Patents by Inventor Shannon K. Melius

Shannon K. Melius 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: 10172746
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article is presenting having multiple components and including an inspection region subject to inspection using infrared radiation, wherein the inspection region includes a junction of two components; and a printed graphic in the inspection region, wherein the ink used to print the graphic includes no carbon black colorant such that the printed graphic is substantially transparent to infrared radiation. In addition, a disposable absorbent article having multiple components includes a printed graphic in an inspection region subject to inspection using infrared radiation, the printed graphic including black ink having no carbon black colorant such that the printed graphic is substantially transparent to infrared radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Jennifer L. Misek, Brian K. Rhodes, Terri L. Meisel, Cole W. Poole, Shannon K. Melius
  • Publication number: 20160361207
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article is presenting having multiple components and including an inspection region subject to inspection using infrared radiation, wherein the inspection region includes a junction of two components; and a printed graphic in the inspection region, wherein the ink used to print the graphic includes no carbon black colorant such that the printed graphic is substantially transparent to infrared radiation. In addition, a disposable absorbent article having multiple components includes a printed graphic in an inspection region subject to inspection using infrared radiation, the printed graphic including black ink having no carbon black colorant such that the printed graphic is substantially transparent to infrared radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Jennifer L. Misek, Brian K. Rhodes, Terri L. Meisel, Cole W. Poole, Shannon K. Melius
  • Patent number: 9018434
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20120165771
    Abstract: Absorbent articles are disclosed that have been printed with active graphics alone or in combination with permanent graphics. The active graphics may be used, for instance, as a wetness indicator on an absorbent article. In accordance with the present disclosure, the active graphics include at least one disappearing graphic and at least one appearing graphic. The disappearing graphic and appearing graphic allow for complete scene changes on the article and also allow for the illusion of movement of objects in the scene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Marcille Faye Ruman, Shannon K. Melius, Mary L. Schwer, Robert E. MacDonald, Eric Donald Johnson, Thomas Michael Ales, Jennifer Leigh Skabroud Misek, Terri Lynn Meisel, Tami L. Kurtz
  • Patent number: 8181278
    Abstract: The invention relates to a waist protection garment. The waist protection garment may include: a length corresponding to the waist circumference of a wearer and the length defining two longitudinal sides; a width in a direction perpendicular to the length and the width defining two lateral sides; an outer cover including a fluid impermeable material; a liner in superposed relation to the outer cover and the liner defining a bodyfacing surface and including a liquid permeable material; and a fastener for attaching one lateral side to the other lateral side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Odorzynski, MeeWha Lee, Shannon K. Melius
  • Publication number: 20120035563
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    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
  • Patent number: 7745687
    Abstract: An absorbent structure can include a matrix of fibers, wherein the matrix is reinforced with a reinforcing member, such as scrim. Preferably, the scrim is secured to the fibrous matrix by entanglement of fibers with the scrim and entanglement of fibers in the matrix from opposite sides of the scrim with each other. The scrim layer can be restricted to a longitudinally extending, medial region of the absorbent. In a particular arrangement, the scrim has a cross-directional width dimension which is less than a narrowest width dimension of the fibrous matrix. The scrim can be located between two, opposed, major surfaces of the fibrous matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Heyn, Matthew J. Barron, Sonya L. Eggen, Amber M. Fortune, Robert E. Gee, Eric D. Johnson, James M. Kaun, Dean M. Laux, Toan T. LeMinh, Billie D. Matelski, Shannon K. Melius, Melanie J. Milslagle, Angie M. Provost, Kenneth R. Schueler, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20080072248
    Abstract: A method of marketing a motion picture in conjunction with a disposable consumer product. A marketing vehicle is created by directly associated a motion picture identifier with an item to create a primary, secondary, or tertiary marketing vehicle. Any combination of primary, secondary, or tertiary marketing vehicles are sold to shoppers, choosers, and/or users prior to the motion-picture release date to achieve a desired marketing effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventors: Paula M. Sosalla, Kellie M. Goodrich, Shannon K. Melius
  • Patent number: 6981297
    Abstract: Apparatus for forming an air formed, reinforced fibrous web has a form member on which fluent fibrous material is deposited in an air formed deposition process. The fibrous web may be used as an absorbent core of an absorbent article. The form member has a forming surface which is shaped and arranged to contact and support a reinforcing member, such as a web of scrim. The forming surface is particularly formed to locate the reinforcing member at the proper position within the thickness of the fibrous web. No additional locating structure is needed and the reinforcing member can be placed on the forming surface prior to entry into the forming chamber where fibrous material is deposited onto the forming chamber. A form and a method for making a reinforced fibrous web are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael B. Venturino, Steven P. Jones, Shannon K. Melius, Paul E. Olmstead
  • Patent number: 6802834
    Abstract: An absorbent article is constructed with a discontinuous absorbent core strengthened by a reinforcing scrim material embedded in the absorbent material of the core. The scrim facilitates maintenance of the integrity of the core in use although the core may be weakened by the provision of ventilation openings or other discontinuities. The scrim also helps to keep the proper location of the absorbent core within the article. Moreover, use of scrim or other reinforcing material facilitates the manufacture of the absorbent core and of the absorbent article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Shannon K. Melius, Eric D. Johnson, Paul E. Olmstead, Michael B. Venturino
  • Publication number: 20040098838
    Abstract: Apparatus for forming an air formed, reinforced fibrous web has a form member on which fluent fibrous material is deposited in an air formed deposition process. The fibrous web may be used as an absorbent core of an absorbent article. The form member has a forming surface which is shaped and arranged to contact and support a reinforcing member, such as a web of scrim. The forming surface is particularly formed to locate the reinforcing member at the proper position within the thickness of the fibrous web. No additional locating structure is needed and the reinforcing member can be placed on the forming surface prior to entry into the forming chamber where fibrous material is deposited onto the forming chamber. A form and a method for making a reinforced fibrous web are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael B. Venturino, Steven P. Jones, Shannon K. Melius, Paul E. Olmstead
  • Publication number: 20040033750
    Abstract: Absorbent articles including an absorbent core having multiple absorbent layers. The absorbent layers interact in a manner which desirably locates absorbed liquid in an appointed, high saturation wicking layer. The localization of the liquid within this wicking layer increases the potential of this layer to move liquid through capillary action due to the higher saturation level and increased amount of liquid available. The intake capability of the absorbent system is maintained or improved over current systems by keeping a second layer of the absorbent system at low saturation levels through as many insults of the absorbent article as possible, while providing enhanced intake performance through appropriate control of the composite properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Rob D. Everett, Thomas G. Bolwek, Richard N. Dodge, Violet M. Grube, Yong X. Li, Shannon K. Melius, Sridhar Ranganathan, David L. Zenker, Xiaomin Zhang, Sylvia B. Little, Billie J. Matthews, Debra J. McDowall, Lawrence H. Sawyer, Stanley M. Gryskiewicz, Linda Gryskiewicz
  • Publication number: 20030225384
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article having a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The article includes an operative, liquid impermeable backsheet, an operative, liquid permeable top sheet connected to the backsheet, and a multi-layer absorbent body positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent body further includes an airlaid, stabilized, first absorbent layer having a first absorbent surface having a first absorbent area, and containing a quantity of absorbent fibers, a quantity of superabsorbent material and a quantity of thermally activated binder material. The absorbent body further includes a second absorbent layer located adjacent the first absorbent layer, the second absorbent layer having a second absorbent surface having a second absorbent area, and containing a quantity of absorbent fibers and a quantity of superabsorbent material, where the first absorbent area is less than the second absorbent area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Zenker, Michael B. Venturino, Shannon K. Melius, Debra Jean McDowall, Alan F. Schleinz, David A. Fell, Julie A. Paveletzke, Mark J. Beitz
  • Publication number: 20030171728
    Abstract: An absorbent structure can include a matrix of fibers, wherein the matrix is reinforced with a reinforcing member, such as scrim. Preferably, the scrim is secured to the fibrous matrix by entanglement of fibers with the scrim and entanglement of fibers in the matrix from opposite sides of the scrim with each other. The scrim layer can be restricted to a longitudinally extending, medial region of the absorbent. In a particular arrangement, the scrim has a cross-directional width dimension which is less than a narrowest width dimension of the fibrous matrix. The scrim can be located between two, opposed, major surfaces of the fibrous matrix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Heyn, Matthew J. Barron, Sonya L. Eggen, Amber M. Fortune, Robert E. Gee, Eric D. Johnson, James M. Kaun, Dean M. Laux, Toan T. LeMinh, Billie D. Matelski, Shannon K. Melius, Melanie J. Milslagle, Angie M. Provost, Kenneth R. Schueler
  • Publication number: 20030139721
    Abstract: An absorbent article is constructed with a discontinuous absorbent core strengthened by a reinforcing scrim material embedded in the absorbent material of the core. The scrim facilitates maintenance of the integrity of the core in use although the core may be weakened by the provision of ventilation openings or other discontinuities. The scrim also helps to keep the proper location of the absorbent core within the article. Moreover, use of scrim or other reinforcing material facilitates the manufacture of the absorbent core and of the absorbent article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Shannon K. Melius, Eric D. Johnson, Paul E. Olmstead, Michael B. Venturino
  • Publication number: 20030118825
    Abstract: Absorbent composites are described as containing a particle of superabsorbent material covered with an energy receptive additive. The absorbent composites are suitable for exposure to dielectric heating, in general, and microwave heating, in particular.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide,Inc
    Inventors: Shannon K. Melius, William G. Reeves, Peter R. Elliker
  • Publication number: 20030119402
    Abstract: Absorbent articles having stabilized absorbent structures are discussed. The absorbent structures include binder fibers and absorbent composites. The absorbent composites include a particle of superabsorbent material and an energy receptive additive. The absorbent structures having the absorbent composites are particularly suitable for exposure to dielectric heating, in general, and microwave heating, in particular.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Shannon K. Melius, William G. Reeves, Peter R. Elliker, Michael J. Garvey