Patents by Inventor Thomas Gerard Shannon

Thomas Gerard Shannon 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).

  • Publication number: 20090057169
    Abstract: Spindles attachments and replacement spindles for use with a coreless tissue roll or a flexible core rolled tissue product are generally disclosed. In one embodiment, a spindle attachment having an elongated tube is generally disclosed. Each end portion of the spindle attachment is tapered at an angle of less than 45°. The elongated tube defines a circular opening that extends through the center of the elongated tube. In another embodiment, an armed spindle for use in place of a traditional spindle is generally disclosed. The armed spindle includes a pair of opposing pegs connected to at least 4 arms. Each arm has a pair of end portions that extend away from the center axis of the armed spindle to a middle portion. Also, a kit is disclosed that includes both a spindle attachment or an armed spindle and at least one rolled tissue product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: Benjamin Joseph Kruchoski, Thomas Gerard Shannon
  • Publication number: 20090057456
    Abstract: A rolled tissue product having a nonwoven tissue web wrapped or wound about a flexible core is generally provided. The flexible core is constructed of a polymeric sheet of synthetic polymers. The tissue sheet has a tensile strength in the machine direction that is weaker than the strength of the flexible core. For example, the flexible core can be at least twice as strong as the tensile strength in the machine direction of the nonwoven tissue web. The flexible core can include a nonwoven web of synthetic polymeric fibers, a polymeric film of synthetic polymers, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the flexible core can include a hydrophilic synthetic polymer such that the flexible core disintegrates when submerged in water. In another embodiment, the flexible core can include an elastomeric polymer that provides an elastic component to the flexible core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas Gerard Shannon, Benjamin Joseph Kruchoski
  • Publication number: 20080302498
    Abstract: Synthetic co-polymers having moieties capable of forming hydrogen bonds, ionic bonds, or covalent bonds with cellulose fibers and paper modifying moieties capable of modifying a paper sheet are disclosed. These synthetic co-polymers are derived from the reaction of an aldehyde functional polymer and an aldehyde reactive paper modifying agent containing a non-hydroxyl aldehyde reactive functional group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas Gerard Shannon, Mike Thomas Goulet, Dana Stephanie Kass
  • Publication number: 20080268405
    Abstract: A training device includes a first marking mechanism adapted to deliver a first colorant to a skin surface, wherein the first colorant is adapted to be washed from the skin surface with a cleaner. The training device may also include a second marking mechanism adapted to deliver a second colorant to the skin surface or a faux marking surface adapted to deliver no ink to the skin surface. The training device may be used as part of a method and/or kit for hand hygiene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Jason C. Cohen, Thomas Gerard Shannon
  • Publication number: 20080185114
    Abstract: The present invention is a soft tissue sheet having reduced lint and slough. The tissue sheet comprises papermaking fibers and a synthetic co-copolymer. The synthetic co-polymer has the general structure: wherein R1, R2, R3 are independently selected from a group consisting of: H; C1-4 alkyl radicals; and, mixtures thereof; R4 is selected from a group consisting of C1-C8 alkyl radicals and mixtures thereof; Z1 is a bridging radical attaching the R4 functionality to the polymer backbone; and, Q1 is a functional group containing at least a cationic quaternary ammonium radical. w, x, y?1 and the mole ratio of x to (x+y) is about 0.5 or greater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Gerard Shannon, Kelly Dean Branham, William Clayton Bunyard, Lisa Ann Flugge
  • Publication number: 20080142177
    Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to a multiple ply paper product which includes a first ply comprising virgin fiber, pre-consumer recycled fiber, or mixtures thereof and a second ply comprising at least about 30% by weight post-consumer recycled fiber, wherein the average pore size distribution of the first ply is greater than the average pore size distribution of the second ply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas Gerard Shannon, Benjamin Joseph Kruchoski
  • Publication number: 20080129035
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process of personalizing or customizing a container or dispenser for a customer or shopper. More specifically, the present invention relates to a process of mass personalization or customization of containers or dispensers containing useable products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Duane Lyle McDonald, Raymond Paul Pitsch, Shiva Nicole Scotti, Cynthia Watts Henderson, Allen Jerry Marquardt, Andrew Peter Bakken, Thomas Gerard Shannon, Timothy Patrick Clare
  • Patent number: 7381299
    Abstract: The fluid intake rate of a tissue product having at least one hydrophobic exterior layer can be increased significantly by the addition of apertures through the hydrophobic exterior layer to the tissue product's hydrophilic interior layer. The apertures allow for fluid to be absorbed by the hydrophilic interior layer, while leaving the hydrophobic exterior layer dry to the touch. The size, number and spacing of the apertures can be controlled to manage the absorbent properties of the tissue product. In one embodiment, a three-ply tissue product has two exterior hydrophobic plies each having a plurality of apertures extending from the surface of both exterior plies through the plies to a hydrophilic interior ply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Gerard Shannon, David Andrew Moline, Tammy Jo Balzar, Jeffrey David Mathews, John J. Urlaub
  • Patent number: 7377995
    Abstract: Single-ply throughdried tissue sheets, particularly suitable as bath tissue, are produced with at least three layers. One or both of the outer layers suitably contain predominantly softwood fibers and a chemical bonding agent. One or more of the inner layers suitably contains a chemical debonder. The resulting tissues have a high level of durability and softness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Pachih Chen, Michael Alan Hermans, Pau-Lin Pawar, Thomas Gerard Shannon
  • Publication number: 20080077415
    Abstract: Color-customized tissue cartons and products can be manufactured specially for consumers by providing consumers access to color coding systems at a retail store locations. Desired room decor colors, taken from paint chip colors or upholstery colors, can be matched at the retailer's location and the color coordinates stored in a database. Coordinating colors can be generated and all of the color information can be conveyed to a printer where tissue carton graphics are printed. As a result, the colors of the graphics can be customized to the consumer's specifications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas Gerard Shannon, Andrew Peter Bakken, Cynthia Watts Henderson, Jeffrey Dean Lindsay
  • Publication number: 20080059324
    Abstract: Facial tissue products can be customized by providing readers or customers of topical mediums, such as topical magazines or websites, with related graphics and tissue basesheet options through an advertisement in the magazine or website that directs the reader to a website. Through the website, the reader can select and order their customized products, which can be shipped directly to the reader.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: Andrew Peter Bakken, Mike Thomas Goulet, Jeffrey Dean Lindsay, Thomas Gerard Shannon, Benjamin Peter Sierra
  • Publication number: 20070284266
    Abstract: The present invention provides an article of manufacture comprising a container or dispenser having a top, at least one sidewall, a bottom and an interior volume. The at least one sidewall joins the top to the bottom, and the top, the sidewall and bottom define the interior volume capable of holding at least one product. The sidewall has an exterior surface which is covered by an outer sheet component sleeve. At least a major portion of the exterior surface of the sidewall is covered by the outer sheet component sleeve. The outer sheet component sleeve has at least one graphic, image or decorative design located thereon and the outer sheet component has at least one shrinkable polymeric film layer. Also, located within the interior volume is product contained or dispensed from the container or dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Duane Lyle McDonald, Raymond Paul Pitsch, Shiva Nicole Scotti, Cynthia Watts Henderson, Allen Jerry Marquardt, Andrew Peter Bakken, Thomas Gerard Shannon, Timothy Patrick Clare
  • Patent number: 7294230
    Abstract: Lightweight multi-ply tissue products, such as facial tissue and bath tissue, are produced by printing flexible polymeric binder material, such as certain latex binders, onto one or more inner surfaces of the multi-ply tissue product. The resulting products have low stiffness and high strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Lisa Ann Flugge-Berendes, Thomas Gerard Shannon
  • Patent number: 7219815
    Abstract: Different embodiments for adapting a package, such as a tissue carton or wet wipes container, for placement into a cup holder or for being secured by a cup holder are disclosed. By adapting existing packages containing disposable articles to fit into a cup holder, the package can be kept securely in place in an automobile. By adapting the existing package design, existing packaging machinery can be used to produce the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Gerard Shannon, Scott Allen Baum, Duane Lyle McDonald
  • Patent number: 7186318
    Abstract: The present invention is a polysiloxane treated hydrophilic tissue sheet having a polydialkylsiloxane content of about 0.4% or greater by weight of dry pulp fibers. The polysiloxane treated hydrophilic tissue sheet may also have a wet out time after aging 20 days at about 130° F. of about 10 seconds or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Kou-Chang Liu, Amber Marie Fortune, Thomas Gerard Shannon
  • Patent number: 7147752
    Abstract: The present invention is polysiloxane pretreated pulp fibers comprising pulp fibers, and a polysiloxane. The polysiloxane pretreated pulp fibers have a polysiloxane content of about 0.4 percent or greater by weight of dry pulp fibers, a silicone retention factor of about 0.6 or greater, and an initial water drop absorption value of about 180 seconds or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Gerard Shannon, Dale Alan Burghardt, Lisa Ann Flugge, David Andrew Moline
  • Publication number: 20060243405
    Abstract: Tissues having a high level of softness and hand protection in combination with improved cleaning are disclosed. The tissues have been shown to remove more mucus than commercially available tissues.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Publication date: November 2, 2006
    Inventors: Kenneth Zwick, Thomas Gerard Shannon, Michael Rekoske, Kathy Richardson, Paul Pauling, Mark Alan Burazin, Gary Shanklin, Thomas Kremer, Benjamin Peter Sierra
  • Patent number: 7029756
    Abstract: The present invention is a tissue product having two outer surfaces and at least one layered tissue sheet. The layered tissue sheet has two outer layers. The tissue product comprises at least one layer of the layered tissue sheet comprises polysiloxane pretreated pulp fibers and at least one layer of the layered tissue sheet comprises non-treated pulp fibers. At least one layer of the layered tissue sheet comprises polysiloxane pretreated pulp fibers such that one layer comprising polysiloxane pretreated pulp fibers is adjacent to a layer comprising non-treated pulp fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: David Andrew Moline, Dale Alan Burghardt, Thomas Gerard Shannon
  • Patent number: 6964725
    Abstract: The present invention is a tissue product comprising at least one tissue sheet. Each tissue sheet comprises a first side and an opposing second side. At least one tissue sheet comprises selectively treated pulp fiber treated with at least one hydrophobic chemical additive distributed non-uniformly in the z-direction within the tissue sheet. The tissue sheet has a % z-directional hydrophobic chemical additive gradient between the first side of the tissue sheet and the second side of the tissue sheet of about 20% or greater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Gerard Shannon, James Daniel Lorenz, David Andrew Moline, Troy Michael Runge, Thomas Hampshire Schulz
  • Patent number: 6951598
    Abstract: The present invention is a soft tissue sheet. The tissue sheet comprises papermaking fibers and a polysiloxane composition. The polysiloxane composition comprises a polysiloxane and a compatible synthetic resin binder having a glass transition temperature of about 100° C. or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Lisa Ann Flugge, Kelly Dean Branham, William Clayton Bunyard, Thomas Gerard Shannon