Patents by Inventor Shannon Kathleen Melius
Shannon Kathleen 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).
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Patent number: 9456936Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 16, 2009Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Jennifer Leigh Skabroud Misek, Brian Keith Rhodes, Terri Lynn Meisel, Cole William Poole, Shannon Kathleen Melius, Nathan Allen Genke, Frank Lawrence Faubel
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Patent number: 8911417Abstract: A diaper having a front portion with at least one line of weakness adapted to be torn and at least one umbilical cover defined in part by the at least one line of weakness. The at least one umbilical cover is moveable from a starting position to an anchored position upon tearing the at least one line of weakness. The diaper has at least one umbilical cover anchor adapted to maintain the at least one umbilical cover in the anchored position.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2013Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Chantel Spring Mundschau, Kusum Gosain, Shannon Kathleen Melius, John Timothy Hahn, Vipula Jitendra Tailor, Earl David Brock
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Publication number: 20130296821Abstract: A diaper having a front portion with at least one line of weakness adapted to be torn and at least one umbilical cover defined in part by the at least one line of weakness. The at least one umbilical cover is moveable from a starting position to an anchored position upon tearing the at least one line of weakness. The diaper has at least one umbilical cover anchor adapted to maintain the at least one umbilical cover in the anchored position.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2013Publication date: November 7, 2013Inventors: Chantel Spring Buhrow, Kusum Gosain, Shannon Kathleen Melius, John Timothy Hahn, Vipula Jitendra Tailor, Earl David Brock
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Publication number: 20130230835Abstract: A method for simplified donning of a refastenable garment. The method includes configuring the article such that the first transverse side is open and such that the second transverse side is closed; thereafter positioning and fastening the first front and back side panels around a first leg; thereafter opening the second transverse side; thereafter positioning and fastening the second front and back side panels around a second leg; and thereafter drawing the article up into a wear position on the subject. Also disclosed is a method for simplifying the application of a refastenable garment that includes providing specific instructions to a user, such as via graphical images. Also disclosed is a package of refastenable garments, the package including secondary information for simplifying the application of a refastenable garment to a wearer.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2012Publication date: September 5, 2013Inventors: Kimberly Louise Ellefson, Charles Lewis Cooke, JR., Kristina Fries Smits, Shannon Kathleen Melius, Suzanne Marie Schmoker, Eric Brian Maclean
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Patent number: 8506546Abstract: A diaper having a front portion with at least one line of weakness adapted to be torn and at least one umbilical cover defined in part by the at least one line of weakness. The at least one umbilical cover is moveable from a starting position to an anchored position upon tearing the at least one line of weakness. The diaper has at least one umbilical cover anchor adapted to maintain the at least one umbilical cover in the anchored position.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2005Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Chantel Spring Buhrow, Kusum Gosain, Shannon Kathleen Melius, John Timothy Hahn, Vipula Jitendra Tailor, Earl David Brock
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Publication number: 20110088828Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2009Publication date: April 21, 2011Inventors: Jennifer Leigh Skabroud Misek, Brian Keith Rhodes, Terri Lynn Meisel, Cole William Poole, Shannon Kathleen Melius, Nathan Allen Genke
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Publication number: 20100108554Abstract: Disposable absorbent articles product designs tailored to the differing needs and preferences of males and females are disclosed. In particular embodiments, an array of gender-specific, disposable, absorbent articles comprises a package of first disposable absorbent articles, the package bearing indicia indicating that the articles therein are adapted to be worn by females, and a package of second disposable absorbent articles, the package bearing indicia indicating that the articles therein are adapted to be worn by males. The first disposable absorbent articles differ from the corresponding second disposable absorbent articles in any of a variety of aspects to customize the products for each gender. In certain embodiments, the array includes one product adapted for use by one gender, and a unisex product adapted for use by either gender.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2008Publication date: May 6, 2010Inventors: Shannon Kathleen Melius, Amanda Jean Simon, Marie Elizabeth Luna, James R. Schermerhorn, Marcille Faye Ruman, Wayne David Beyer, Todd William Wilkes, Katherine C. Wheeler, Patsy A. Krautkramer
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Patent number: 7115321Abstract: An absorbent binder coating including monoethylenically unsaturated polymer units, polyacrylate ester units that include an alkoxysilane functionality, and polyolefin glycol units and/or polyolefin oxide units, can be applied to various substrates. For example, the coating can be self-applied to an article of clothing or to a person's skin to provide absorbency. Alternatively, the coating can provide moisture absorbency, as well as adhesive properties, when incorporated into various articles including medical devices, wound dressings, laminates, absorbent garments, packaging materials, and horticultural products.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2003Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Dave Allen Soerens, Julie Anne Draves, Lawrence Howell Sawyer, Jason Matthew Laumer, Shannon Kathleen Melius, Debra Jean McDowall, Rob D. Everett, Henry L. Griesbach, III, Brenda Marie Nelson
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Patent number: 6923321Abstract: A package (20) of articles comprises a bottom panel (24), and a top panel (26). The top panel is operatively positioned and joined with the bottom panel (24) to provide a closed package. The top panel (26) is appointed to face toward a user, and a plurality of personal care articles (22) are contained in the package (20). The package (20) includes an opening mechanism (34) which provides access to the articles (22), and each article includes a liquid-permeable topsheet layer (36), and a backsheet layer (38). A data layer (42) is operatively joined to the article (22), and is intended to be selectively repositioned prior to using the article, to enable full functionality of the article. Data indicia (44) are located on the data layer (42) and configured to communicate a message to the user. The message can be related to at least one of motivating the user, entertaining the user, educating the user, and inspiring the user.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2003Date of Patent: August 2, 2005Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Patricia Ann Samolinski, Kim LaRae Resheski-Wedepohl, Scott Richard Martin, Shannon Kathleen Melius
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Patent number: 6720073Abstract: An absorbent composite that can handle complex fluids and maintain high absorbent capacity under high loads even after the material has been subjected to rigorous processing conditions. The absorbent composite includes an inhomogeneously crosslinked superabsorbent polymer having a highly crosslinked outer shell. The surface of the superabsorbent polymer includes a protective fibrous coating material and an association agent.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2001Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Nancy Birbiglia Lange, William Grover Reeves, Shannon Kathleen Melius
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Patent number: 6710225Abstract: Absorbent article 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2000Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Rob David Everett, Thomas Gerald Bolwerk, Richard Norris Dodge, II, Violet May Grube, Yong Li, Debra Jean McDowall, Shannon Kathleen Melius, Lawrence Howell Sawyer, David Louis Zenker, Xiaomin Zhang, Sylvia Bandy Little, Billie Jean Matthews, Sridhar Ranganathan, Stanley Michael Gryskiewicz, Kuo-Shu Edward Chang
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Patent number: 6706945Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent article (10) having a longitudinal direction (26), and a lateral, cross direction (24). The article includes a liquid permeable top sheet layer (28), a substantially liquid impermeable backsheet layer (30), and an absorbent structure (32) having a primary retention portion (48) sandwiched between the top sheet and backsheet layers. The retention portion (48) includes a wet-formed mixture of fibers and superabsorbent material. The retention portion has a selected edge-wise compression value, such as an edge-wise compression value of not more than a maximum of about 9 g/gsm, and a modified circular bend value, such as a modified circular bend value of at least minimum of about 0.3 g/gsm. In particular aspects, the retention portion (48) can include cellulosic fibers.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2000Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Shannon Kathleen Melius, David Arthur Fell, Violet May Grube, Andrew Edsel Huntoon, Toan Thanh LeMinh, Sridhar Ranganathan, William Grover Reeves, Lawrence Howell Sawyer, Dave Allen Soerens, Heather Anne Sorebo, Michael William Veith, Palani Raj Ramaswami Wallajapet, David Louis Zenker
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Publication number: 20040043688Abstract: An absorbent binder coating including monoethylenically unsaturated polymer units, polyacrylate ester units that include an alkoxysilane functionality, and polyolefin glycol units and/or polyolefin oxide units, can be applied to various substrates. For example, the coating can be self-applied to an article of clothing or to a person's skin to provide absorbency. Alternatively, the coating can provide moisture absorbency, as well as adhesive properties, when incorporated into various articles including medical devices, wound dressings, laminates, absorbent garments, packaging materials, and horticultural products.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2003Publication date: March 4, 2004Inventors: Dave Allen Soerens, Julie Anne Draves, Lawrence Howell Sawyer, Jason Matthew Laumer, Shannon Kathleen Melius, Debra Jean McDowall, Rob D. Everett, Henry L. Griesbach, Brenda Marie Nelson
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Publication number: 20030149411Abstract: An absorbent article includes a vapor permeable backsheet, a liquid permeable topsheet positioned in facing relation with the backsheet; and an absorbent body located between the backsheet and the topsheet. The absorbent body may include multiple zones of high air permeability or may include materials which provide improved air exchange after being wetted. The absorbent article may also include a ventilation layer between the absorbent body and the backsheet and a surge management layer between the absorbent body and the topsheet. The article exhibits improved air exchange within the article during use. As a result, the article exhibits substantially reduced levels of hydration of the wearer's skin when in use which renders the skin less susceptible to the viability of microorganisms.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2003Publication date: August 7, 2003Inventors: Charles Paul Keuhn, Ronald Lee Edens, Peter Robert Elliker, Michael John Faulks, Sheng-Hsin Hu, Debra Jean McDowall, Shannon Kathleen Melius, Cheryl Ann Mocadlo, Cynthia Marie Phillips, Cathleen Mae Uttecht, Palani Raj Ramaswami Wallajapet, Dmitry Yavich, David Louis Zenker, Frank Jerrel Akin, Margaret Gwyn Latimer, Pamela Jean Mayberry, Susan Carol Paul, Audra Stefanik Wright
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Publication number: 20030119394Abstract: A nonwoven composite web contains coated superabsorbent and binder, such as thermoplastic staple fibers. The nonwoven composite web is easily made, economical, and has good distribution of materials, high absorbent particle loading, saturation capacity and flexibility.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2001Publication date: June 26, 2003Inventors: Sridhar Ranganathan, Gabriel Hamman Adam, Leon Eugene Chambers, Paul Windsor Estey, Eric Edward Lennon, Shannon Kathleen Melius, Debra Jean McDowall, William G. Reeves, Susan Elaine Shawver
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Patent number: 6558363Abstract: An absorbent article includes a vapor permeable backsheet, a liquid permeable topsheet positioned in facing relation with the backsheet; and an absorbent body located between the backsheet and the topsheet. The absorbent body may include multiple zones of high air permeability or may include materials which provide improved air exchange after being wetted. The absorbent article may also include a ventilation layer between the absorbent body and the backsheet and a surge management layer between the absorbent body and the topsheet. The article exhibits improved air exchange within the article during use. As a result, the article exhibits substantially reduced levels of hydration of the wearer's skin when in use which renders the skin less susceptible to the viability of microorganisms.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Charles Paul Keuhn, Jr., Ronald Lee Edens, Peter Robert Elliker, Michael John Faulks, Sheng-Hsin Hu, Debra Jean McDowall, Shannon Kathleen Melius, Cheryl Ann Mocadlo, Cynthia Marie Phillips, Cathleen Mae Uttecht, Palani Raj Ramaswami Wallajapet, Dmitry Yavich, David Louis Zenker, Frank Jerrel Akin, Margaret Gwyn Latimer, Pamela Jean Mayberry, Susan Carol Paul, Audra Stefanik Wright
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Publication number: 20020150761Abstract: An absorbent composite that can handle complex fluids and maintain high absorbent capacity under high loads even after the material has been subjected to rigorous processing conditions. The absorbent composite includes an inhomogeneously crosslinked superabsorbent polymer having a highly crosslinked outer shell. The surface of the superabsorbent polymer includes a protective fibrous coating material and an association agent.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2001Publication date: October 17, 2002Inventors: Nancy Birbiglia Lange, William Grover Reeves, Shannon Kathleen Melius
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Patent number: 6437214Abstract: A distinctive absorbent article includes an absorbent core having multiple absorbent layers, wherein the absorbent layers interact in such a manner which preferentially 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 product as possible, while providing optimum intake performance through appropriate control of the composite properties.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2000Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Rob David Everett, Thomas Gerald Bolwerk, Richard Norris Dodge, II, Violet May Grube, Yong Li, Debra Jean McDowall, Shannon Kathleen Melius, Lawrence Howell Sawyer, David Louis Zenker, Xiaomin Zhang, Sylvia Bandy Little, Billie Jean Matthews, Sridhar Ranganathan, Stanley Michael Gryskiewicz
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Patent number: 6383960Abstract: A distinctive absorbent article includes an absorbent core having multiple absorbent layers, wherein the absorbent layers interact in such a manner which preferentially 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 product as possible, while providing optimum intake performance through appropriate control of the composite properties.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2000Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Rob David Everett, Thomas Gerald Bolwerk, Richard Norris Dodge, II, Violet May Grube, Yong Li, Debra Jean McDowall, Shannon Kathleen Melius, Lawrence Howell Sawyer, David Louis Zenker, Xiaomin Zhang, Sylvia Bandy Little, Billie Jean Matthews, Sridhar Ranganathan, Stanley Michael Gryskiewicz, Kuo-Shu Edward Chang
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Patent number: 6323388Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent article ( 10) having a longitudinal direction ( 26), and a lateral, cross direction ( 24). The article includes a liquid permeable top sheet layer ( 28), a substantially liquid impermeable backsheet layer ( 30), and an absorbent structure ( 32) having a primary retention portion ( 48) sandwiched between the top sheet and backsheet layers. The retention portion ( 48) includes a wet-formed mixture of fibers and superabsorbent material. The retention portion has a selected edge-wise compression value, such as an edge-wise compression value of not more than a maximum of about 9 g/gsm, and a modified circular bend value, such as a modified circular bend value of at least minimum of about 0.3 g/gsm. In particular aspects, the retention portion ( 48) can include cellulosic fibers.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 1999Date of Patent: November 27, 2001Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Shannon Kathleen Melius, David Arthur Fell, Violet May Grube, Andrew Edsel Huntoon, Toan Thanh LeMinh, Sridhar Ranganathan, William Grover Reeves, Lawrence Howell Sawyer, Dave Allen Soerens, Heather Anne Sorebo, Michael William Veith, Palani Raj Ramaswami Wallajapet, David Louis Zenker