Patents by Inventor Richard M. Girardot

Richard M. Girardot 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: 6165603
    Abstract: An improved washing implement which exhibits superior softness, while also retaining good resiliency and durability, is made from at least one piece of open cell polymer mesh. To achieve the improved softness, resiliency, and durability of the improved washing implement an improved open cell mesh is provided which is softer and sufficiently resilient as a result of its controlled material and cell structure parameters. In preferred embodiments, the controlled physical parameters of the open cell mesh include basis weight, cell count, node count, node length and node diameter. Optimizing the physical parameters of the mesh also results in a washing implement that absorbs and delivers increased amounts of water and cleansing product to the surface being cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Richard M. Girardot, Gene M. Altonen, Lyle B. Tuthill
  • Patent number: 6156418
    Abstract: An improved washing implement which exhibits superior softness, while also retaining good resiliency, is made from at least one piece of open cell polymer mesh. To achieve the improved softness and resiliency of the improved washing implement an improved open cell mesh is provided which is softer and sufficiently resilient as a result of its controlled cell structure parameters. In preferred embodiments, the controlled physical parameters of the open cell mesh include basis weight, cell count, node count, node length and node diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Richard M. Girardot, Gene M. Altonen, Lyle B. Tuthill
  • Patent number: 6146745
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improved open cell mesh which exhibits superior softness, while also retaining acceptable resiliency, as a result of controlling cell structure parameters. In preferred embodiments, physically measurable parameters of the open cell mesh, and more particularly the cell structure, are controlled within pre-defined ranges. The controlled physical parameters of the subject open cell mesh include basis weight, cell count, node count, node length, node thickness, and node width. Additionally, there is provided a method of testing the mesh's resistance to an applied load, which is a predictive indicator of softness and resiliency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Gene M. Altonen, Richard M. Girardot, Lyle B. Tuthill
  • Patent number: 5970566
    Abstract: A polymer mesh puff is formed from at least one tube of open cell mesh stretched between a pair of opposing supports. The tube of mesh is bound about a centerpoint by a substantially permanent, non-abrasive mesh binding member. The tube is released from the supports so as to form a plurality of random folds, thereby forming a substantially spherical cleansing implement for use in personal hygiene applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Richard M. Girardot, Craig A. Hawkins, Frank Lodi, Richard R. Tompkins
  • Patent number: 5937472
    Abstract: A polymer mesh puff is formed from at least one tube of open cell mesh stretched between a pair of opposing supports. The tube of mesh is bound about a centerpoint by a substantially permanent, non-abrasive mesh binding member. The tube is released from the supports so as to form a plurality of random folds, thereby forming a substantially spherical cleansing implement for use in personal hygiene applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Richard M. Girardot, Craig A. Hawkins, Frank Lodi, Richard R. Tompkins
  • Patent number: 5904409
    Abstract: A polymer mesh puff is formed from at least one tube of open cell mesh stretched between a pair of opposing supports. The tube of mesh is bound about a centerpoint by a substantially permanent, non-abrasive mesh binding member. The tube is released from the supports so as to form a plurality of random folds, thereby forming a substantially spherical cleansing implement for use in personal hygiene applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Richard M. Girardot, Craig A. Hawkins, Ronald Kortelink, Frank Lodi, Richard R. Tompkins
  • Patent number: 5863844
    Abstract: An improved washing implement which exhibits superior softness, while also retaining good resiliency. To achieve the improved softness and resiliency of the improved washing implement an improved open cell mesh is provided which is softer and sufficiently resilient as a result of its controlled cell structure parameters. In preferred embodiments, the controlled physical parameters of the open cell mesh include basis weight, cell count, node count, node length and node diameter. Additionally there is provided a method of testing the mesh's resistance to an applied load, which provides an additional parameter for characterizing the mesh of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Richard M. Girardot, Gene M. Altonen, Lyle B. Tuthill
  • Patent number: 5784747
    Abstract: A polymer mesh puff is formed from at least one tube of open cell mesh stretched between a pair of opposing supports. The tube of mesh is bound about a centerpoint by a substantially permanent, non-abrasive mesh binding member. The tube is released from the supports so as to form a plurality of random folds, thereby forming a substantially spherical cleaning implement for use in personal hygiene applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Richard M. Girardot, Craig A. Hawkins, Ronald Kortelink, Frank Lodi, Richard R. Tompkins
  • Patent number: 5715561
    Abstract: A personal cleansing implement is made from a hydrophobic piece of tubular scrim. The piece of tubular scrim is gathered along a longitudinal axis thereof to form circumferential pleats. The circumferential pleats are permanently fixed in a gathered condition by bonding together a top surface and a bottom surface of them adjacent to their perimeter while they are maintained in the gathered condition. The tubular scrim have properties which result in a consumer preferred softness in the personal cleansing implement. The properties of the tubular scrim comprise a node width ranging from 0.18 mm to 0.56 mm; a strand length ranging from 1.78 mm to 3.68 mm; and a repeat unit average weight ranging from 1.0.times.10.sup.-4 gm to 3.4.times.10.sup.-4 gm. The tubular scrim is preferably made substantially of low density polyethylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Lyle B. Tuthill, Charles G. Yeazell, Richard M. Girardot
  • Patent number: 5636412
    Abstract: Disclosed is a substantially permanent, fixed-circumference, non-abrasive binding device for gathering and binding plural articles, including a locking head, a tail, and an elongate strap therebetween. The head and tail ends include cooperative locking means for securing the tail end in the locking head. The tail end includes outwardly projecting tail barbs to facilitate pulling the tail end through the locking head, and subsequently to facilitate engagement of locking barbs located on the end of the strap with barb stops located in the head. A score line is preformed across the tail end at a point between the locking barbs and the tail end, to provide for a break-any tail which can be removed after engagement of the locking barbs with the barb stops in the head. Upon engagement of the locking barbs with the barb stops, the score line is at a position slightly inside of the locking head so that no sharp or abrasive edge will be exposed after the tail end is broken off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Frank Lodi, Craig A. Hawkins, Richard M. Girardot, Richard R. Tompkins
  • Patent number: 5630245
    Abstract: A personal cleansing implement comprises a tubular piece of hydrophobic diamond-mesh scrim, which is stretched to expand the diamond mesh, gathered along a longitudinal axis of the tubular piece of scrim to form circumferential pleats, and heat set in an expanded and pleated condition to form a substantially rectangular resilient batt. Top and bottom surfaces of the batt are bonded together adjacent the perimeter of the batt by a bonding means. Thread stitching or intermittent thermobonding are the preferred bonding means. Ultrasonic bonding is most preferred. A tether loop is connected to the implement for hanging it from a support during drying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Lyle B. Tuthill, John P. Grooms, H. Norman Reiboldt, William P. Dirksing, Charles G. Yeazell, Richard M. Girardot, Eric J. Grosgogeat, Richard G. Bausch
  • Patent number: 5620694
    Abstract: The present invention relates to dual textured treatment pads comprising at least one paper pad layer laminated to at least one nonwoven, synthetic fiber pad layer. The invention also encompases treatment pads impregnated with a suitable medicated, cleansing, or cosmetic composition. The invention further encompasses a method of treating acne and skin wrinkling and/or atrophy with these medicated pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Richard M. Girardot
  • Patent number: 5491864
    Abstract: A personal cleansing implement comprises a tubular piece of hydrophobic diamond-mesh scrim, which is stretched to expand the diamond mesh, gathered along a longitudinal axis of the tubular piece of scrim to form circumferential pleats, and heat set in an expanded and pleated condition to form a substantially rectangular resilient batt. Top and bottom surfaces of the batt are bonded together adjacent the perimeter of the batt by a bonding means. Thread stitching or intermittent thermobonding are the preferred bonding means. Ultrasonic bonding is most preferred. A tether loop is connected to the implement for hanging it from a support during drying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Lyle B. Tuthill, John P. Grooms, H. Norman Reiboldt, William P. Dirksing, Charles G. Yeazell, Richard M. Girardot, Eric J. Grosgogeat, Richard G. Bausch
  • Patent number: 5465452
    Abstract: An extruded scrim having a diamond-mesh pattern is used to construct a personal cleansing implement. The diamond-mesh material is produced from a hydrophobic flexible polymer. The implement comprises a piece of tubular scrim having a longitudinal axis. The tubular scrim is stretched transversely to the longitudinal axis and is gathered parallel to the longitudinal axis to form circumferential pleats. In one embodiment the stretched and gathered tubular scrim is heat set in its expanded and pleated condition. A second piece of tubular scrim is placed inside the pleated and expanded scrim tubing. One end of the second piece is inverted over the outside of the pleats and connected to the other end to envelop the pleated and expanded scrim tubing. In another embodiment the pleats are not heat set and remain resilient. This embodiment has a means for confining the circumferential pleats from axial expansion. A band of material is looped through the scrim tubing and around its outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Richard M. Girardot, Eric J. Grosgogeat, Charles G. Yeazell, Richard G. Bausch
  • Patent number: 5412830
    Abstract: A personal cleansing implement comprises a tubular piece of diamond-mesh scrim, which is stretched to expand the diamond mesh, gathered to form circumferential pleats, heat set in an expanded and pleated condition, and folded into a stack of layers to form a resilient batt. A softer layer of hydrophobic knitted material lies against the top surface of the batt with its outer edge wrapped around the perimeter of the batt and against the bottom surface of the batt. The softer knitted layer is connected to the batt by a connecting means at the outer edge to form a dual textured cleansing implement made of hydrophobic materials and having high open area to enhance rinsing and drying. Thread stitching or thermobonding are the preferred connecting means. A tether loop is connected to the implement for hanging it from a support during drying. The softer knitted layer preferably has at least one aperture therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Richard M. Girardot, Eric J. Grosgogeat, Richard G. Bausch
  • Patent number: 5296157
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a stable dispersoidal liquid soap cleansing composition comprising:(A) from about 5% to about 20% by weight of potassium fatty acid soap;(B) from about 2.5% to about 18% C.sub.8 -C.sub.22 free fatty acid;(C) from about 55% to about 90% water; and(D) from about 0.1% to about 4% of a stabilizer selected from the group consisting of: from about 0.1% to about 3.0% of an electrolyte; and from 0% to about 2.0% of a polymeric thickener; and mixtures thereof; andwherein said fatty acid of said (A) and (B) has an Iodine Value of from zero to about 15; and a titer of from about 44 to about 70; wherein said soap and said free fatty acid have a weight ratio of about 1:0.3 to about 1:1; and wherein said liquid has an initial viscosity of from about 4,000 cps to about 100,000 cps at 25.degree. C. and a Cycle Viscosity of from about 10,000 cps to about 100,000 cps at 25.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Assignee: The Proctor & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Neil A. MacGilp, Kathleen G. Baier, Richard M. Girardot, Efrain Torres
  • Patent number: 5296158
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a very mild, stable, liquid dispersoidal cleansing composition comprising: 55% to 90% water; 5% to 20% saturated (low IV) higher (high titer) fatty acid potassium soap; 2.5% to 18% of free fatty acids; said soap and said free fatty acids having a ratio of about 1:0.3 to 1:1; and wherein said liquid cleanser has a viscosity of 4,000 cps to about 100,000 cps at about 25.degree. C.; and wherein said liquid cleanser is phase stable. The stable, mild liquid cleanser is preferably contained in a container having a pressure actuated pump. The composition is preferably made by the steps of:1. heating and mixing an aqueous mixture of said potassium fatty acid soap and said free fatty acid to provide a stable melt;2. cooling the melt to about room temperature;3. diluting said cooled melt with water to provide said dispersoidal liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Neil A. MacGilp, Kathleen G. Baier, Richard M. Girardot, Efrain Torres
  • Patent number: 5158699
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a stable dispersoidal liquid soap cleansing composition comprising:A. from about 5% to about 20% by weight of potassium fatty acid soap;B. from about 2.5% to about 18% C.sub.8 -C.sub.22 free fatty acid; wherein said fatty acid has an Iodine Value of from zero to about 15; and a titer of from about 44 to about 70;C. from about 55% to about 90% water; and po0 D. from about 0.1% to about 4% of a stabilizer selected from the group consisting of: from about 0.1% to about 2.0% of an electrolyte; and from 0% to about 2.0% of a polymeric thickener; and mixtures thereof; andwherein said soap and said free fatty acid have a weight ratio of about 1:0.5 to about 1:1; and wherein said liquid has an initial viscosity of from about 4,000 cps to about 100,000 cps and a cycle viscosity of from about 10,000 cps to about 100,000 cps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Neil A. MacGilp, Kathleen G. Baier, Richard M. Girardot, Efrain Torres
  • Patent number: 5147574
    Abstract: The present invention relates to liquid dispersoidal cleansing compositions comprising: 55% to 90% water; 5% to 20% saturated (low IV) higher (high titer) fatty acid potassium soap; 3% to 18% of free fatty acids; said soap and said free fatty acids having a ratio of about 1:0.5 to 1:1; and wherein said liquid cleanser has a viscosity of 4,000 cps to about 100,000 cps at about 25.degree. C.; and wherein said liquid cleanser is phase stable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Neil A. MacGilp, Kathleen G. Baier, Richard M. Girardot, Efrain Torres
  • Patent number: 4873100
    Abstract: A bistable expandable bottle preferably including a concentrated material to be diluted, said bottle being comprised of convex shaped bellows when in its expanded condition, said bottle also including opposed handle means for facilitating the extension of the bottle from its collapsed to its expanded condition. In a preferred embodiment a self-venting closure is also employed to seal the orifice in said bottle to permit extension of the bottle from its collapsed to its expanded condition without loosening or removing of the closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1989
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Robert S. Dirksing, Richard M. Girardot, Theodore P. Merz