Patents by Inventor Kimberly L. Ellefson

Kimberly L. Ellefson 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: 11253408
    Abstract: A refastenable disposable garment defines a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, and comprises a first waist region contiguous with a first waist edge. The first waist region defines first and second side edges transversely spaced apart and defines first and second surfaces. The first waist region is elastomeric proximal both the first and second side edges. The garment can include a second waist region and a crotch region that interconnects the first and second waist regions. The garment comprises non-extensible, relatively rigid first and second fastening components attached to the first surface of the first waist region adjacent the first and second side edges, respectively. The first waist region defines first and second flange portions transversely outward of the first and second fastening components, respectively. Each flange portion is transversely curled toward the second surface. A process for making such an article is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian K. Rhodes, Suzanne M. Schmoker, Kimberly L. Ellefson, Julie A. Paveletzke, Kimberly M. Downs, Brent C. Otis
  • Publication number: 20190290508
    Abstract: A refastenable disposable garment defines a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, and comprises a first waist region contiguous with a first waist edge. The first waist region defines first and second side edges transversely spaced apart and defines first and second surfaces. The first waist region is elastomeric proximal both the first and second side edges. The garment can include a second waist region and a crotch region that interconnects the first and second waist regions. The garment comprises non-extensible, relatively rigid first and second fastening components attached to the first surface of the first waist region adjacent the first and second side edges, respectively. The first waist region defines first and second flange portions transversely outward of the first and second fastening components, respectively. Each flange portion is transversely curled toward the second surface. A process for making such an article is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2019
    Publication date: September 26, 2019
    Inventors: Brian K. Rhodes, Suzanne M. Schmoker, Kimberly L. Ellefson, Julie A. Paveletzke, Kimberly M. Downs, Brent C. Otis
  • Patent number: 10363176
    Abstract: A refastenable disposable garment defines a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, and comprises a first waist region contiguous with a first waist edge. The first waist region defines first and second side edges transversely spaced apart and defines first and second surfaces. The first waist region is elastomeric proximal both the first and second side edges. The garment can include a second waist region and a crotch region that interconnects the first and second waist regions. The garment comprises non-extensible, relatively rigid first and second fastening components attached to the first surface of the first waist region adjacent the first and second side edges, respectively. The first waist region defines first and second flange portions transversely outward of the first and second fastening components, respectively. Each flange portion is transversely curled toward the second surface. A process for making such an article is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian K. Rhodes, Suzanne M. Schmoker, Kimberly L. Ellefson, Julie A. Paveletzke, Kimberly M. Downs, Brent C. Otis
  • Publication number: 20130231625
    Abstract: A pre-fastened adjustable pant-like disposable absorbent undergarment including a fully severed front panel is disclosed. The front panel includes a first side section, a second side section, and a middle section, wherein the front body panel is completely severed between the first side section and the middle section, and wherein the front body panel is completely severed between the second side section and the middle section. In addition, a pair of attachment members are secured to the side sections and releasably attached to the middle section. The pre-fastened adjustable pant-like disposable absorbent undergarment also includes a back body panel, and an absorbent assembly secured to said front and back body panels, and said front and back body panels being joined together by a pair of side seams to form a waist opening and a pair of leg openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Inventors: Kimberly L. Ellefson, Kimberly M. Downs, Suzanne M. Schmoker
  • Publication number: 20130231629
    Abstract: An attachment member for use with absorbent articles is disclosed. The attachment member for a disposable absorbent article has a first side section securely attached to the disposable absorbent article, the first side having a first graphic. The attachment member has a second side releasably attached to the disposable article, the second side having a second graphic. In one embodiment, the first graphic has a first Pattern Complexity Value and the second graphic having a second Pattern Complexity Value. In another embodiment, the first graphic has a first color and the second graphic has a second color, and the first color and the second color are different. The change in appearance of the graphic on the attachment member allows for a user to more easily detect the presence of the releasable edge and allows for adjustment of the fit of the absorbent article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Inventors: Julie A. Paveletzke, Katie A. Boland, Kimberly M. Downs, Kimberly L. Ellefson, Suzanne M. Schmoker
  • Publication number: 20130165898
    Abstract: A refastenable disposable garment defines a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, and comprises a first waist region contiguous with a first waist edge. The first waist region defines first and second side edges transversely spaced apart and defines first and second surfaces. The first waist region is elastomeric proximal both the first and second side edges. The garment can include a second waist region and a crotch region that interconnects the first and second waist regions. The garment comprises non-extensible, relatively rigid first and second fastening components attached to the first surface of the first waist region adjacent the first and second side edges, respectively. The first waist region defines first and second flange portions transversely outward of the first and second fastening components, respectively. Each flange portion is transversely curled toward the second surface. A process for making such an article is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventors: Brian K. Rhodes, Suzanne M. Schmoker, Kimberly L. Ellefson, Julie A. Paveletzke, Kimberly M. Downs, Brent C. Otis
  • Patent number: 7707655
    Abstract: A self warming mask is disclosed. The self warming mask includes a facing layer configured to cover at least a portion of a person's face. Attached to the facing layer is at least one thermal delivery pad. The thermal delivery pad contains an exothermic composition. Once the mask is removed from a sealed package, air contacts the thermal delivery pad causing the mask to elevate in temperature . The thermal delivery pad can be constructed so that the rise of temperature and the length of time the mask remains heated is carefully controlled. The mask product can be used in combination with a fragrance or vapor delivery device for also releasing a fragrance, a vapor, or both as the mask is heated. In one embodiment, the fragrance or vapor delivery device can be attached and removed to the mask as a user desires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Laura Folkenberg Braunecker, Kimberly L. Ellefson, Nefetari Bordain Murph, James Dell Milner, Curtis N. Sayre, Jeffrey Eldon Fish, Kristi J. Bryant
  • Patent number: 7399484
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a patch and method for providing therapy to an individual. The patch and method provide a user or therapist with the flexibility to apply a patch to highly contoured areas on the individual's body. In some embodiments, the patch includes a body that applies therapy to the individual when the patch is placed on the individual. The patch further includes at least one cut in the body of the patch. In other example embodiments, the present invention relates to a method of providing therapy to an individual. The method includes selecting a patch that provides therapy to an individual. The patch includes a body and at least one cut in the body. The method further includes applying the patch to the individual where the cut in the body allows the patch to conform to the individual as the patch is applied to the individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Kimberly L. Ellefson, James D. Milner, MeeWha Lee
  • Publication number: 20080141437
    Abstract: A self warming mask is disclosed. The self warming mask includes a facing layer configured to cover at least a portion of a person's face. Attached to the facing layer is at least one thermal delivery pad. The thermal delivery pad contains an exothermic composition. Once the mask is removed from a sealed package, air contacts the thermal delivery pad causing the mask to elevate in temperature. The thermal delivery pad can be constructed so that the rise of temperature and the length of time the mask remains heated is carefully controlled. The mask product can be used in combination with a fragrance or vapor delivery device for also releasing a fragrance, a vapor, or both as the mask is heated. In one embodiment, the fragrance or vapor delivery device can be attached and removed to the mask as a user desires.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Laura Folkenberg Braunecker, Kimberly L. Ellefson, Nefetari Bordain Murph, James Dell Milner, Curtis N. Sayre, Jeffrey Eldon Fish, Kristi J. Bryant
  • Publication number: 20080138051
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods for designing and employing a portable device for effecting a desired environment proximate to the device (including carrying out such methods under business arrangements encompassing two or more business entities). The effected environment includes, in part, temporary increases in the amount of water vapor as the device emits water vapor over some time duration, typically from about 1 or 2 minutes or so to about 15 to 30 minutes or so. Heat from a chemical heating engine is employed to drive off the water vapor. The device may also emit one or more ingredients adapted to be detected by olfaction. The device may be used to help address symptoms of various ailments, e.g., cold, flu, allergies, sinusitis, and the like. Also, the device may be employed to help promote a desired emotive state for the user of the device. The device promotes one or more desired states through auditory, tactile, visual, and/or olfactory signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Herb F. Velazquez, Frank G. Druecke, Blake A. Hondl, Mary Philip, Kimberly L. Ellefson, James D. McManus, Simon English, Nathan A. Ray, Deekshitha Wimalasuriya, Kon Euan Gerard Wong
  • Publication number: 20080135640
    Abstract: Disclosed is a portable device for effecting a desired environment proximate to the device. The effected environment includes, in part, temporary increases in the amount of water vapor as the device emits water vapor over some time duration, typically from about 1 or 2 minutes or so to about 15 to 30 minutes or so (other durations are possible). Heat from a chemical heating engine is employed to drive off the water vapor. The device may also emit one or more ingredients adapted to be detected by olfaction. The device may be used to help address symptoms of various ailments, e.g., cold, flu, allergies, sinusitis, and the like. Also, the device may be employed to help promote a desired emotive state for the user of the device. The device promotes one or more desired states through auditory, tactile, visual, and/or olfactory signals. Furthermore, the device may be used to open pores in skin; or to treat skin or tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Herb F. Velazquez, Frank G. Druecke, Blake A. Hondl, Mary Philip, Kimberly L. Ellefson, James D. McManus, Simon English, Nathan A. Ray, Deekshitha Wimalasuriya, Kon Euan Gerard Wong