Patents by Inventor Kimberly M. Downs
Kimberly M. Downs 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: 11771605Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 29, 2018Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: 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
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Publication number: 20230190544Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2023Publication date: June 22, 2023Inventors: 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
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Patent number: 11596561Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 29, 2018Date of Patent: March 7, 2023Assignee: 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
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Publication number: 20230053299Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2022Publication date: February 16, 2023Inventors: 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
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Patent number: 11523946Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 29, 2018Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Assignee: 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
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Patent number: 11253408Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 13, 2019Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Brian K. Rhodes, Suzanne M. Schmoker, Kimberly L. Ellefson, Julie A. Paveletzke, Kimberly M. Downs, Brent C. Otis
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Publication number: 20210137753Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2018Publication date: May 13, 2021Inventors: 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
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Patent number: 10993852Abstract: An absorbent garment has a minimum crotch width less than 30% the front region width. The absorbent garment has an absorbent member minimum width less than 80 mm. The absorbent member minimum width is less than 53% the minimum crotch width and is less than 60% the absorbent member maximum width.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2015Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Marie E. Boll, Kimberly Louise Ellefson, Ligia A. Rivera, Tammy J. Nettekoven, Kimberly M. Downs, Todd R. Hagner, Marlene R. Dins, Ronald Alex Hilt, Michael J. Kerins
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Publication number: 20200038258Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2018Publication date: February 6, 2020Inventors: 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
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Publication number: 20200008988Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2018Publication date: January 9, 2020Inventors: 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
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Publication number: 20190290508Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2019Publication date: September 26, 2019Inventors: Brian K. Rhodes, Suzanne M. Schmoker, Kimberly L. Ellefson, Julie A. Paveletzke, Kimberly M. Downs, Brent C. Otis
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Patent number: 10363176Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 23, 2011Date of Patent: July 30, 2019Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Brian K. Rhodes, Suzanne M. Schmoker, Kimberly L. Ellefson, Julie A. Paveletzke, Kimberly M. Downs, Brent C. Otis
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Publication number: 20180085263Abstract: An absorbent garment has a minimum crotch width less than 30% the front region width. The absorbent garment has an absorbent member minimum width less than 80 mm. The absorbent member minimum width is less than 53% the minimum crotch width and is less than 60% the absorbent member maximum width.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2015Publication date: March 29, 2018Inventors: Marie E. Boll, Kimberly Louise Ellefson, Ligia A. Rivera, Tammy J. Nettekoven, Kimberly M. Downs, Todd R. Hagner, Marlene R. Dins, Ronald Alex Hilt, Michael J. Kerins
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Publication number: 20130231629Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2012Publication date: September 5, 2013Inventors: Julie A. Paveletzke, Katie A. Boland, Kimberly M. Downs, Kimberly L. Ellefson, Suzanne M. Schmoker
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Publication number: 20130231625Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2012Publication date: September 5, 2013Inventors: Kimberly L. Ellefson, Kimberly M. Downs, Suzanne M. Schmoker
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Publication number: 20130165898Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2011Publication date: June 27, 2013Inventors: Brian K. Rhodes, Suzanne M. Schmoker, Kimberly L. Ellefson, Julie A. Paveletzke, Kimberly M. Downs, Brent C. Otis