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).

  • Patent number: 11771605
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20230190544
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2023
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    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
  • Patent number: 11596561
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20230053299
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2022
    Publication date: February 16, 2023
    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
  • Patent number: 11523946
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: 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
  • 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: 20210137753
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Publication date: May 13, 2021
    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
  • Patent number: 10993852
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20200038258
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    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
  • Publication number: 20200008988
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    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
  • 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: 20180085263
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Publication date: March 29, 2018
    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
  • 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: 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: 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