Patents by Inventor Ross T. Kaufman
Ross T. Kaufman 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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Publication number: 20230329923Abstract: Elasticated materials and articles comprising elasticated materials are disclosed. A method may comprise advancing first and second substrate materials and a stretched elastomeric strand in the machine direction. The method may further comprise advancing the first and the second substrate materials with the elastomeric strand positioned therebetween to a bonding apparatus. The bonding apparatus may comprise first and second elements forming a bonding nip. The method may further comprise oscillating the strand in a cross-machine direction and advancing the first and second substrate materials, and the strand, through the bonding nip and bonding the first and second substrate materials together with at least first and second bonds. The first and second bonds may be disposed on opposite sides of the strand and spaced apart a distance less than its un-tensioned diameter, and the first and second bonds may be located along an arcuate portion of the strand.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2023Publication date: October 19, 2023Inventors: Joseph D. Coenen, Ross T. Kaufman, Kelly D. Farmer, Jerry L. Hameister
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Patent number: 11786415Abstract: Exemplary wearable articles including regions with differing visual patterns are disclosed. In one embodiment, an article may comprise an elasticated front chassis region and an elasticated front waistband region, a rear region, a crotch region, and an absorbent body disposed at least partially within the crotch region. The front chassis and front waistband regions may comprise a plurality of elastomeric strands disposed between a first material and a material and are bonded together by a plurality of discrete bonds, at least some of which entrap the strands. The strands of the front chassis region are spaced apart a first distance, while the strands of the front waistband region are spaced apart a second distance, with the second distance being less than the first distance.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2021Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.Inventors: Ross T. Kaufman, Kelly D. Farmer, Joseph D. Coenen, Jerry L. Hameister
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Patent number: 11684522Abstract: Elasticated materials and articles comprising elasticated materials are disclosed. A method may comprise advancing first and second substrate materials and a stretched elastomeric strand in the machine direction. The method may further comprise advancing the first and the second substrate materials with the elastomeric strand positioned therebetween to a bonding apparatus. The bonding apparatus may comprise first and second elements forming a bonding nip. The method may further comprise oscillating the strand in a cross-machine direction and advancing the first and second substrate materials, and the strand, through the bonding nip and bonding the first and second substrate materials together with at least first and second bonds. The first and second bonds may be disposed on opposite sides of the strand and spaced apart a distance less than its un-tensioned diameter, and the first and second bonds may be located along an arcuate portion of the strand.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2018Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Assignee: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.Inventors: Joseph D. Coenen, Ross T. Kaufman, Kelly D. Farmer, Jerry L. Hameister
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Publication number: 20210267818Abstract: Exemplary wearable articles including regions with differing visual patterns are disclosed. In one embodiment, an article may comprise an elasticated front chassis region and an elasticated front waistband region, a rear region, a crotch region, and an absorbent body disposed at least partially within the crotch region. The front chassis and front waistband regions may comprise a plurality of elastomeric strands disposed between a first material and a material and are bonded together by a plurality of discrete bonds, at least some of which entrap the strands. The strands of the front chassis region are spaced apart a first distance, while the strands of the front waistband region are spaced apart a second distance, with the second distance being less than the first distance.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2021Publication date: September 2, 2021Inventors: Ross T. Kaufman, Kelly D. Farmer, Joseph D. Coenen, Jerry L. Hameister
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Patent number: 11020286Abstract: Exemplary wearable articles including regions with differing visual patterns are disclosed. In one embodiment, an article may comprise an elasticated front chassis region and an elasticated front waistband region, a rear region, a crotch region, and an absorbent body disposed at least partially within the crotch region. The front chassis and front waistband regions may comprise a plurality of elastomeric strands disposed between a first material and a material and are bonded together by a plurality of discrete bonds, at least some of which entrap the strands. The strands of the front chassis region are spaced apart a first distance, while the strands of the front waistband region are spaced apart a second distance, with the second distance being less than the first distance.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2017Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORDWIDE, INC.Inventors: Ross T. Kaufman, Kelly D. Farmer, Joseph D. Coenen, Jerry L. Hameister
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Patent number: 10973703Abstract: Elasticated materials and absorbent articles comprising elasticated materials are disclosed. In an embodiment, an elasticated material can comprise a first web material, a second web material bonded to the first web material, and a plurality of elastomeric strands extending in a lateral direction and disposed between the first and second web materials. The material may comprise a pair of bonds disposed on opposite sides of an elastomeric strand and spaced apart across the elastomeric strand a distance less than an untensioned diameter of the elastomeric strand of the plurality of elastomeric strands. Additionally, the elasticated material may exhibit a first amount of elongation in a direction perpendicular to the lateral direction at a given tension along a first length of the elasticated material and a second amount of elongation in a direction perpendicular to the lateral direction at the given tension along a second length of the elasticated material.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2017Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORDWIDE, INC.Inventors: Joseph D. Coenen, Ross T. Kaufman, Kelly D. Farmer, Jerry L. Hameister, Julia R. Selden
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Publication number: 20200268567Abstract: Elasticated materials and absorbent articles comprising elasticated materials are disclosed. In an embodiment, an elasticated material may comprise a first layer bonded to a second layer by first bonds and second bonds. A plurality of elastomeric strands may extend between the first layer and the second layer. A first bond and a second bond are disposed on opposite sides of a first strand and are separated by a longitudinal distance less than an un-tensioned diameter of the first strand, and a third bond and a fourth bond are disposed on opposite sides of a second strand and are separated by a longitudinal distance less than an un-tensioned diameter of the second strand. The first bond forms a first angle with respect to the first strand, the third bond forms a second angle with respect to the second strand, and the first angle is different than the second angle.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2020Publication date: August 27, 2020Inventors: Joseph D. Coenen, Ross T. Kaufman, Kelly D. Farmer, Jerry L. Hameister
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Publication number: 20200237576Abstract: Elasticated materials and articles comprising elasticated materials are disclosed. A method may comprise advancing first and second substrate materials and a stretched elastomeric strand in the machine direction. The method may further comprise advancing the first and the second substrate materials with the elastomeric strand positioned therebetween to a bonding apparatus. The bonding apparatus may comprise first and second elements forming a bonding nip. The method may further comprise oscillating the strand in a cross-machine direction and advancing the first and second substrate materials, and the strand, through the bonding nip and bonding the first and second substrate materials together with at least first and second bonds. The first and second bonds may be disposed on opposite sides of the strand and spaced apart a distance less than its un-tensioned diameter, and the first and second bonds may be located along an arcuate portion of the strand.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2018Publication date: July 30, 2020Inventors: Joseph D. Coenen, Ross T. Kaufman, Kelly D. Farmer, Jerry L. Hameister
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Publication number: 20200206043Abstract: Elasticated materials and absorbent articles comprising elasticated materials are disclosed. In an embodiment, an elasticated material can comprise a first web material, a second web material bonded to the first web material, and a plurality of elastomeric strands extending in a lateral direction and disposed between the first and second web materials. The material may comprise a pair of bonds disposed on opposite sides of an elastomeric strand and spaced apart across the elastomeric strand a distance less than an untensioned diameter of the elastomeric strand of the plurality of elastomeric strands. Additionally, the elasticated material may exhibit a first amount of elongation in a direction perpendicular to the lateral direction at a given tension along a first length of the elasticated material and a second amount of elongation in a direction perpendicular to the lateral direction at the given tension along a second length of the elasticated material.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2017Publication date: July 2, 2020Inventors: Joseph D. Coenen, Ross T. Kaufman, Kelly D. Farmer, Jerry L. Hameister, Julia R. Selden
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Patent number: 10596047Abstract: Elasticated materials and absorbent articles comprising elasticated materials are disclosed. In an embodiment, an elasticated material may comprise a first layer bonded to a second layer by first bonds and second bonds. A plurality of elastomeric strands may extend between the first layer and the second layer. A first bond and a second bond are disposed on opposite sides of a first strand and are separated by a longitudinal distance less than an un-tensioned diameter of the first strand, and a third bond and a fourth bond are disposed on opposite sides of a second strand and are separated by a longitudinal distance less than an un-tensioned diameter of the second strand. The first bond forms a first angle with respect to the first strand, the third bond forms a second angle with respect to the second strand, and the first angle is different than the second angle.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2017Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.Inventors: Joseph D. Coenen, Ross T. Kaufman, Kelly D. Farmer, Jerry L. Hameister
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Publication number: 20190374398Abstract: Elasticated materials and absorbent articles comprising elasticated materials are disclosed. In an embodiment, an elasticated material may comprise a first layer bonded to a second layer by first bonds and second bonds. A plurality of elastomeric strands may extend between the first layer and the second layer. A first bond and a second bond are disposed on opposite sides of a first strand and are separated by a longitudinal distance less than an un-tensioned diameter of the first strand, and a third bond and a fourth bond are disposed on opposite sides of a second strand and are separated by a longitudinal distance less than an un-tensioned diameter of the second strand. The first bond forms a first angle with respect to the first strand, the third bond forms a second angle with respect to the second strand, and the first angle is different than the second angle.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2017Publication date: December 12, 2019Inventors: Joseph D. Coenen, Ross T. Kaufman, Kelly D. Farmer, Jerry L. Hameister
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Publication number: 20190358093Abstract: Exemplary wearable articles including regions with differing visual patterns are disclosed. In one embodiment, an article may comprise an elasticated front chassis region and an elasticated front waistband region, a rear region, a crotch region, and an absorbent body disposed at least partially within the crotch region. The front chassis and front waistband regions may comprise a plurality of elastomeric strands disposed between a first material and a material and are bonded together by a plurality of discrete bonds, at least some of which entrap the strands. The strands of the front chassis region are spaced apart a first distance, while the strands of the front waistband region are spaced apart a second distance, with the second distance being less than the first distance.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2017Publication date: November 28, 2019Inventors: Ross T. Kaufman, Kelly D. Farmer, Joseph D. Coenen, Jerry L. Hameister
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Patent number: 8927443Abstract: A biodegradable nonwoven laminate is provided. The laminate comprises a spunbond layer formed from substantially continuous filaments that contain a first aliphatic polyester having a melting point of from about 50° C. to about 160° C. The meltblown layer is formed from microfibers that contain a second aliphatic polyester having a melting point of from about 50° C. to about 160° C. The first aliphatic polyester, the second aliphatic polyester, or both have an apparent viscosity of from about 20 to about 215 Pascal-seconds, as determined at a temperature of 160° C. and a shear rate of 1000 sec-1. The first aliphatic polyester may be the same or different than the second aliphatic polyester.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2006Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Jayant Chakravarty, Vasily Topolkaraev, Ross T. Kaufman, Stephen Avedis Baratian, Jared L. Martin
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Patent number: 8334327Abstract: A breathable film having a base layer comprising first filler particles and second filler particles dispersed within a biodegradable polymer matrix is provided. The first filler particles constitute from about 25 wt. % to about 75 wt. % of the base layer and the second filler particles constitute from about 0.1 wt. % to about 10 wt. % of the base layer. The ratio of the average size of the first filler particles to the average size of the second filler particles being from about 2 to about 100. The film exhibits a water vapor transmission rate of about 2,000 g/m2/24 hours or more and a peak load in the machine direction of about 800 grams-force per inch or more.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2006Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Ross T. Kaufman, Vasily A. Topolkaraev, Steven R. Stopper, Rob L. Jacobs
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Patent number: 8329601Abstract: A biodegradable and renewable film that may be employed in a wide variety of applications is provided. The film is formed from a thermoplastic composition that contains at least one starch and at least one plant protein. Even at a high renewable material content, the present inventors have discovered that films may be readily formed from plant proteins and starches by selectively controlling the individual amount of the starch and plant proteins, the nature of the starch and plant proteins, and other components used in the film. Balancing the amount of starches and plant proteins within a certain range, for instance, can reduce the likelihood of plant protein aggregation and enhance the ability of the composition to be melt processed. The composition also contains at least one plasticizer that improves the thermoplastic nature of the protein and starch components. The selection of the plasticizer may also help reduce the tendency of the plant protein to aggregate during melt processing.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2008Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Bo Shi, Sarah A. Funk, James H. Wang, Gregory J. Wideman, Ross T. Kaufman, Vasily A. Topolkaraev
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Publication number: 20100159203Abstract: A biodegradable and renewable film that may be employed in a wide variety of applications is provided. The film is formed from a thermoplastic composition that contains at least one starch and at least one plant protein. Even at a high renewable material content, the present inventors have discovered that films may be readily formed from plant proteins and starches by selectively controlling the individual amount of the starch and plant proteins, the nature of the starch and plant proteins, and other components used in the film. Balancing the amount of starches and plant proteins within a certain range, for instance, can reduce the likelihood of plant protein aggregation and enhance the ability of the composition to be melt processed. The composition also contains at least one plasticizer that improves the thermoplastic nature of the protein and starch components. The selection of the plasticizer may also help reduce the tendency of the plant protein to aggregate during melt processing.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2008Publication date: June 24, 2010Applicant: Klmberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Bo Shi, Sarah A. Funk, James H. Wang, Gregory J. Wideman, Ross T. Kaufman, Vasily A. Topolkaraev
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Publication number: 20100068484Abstract: A breathable film having a base layer comprising first filler particles and second filler particles dispersed within a biodegradable polymer matrix is provided. The first filler particles constitute from about 25 wt. % to about 75 wt. % of the base layer and the second filler particles constitute from about 0.1 wt. % to about 10 wt. % of the base layer. The ratio of the average size of the first filler particles to the average size of the second filler particles being from about 2 to about 100. The film exhibits a water vapor transmission rate of about 2,000 g/m2/24 hours or more and a peak load in the machine direction of about 800 grams-force per inch or more.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2006Publication date: March 18, 2010Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.Inventor: Ross T. KAUFMAN
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Publication number: 20100048082Abstract: A method for forming a biodegradable polylactic acid suitable for use in fibers is provided. Specifically, a polylactic acid is melt processed at a controlled water content to initiate a hydrolysis reaction. Without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that the hydroxyl groups present in water are capable of attacking the ester linkage of polylactic acids, thereby leading to chain scission or “depolymerization” of the polylactic acid molecule into one or more shorter ester chains. The shorter chains may include polylactic acids, as well as minor portions of lactic acid monomers or oligomers, and combinations of any of the foregoing. By selectively controlling the hydrolysis conditions (e.g., moisture and polymer concentrations, temperature, shear rate, etc.), a hydrolytically degraded polylactic acid may be achieved that has a molecular weight lower than the starting polymer.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2006Publication date: February 25, 2010Inventors: Vasily A. Topolkaraev, Gregory J. Wideman, Ross T. Kaufman, Alan E. Wright, Jeffrey J. Krueger, Jayant Chakravarty
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Publication number: 20100048081Abstract: A method for forming a biodegradable polyester suitable for use in fibers is provided. Specifically, a biodegradable polyester is melt processed at a controlled water content to initiate a hydrolysis reaction. Without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that the hydroxyl groups present in water are capable of attacking the ester linkage of the polyester, thereby leading to chain scission or “depolymerization” of the polyester molecule into one or more shorter ester chains. By selectively controlling the reaction conditions (e.g., water content, temperature, shear rate, etc.), a hydrolytically degraded polyester may be achieved that has a molecular weight lower than the starting polymer. Such lower molecular weight polymers have a higher melt flow rate and lower apparent viscosity, which are useful in a wide variety of fiber forming applications, such as in the meltblowing of nonwoven webs.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2006Publication date: February 25, 2010Inventors: Vasily A. Topolkaraev, Gregory J. Wideman, Ross T. Kaufman, Alan E. Wright, Jeffrey J. Krueger, Jayant Chakravarty
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Publication number: 20080287026Abstract: A biodegradable nonwoven laminate is provided. The laminate comprises a spunbond layer formed from substantially continuous filaments that contain a first aliphatic polyester having a melting point of from about 50° C. to about 160° C. The meltblown layer is formed from microfibers that contain a second aliphatic polyester having a melting point of from about 50° C. to about 160° C. The first aliphatic polyester, the second aliphatic polyester, or both have an apparent viscosity of from about 20 to about 215 Pascal-seconds, as determined at a temperature of 160° C. and a shear rate of 1000 sec-1. The first aliphatic polyester may be the same or different than the second aliphatic polyester.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2006Publication date: November 20, 2008Inventors: Jayant Chakravarty, Vasily Topolkaraev, Ross T. Kaufman, Stephen Avedis Baratian, Jared L. Martin