Darryl C Clark

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:

58585150, Jan 12, 1999

Filed:

Dec 17, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/754419

Inventors:

Ty Jackson Stokes - Suwanee GA
Cedric Arnett Dunkerly - Alpharetta GA
Darryl Franklin Clark - Alpharetta GA
Scot Patrick Honer - Corinth MS

Assignee:

Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. - Neenah WI

International Classification:

B32B 2714
D04H 308
A61F 1315

US Classification:

428195

Abstract:

The present invention is directed to a pattern-unbonded nonwoven fabric having continuous bonded areas defining a plurality of discrete unbonded areas, which is suitable for use as an improved loop fastening material for hook and loop fastening systems. The fibers or filaments within the discrete unbonded areas of the present invention are dimensionally stabilized by the continuous bonded areas that encircle or surround each unbonded area. The spaces between fibers or filaments within the unbonded areas remain sufficiently open or large to receive and engage hook elements of a complementary hook material. The hook material can be any of a wide variety of commercially available hook components which, as is known in the art, typically include a base material from which a plurality of hook elements project. The present invention further is directed to a process for making such a pattern-unbonded nonwoven fabric including the steps of providing a nonwoven fabric or web, providing opposedly positioned first and second calender rolls and defining a nip therebetween, with at least one of said rolls being heated and having a bonding pattern on its outermost surface comprising a continuous pattern of land areas defining a plurality of discrete openings, apertures or holes, and passing the nonwoven fabric or web within the nip formed by said rolls.

US Patent:

59318236, Aug 3, 1999

Filed:

Mar 31, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/829273

Inventors:

Ty Jackson Stokes - Suwanee GA
Darryl Franklin Clark - Alpharetta GA
Eugenio Go Varona - Marietta GA

Assignee:

Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. - Neenah WI

International Classification:

A61F 1315

US Classification:

604358

Abstract:

There is provided a absorbent material for personal care products which is made from wettable fibers of at most 40 microns in diameter which are made into a web and where the web has controlled spaces in the side away from a wearer point unbonded bonding pattern. The web will accept a liquid insult of 50 ml with a runover/run-through percentage ratio of less than 1. 5.