Gary D Reynolds

US Patent:

6346162, Feb 12, 2002

Filed:

Jul 24, 1998

Appl. No.:

09/122432

Inventors:

Gary Mack Reynolds - Neenah WI
Robert Eugene Vogt - Neenah WI

Assignee:

Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. - Neenah WI

International Classification:

B32B 3108

US Classification:

156164, 156178, 156179, 156202, 156216, 156229, 156270, 60438527, 60438528

Abstract:

The invention relates to methods of fabricating an absorbent article. In one method of the invention, combination containment flaps and leg cuffs are formed on a common substrate. A plurality of elastomeric elements are included in the combination article to assist in forming containment flaps. Discrete leg cuff pieces are applied to the substrate at longitudinally spaced locations. In some embodiments, a cutting device slits the substrate substantially along a center line extending the length of the substrate, forming two continuous substrate portions. A glue gun applies adhesive to the substrate portion. The substrate portions are folded lengthwise, using the adhesive to form integral containment flaps and leg cuffs in a composite substrate. The composite substrate is secured to an absorbent article web sausage in forming absorbent articles. In another embodiment, the substrate is a first substrate which supports elastomeric elements used in forming leg cuffs and containment flaps.

US Patent:

6428526, Aug 6, 2002

Filed:

Apr 3, 1997

Appl. No.:

08/834777

Inventors:

Timothy Raymond Heindel - Neenah WI
Tim Joseph Janssen - Kaukauna WI
Scott Lee Pennings - Neenah WI
Gary Mack Reynolds - Neenah WI
Paul John Serbiak - Appleton WI
Bruce Michael Siebers - Appleton WI
Robert Eugene Vogt - Neenah WI
Georgia Lynn Zehner - Larsen WI

Assignee:

Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. - Neenah WI

International Classification:

A61F 1315

US Classification:

604391

Abstract:

Disclosed is an improved process for attaching and protecting a mechanical fastener on a disposable absorbent article and a disposable absorbent article produced by the same. The process comprises the following steps: (1) providing a disposable absorbent article which includes an outer cover, a bodyside liner, and an absorbent core disposed between the outer cover and the bodyside liner; (2) providing a mechanical fastener which includes a first fastening element; (3) attaching the first fastening element of the mechanical fastener to the disposable absorbent article; (4) releasably engaging the first fastening element with the disposable absorbent article to protect the first fastening element; and (5) subsequently packaging the disposable absorbent article for commercial sale. The first fastening element and a portion of the disposable absorbent article may be releasably engaged by constrictively passing them between a pair of rotatable nip rolls. In a particular aspect, the first fastening element is the hook material of a hook-and-loop type mechanical fastener.

US Patent:

6641692, Nov 4, 2003

Filed:

Feb 11, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/074147

Inventors:

Gary Mack Reynolds - Neenah WI
Robert Eugene Vogt - Neenah WI

Assignee:

Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. - Neenah WI

International Classification:

B32B 3108

US Classification:

156164, 156179, 156202, 156216, 156229, 156259

Abstract:

The invention relates to methods of fabricating an absorbent article. In one method of the invention, combination containment flaps and leg cuffs are formed on a common substrate. A plurality of elastomeric elements are included in the combination article to assist in forming containment flaps. Discrete leg cuff pieces are applied to the substrate at longitudinally spaced locations. In some embodiments, a cutting device slits the substrate substantially along a center line extending the length of the substrate, forming two continuous substrate portions. A glue gun applies adhesive to the substrate portion. The substrate portions are folded lengthwise, using the adhesive to form integral containment flaps and leg cuffs in a composite substrate. The composite substrate is secured to an absorbent article web sausage in forming absorbent articles. In another embodiment, the substrate is a first substrate which supports elastomeric elements used in forming leg cuffs and containment flaps.

US Patent:

58273875, Oct 27, 1998

Filed:

Dec 20, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/777685

Inventors:

Gary Mack Reynolds - Neenah WI
Robert Eugene Vogt - Neenah WI

Assignee:

Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. - Neenah WI

International Classification:

A61F 1315

US Classification:

156164

Abstract:

The invention relates to methods of fabricating an absorbent article. In one method of the invention, combination containment flaps and leg cuffs are formed on a common substrate. A plurality of elastomeric elements are included in the combination article to assist in forming containment flaps. Discrete leg cuff pieces are applied to the substrate at longitudinally spaced locations. In some embodiments, a cutting device slits the substrate substantially along a center line extending the length of the substrate, forming two continuous substrate portions. A glue gun applies adhesive to the substrate portion. The substrate portions are folded lengthwise, using the adhesive to form integral containment flaps and leg cuffs in a composite substrate. The composite substrate is secured to an absorbent article web sausage in forming absorbent articles. In another embodiment, the substrate is a first substrate which supports elastomeric elements used in forming leg cuffs and containment flaps.

US Patent:

57559023, May 26, 1998

Filed:

Dec 5, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/760552

Inventors:

Gary Mack Reynolds - Neenah WI

Assignee:

Kimberly Clark Corporation - Neenah WI

International Classification:

A61F 1315
B32B 3100

US Classification:

156 731

Abstract:

This invention relates to apparatus and methods for fabricating a composite web having transverse stretch. In one embodiment a forming plow forms at least one groove in a first web of material. An applicator roll applies a second web of transversely stretchable material to the first web while maintaining a facing portion of the second web in facing relationship with, and spaced from, the portion of the first web formed in the groove. Urging apparatus, such as a push roll having an axis, can intermittently urge the second web into the groove and thereby into surface-to-surface relationship with the first web over substantially the entirety of the facing portion of the second web. The webs can be secured by an adhesive, applied to portions of the first and/or second web, or by ultrasonic bonding, to thereby fabricate the composite web. In another embodiment, a vacuum roll receives and forms at least one groove in the first web and advances the first web to a nip roll that secures a reference surface of the first web to the second web in a nip formed by the vacuum roll and the nip roll while maintaining the groove in the first web. The webs are then advanced to an urging apparatus including a mating roll that mates with the vacuum roll to stretch and urge a facing portion of the second web inwardly into the groove and into securement with the first web thereby to fabricate the composite web.

US Patent:

59617616, Oct 5, 1999

Filed:

Apr 3, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/828808

Inventors:

Timothy Raymond Heindel - Neenah WI
Tim Joseph Janssen - Kaukauna WI
Scott Lee Pennings - Neenah WI
Gary Mack Reynolds - Neenah WI
Paul John Serbiak - Appleton WI
Bruce Michael Siebers - Appleton WI
Robert Eugene Vogt - Neenah WI
Georgia Lynn Zehner - Larsen WI

Assignee:

Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. - Neenah WI

International Classification:

B32B 3100
A61F 1315

US Classification:

156163

Abstract:

Disclosed is an improved process for attaching and protecting a mechanical fastener on a disposable absorbent article and a disposable absorbent article produced by the same. The process comprises the following steps: (1) providing a disposable absorbent article which includes an outer cover, a bodyside liner, and an absorbent core disposed between the outer cover and the bodyside liner; (2) providing a mechanical fastener which includes a first fastening element; (3) attaching the first fastening element of the mechanical fastener to the disposable absorbent article; (4) releasably engaging the first fastening element with the disposable absorbent article to protect the first fastening element; and (5) subsequently packaging the disposable absorbent article for commercial sale. The first fastening element and a portion of the disposable absorbent article may be releasably engaged by constrictively passing them between a pair of rotatable nip rolls. In a particular aspect, the first fastening element is the hook material of a hook-and-loop type mechanical fastener.

US Patent:

59322845, Aug 3, 1999

Filed:

Sep 15, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/932888

Inventors:

Gary Mack Reynolds - Neenah WI

Assignee:

Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. - Neenah WI

International Classification:

B05D 510

US Classification:

4272071

Abstract:

The invention relates to methods of applying adhesive to a lateral edge of a first web. The method includes transporting the first web along a first path and transporting a second web along a second path generally in surface-to-surface relationship with the first web at the lateral edge, with the second web extending outwardly from the first web. When adhesive is applied such as by spraying to the first web at the lateral edge, at least some adhesive passes outwardly of the lateral edge as overspray and is received by the second web. Thus, adhesive applied to the edge of the first web is received in combination by both of the first and second webs. Both of the first and second webs can be utilized in manufacturing articles. In some embodiments, adhesive is applied at both first and second lateral edges of the first web. In some embodiments, spaced leg cutouts are formed in lateral edges of the web.

US Patent:

62646419, Jul 24, 2001

Filed:

Feb 12, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/249434

Inventors:

Paul Theodore Van Gompel - Hortonville WI
Yung Hsiang Huang - Appleton WI
Jacqueline Ann Martin - Neenah WI
Larry Neal Johns - New Milford CT
Gary Mack Reynolds - Woodstock GA

Assignee:

Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. - Neenah WI

International Classification:

A61F 1320

US Classification:

60438522

Abstract:

An integral absorbent article has a longitudinal article length and a lateral article width. The article includes an absorbent composite having first and second longitudinally opposed end regions, laterally opposed side regions, a bodyside surface, an outward surface, and a first longitudinally terminal end edge. The absorbent composite further includes a substantially liquid-impermeable backsheet layer; a liquid permeable topsheet layer; and a retention portion sandwiched between said backsheet and topsheet layers. An extensible outercover is joined to extend over a major portion of said outward surface of the said absorbent composite. The extensible outercover is desirably capable of providing a the selected elongation when subjected to a tensile force. The extensible outercover is also desirably capable of providing a selected, sustained deformation, when subjected to an applied tensile force and then allowed to relax after a removal of the applied force. In particular aspects, the outercover can provide an elongation of at least about 1 cm when subjected to a tensile force of 30 gmf per inch.