Patents by Inventor Richard T. Wehrle

Richard T. Wehrle 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).

  • Pattern unbonded nonwoven web and process for making same
    Patent number: 6921570
    Abstract: The present invention provides a pattern-unbonded material that has at least two distinct regions. One region has different bond pattern than another region. The different bond pattern provides different, specific functionality or characteristics to the material. In an embodiment, the one region provides an optimal mechanical fastener, hook engagement. The different characteristics include, but are not limited to, opacity, tensile strength or stiffness. The different characteristics are provided by a bond pattern specific to the particular region. The outer regions, in an embodiment, are stronger and appear more substantial by being more opaque than or color-shifted relative to an inner region. The outer regions, in an embodiment, are not directly backed or supported by the garment to which the material is attached. Accordingly, it is important for the outer regions to provide adequate strength, stiffness, color, and opacity absent the garment backing the outer regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom R. Belau, Timothy J. Blenke, Richard T. Wehrle, Rebecca J. Kuepper, Thomas D. Ehlert, Alan F. Schleinz
  • Pattern unbonded nonwoven web and process for making same
    Publication number: 20030119404
    Abstract: The present invention provides a pattern-unbonded material that has at least two distinct regions. One region has different bond pattern than another region. The different bond pattern provides different, specific functionality or characteristics to the material. In an embodiment, the one region provides an optimal mechanical fastener, hook engagement. The different characteristics include, but are not limited to, opacity, tensile strength or stiffness. The different characteristics are provided by a bond pattern specific to the particular region. The outer regions, in an embodiment, are stronger and appear more substantial by being more opaque than or color-shifted relative to an inner region. The outer regions, in an embodiment, are not directly backed or supported by the garment to which the material is attached. Accordingly, it is important for the outer regions to provide adequate strength, stiffness, color, and opacity absent the garment backing the outer regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventors: Tom R. Belau, Timothy J. Blenke, Richard T. Wehrle, Rebecca J. Kuepper, Thomas D. Ehlert, Alan F. Schleinz
  • Child's training pant with elasticized shaped absorbent and method of making the same
    Patent number: 5601544
    Abstract: A child's training pant includes a pant body having a waist opening and a pair of leg openings, and an elasticized shaped absorbent composite having elasticized absorbent side portions. Elasticized side flaps are formed from a liquid impermeable material situated between the absorbent composite and the pant body. A method is also provided for making a training pant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Frank S. Glaug, Richard H. Thiessen, Robert L. Popp, Shirlee A. Weber, Richard T. Wehrle
  • Training pant
    Patent number: D379226
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Leonard M. Kaczmarzyk, Marci E. Kuske, Thomas M. Lager, Robert L. Popp, Richard T. Wehrle