Patents by Inventor Lori A. Roocks

Lori A. Roocks 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: 12599510
    Abstract: An absorbent article is disclosed that has various leak-proof features. The absorbent article, for instance, includes containment flaps that hold body exudates within the garment. The containment flaps are attached to the absorbent article by a plurality of bond lines at each end of the containment flaps. In order to restrict fluids from flowing between the bond lines, the containment flaps are further bonded at each end by a transverse bond pattern. In one embodiment, the transverse bond pattern can be formed from ultrasonic point bonds. The transverse bond patterns not only restrict leaks but also is aesthetically pleasing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2026
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew X Majestic, Lynn Lynch, Janet E. Collins, Austin N. Pickett, Amanda L. Plump, Joseph J. Sina, Lori A. Roocks
  • Publication number: 20260083598
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed toward absorbent articles having increased stiffness. In particular, an absorbent article has a body side liner, an outer cover, and an absorbent system comprising a fluid acquisition layer disposed between the bodyside liner and the outer cover. The article further comprises elasticated containment flaps having an active region and one or more inactive regions. The article has an article flexibility of less than or equal to 35 gf at a first location of the article located within the containment flap first inactive regions, and wherein the absorbent article has an article flexibility of greater than or equal to 40 gf at a second location of the article located within the containment flap active region, the article flexibility determined according to the Probe Flexibility Test Method described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2023
    Publication date: March 26, 2026
    Inventors: Hwa Y. Kim, Lori A. Roocks, Matthew R. Van Hout, Adam J. Kurzynski
  • Publication number: 20230172766
    Abstract: An absorbent article is disclosed that has various leak-proof features. The absorbent article, for instance, includes containment flaps that hold body exudates within the garment. The containment flaps are attached to the absorbent article by a plurality of bond lines at each end of the containment flaps. In order to restrict fluids from flowing between the bond lines, the containment flaps are further bonded at each end by a transverse bond pattern. In one embodiment, the transverse bond pattern can be formed from ultrasonic point bonds. The transverse bond patterns not only restrict leaks but also is aesthetically pleasing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2020
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Inventors: Matthew X. Majestic, Lynn Lynch, Janet E. Collins, Austin N. Pickett, Amanda L. Plump, Joseph J. Sina, Lori A. Roocks
  • Patent number: 5624429
    Abstract: A distinctive article can include an elastomerically stretchable side panel having a longitudinal dimension and a lateral dimension. A member of hook material is operably connected to a first, laterally outboard edge portion of the side panel, and each member of hook material includes a hook base layer which has an appointed fastening region and an appointed grip region. The fastening region has a plurality of hook elements which are integrally formed with the base layer and extend away from a base plane of the hook base layer. The hook elements are configured to operably engage a selected, cooperating loop material. The grip region has a relatively lower density of the hook elements per unit area, as compared to the fastening region. The fastening region is interposed between the side panel and the grip region. The grip region provides a laterally terminal edge of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew M. Long, Andrew E. Huntoon, Sang V. Tran, Lori A. Roocks, Patrick R. Lord, Gordon A. Shaw