Patents by Inventor Michael Donald Sperl
Michael Donald Sperl 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: 11969322Abstract: An absorbent article can have a topsheet layer, a liquid impermeable layer, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet layer and the liquid impermeable layer. The absorbent article can further include an exudate management layer in fluid communication with the topsheet layer. In various embodiments, the exudate management layer can be positioned on a body facing surface of the topsheet layer. In various embodiments, the exudate management layer can be positioned between the topsheet layer and the absorbent core. The exudate management layer has a first component which defines an opening for direct passage of body exudates into the absorbent core. The exudate management layer has a second component which at least partially overlaps the first component of the exudate management layer and further extends in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article in a direction towards the posterior region of the absorbent article.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2022Date of Patent: April 30, 2024Assignee: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.Inventors: Suzanne Marie Schmoker, Heidi Bauerlein Hopkins, Andrew Thomas Hammond, Kyle Mark Barriger, Michael Donald Sperl, Russell J. Brumm, Alyssa Kimberly DeYoung, Ellen E. Pelky, Kimberly M. Downs
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Patent number: 11771605Abstract: An absorbent article can have a topsheet layer, a liquid impermeable layer, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet layer and the liquid impermeable layer. The absorbent article can further include an exudate management layer in fluid communication with the topsheet layer. In various embodiments, the exudate management layer can be positioned on a body facing surface of the topsheet layer. In various embodiments, the exudate management layer can be positioned between the topsheet layer and the absorbent core. The exudate management layer has a first component which defines an opening for direct passage of body exudates into the absorbent core. The exudate management layer has a second component which at least partially overlaps the first component of the exudate management layer and further extends in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article in a direction towards the posterior region of the absorbent article.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2018Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.Inventors: Suzanne Marie Schmoker, Heidi Bauerlein Hopkins, Alyssa Kimberly DeYoung, Ellen E. Pelky, Kimberly M. Downs, Andrew Thomas Hammond, Kyle Mark Barriger, Michael Donald Sperl, Russell J. Brumm
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Publication number: 20230053299Abstract: An absorbent article can have a topsheet layer, a liquid impermeable layer, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet layer and the liquid impermeable layer. The absorbent article can further include an exudate management layer in fluid communication with the topsheet layer. In various embodiments, the exudate management layer can be positioned on a body facing surface of the topsheet layer. In various embodiments, the exudate management layer can be positioned between the topsheet layer and the absorbent core. The exudate management layer has a first component which defines an opening for direct passage of body exudates into the absorbent core. The exudate management layer has a second component which at least partially overlaps the first component of the exudate management layer and further extends in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article in a direction towards the posterior region of the absorbent article.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2022Publication date: February 16, 2023Inventors: Suzanne Marie Schmoker, Heidi Bauerlein Hopkins, Andrew Thomas Hammond, Kyle Mark Barriger, Michael Donald Sperl, Russell J. Brumm, Alyssa Kimberly DeYoung, Ellen E. Pelky, Kimberly M. Downs
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Patent number: 11523946Abstract: An absorbent article can have a topsheet layer, a liquid impermeable layer, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet layer and the liquid impermeable layer. The absorbent article can further include an exudate management layer in fluid communication with the topsheet layer. In various embodiments, the exudate management layer can be positioned on a body facing surface of the topsheet layer. In various embodiments, the exudate management layer can be positioned between the topsheet layer and the absorbent core. The exudate management layer has a first component which defines an opening for direct passage of body exudates into the absorbent core. The exudate management layer has a second component which at least partially overlaps the first component of the exudate management layer and further extends in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article in a direction towards the posterior region of the absorbent article.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2018Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Assignee: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.Inventors: Suzanne Marie Schmoker, Heidi Bauerlein Hopkins, Andrew Thomas Hammond, Kyle Mark Barriger, Michael Donald Sperl, Russell J. Brumm, Alyssa Kimberly DeYoung, Ellen E. Pelky, Kimberly M. Downs
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Patent number: 10932957Abstract: An absorbent article having a front waist region, a back waist region, and a crotch region extending between and interconnecting the front and back waist regions. The article comprises an outer cover, a body-side liner, an absorbent assembly between the outer cover and the body-side liner, and leg and flap elastic composites including a containment flap portion and a gasket portion. Each of the composites are attached to the liner such that one of the composites is disposed adjacent one side edge of the liner and the other composite is disposed adjacent the other side edge of the liner, each of the composites extend longitudinally from the front waist region to the back waist region, and each of the composites have a deadened portion in the front waist region or the back waist region. The article further includes a waist elastic member extending longitudinally between the deadened portions.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2018Date of Patent: March 2, 2021Assignee: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.Inventors: Luis Alberto Tenorio, Jeffrey Alan DeBroux, David Kyle Stankewicz, Darin Allen Engelhart, James Richard Schermerhorn, Michael Donald Sperl, Daniel Mark Duhm, Michael Lee Lohoff, Anita Marie-Nanette Gilgenbach, Kenneth James Quella
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Publication number: 20200038258Abstract: An absorbent article can have a topsheet layer, a liquid impermeable layer, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet layer and the liquid impermeable layer. The absorbent article can further include an exudate management layer in fluid communication with the topsheet layer. In various embodiments, the exudate management layer can be positioned on a body facing surface of the topsheet layer. In various embodiments, the exudate management layer can be positioned between the topsheet layer and the absorbent core. The exudate management layer has a first component which defines an opening for direct passage of body exudates into the absorbent core. The exudate management layer has a second component which at least partially overlaps the first component of the exudate management layer and further extends in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article in a direction towards the posterior region of the absorbent article.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2018Publication date: February 6, 2020Inventors: Suzanne Marie Schmoker, Heidi Bauerlein Hopkins, Andrew Thomas Hammond, Kyle Mark Barriger, Michael Donald Sperl, Russell J. Brumm, Alyssa Kimberly DeYoung, Ellen E. Pelky, Kimberly M. Downs
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Patent number: 10531992Abstract: An absorbent article which has a one-piece chassis and integral side portions. The one-piece chassis can be a bi-laminate material and can have a liquid permeable layer and a liquid impermeable layer bonded together. The side portions can be integrally formed from the one-piece chassis.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2014Date of Patent: January 14, 2020Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Daniel Coenen, Andrew Edward Neubauer, Michael Donald Sperl, Frederique Vignali
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Publication number: 20200008988Abstract: An absorbent article can have a topsheet layer, a liquid impermeable layer, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet layer and the liquid impermeable layer. The absorbent article can further include an exudate management layer in fluid communication with the topsheet layer. In various embodiments, the exudate management layer can be positioned on a body facing surface of the topsheet layer. In various embodiments, the exudate management layer can be positioned between the topsheet layer and the absorbent core. The exudate management layer has a first component which defines an opening for direct passage of body exudates into the absorbent core. The exudate management layer has a second component which at least partially overlaps the first component of the exudate management layer and further extends in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article in a direction towards the posterior region of the absorbent article.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2018Publication date: January 9, 2020Inventors: Suzanne Marie Schmoker, Heidi Bauerlein Hopkins, Alyssa Kimberly DeYoung, Ellen E. Pelky, Kimberly M. Downs, Andrew Thomas Hammond, Kyle Mark Barriger, Michael Donald Sperl, Russell J. Brumm
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Publication number: 20180168881Abstract: An absorbent article having a front waist region, a back waist region, and a crotch region extending between and interconnecting the front and back waist regions. The article comprises an outer cover, a body-side liner, an absorbent assembly between the outer cover and the body-side liner, and leg and flap elastic composites including a containment flap portion and a gasket portion. Each of the composites are attached to the liner such that one of the composites is disposed adjacent one side edge of the liner and the other composite is disposed adjacent the other side edge of the liner, each of the composites extend longitudinally from the front waist region to the back waist region, and each of the composites have a deadened portion in the front waist region or the back waist region. The article further includes a waist elastic member extending longitudinally between the deadened portions.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2018Publication date: June 21, 2018Inventors: Luis Alberto Tenorio, Jeffrey Alan DeBroux, David Kyle Stankewicz, Darin Allen Engelhart, James Richard Schermerhorn, Michael Donald Sperl, Daniel Mark Duhm, Michael Lee Lohoff, Anita Marie-Nanette Gilgenbach, Kenneth James Quella
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Patent number: 9956122Abstract: A method of manufacturing a liner/composite web for use in an absorbent article includes joining a leg elastic member to a web moving in a machine direction and joining a flap elastic member to the web. The flap elastic member is spaced from the leg elastic member. The web is folded to form a leg and flap elastics composite including an outer side edge. The web is joined to a substrate to form the liner/composite web. The liner/composite web is joined to a web of material such that the outer side edge of the leg and flap elastics composite is coterminous with one of a pair of laterally opposing side edges of the web of material.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2015Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Luis Alberto Tenorio, Jeffrey Alan DeBroux, David Kyle Stankewicz, Darin Allen Engelhart, James Richard Schermerhorn, Michael Donald Sperl, Daniel Mark Duhm, Michael Lee Lohoff, Anita Marie-Nanette Gilgenbach, Kenneth James Quella
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Publication number: 20170258644Abstract: An absorbent article which has a one-piece chassis and integral side portions. The one-piece chassis can be a bi-laminate material and can have a liquid permeable layer and a liquid impermeable layer bonded together. The side portions can be integrally formed from the one-piece chassis.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2014Publication date: September 14, 2017Inventors: Joseph Daniel Coenen, Andrew Edward Neubauer, Michael Donald Sperl, Frederique Vignali
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Patent number: 9345627Abstract: A disposable absorbent article comprises a first crotch elastic member adjacent a first crotch edge and a second crotch elastic member adjacent a second crotch edge, each crotch elastic member extending generally in a longitudinal direction, each crotch elastic member having a front terminal point and a rear terminal point. In one embodiment, at least one of the terminal points of the first crotch elastic member is positioned transversely inward from a remaining portion of the first crotch elastic member, and at least one of the terminal points of the second crotch elastic member is positioned transversely inward from a remaining portion of the second crotch elastic member. In another embodiment, front end portions of the first and second crotch elastic members or rear end portions of the first and second crotch elastic members converge transversely inward toward each other.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2014Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Michael Donald Sperl, Seth Michael Newlin, Michael John Faulks, Gregory John Jansen
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Patent number: 9089454Abstract: Absorbent articles are disclosed having extended waistbands. More particularly, the absorbent articles include a back waistband and/or a front waistband that encircle a portion of the circumference of the waist opening. The absorbent article includes a front portion attached to a back portion by a pair of stretchable side areas. Each of the side areas are made from at least two panels that are connected together along a vertical attachment area. In accordance with the present disclosure, a waistband is incorporated into the article that extends over the entire front portion or the entire back portion and terminates at opposite ends on opposing side areas. Each end of the waistband, however, terminates prior to the vertical attachment areas leaving a gap in between. The presence of the gap has been found to provide various benefits and advantages including improved stretch properties for donning the article.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2007Date of Patent: July 28, 2015Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Walter Andrew Mattingly, Sherry A. VanDyke, Michael Donald Sperl, Lisa L. Bushman, Robert Lee Popp, Valerie V. Finch, Thomas E. Williamson
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Publication number: 20150126952Abstract: A method of manufacturing a liner/composite web for use in an absorbent article includes joining a leg elastic member to a web moving in a machine direction and joining a flap elastic member to the web. The flap elastic member is spaced from the leg elastic member. The web is folded to form a leg and flap elastics composite including an outer side edge. The web is joined to a substrate to form the liner/composite web. The liner/composite web is joined to a web of material such that the outer side edge of the leg and flap elastics composite is coterminous with one of a pair of laterally opposing side edges of the web of material.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2015Publication date: May 7, 2015Inventors: Luis Alberto Tenorio, Jeffrey Alan DeBroux, David Kyle Stankewicz, Darin Allen Engelhart, James Richard Schermerhorn, Michael Donald Sperl, Daniel Mark Duhm, Michael Lee Lohoff, Anita Marie-Nanette Gilgenbach, Kenneth James Quella
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Patent number: 9018434Abstract: Absorbent articles are disclosed that have been printed with active graphics alone or in combination with permanent graphics to create a wetness indicator. Different active graphic compositions and/or permanent graphic compositions are combined so as to make the wetness indicator very prominent on the article. In addition, when the absorbent article is wetted, the active graphics undergo a change that is easily noticed by the wearer or the caregiver for the wearer. In one embodiment, for instance, active graphics are positioned within a distinctive frame. The frame focuses a person's attention onto the active graphics. The active graphics fill most of the surface area of the frame such that when the absorbent article is wetted, a clearly noticeable change occurs.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2010Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Marcille Faye Ruman, Shannon K. Melius, Eric Donald Johnson, Tami L. Kurtz, Marty J. Granius, Dean M. Wydeven, Anita M. Gilgenbach, Aaron D. Schilpp, Michael Donald Sperl, Paula K. DeBruin, Thomas Michael Ales, Joy Patricia Bauman, Steven Carl Strubbe
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Patent number: 8956493Abstract: A method of manufacturing a leg and flap elastics composite for use in an absorbent article includes joining a leg elastic member to a web moving in a machine direction. A flap elastic member is joined to the web and spaced from the leg elastic member. The web is fed to a chopper assembly wherein portions of the leg and flap elastic members are rendered less elastic at spaced-apart intervals to define deadened portions of the leg and flap elastic members.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2010Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Luis Alberto Tenorio, Jeffrey Alan DeBroux, David Kyle Stankewicz, Darin Allen Engelhart, James Richard Schermerhorn, Michael Donald Sperl, Daniel Mark Duhm, Michael Lee Lohoff, Anita Marie-Nanette Gilgenbach, Kenneth James Quella
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Publication number: 20140163510Abstract: A disposable absorbent article comprises a first crotch elastic member adjacent a first crotch edge and a second crotch elastic member adjacent a second crotch edge, each crotch elastic member extending generally in a longitudinal direction, each crotch elastic member having a front terminal point and a rear terminal point. In one embodiment, at least one of the terminal points of the first crotch elastic member is positioned transversely inward from a remaining portion of the first crotch elastic member, and at least one of the terminal points of the second crotch elastic member is positioned transversely inward from a remaining portion of the second crotch elastic member. In another embodiment, front end portions of the first and second crotch elastic members or rear end portions of the first and second crotch elastic members converge transversely inward toward each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2014Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Michael Donald Sperl, Seth Michael Newlin, Michael John Faulks, Gregory John Jansen
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Patent number: 8690851Abstract: A disposable absorbent article comprises a first crotch elastic member adjacent a first crotch edge and a second crotch elastic member adjacent a second crotch edge, each crotch elastic member extending generally in a longitudinal direction, each crotch elastic member having a front terminal point and a rear terminal point. In one embodiment, at least one of the terminal points of the first crotch elastic member is positioned transversely inward from a remaining portion of the first crotch elastic member, and at least one of the terminal points of the second crotch elastic member is positioned transversely inward from a remaining portion of the second crotch elastic member. In another embodiment, front end portions of the first and second crotch elastic members or rear end portions of the first and second crotch elastic members converge transversely inward toward each other.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2008Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Michael Donald Sperl, Seth Newlin, Michael J. Faulks, Gregory John Jansen
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Patent number: 8545474Abstract: An absorbent article for personal wear includes inner and outer surfaces, an absorbent body disposed therebetween, and front waist, back waist, and crotch regions. The article also includes front and back side panels that are releasably attachable at a seam using an article fastening component and an article fastener landing zone to define a wear configuration of the absorbent article. The article also includes a finger tab attached to one of the front and back side panels, wherein the tab includes a tab fastening component, wherein a front or back side panel includes a tab landing zone, wherein the tab fastening component is fastened to the tab landing zone to form a tab connection when the article is in a wear configuration, and wherein the tab connection has lower peel and shear strengths per unit area than the peel and shear strengths per unit area of the seam.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2010Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Aaron Dee Schilpp, Michael Donald Sperl
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Patent number: 8523836Abstract: An absorbent includes inner and outer surfaces, an absorbent body disposed therebetween, and front waist, back waist, and crotch regions. The article also includes pairs of front and back side panels, each side panel having an attachment edge and a free edge, the front and back side panels being releasably attachable to define a wear configuration of the absorbent article. The article also includes a finger tab having a distal end, a tab line where the finger tab intersects the free edge, and a proximal end attached to the free edge, wherein the distal end has a distal end longitudinal midpoint, wherein the tab line has a tab line longitudinal midpoint, and wherein the distal end longitudinal midpoint is longitudinally offset from the tab line longitudinal midpoint.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2010Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventor: Michael Donald Sperl