Darryl Joseph Clark

US Patent:

6454989, Sep 24, 2002

Filed:

Nov 10, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/436669

Inventors:

James Richard Neely - Alpharetta GA
Darryl Franklin Clark - Alpharetta GA
Ty Jackson Stokes - Suwanee GA
Chad Michael Freese - Neenah WI
Rebecca Willey Griffin - Woodstock GA

Assignee:

Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. - Neenah WI

International Classification:

D01D 514

US Classification:

264555, 264103, 264168, 26417128, 26417212, 26417214, 26417215, 26417218, 2642108, 264566

Abstract:

The present invention provides continuously crimped propylene polymer nonwoven fabrics as well as processes for forming crimped multicomponent propylene polymer fibers by melt-attenuating extruded multicomponent fibers with heated or unheated air wherein the fibers spontaneously crimp without the need for additional heating and/or stretching steps.

US Patent:

6589892, Jul 8, 2003

Filed:

Nov 13, 1998

Appl. No.:

09/203903

Inventors:

Kevin Edward Smith - Roswell GA
Bryan David Haynes - Cumming GA
Justin Max Duellman - Little Rock AK
Ann Louise McCormack - Cumming GA
Jeffrey Lawrence McManus - Canton GA
Charles Allen Smith - Snellville GA
Debra Jean McDowall - Roswell GA
Samuel Edward Marmon - Alpharetta GA
Christopher Cosgrove Creagan - Marietta GA
Xin Ning - Alpharetta GA
David Lewis Myers - Cumming GA
Darryl Franklin Clark - Alpharetta GA

Assignee:

Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. - Neenah WI

International Classification:

D04H 100

US Classification:

442414, 442361, 442362, 442400, 442401, 442417

Abstract:

An improved nonwoven web composite is formed by combining bicomponent thermoplastic filaments having adhesive properties with a component selected from other fibers and particles. The bicomponent filaments include distinct regions of first and second incompatible polymers across a cross-section of individual filaments. After the bicomponent filaments are combined with the other fibers and/or particles, the adhesive properties of the bicomponent filaments result in a web or matrix of filaments having improved ability to entrap, ensnare and contain the other fibers and/or particles within the web or matrix. The nonwoven web composite is particularly useful for making absorbent articles, which require stability and optimum levels of absorbent fibers and/or particles.

US Patent:

6723669, Apr 20, 2004

Filed:

Dec 17, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/465298

Inventors:

Darryl Franklin Clark - Alpharetta GA
Justin Max Duellman - Little Rock AR
Bryan David Haynes - Cumming GA
Matthew Boyd Lake - Cumming GA
Jeffrey Lawrence McManus - Canton GA
Kevin Edward Smith - Knoxville TN

Assignee:

Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. - Neenah WI

International Classification:

B32B 526

US Classification:

442347, 442329, 442340, 442345, 442350, 442351, 442361, 442382, 442389, 442401, 442409, 442411

Abstract:

The present invention provides multicomponent fine fiber webs and multilayer laminates thereof having an average fiber diameter less than about 7 micrometers and comprising a first olefin polymer component and a second distinct polymer component such as an amorphous polyolefin or polyamide. Multilayer laminates incorporating the fine multicomponent fiber webs are also provided such as, for example, spunbond/meltblown/spunbond laminates or spunbond/meltblown/meltblown/spunbond laminates. The fine multicomponent fiber webs and laminates thereof provide laminates having excellent softness, peel strength and/or controlled permeability.

US Patent:

6878650, Apr 12, 2005

Filed:

Dec 20, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/742830

Inventors:

Darryl Franklin Clark - Alpharetta GA, US
Justin Max Duellman - Little Rock AR, US
Bryan David Haynes - Cumming GA, US
Jeffrey Lawrence McManus - Canton GA, US
Kevin Edward Smith - Highlands Ranch CO, US

Assignee:

Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. - Neenah WI

International Classification:

D04H001/00
D04H013/00
D04H003/16

US Classification:

442340, 442361, 442364, 442401

Abstract:

A method is provided for producing fine denier multicomponent thermoplastic polymer filaments incorporating high melt-flow rate polymers. Multicomponent filaments are extruded such that the high melt-flow rate polymer component is substantially surrounded by one or more low melt-flow rate polymer components. The extruded multicomponent filament is then melt-attenuated with a significant drawing force to reduce the filament diameter and form continuous, fine denier filaments.

US Patent:

7291239, Nov 6, 2007

Filed:

Sep 10, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/938294

Inventors:

Braulio A. Polanco - Canton GA, US
Christopher Dale Fenwick - Alpharetta GA, US
Darryl Franklin Clark - Hendersonville NC, US
Bryan David Haynes - Cumming GA, US
Kurtis Lee Brown - Alpharetta GA, US
Chad Michael Freese - Atlanta GA, US

Assignee:

Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. - Neenah WI

International Classification:

D04H 3/08
D01D 5/22

US Classification:

156161, 156181, 15624411, 264168, 26421114

Abstract:

High loft, low density nonwoven webs are produced by forming substantially continuous, spunbond, crimped, bicomponent fibers of A/B bilateral morphology in an unheated fiber draw unit. The fibers are then heated and cooled in the absence of impeding forces to achieve maximum crimp in the z-direction and produce a web of lofted material. The resultant material is particularly suitable for use as an insulator. Particulates may be added to the webs if desired.

US Patent:

20030114067, Jun 19, 2003

Filed:

Dec 13, 2001

Appl. No.:

10/023148

Inventors:

David Matela - Alpharetta GA, US
Darryl Clark - Hendersonville NC, US
Matthew Lake - Cumming GA, US
Bryan Haynes - Cumming GA, US

International Classification:

D04H001/00
D04H003/00
D04H005/00
D04H013/00
B32B005/16

US Classification:

442/365000, 442/361000, 442/362000, 442/363000, 442/364000, 442/341000, 442/414000

Abstract:

A coform nonwoven web from multicomponent meltblown filaments and an absorbent, wherein the absorbent material is substantially uniformly dispersed in the z-direction is disclosed. A process of preparing the coform nonwoven web by perturbing the meltblown filaments as they are being produced is also disclosed. The coform material can be used in a variety of absorbent articles such as diapers as the primary liquid retention layer. In addition, the coform nonwoven web can be used in a variety of other articles such as wipes.

US Patent:

20030118816, Jun 26, 2003

Filed:

Dec 21, 2001

Appl. No.:

10/037467

Inventors:

Braulio Polanco - Canton GA, US
Christopher Fenwick - Alpharetta GA, US
Darryl Clark - Hendersonville NC, US
Bryan Haynes - Cumming GA, US
Kurtis Brown - Alpharetta GA, US
Chad Freese - Atlanta GA, US

International Classification:

D04H001/00
D04H003/00
D04H005/00
D04H013/00
D02G003/00
D04H003/16

US Classification:

428/369000, 442/401000, 442/362000, 428/370000

Abstract:

High loft, low density nonwoven webs are produced by forming substantially continuous, spunbond, crimped, bicomponent fibers of A/B side by side morphology in an unheated fiber draw unit. The fibers are then heated and cooled in the absence of impeding forces to achieve maximum crimp in the z-direction and produce a web of lofted material. The resultant material is particularly suitable for use as an insulator. Particulates may be added to the webs if desired.

US Patent:

20040161992, Aug 19, 2004

Filed:

Feb 12, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/777803

Inventors:

Darryl Clark - Alpharetta GA, US
Justin Duellman - Little Rock AR, US
Bryan Haynes - Cumming GA, US
Matthew Lake - Cumming GA, US
Jeffrey McManus - Canton GA, US
Kevin Smith - Knoxville TN, US

International Classification:

D04H001/00
D04H003/00
D04H005/00
B32B005/26

US Classification:

442/340000, 442/361000, 442/362000, 442/364000, 442/381000, 442/400000, 442/401000, 442/409000

Abstract:

The present invention provides multicomponent fine fiber webs and multilayer laminates thereof having an average fiber diameter less than about 7 micrometers and comprising a first olefin polymer component and a second distinct polymer component such as an amorphous polyolefin or polyamide. Multilayer laminates incorporating the fine multicomponent fiber webs are also provided such as, for example, spunbond/meltblown/spunbond laminates or spunbond/meltblown/meltblown/spunbond laminates. The fine multicomponent fiber webs and laminates thereof provide laminates having excellent softness, peel strength and/or controlled permeability.