Patents by Inventor MaryAnn Zunker
MaryAnn Zunker 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: 9814630Abstract: Generally, a vaginal insert device used to treat urinary incontinence is disclosed. The vaginal insert device includes a support portion, a stabilizing portion, a removal device, and at least one fluid passageway extending though the support portion. The substantially cylindrical support portion has a distal end and a proximal end. In addition, the support portion has a plurality of foldable areas extending from the distal end to the proximal end. Desirably, the plurality of foldable areas helically curve as the plurality of foldable areas extend from the distal end to the proximal end. The largest outer circumference of the support portion has an insertion diameter when the plurality of foldable areas are compressed and foldable inward and an in-use diameter wherein the plurality of foldable areas are extended outward into a maximum in-use diameter position. Desirably, the in-use diameter is larger than the insertion diameter.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2010Date of Patent: November 14, 2017Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Kimberly Louise Ellefson, Jason Robert Boon, Garry Roland Woltman, MaryAnn Zunker, Patricia Ann Samolinski, Walter George Bauer, Vivian Kate Barad, Nicole Sarah Kahn, Gina Lynn Romero, Elger Oberwelz, James Rolfe Yurchenco, Jonah Lawrence Houston, Tiffany Heather Card, Martin Schnitzer
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Patent number: 9277982Abstract: A disposable urinary incontinence device comprises a liquid-stable resilient member, and a cover sheet that envelops the liquid-stable resilient member to form an elongated member having a tubular profile. The elongated member has a first end, a second end, a first fold region disposed between the first end and the second end, a second fold region disposed between the first end and the first fold region, a third fold region disposed between the second end and the first fold region, a first portion located between the first end and the second fold region, a second portion located between the second end and the third fold region, a third portion located between the first fold region and a second fold region, and a fourth portion located between the first fold region and the third fold region to form a W-shaped incontinence device.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2014Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: MaryAnn Zunker, Sarah Anne Lemke, Particia Ann Samolinski, Sarah Anne Olson
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Patent number: 9022919Abstract: A vaginal insert device including a support portion, a stabilizing portion, a removal device, and at least one fluid passageway extending though the support portion is disclosed. The vaginal insert relaxes in the vagina to deliver outward compression force against the bladder neck via the anterior vaginal wall to assist prevention of urinary stress incontinence. The substantially cylindrical support portion has a distal end, a proximal end, and a hollow interior section with a plurality of struts extending from the distal end to the proximal end. Desirably, the plurality of struts helically curve as the plurality of struts extend from the distal end to the proximal end. The largest circumference of the support portion has an insertion diameter when the plurality of struts are twisted together and an in-use diameter wherein the plurality of struts are extended outward into a convex position larger than the insertion diameter.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2010Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Kimberly Louise Ellefson, Jason Robert Boon, Garry Roland Woltman, MaryAnn Zunker, Patricia Ann Samolinski, Walter George Bauer, Vivian Kate Barad, Nicole Sarah Kahn, Gina Lynn Romero, Elger Oberwelz, James Rolfe Yurchenco, Jonah Lawrence Houston, Tiffany Heather Card, Martin Schnitzer
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Patent number: 8911344Abstract: A vaginal insert device includes a support segment having a distal end and a proximal end, the support segment defining a support segment plane; and a stabilizing segment extending from the distal end of the support segment, the stabilizing segment defining a stabilizing segment plane, wherein the stabilizing segment plane is generally perpendicular to the support segment plane when the vaginal insert device is in an in-use configuration. A vaginal insert device system including the vaginal insert device can also include an applicator coupled to the vaginal insert device when the vaginal insert device is in an insertion configuration.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2011Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Amanda Rae Altan, MaryAnn Zunker, Sarah Anne Olson, Christine Marie Cowell, Jennifer Leigh Skabroud Misek, Chadwick Irvin Romzek, Matthew Edward Gerstle
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Publication number: 20140135572Abstract: A disposable urinary incontinence device comprises a liquid-stable resilient member, and a cover sheet that envelops the liquid-stable resilient member to form an elongated member having a tubular profile. The elongated member has a first end, a second end, a first fold region disposed between the first end and the second end, a second fold region disposed between the first end and the first fold region, a third fold region disposed between the second end and the first fold region, a first portion located between the first end and the second fold region, a second portion located between the second end and the third fold region, a third portion located between the first fold region and a second fold region, and a fourth portion located between the first fold region and the third fold region to form a W-shaped incontinence device.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2014Publication date: May 15, 2014Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: MaryAnn Zunker, Sarah Anne Lemke, Particia Ann Samolinski, Sarah Anne Olson
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Publication number: 20140066871Abstract: An anatomically-conforming vaginal insert is formed from a composition, wherein the composition includes a material that is introduced into a vaginal canal as a viscous material at a first temperature and after insertion into the vaginal canal becomes a semi-solid at a second temperature greater than the first temperature, wherein the first temperature is about 20° C. and the material has increased solidity at the second temperature as compared to the first temperature, and wherein the composition is disposed within a over sheet. The vaginal insert can be formulated with a withdrawal device, and the withdrawal device can be attached to the cover sheet.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2012Publication date: March 6, 2014Inventors: Kristin M. Shepard, MaryAnn Zunker
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Patent number: 8506543Abstract: A vaginal insert formed from a composition that, prior to introduction to the vagina, has the physical properties of a liquid, semi-soft gel, paste, foam, or viscous material so that it can be effectively delivered to the vaginal canal. After introduction into the vagina, the composition will expand and/or solidify into a semi-solid or solid structure to substantially fill the entire “H” shaped space of the vagina and a portion of the rugal folds along the length of the vaginal canal. Upon solidifying, the composition defines an insert that, in one embodiment, is suitable for use as a tampon and, in another embodiment, is suitable for use as an incontinence device.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2012Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Kristin M. Shepard, MaryAnn Zunker
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Publication number: 20130158340Abstract: A vaginal insert device includes a support segment having a distal end and a proximal end, the support segment defining a support segment plane; and a stabilizing segment extending from the distal end of the support segment, the stabilizing segment defining a stabilizing segment plane, wherein the stabilizing segment plane is generally perpendicular to the support segment plane when the vaginal insert device is in an in-use configuration. A vaginal insert device system including the vaginal insert device can also include an applicator coupled to the vaginal insert device when the vaginal insert device is in an insertion configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2011Publication date: June 20, 2013Inventors: Amanda Rae Altan, MaryAnn Zunker, Sarah Anne Olson, Christine Marie Cowell, Jennifer Leigh Skabroud Misek, Chadwick Irvin Romzek, Matthew Edward Gerstle
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Patent number: 8353886Abstract: A hygienic article for personal wear by a male includes an elongate fabric sleeve having a first end, a longitudinally opposite second end, and a central passage extending longitudinally between the first and second ends of the sleeve. The first end of the sleeve is open to the central passage to permit the wearer's penis to extend through the open first end into the central passage of the sleeve with the first end of the sleeve nearer to the base of the wearer's penis than the second end of the sleeve. The second end of the sleeve is also open to the central passage to permit the wearer to urinate through the open second end. A dispenser is adapted for holding a plurality of such hygienic articles and facilitating sequential dispensing of the hygienic articles, one at a time, from the dispenser.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2005Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth W. Bester, Jr., Joseph DiPalma, MaryAnn Zunker
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Publication number: 20120289768Abstract: A vaginal insert formed from a composition that, prior to introduction to the vagina, has the physical properties of a liquid, semi-soft gel, paste, foam, or viscous material so that it can be effectively delivered to the vaginal canal. After introduction into the vagina, the composition will expand and/or solidify into a semi-solid or solid structure to substantially fill the entire “H” shaped space of the vagina and a portion of the rugal folds along the length of the vaginal canal. Upon solidifying, the composition defines an insert that, in one embodiment, is suitable for use as a tampon and, in another embodiment, is suitable for use as an incontinence device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2012Publication date: November 15, 2012Inventors: Kristin M. Shepard, MaryAnn Zunker
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Patent number: 8217219Abstract: A vaginal insert formed from a composition that, prior to introduction to the vagina, has the physical properties of a liquid, semi-soft gel, paste, foam, or viscous material so that it can be effectively delivered to the vaginal canal. After introduction into the vagina, the composition will expand and/or solidify into a semi-solid or solid structure to substantially fill the entire “H” shaped space of the vagina and a portion of the rugal folds along the length of the vaginal canal. Upon solidifying, the composition defines an insert that, in one embodiment, is suitable for use as a tampon and, in another embodiment, is suitable for use as an incontinence device.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2003Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Kristin M. Shepard, MaryAnn Zunker
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Publication number: 20120165599Abstract: Generally, a vaginal insert device used to treat urinary incontinence is disclosed. The vaginal insert device includes a support portion, a stabilizing portion, a removal device, and at least one fluid passageway extending though the support portion. The substantially cylindrical support portion has a distal end and a proximal end. In addition, the support portion has a plurality of foldable areas extending from the distal end to the proximal end. Desirably, the plurality of foldable areas helically curve as the plurality of foldable areas extend from the distal end to the proximal end. The largest outer circumference of the support portion has an insertion diameter when the plurality of foldable areas are compressed and foldable inward and an in-use diameter wherein the plurality of foldable areas are extended outward into a maximum in-use diameter position. Desirably, the in-use diameter is larger than the insertion diameter.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2010Publication date: June 28, 2012Inventors: Kimberly Louise Ellefson, Jason Robert Boon, Garry Roland Woltman, MaryAnn Zunker, Patricia Ann Samolinski, Walter George Bauer, Vivian Kate Barad, Nicole Sarah Kahn, Gina Lynn Romero, Elger Oberwelz, James Rolfe Yurchenco, Jonah Lawrence Houston, Tiffany Heather Card, Martin Schnitzer
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Publication number: 20120165601Abstract: A vaginal insert device including a support portion, a stabilizing portion, a removal device, and at least one fluid passageway extending though the support portion is disclosed. The vaginal insert relaxes in the vagina to deliver outward compression force against the bladder neck via the anterior vaginal wall to assist prevention of urinary stress incontinence. The substantially cylindrical support portion has a distal end, a proximal end, and a hollow interior section with a plurality of struts extending from the distal end to the proximal end. Desirably, the plurality of struts helically curve as the plurality of struts extend from the distal end to the proximal end. The largest circumference of the support portion has an insertion diameter when the plurality of struts are twisted together and an in-use diameter wherein the plurality of struts are extended outward into a convex position larger than the insertion diameter.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2010Publication date: June 28, 2012Inventors: Kimberly Louise Ellefson, Jason Robert Boon, Garry Roland Woltman, MaryAnn Zunker, Patricia Ann Samolinski, Walter George Bauer, Vivian Kate Barad, Nicole Sarah Kahn, Gina Lynn Romero, Elger Oberwelz, James Rolfe Yurchenco, Jonah Lawrence Houston, Tiffany Heather Card, Martin Schnitzer
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Publication number: 20110160526Abstract: A disposable urinary incontinence device comprises a liquid-stable resilient member and a cover sheet. The cover sheet envelops the liquid-stable resilient member to form an elongated member having a tubular profile. The elongated member has a first end, a second end. The cover sheet exhibits a skin-facing surface contact area of less than 30% at a depth of 10% of the cover sheet. In addition, the cover sheet has a static coefficient of 0.275 to 0.150, and a dynamic coefficient of friction of 0.230 to 0.150.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2009Publication date: June 30, 2011Inventors: MaryAnn Zunker, Garry Roland Woltman, Fung-jou Chen, Paulin Pawar, Sarah Anne Lemke, Patricia Ann Samolinski, Sarah Anne Olson
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Patent number: 7931634Abstract: A disposable intralabial urinary incontinence article having a resilient and liquid impermeable exostructure captures bodily exudates. The exostructure has a top surface and an internal space adapted to receive fluids. At least a portion of the exostructure is a flange that rests at least partially outside the labia. The exostructure also has a neck extending from the top surface that at least partially occupies the vestibular region and rests proximate the vestibule floor. The neck has a fluid receiving opening which is in communication with the internal space. The neck is configured so the fluid receiving opening is positioned generally adjacent the urethral meatus to direct urine into the internal space. The internal space may include an absorbent and the article may include a clitoral guide to aid positioning of the article within the vestibule.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2003Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Alethea Angelic Marie Swiecicki, Cindy Lou Price, MaryAnn Zunker, Richard Joseph Hantke, Corey James Pelz
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Publication number: 20070142794Abstract: A hygienic article for personal wear by a male includes an elongate fabric sleeve having a first end, a longitudinally opposite second end, and a central passage extending longitudinally between the first and second ends of the sleeve. The first end of the sleeve is open to the central passage to permit the wearer's penis to extend through the open first end into the central passage of the sleeve with the first end of the sleeve nearer to the base of the wearer's penis than the second end of the sleeve. The second end of the sleeve is also open to the central passage to permit the wearer to urinate through the open second end. A dispenser is adapted for holding a plurality of such hygienic articles and facilitating sequential dispensing of the hygienic articles, one at a time, from the dispenser.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2005Publication date: June 21, 2007Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth Bester,, Joseph DiPalma, MaryAnn Zunker
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Publication number: 20060004318Abstract: The invention relates to a disposable device for supplying a material to a vagina. The disposable device includes a housing, a membrane and a material (e.g., a liquid) that is enclosed by the membrane. The disposable device further includes a core that is positioned within the housing. The core is movable within the housing to open the membrane. In some embodiments, the core includes a handle and a swab secured to the handle such that the swab absorbs the liquid that was originally within the membrane. In some embodiments, the membrane includes an elastic member that seals the liquid inside the membrane and the housing includes resilient members that close the second end of the housing. The resilient members engage the elastic member such that the elastic member opens as the core moves within the housing to force the resilient members apart and dispense the material from the membrane.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2004Publication date: January 5, 2006Inventors: Ann Przepasniak, Amanda O'Connor, MaryAnn Zunker
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Patent number: 6969380Abstract: A urinary incontinence device for reducing the occurrence and/or severity of female urinary incontinence. The urinary incontinence includes a non-absorbent core structure and a resilient member having a generally trapezoidal shaped profile. The resilient member is adapted to expand the urinary incontinence device within a vagina, while also providing a soft tip for the facilitating the insertion of the device.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2000Date of Patent: November 29, 2005Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventor: MaryAnn Zunker
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Publication number: 20050256440Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention relates to a disposable device for mechanically engaging a vagina. The disposable device includes an elongated handle and an elongated swab that is secured to the elongated handle. The elongated swab has an oblong cross-section in a plane that is orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the elongated swab. In other embodiments, the present invention relates to a method of fabricating a disposable device for mechanically engaging a vagina. The method includes forming an elongated swab that has an oblong cross-section in a plane which is orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the elongated swab. The method further includes securing the elongated swab to an elongated handle. In other embodiments, the present invention relates to a method of engaging a vagina. The method includes positioning the disposable device near a vagina and mechanically maneuvering the elongated handle to manipulate the elongated swab against the vagina.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2004Publication date: November 17, 2005Inventors: MaryAnn Zunker, Ann Przepasniak, Cornelis Bosselaar
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Patent number: D612491Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2007Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Suzanne K. Sullivan Conrad, Jane B. Kelly, Mary L. McDaniel, MaryAnn Zunker