric member, but also the heat-shrink contraction of preferred elastomeric members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Kenneth B. Buell, James W. Richardson
  • Patent number: D389320
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: William R. Vinnage, Kenneth B. Buell