Patents by Inventor Tom R. Belau

Tom R. 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: 20230107550
    Abstract: Soft point bonded nonwoven webs, and methods of making the same, are described that utilize a pattern of small, discrete bond points in a sequent pattern that together form macro-elements. The macro-elements are themselves positioned and aligned within a pattern such that mechanical stretching operations on the point bonded nonwoven webs yields soft and bulky fabrics but with reduced incidence of tearing or rupturing of the individual bond points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2022
    Publication date: April 6, 2023
    Inventors: Timothy D. Ferguson, David A. Palzewicz, Daniel M. Nussbaum, Tom R. Belau
  • Patent number: 11560658
    Abstract: Soft point bonded nonwoven webs, and methods of making the same, are described that utilize a pattern of small, discrete bond points in a sequent pattern that together form macro-elements. The macro-elements are themselves positioned and aligned within a pattern such that mechanical stretching operations on the point bonded nonwoven webs yields soft and bulky fabrics but with reduced incidence of tearing or rupturing of the individual bond points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Timothy D. Ferguson, David A. Palzewicz, Daniel M. Nussbaum, Tom R. Belau
  • Publication number: 20200224346
    Abstract: Soft point bonded nonwoven webs, and methods of making the same, are described that utilize a pattern of small, discrete bond points in a sequent pattern that together form macro-elements. The macro-elements are themselves positioned and aligned within a pattern such that mechanical stretching operations on the point bonded nonwoven webs yields soft and bulky fabrics but with reduced incidence of tearing or rupturing of the individual bond points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2018
    Publication date: July 16, 2020
    Inventors: Timothy D. Ferguson, David A. Palzewicz, Daniel M. Nussbaum, Tom R. Belau
  • Patent number: 7276642
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Tom R. Belau
  • Patent number: 6921570
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom R. Belau, Timothy J. Blenke, Richard T. Wehrle, Rebecca J. Kuepper, Thomas D. Ehlert, Alan F. Schleinz
  • Publication number: 20030119404
    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: December 21, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventors: Tom R. Belau, Timothy J. Blenke, Richard T. Wehrle, Rebecca J. Kuepper, Thomas D. Ehlert, Alan F. Schleinz