Patents by Inventor Mary L. McDaniel

Mary L. McDaniel 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: 9610201
    Abstract: A tampon absorbent for insertion into a vaginal cavity is provided. The tampon absorbent includes a longitudinal direction and has an insertion end and a withdrawal end. The tampon absorbent includes a first absorbent material portion at the insertion end for capturing body fluid and demonstrating a first expansion capacity, and a second absorbent material portion at the withdrawal end for storing body fluid and demonstrating a second expansion capacity. The second absorbent material portion is partially wrapped around the first absorbent material portion in a direction transverse (perpendicular) to the longitudinal direction, at a bonding region, whereby the first absorbent material portion is bonded to the second absorbent material portion at the bonding region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Schmidt-Foerst, Mary L. McDaniel, Charles R. Tomsovic, Garry R. Woltman
  • Patent number: 8911418
    Abstract: The present invention provides a body adhering absorbent articles which is capable of absorbing bodily fluids. In particular embodiment of the present invention, provided is an absorbent article which is specifically designed for attachment to a wearer's skin in the vulva region of the wearer's torso.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas William Van Den Bogart, Adrienne Rae Loyd, David John Enz, Carmen Lira-Núñez, Suzanne K. Sullivan Conrad, Roxanne Belinda Hallock, Deborah Snell Hannah, Candace Dyan Krautkramer, Mary L. McDaniel
  • Publication number: 20120289919
    Abstract: The present invention provides a body adhering absorbent articles which is capable of absorbing bodily fluids. In particular embodiment of the present invention, provided is an absorbent article which is specifically designed for attachment to a wearer's skin in the vulva region of the wearer's torso.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas William Van Den Bogart, Adrienne Rae Loyd, David John Enz, Carmen Lira-Núñez, Suzanne K. Sullivan Conrad, Roxanne Belinda Hallock, Deborah Snell Hannah, Candace Dyan Krautkramer, Mary L. McDaniel
  • Publication number: 20120283684
    Abstract: A tampon absorbent for insertion into a vaginal cavity is provided. The tampon absorbent includes a longitudinal direction and has an insertion end and a withdrawal end. The tampon absorbent includes a first absorbent material portion at the insertion end for capturing body fluid and demonstrating a first expansion capacity, and a second absorbent material portion at the withdrawal end for storing body fluid and demonstrating a second expansion capacity. The second absorbent material portion is partially wrapped around the first absorbent material portion in a direction transverse (perpendicular) to the longitudinal direction, at a bonding region, whereby the first absorbent material portion is bonded to the second absorbent material portion at the bonding region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventors: Alexander Schmidt-Foerst, Mary L. McDaniel, Charles R. Tomsovic, Garry R. Woltman
  • Patent number: 8251969
    Abstract: The present invention provides a body adhering absorbent articles which is capable of absorbing bodily fluids. In particular embodiment of the present invention, provided is an absorbent article which is specifically designed for attachment to a wearer's skin in the vulva region of the wearer's torso.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas William Van Den Bogart, Adrienne Rae Loyd, David-John Enz, Carmen Lira-Núñez, Suzanne K. Sullivan Conrad, Roxanne Belinda Hallock, Deborah Snell Hannah, Candace Dyan Krautkramer, Mary L. McDaniel
  • Patent number: 7725992
    Abstract: A mechanical fastener is disclosed. The mechanical fastener generally comprises the male component of a hook and loop fastening system. The male component contains a plurality of protrusions that have been surface modified. In particular, the protrusions have been surfaced modified in a manner that prevents damage to a female component during engagement and disengagement but yet still forms a firm attachment with the female component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Nadezhda V. Efremova, Garry Roland Woltman, Mary L. McDaniel, Roger Bradshaw Quincy, III, Nicholas Kraft, Thomas A. Eby
  • Publication number: 20090240220
    Abstract: A compressed substrate having an altered upper surface is generally disclosed. The compressed substrate is configured to expand in the z-direction upon contact with a liquid to form an expanded substrate without substantially expanding in either the x-direction or the y-direction. The altered upper surface of the expanded substrate has an expanded surface area that is at least about 110% of the initial surface area of the compressed substrate. The compressed substrate is constructed from a compression molded web and includes an active agent. The compressed substrate can be included within the construction of an absorbent article to transfer the active agent to a wearer. The upper surface of a compressed substrate can be altered after formation of the compressed substrate. Alternatively, the upper surface of the compressed substrate can be altered during the compression process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc
    Inventors: John Gavin MacDonald, Andrew Mark Long, Mary L. McDaniel, Jin Heo, Jaeho Kim, Lindsey Marie Jain
  • Patent number: 7588166
    Abstract: A portable carrying case for personal care absorbent articles, particularly feminine hygiene care products, includes a body defining an internal enclosure for receipt of a plurality of the stacked personal care absorbent articles. An opening is defined in the body at a location so as to expose an upper one of the absorbent articles for dispensing without generally exposing underlying absorbent articles. A lid is movably disposed relative to body from a closed position to an open position wherein access is provided to the absorbent articles through the opening. A manual push structure is defined in the body generally opposite from the opening. The push structure allows a user to push on the bottommost one of the stacked absorbent articles so as to move the uppermost one of the stack of articles towards the opening for grasping and retrieval by the user. A biasing element may bias the articles towards the push structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Mary L. McDaniel, Herb F. Velazquez, William Reeves
  • Publication number: 20090157032
    Abstract: Absorbent articles including a compressed tablet are generally described. The compressed tablet of the present invention is configured to expand toward the skin of the wearer (i.e., in the z-direction of the absorbent article perpendicular to the plane of the absorbent article) upon contact with a liquid. However, the expansion of the compressed tablet is substantially limited to the z-direction. That is, the compressed tablet does not substantially expand in any direction parallel with the plane of the article (i.e., the x- and y-directions). As such, the compressed tablet does not significantly interfere with the absorbent capabilities of the absorbent article. Thus, the compressed tablet can be included within conventional absorbent articles without significantly sacrificing the absorbency characteristics of the article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: John Gavin MacDonald, Terry Lee Combs, Andrew Mark Long, Mary L. McDaniel, Jaeho Kim
  • Publication number: 20090157022
    Abstract: Absorbent articles including a wetness indicator are generally described. The wetness indicator of the present invention is configured to expand toward the skin of the wearer (i.e., in the z-direction of the absorbent article perpendicular to the plane of the absorbent article) upon contact with a liquid. However, the expansion of the wetness indicator is substantially limited to the z-direction. That is, the wetness indicator does not substantially expand in any direction parallel with the plane of the article (i.e., the x- and y-directions). As such, the wetness indicator does not significantly interfere with the absorbent capabilities of the absorbent article. Thus, the wetness indicator can be included within conventional absorbent articles without significantly sacrificing the absorbency characteristics of the article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: John Gavin MacDonald, Terry Lee Combs, Andrew Mark Long, Mary L. McDaniel, Jaeho Kim
  • Publication number: 20090036858
    Abstract: The present invention provides a body adhering absorbent articles which is capable of absorbing bodily fluids. In particular embodiment of the present invention, provided is an absorbent article which is specifically designed for attachment to a wearer's skin in the vulva region of the wearer's torso.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas William Van Den Bogart, Adrienne Rae Loyd, David-John Enz, Carmen Lira-Nunez, Suzanne K. Sullivan Conrad, Roxanne Belinda Hallock, Deborah Snell Hannah, Candace Dyan Krautkramer, Mary L. McDaniel
  • Publication number: 20080155798
    Abstract: A mechanical fastener is disclosed. The mechanical fastener generally comprises the male component of a hook and loop fastening system. The male component contains a plurality of protrusions that have been surface modified. In particular, the protrusions have been surfaced modified in a manner that prevents damage to a female component during engagement and disengagement but yet still forms a firm attachment with the female component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Nadezhda V. Efremova, Garry Roland Woltman, Mary L. McDaniel, Roger Bradshaw Quincy, Nicholas Kraft, Thomas A. Eby
  • Patent number: 7288080
    Abstract: An absorbent article (40), such as a labial pad, configured for disposition within the vestibule (42) of a female wearer. The absorbent article (40) may be worn by females for catamenial purposes, incontinence protection, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald L. Edens, James J. Hlaban, Laura J. Keely, Thomas P. Keenan, Sylvia B. Little, Mary L. McDaniel, Stephen L. Nunn, William G. Reeves, Heather A. Sorebo, Susan M. Weyenberg
  • Patent number: 7258684
    Abstract: The present invention discloses and claims a system and method for disguising a personal care product. The personal care product includes a pattern that matches a design on an undergarment so that the personal care product blends into the background of the undergarment. The method for disguising the personal care product includes creating a pattern to match the design on the undergarment and placing the pattern on the personal care product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Kristi Bryant, Glory Alcantara, Mary L. McDaniel, Michelle Sroda, Susan Weyenberg, Katherine C. Wheeler, Teresa Zander
  • Patent number: 7217259
    Abstract: An interlabial absorbent article is provided for disposition primarily within the vestibule of a female wearer. The article includes a liquid permeable top sheet, a polymeric film back sheet, and an absorbent material disposed between the top sheet and back sheet. The polymeric film back sheet is also liquid permeable such that the article may be disposed at generally any orientation within the wearer's vestibule and absorb bodily fluids at any such orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Mary L. McDaniel
  • Patent number: 7115116
    Abstract: An absorbent article (40) such as a labial pad configured for disposition within the vestibule (42) of a female wearer. The absorbent article (40) may be worn by females for catamenial purposes, incontinence protection or both. The absorbent article (40) has an absorbent (66) which may include one of various means formed on at least the upper surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Hlaban, Laura J. Keely, Mary L. McDaniel, Patricia A. Mitchler, William G. Reeves, Heather A. Sorebo, Susan M. Weyenberg
  • Patent number: 6955666
    Abstract: An absorbent article (40) such as a labial pad configured for disposition within the vestibule (42) of a female wearer. The labial pad may be worn by females for catamenial purposes, incontinence protection, or both, and has at least one tab (94) extending outward from the periphery thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald L. Edens, James J. Hlaban, Laura J Keely, Thomas P. Keenan, Sylvia B. Little, Mary L. McDaniel, Stephen L. Nunn, William G. Reeves, Heather A. Sorebo, Susan M. Weyenberg
  • Patent number: 6890325
    Abstract: An absorbent article (40) such as a labial pad configured for disposition within the vestibule (42) of a female wearer. The labial pad may be worn by females for catamenial purposes, incontinence protection, or both, and has at least one tab (94) extending from the periphery thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald L. Edens, James J. Hlaban, Laura J. Keely, Thomas P. Keenan, Sylvia B. Little, Mary L. McDaniel, Stephen L. Nunn, William G. Reeves, Heather A. Sorebo, Susan M. Weyenberg
  • Publication number: 20040122402
    Abstract: An interlabial absorbent article is provided for disposition primarily within the vestibule of a female wearer. The article includes a liquid permeable top sheet, a polymeric film back sheet, and an absorbent material disposed between the top sheet and back sheet. The polymeric film back sheet is also liquid permeable such that the article may be disposed at generally any orientation within the wearer's vestibule and absorb bodily fluids at any such orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE,INC.
    Inventor: Mary L. McDaniel
  • Patent number: D612491
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Suzanne K. Sullivan Conrad, Jane B. Kelly, Mary L. McDaniel, MaryAnn Zunker