Patents by Inventor Leigh E. Wood
Leigh E. Wood 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: 11137005Abstract: Flexible displays that include an interlocking device.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2020Date of Patent: October 5, 2021Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Dylan T. Cosgrove, Fay T. Salmon, Albert I. Everaerts, Leigh E. Wood
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Patent number: 10973710Abstract: Absorbent article including a chassis and fastening tab. The fastening tab includes a carrier, a first fastener having first male fastening elements, and a second fastener. The second fastener includes a backing with first and second opposing surfaces, with second male fastening elements on the first surface. A first portion of the second surface of the backing is connected to the carrier, and a second portion of the second surface of the backing is attached to the topsheet side of the chassis. The carrier is attached to the backsheet side of the chassis. Some fastening laminates, before attachment to the article, have the second portion of the second fastener folded over to face the first portion of the second fastener. Other laminates have the second fastener positioned with its first surface toward the carrier and attached to the carrier with a film.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2015Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Mark A. Peltier, Timothy V. Stagg, Leigh E. Wood, Thomas J. Gilbert, Steven J. Perron
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Patent number: 10925777Abstract: Diaper assemblies, along with related articles and methods, are provided. The diaper assembly includes a diaper comprising an inner surface and a blocking member coupled to a portion of the inner surface. The blocking member has a resilient pad coextends along a portion of the inner surface and further includes an attachment layer bonded to the resilient pad and may be repositionably attached at other locations along the inner surface. Advantageously, the blocking member can provide a releasable and repositionable seal that conveniently enhances the functionality of commercially available diapers.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2015Date of Patent: February 23, 2021Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Leigh E. Wood, Michael J. McNamara, Lori-Ann S. Prioleau
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Patent number: 10704172Abstract: A multi-component fiber including at least first and second components. In some cases, at least a portion of the first component is opaque and microporous, and the second component is different from the first component. In some cases, at least a portion of the second component can be seen through at least a portion of the first component. A fiber having an opaque, microporous region and a see-through region of lower porosity is also disclosed. Fibrous webs including such fibers are also disclosed. In some cases, the fibrous web has at least one first region where first portions of the multiple fibers are opaque and microporous and at least one second region where second portions of the multiple fibers form a see-through region of lower porosity. Articles and laminates including the fibrous webs are disclosed. Methods of making the fibers, fibrous webs, and articles are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2015Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Neelakandan Chandrasekaran, Lori-Ann S. Prioleau, Leigh E. Wood, Jayant Chakravarty, Timothy V. Stagg
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Publication number: 20200173474Abstract: Flexible displays that include an interlocking device.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2020Publication date: June 4, 2020Inventors: Dylan T. Cosgrove, Fay T. Salmon, Albert I. Everaerts, Leigh E. Wood
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Patent number: 10603830Abstract: Polymeric netting comprising polymeric ribbons and polymeric strands, each of the polymeric ribbons and polymeric strands having a length and a width, wherein the length is the longest dimension and the width is the shortest dimension, wherein a plurality of the polymeric strands are bonded together to form a netting layer, wherein adjacent polymeric strands in the netting layer are bonded intermittently at multiple locations along their respective lengths, wherein the netting layer has first and second opposing major surfaces, wherein the polymeric ribbons have a height-to-width aspect ratio of at least 2:1 and a minor surface defined by their width and length, and wherein the minor surface of a plurality of the polymeric ribbons is bonded to the first major surface of the netting layer. Polymeric netting described herein are useful, for example, in an absorbent article.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2015Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Ronald W. Ausen, Robert C. Etter, William J. Kopecky, Michelle L. Legatt, Lori-Ann S. Prioleau, Leigh E. Wood
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Patent number: 10590973Abstract: At least some aspects of the present disclosure feature a flexible display including a first layer and a second layer, a bonding layer disposed between the first layer and the second layer. The bonding layer includes an interlocking device. The interlocking device includes a first interlocking component and a second interlocking component configured to engage with the first interlocking component such that the engagement prevent the separation of the first layer from the second layer.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2016Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Dylan T. Cosgrove, Fay T. Salmon, Albert I. Everaerts, Leigh E. Wood
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Patent number: 10500801Abstract: A polymeric netting includes polymeric strands and first and second polymeric ribbons. The first and second ribbons each independently have a height-to-width aspect ratio of at least three to one and a major surface that is intermittently bonded to a polymeric strand, with first and second edges symmetrically disposed on opposite sides of a center line bisecting the major surface. The netting has first and second opposing major surfaces transverse to the major surfaces of the first and second ribbons. The first major surface of the netting includes the first edges of the first ribbons, and the second major surface includes the second edges of the second ribbons. The first ribbons do not extend to the second major surface, and the second ribbons do not extend to the first major surface. Articles including the netting, an extrusion die, and a method useful for making the netting are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2015Date of Patent: December 10, 2019Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Michelle L. Legatt, Ronald W. Ausen, William J. Kopecky, Wei Zhang, Lori-Ann S. Prioleau, Delony L. Langer-Anderson, Leigh E. Wood, Thomas B. Galush
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Patent number: 10456303Abstract: A method of making a mechanical fastening strip and a reticulated mechanical fastening strip are disclosed. The method includes providing a backing having upstanding posts; providing interrupted slits through the backing, the interrupted slits being interrupted by at least one intact bridging region; spreading the slit backing to provide multiple strands separated from each other between at least some of the bridging regions to provide at least one opening; and fixing the multiple strands of the backing in a spread configuration. The reticulated mechanical fastening strip includes multiple strands of a backing attached to each other at bridging regions in the backing and separated from each other between the bridging regions to provide openings. Upstanding posts on each of the multiple strands have bases attached to the backing, and each of the multiple strands has a width that is greater than that of the bases of its attached upstanding posts.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2015Date of Patent: October 29, 2019Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Leigh E. Wood, Thomas J. Gilbert, Mark A. Peltier, Peter Kitzer, Volker Hauschildt, Andreas Urban, William C. Unruh, Kristopher K. Biegler
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Patent number: 10376420Abstract: A personal hygiene article includes a chassis with a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent component between the topsheet and the backsheet. At least one portion of the personal hygiene article includes a microporous film having an opaque, microporous region and at least one see-through region of lower porosity within the opaque, microporous region. The microporous film can include a beta-nucleating agent or can have thermally induced phase separation caused by a diluent. A container includes a microporous film enclosing at least one personal hygiene article. The microporous film has an opaque, microporous region and at least one see-through region of lower porosity forming a window within the opaque, microporous region. Methods of making the personal hygiene article and container are also described.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2014Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Neelakandan Chandrasekaran, Robert L. W. Smithson, Leigh E. Wood, Timothy V. Stagg
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Patent number: 10327967Abstract: A method of making a mechanical fastener. The method includes providing a slit web having mechanical fastening elements, applying tension to the slit web in the machine direction, and spreading the slit web in the cross-machine direction by moving the slit web over a crowned surface to provide a spread mechanical fastening web. The slit web includes a plurality of interrupted slits that are interrupted by intact bridging regions of the web. The crowned surface may be an air bearing, or at least a portion of the crowned surface is a low-friction surface, and the crowned surface and the slit web are not moving at the same speed in the same direction. The crowned surface may be provided with at least one ridge.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2017Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Thomas J. Gilbert, Leigh E. Wood, Mark A. Peltier, Pieter J. Gagnon
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Patent number: 10322560Abstract: A method of making a structured surface is disclosed. The method includes providing a thermoplastic backing with multiple rows of upstanding elements. The upstanding elements include stems with proximal ends attached to the thermoplastic backing and distal caps, and each distal cap has an overhanging portion that extends beyond the stem in a first direction. For at least some of the multiple rows, an implement is passed between two adjacent rows, wherein the implement contacts the overhanging portion of at least some of the distal caps in the two adjacent rows such that at least part of the overhanging portion is turned in a second direction, different from the first direction. A structured surface that can be prepared by the method is also provided along with a fastening laminate that includes a carrier and the structured surface and an absorbent article that includes the fastening laminate. A tool useful for carrying out the method is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2015Date of Patent: June 18, 2019Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Leigh E. Wood, Timothy P. Pariseau
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Patent number: 10265653Abstract: A filtration medium including a polymeric netting of polymeric ribbons and polymeric strands. Each of the polymeric ribbons and strands has a length and width, with the length being the longest dimension and the width being the shortest dimension. The polymeric ribbons have a height-to-width aspect ratio of at least three to one or five to one a major surface that is intermittently bonded to a polymeric strand, and a height typically greater than the height of the one polymeric strand. A filter including the filtration medium and a method useful for making the polymeric netting are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2015Date of Patent: April 23, 2019Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Andrew R. Fox, Lori-Ann S. Prioleau, Ronald W. Ausen, Zhiqun Zhang, William J. Kopecky, Leigh E. Wood, Michelle L. Legatt
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Patent number: 10188977Abstract: A polymeric netting including polymeric ribbons and polymeric strands. Each of the polymeric ribbons and strands has a length and width, with the length being the longest dimension and the width being the shortest dimension. The polymeric ribbons have a height-to-width aspect ratio of at least five to one, a major surface that is intermittently bonded to only one polymeric strand, and a height greater than the height of the one polymeric strand. An extrusion die and method useful for making the polymeric netting are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2015Date of Patent: January 29, 2019Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Leigh E. Wood, Lori-Ann S. Prioleau, Ronald W. Ausen, William J. Kopecky, Michelle L. Legatt, Wei Zhang, Delony L. Langer-Anderson, Thomas B. Galush
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Publication number: 20180135674Abstract: At least some aspects of the present disclosure feature a flexible display including a first layer and a second layer, a bonding layer disposed between the first layer and the second layer. The bonding layer includes an interlocking device. The interlocking device includes a first interlocking component and a second interlocking component configured to engage with the first interlocking component such that the engagement prevent the separation of the first layer from the second layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2016Publication date: May 17, 2018Inventors: Dylan T. Cosgrove, Fay T. Salmon, Albert I. Everaerts, Leigh E. Wood
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Publication number: 20170360625Abstract: Diaper assemblies, along with related articles and methods, are provided. The diaper assembly includes a diaper comprising an inner surface and a blocking member coupled to a portion of the inner surface. The blocking member has a resilient pad coextends along a portion of the inner surface and further includes an attachment layer bonded to the resilient pad and may be repositionably attached at other locations along the inner surface. Advantageously, the blocking member can provide a releasable and repositionable seal that conveniently enhances the functionality of commercially available diapers.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2015Publication date: December 21, 2017Inventors: Leigh E. Wood, Michael J. McNamara, Lori-Ann S. Prioleau
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Publication number: 20170361518Abstract: Polymeric netting comprising polymeric ribbons and polymeric strands, each of the polymeric ribbons and polymeric strands having a length and a width, wherein the length is the longest dimension and the width is the shortest dimension, wherein a plurality of the polymeric strands are bonded together to form a netting layer, wherein adjacent polymeric strands in the netting layer are bonded intermittently at multiple locations along their respective lengths, wherein the netting layer has first and second opposing major surfaces, wherein the polymeric ribbons have a height-to-width aspect ratio of at least 2:1 and a minor surface defined by their width and length, and wherein the minor surface of a plurality of the polymeric ribbons is bonded to the first major surface of the netting layer. Polymeric netting described herein are useful, for example, in an absorbent article.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2015Publication date: December 21, 2017Inventors: Ronald W. Ausen, Robert C. Etter, William J. Kopecky, Michelle L. Legatt, Lori-Ann S. Prioleau, Leigh E. Wood
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Publication number: 20170354553Abstract: Absorbent article including a chassis and fastening tab. The fastening tab includes a carrier, a first fastener having first male fastening elements, and a second fastener. The second fastener includes a backing with first and second opposing surfaces, with second male fastening elements on the first surface. A first portion of the second surface of the backing is connected to the carrier, and a second portion of the second surface of the backing is attached to the topsheet side of the chassis. The carrier is attached to the backsheet side of the chassis. Some fastening laminates, before attachment to the article, have the second portion of the second fastener folded over to face the first portion of the second fastener. Other laminates have the second fastener positioned with its first surface toward the carrier and attached to the carrier with a film.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2015Publication date: December 14, 2017Inventors: Mark A. Peltier, Timothy V. Stagg, Leigh E. Wood, Thomas J. Gilbert, Steven J. Perron
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Publication number: 20170290720Abstract: A method of making a mechanical fastener. The method includes providing a slit web having mechanical fastening elements, applying tension to the slit web in the machine direction, and spreading the slit web in the cross-machine direction by moving the slit web over a crowned surface to provide a spread mechanical fastening web. The slit web includes a plurality of interrupted slits that are interrupted by intact bridging regions of the web. The crowned surface may be an air bearing, or at least a portion of the crowned surface is a low-friction surface, and the crowned surface and the slit web are not moving at the same speed in the same direction. The crowned surface may be provided with at least one ridge.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2017Publication date: October 12, 2017Inventors: Thomas J. Gilbert, Leigh E. Wood, Mark A. Peltier, Pieter J. Gagnon
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Patent number: 9763837Abstract: An absorbent article, the absorbent article being a personal hygiene article, comprising a liquid permeable top sheet, a liquid impermeable back sheet, and an absorbent core enclosed between the top sheet and the back sheet, and a fluid flow control member arranged between the top sheet and the backsheet, said fluid flow control member being of a nonwoven material comprising a three dimensional network of fibres, said fibres having a thickness of 200-700 ?m, said nonwoven material having a strain of max 50% at 5 kPa.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2011Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: SCA HYGIENE PRODUCTS ABInventors: Charlotte Persson, Patrik Andersson, Kent Vartiainen, Charlotta Hanson, Britt-Marie Wiezell, Lori-Ann S. Prioleau, Thomas R. LaLiberte, Leigh E. Wood, Kerstin K. Ehlers, Peter P. Kitzer