Patents by Inventor Tom Belau

Tom Belau 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: 20060149209
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in bonding patterns for the attachment of components of disposable absorbent articles. For example, in order to provide attachment of an ear portion to a longitudinal side of the chassis of an article, there may be an attachment area The attachment area may include an overlapping area of chassis material(s) (outer cover and/or liner materials) and ear portion material. The over-lapping areas of chassis material and ear portion material are bonded together in such a way as to allow the bond pattern area to stretch from 8% to 30%. The bonding patterns of the invention may also be used to form the side seams and passive side bonds for articles that are donned as pants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Publication date: July 6, 2006
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Malchow, Paul Datta, Tom Belau, John Condron, Melissa Putzer
  • Publication number: 20060089616
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in bonding patterns for the attachment of components of disposable absorbent articles. For example, in order to provide attachment of an ear portion to a longitudinal side of the chassis of an article, there may be an attachment area. The attachment area may include an overlapping area of chassis material(s) (outer cover and/or liner materials) and ear portion material. The overlapping areas of chassis material and ear portion material are bonded together in such a way as to include a variegated bond pattern and a uniform bond pattern. The bonding patterns of the invention may also be used to form the side seams and passive side bonds for articles that are donned as pants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Publication date: April 27, 2006
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark World, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Belau, Melissa Putzer, John Condron, Gregory Malchow, Charles Keuhn, Thomas Ehlert, Paul Datta, Barbara Gossen, Patrick Lord
  • Publication number: 20050191460
    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: April 1, 2005
    Publication date: September 1, 2005
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Tom Belau