Patents by Inventor Mary Anne Bruemmer-Prestley

Mary Anne Bruemmer-Prestley 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: 8007622
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for manufacturing personal care absorbent articles. Such personal care absorbent article includes a fastening area in the front portion for receiving fastener material thereon. First and second fault lines are formed on opposing sides of the fastening area leaving uncut web portions at the fault lines during selected manufacturing operations, thus to support machine direction stresses on the front portion web, and subsequently trimming away such uncut web portions of the fault lines. Fastener material is applied over the first and second fault lines, thus bridging the fault lines. The fastener material is releasably secured to the fastening area, non-releasably secured to the front portion outwardly of the respective fault lines, and unsecured to the front portion between the fastening area and the fault lines thus to support a re-fastening feature of such personal care absorbent articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold Norbert Heller, Donald Joseph Sanders, Paul Theodore Van Gompel, Lori Sue Schutkoske, Cindy Lou Price, Suzanne Marie Schmoker, Sarah Jane Marie Freiburger, Mary Anne Bruemmer-Prestley, Paul William Christoffel
  • Publication number: 20090008030
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for manufacturing personal care absorbent articles. Such personal care absorbent article includes a fastening area in the front portion for receiving fastener material thereon. First and second fault lines are formed on opposing sides of the fastening area leaving uncut web portions at the fault lines during selected manufacturing operations, thus to support machine direction stresses on the front portion web, and subsequently trimming away such uncut web portions of the fault lines. Fastener material is applied over the first and second fault lines, thus bridging the fault lines. The fastener material is releasably secured to the fastening area, non-releasably secured to the front portion outwardly of the respective fault lines, and unsecured to the front portion between the fastening area and the fault lines thus to support a re-fastening feature of such personal care absorbent articles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Harold Norbert Heller, Donald Joseph Sanders, Paul Theodore Van Gompel, Lori Sue Schutkoske, Cindy Lou Price, Suzanne Marie Schmoker, Sarah Jane Freiburger, Mary Anne Bruemmer-Prestley, Paul William Christoffel
  • Patent number: 7431791
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for manufacturing personal care absorbent articles. Such personal care absorbent article includes a fastening area in the front portion for receiving fastener material thereon. First and second fault lines are formed on opposing sides of the fastening area leaving uncut web portions at the fault lines during selected manufacturing operations, thus to support machine direction stresses on the front portion web, and subsequently trimming away such uncut web portions of the fault lines. Fastener material is applied over the first and second fault lines, thus bridging the fault lines. The fastener material is releasable secured to the fastening area, non-releasable secured to the front portion outwardly of the respective fault lines, and unsecured to the front portion between the fastening area and the fault lines thus to support a re-fastening feature of such personal care absorbent articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold Norbert Heller, Donald Joseph Sanders, Paul Theodore Van Gompel, Lori Sue Schutkoske, Cindy Lou Price, Suzanne Marie Schmoker, Sarah Jane Marie Freiburger, Mary Anne Bruemmer-Prestley, Paul William Christoffel
  • Patent number: 7264615
    Abstract: An absorbent insert for use with an absorbent garment has a body-facing outer surface and a garment-facing outer surface. The garment-facing outer surface is at least partially permeable to fluids. The insert also includes one or more absorbent layers and one or more delay layer(s) adapted to substantially affect the flow of fluid through the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Earle Harry Sherrod, Stephen Bradford Cook, David Arthur Fell, Cornelis Jacobus Bosselaar, Courtney M. Nelson, Paul Joseph Datta, Mary Anne Bruemmer-Prestley
  • Patent number: 7207979
    Abstract: A refastenable absorbent garment comprises a front body panel comprising a pair of side portions defining opposite side edges and a landing portion extending between said side portions, wherein the landing portion and each of the side portions are separated by a line of weakness. A rear body panel comprises opposite side edges that are joined to the opposite side edges of the front body panel to form a side seam. A hook-type fastener member comprises a carrier member secured to the side portions of the front body panel in front of the side seam and a plurality of hooks extending from the carrier member, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of hooks are engaged with the landing portion. A method for making the absorbent garment, and for securing the absorbent garment to a user, also are provided. In another aspect, an absorbent garment comprises a body panel having a length and a fastening member comprising at least two engagement portions releasably engaging the body panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Cindy L. Price, Suzanne M. Schmoker, Lori S. Schutkoske, Paul T. Van Gompel, Paul W. Christoffel, Sarah Jane Marie Freiburger, Mary Anne Bruemmer-Prestley
  • Patent number: 6676648
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent garment has a front region, a back region, and a central region, each region having a length along a longitudinal axis of one third of the length of the absorbent garment. An absorbent pad positioned within the regions has a length of absorbent pad in the back region divided by a length of absorbent pad in the front region and central region less than 0.10, and the length in the front region is greater than the length in the back region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Mary Anne Bruemmer Prestley, Marianne Keevill Leick, Gregory James Hess, David Arthur Fell, Sarah Jane Marie Freiburger, Amy Lynn Fletcher, Cornelis Jacobus Bosselaar, Joseph Patrick Fell, Jacqueline Ann Gross, John Anthony Rooyakkers, Kenneth Raymond Schueler, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20030135191
    Abstract: A refastenable absorbent garment comprises a front body panel comprising a pair of side portions defining opposite side edges and a landing portion extending between said side portions, wherein the landing portion and each of the side portions are separated by a line of weakness. A rear body panel comprises opposite side edges that are joined to the opposite side edges of the front body panel to form a side seam. A hook-type fastener member comprises a carrier member secured to the side portions of the front body panel in front of the side seam and a plurality of hooks extending from the carrier member, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of hooks are engaged with the landing portion. A method for making the absorbent garment, and for securing the absorbent garment to a user, also are provided. In another aspect, an absorbent garment comprises a body panel having a length and a fastening member comprising at least two engagement portions releasably engaging the body panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventors: Cindy L. Price, Suzanne M. Schmoker, Lori S. Schutkoske, Paul T. Van Gompel, Paul W. Christoffel, Sarah Jane Marie Freiburger, Mary Anne Bruemmer-Prestley
  • Patent number: 6569141
    Abstract: An absorbent article is disclosed having a refastenable mechanism. The absorbent article has a front portion, a back portion and a crotch portion. The crotch portion connects the front portion to the back portion. The back portion has a first end, a second end and first and second side edges. The back portion is divided into a first section and a second section. The first section is extendable in at least one direction and has a length L2 measured perpendicularly from the first end of the back portion to a line drawn parallel thereto. The second section has a length L3 measured perpendicularly from the second end of the back portion to the line drawn parallel to the first end whereby a ratio L2/L3 is established which ranges from between about 0.1 to about 2. First and second fasteners are positioned and secured adjacent to one of the first and second side edges of the back portion and are secured thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Mary Anne Bruemmer-Prestley, Sarah Jane Marie Freiburger, Nefetari Edris Bordain, Suzanne Marie Schmoker
  • Publication number: 20030088223
    Abstract: A personal care article comprising a front portion, first and second lateral sections having inner edges releasably fastened to the front portion and first and second outer portions attached to the front portion, a back portion, and a crotch portion between the front portion and the back portion, Outer edges of the first and second lateral sections are secured to third and fourth side edges of the back portion to form a pant-like article having a waist opening, and first and second leg openings. Strength of the attachment of the outer portions of the lateral sections to the front portion is less than strength of securement of the outer edges of the lateral sections to the back portion, whereby the attachments of the outer portions of the lateral sections to the front portion can be separated from the front portion without separating securement of the first and second lateral sections from the side edges of the back portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Eugene Vogt, Suzanne Marie Schmoker, Sarah Jane Marie Freiburger, Mary Anne Bruemmer-Prestley
  • Patent number: 6514235
    Abstract: An absorbent article is disclosed having a refastenable mechanism. The absorbent article has a front portion, a back portion and a crotch portion. The crotch portion connects the front portion to the back portion. The front portion has a first end, a second end, a first side edge and a second side edge. First and second lateral sections are releasably attached to the front portion and each of the first and second lateral sections has an outer edge. The back portion has first and second side edges and first and second ends. The back portion is divided into a first section and a second section. The first section has a length L2 measured perpendicularly from the first end of the back portion to a line drawn parallel thereto. The second section has a length L3 measured perpendicularly from the second end of the back portion to the line drawn parallel to the first end whereby a ratio L2/L3 is established which ranges from between about 0.1 to about 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Sarah Jane Marie Freiburger, Mary Anne Bruemmer-Prestley, Suzanne Marie Schmoker, Nefetari Edris Bordain, David Arthur Fell
  • Patent number: 6511465
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article is disclosed having a front portion, a back portion and a crotch portion. The crotch portion joins the front portion to the back portion. The back portion has a first end and a second end. The back portion is divided into a first section and a second section. The first section is extendable in a transverse direction and has a length L2 measured perpendicularly from the first end of the back portion to a line drawn parallel thereto. The second section has a length L3 measured perpendicularly from the second end of the back portion to the line drawn parallel to the first end. The second section has a first side edge, a second side edge, a first area A1 and a second area A2. The first area A1 represents an area bounded by the first and second side edges, the second end, and the line drawn parallel to the first end. The second area A2 represents an area bounded by first and second lines, the second end, and the line drawn parallel to the first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Sarah Jane Marie Freiburger, Mary Anne Bruemmer-Prestley, Nefetari Edris Bordain, Suzanne Marie Schmoker, David Arthur Fell
  • Patent number: 6508799
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article is disclosed having a front portion, a back portion and a crotch portion. The crotch portion joins the front portion to the back portion. The back portion has a first end and a second end. The back portion is divided into a first section and a second section. The first section is extendable in a transverse direction and has a length L2 measured perpendicularly from the first end of the back portion to a line drawn parallel thereto. The second section has a length L3 measured perpendicularly from the second end of the back portion to the line drawn parallel to the first end. The second section has a first side edge, a second side edge, a first area A1 and a second area A2. The first area A, represents an area bounded by the first and second side edges, the second end, and the line drawn parallel to the first end. The second area A2 represents an area bounded by first and second lines, the second end, and the line drawn parallel to the first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Sarah Jane Marie Freiburger, Mary Anne Bruemmer-Prestley, Nefetari Edris Bordain, Suzanne Marie Schmoker, David Arthur Fell
  • Patent number: 6503239
    Abstract: A refastenable disposable absorbent article is disclosed having a front portion, a back portion and a crotch portion. The crotch portion connects the front portion to the back portion. The front portion has a central section including first and second side edges. First and second lateral sections are releasably attached to the central section and each lateral section has an outward edge. The front portion also has a first end and a second end. The back portion has first and second side edges and first and second ends. The back portion is divided into a first section and a second section. The first section has a length L2 measured perpendicularly from the first end of the back portion to a line drawn parallel thereto. Multiple elastic strands extend transversely across the first section from the first side edge to the second side edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Mary Anne Bruemmer-Prestley, Sarah Jane Marie Freiburger, Nefetari Edris Bordain, Suzanne Marie Schmoker, Russell Evan Thorson, Keith Joseph Renard
  • Patent number: 6500161
    Abstract: Aborbent article is disclosed having a refastenable mechanism. The absorbent article has a front portion, a back portion and a crotch portion. The crotch portion connects the front portion to the back portion. The front portion has a first end, a second end, a first side edge and a second side edge. First and second lateral sections are releasably attached to the front portion and each of the first and second lateral sections has an outer edge. The back portion has first and second side edges and first and second ends. The back portion is divided into a first section and a second section. The first section has a length L2 measured perpendicularly from the first end of the back portion to a line drawn parallel thereto. The second section has a length L3 measured perpendicularly from the second end of the back portion to the line drawn parallel to the first end whereby a ratio L2/L3 is established which ranges from between about 0.1 to about 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Sarah Jane Marie Freiburger, Mary Anne Bruemmer-Prestley, Suzanne Marie Schmoker, Nefetari Edris Bordain, David Arthur Fell
  • Patent number: 6500162
    Abstract: A refastenable absorbent article is disclosed having a front portion, a back portion and a crotch portion. The crotch portion connects the front portion to the back portion. The front portion has a first end, a second end, and a central section including first and second side edges. First and second lateral sections are releasably attached to the central section and each lateral section has an outer edge. The front portion also has a first end and a second end. The back portion has a first end, a second end and first and second side edges. The back portion is divided into a first section and a second section. The first section has a length L2 measured perpendicularly from the first end of the back portion to a line drawn parallel thereto. The second section also has a length L3 measured perpendicularly from the second end to the line drawn parallel to the first end. The second section has a first side edge and a second side edge and a first area A1 and a second area A2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Sarah Jane Marie Freiburger, Mary Anne Bruemmer-Prestley, Nefetari Edris Bordain, Suzanne Marie Schmoker, Russell Evan Thorson, Keith Joseph Renard, David Arthur Fell
  • Patent number: 6497696
    Abstract: A refastenable absorbent article is disclosed having a front portion, a back portion and a crotch portion. The crotch portion connects the front portion to the back portion. The front portion has a first end, a second end, and a central section including first and second side edges. First and second lateral sections are releasably attached to the central section and each lateral section has an outer edge. The front portion also has a first end and a second end. The crotch portion has a first side edge and a second side edge and first and second crotch elastics are positioned adjacent to the first and second side edges. The back portion has a first end, a second end and first and second side edges. The back portion is divided into a first section and a second section. The first section has a length L2 measured perpendicularly from the first end of the back portion to a line drawn parallel thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Sarah Jane Marie Freiburger, Mary Anne Bruemmer-Prestley, Nefetari Edris Bordain, Suzanne Marie Schmoker, Russell Evan Thorson, Keith Joseph Renard, David Arthur Fell
  • Patent number: 6497695
    Abstract: An absorbent article is disclosed having a refastenable mechanism. The absorbent article has a front portion, a back portion and a crotch portion. The crotch portion connects the front portion to the back portion. The front portion has a first end, a second end, a first side edge and a second side edge. First and second lateral sections are releasably attached to the front portion and each of the first and second lateral sections has an outer edge. The back portion has first and second side edges and first and second ends. The back portion is divided into a first section and a second section. The first section has a length L2 measured perpendicularly from the first end of the back portion to a line drawn parallel thereto. The second section has a length L3 measured perpendicularly from the second end of the back portion to the line drawn parallel to the first end whereby a ratio L2/L3 is established which ranges from between about 0.1 to about 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Mary Anne Bruemmer-Prestley, Suzanne Marie Schmoker, Nefetari Edris Bordain, Sarah Jane Marie Freiburger
  • Publication number: 20020143316
    Abstract: An absorbent insert for use with an absorbent garment has a body-facing outer surface and a garment-facing outer surface. The garment-facing outer surface is at least partially permeable to fluids. The insert also includes one or more absorbent layers and one or more delay layer(s) adapted to substantially affect the flow of fluid through the insert.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventors: Earle Harry Sherrod, Stephen Bradford Cook, David Arthur Fell, Cornelis Jacobus Bosselaar, Courtney M. Nelson, Paul Joseph Datta, Mary Anne Bruemmer-Prestley
  • Publication number: 20010031957
    Abstract: An article and method are disclosed including a disposable absorbent garment having an initial expanded shape, a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis, a front region, and a back region. In one aspect, the front region and the back region are oppositely positioned on the longitudinal axis, and a central region is positioned between the front region and the back region. The front region, the back region, and the central region each have a length along the longitudinal axis of one third of the length of the absorbent garment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventors: Mary Anne Bruemmer Prestley, Marianne Keevill Leick, Gregory James Hess, David Arthur Fell, Sarah Jane Marie Freiburger, Amy Lynn Fletcher, Cornellis Jacobus Bosselaar, Joseph Patrick Fell, Jacqueline Ann Gross, John Anthony Rooyakkers, Kenneth Raymond Schueler
  • Patent number: D448079
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Mary Anne Bruemmer-Prestley, Suzanne Marie Schmoker, Sarah Jane Marie Freiburger, Mary Jo Meyer