Abstract: A protective assembly may be, for examples, a rectangular blanket or pad placed over or under an object to be insulated or a bag or pouch which receives an object. The protective assembly includes at least one and preferably two inner layers and a solid outer layer. The inner layer has a plurality of interconnected funnels. The funnels each have a small end and a large end. An opening is defined by each funnel in the inner layer adjacent the large end. The small end of the funnel extends toward the outer layer. The funnels space the layers apart. The funnels form a dead airspace while trapping condensate which may be harmful to the object being protected by preventing liquid from being forced upon the object. The protective assembly substantially eliminates the possibility that condensation will drop upon the object or be forced by pressure into contact with the object.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a screen useful for forming three-dimensional films, the screens and the three-dimensional films produced using those screens are disclosed. In forming a screen, a substrate material is applied to a base. A predetermined amount of portions of the substrate are removed to form a predetermined pattern in the substrate. A screen material is applied to the patterned substrate material. A predetermined amount of portions of the screen material are removed to form a predetermined pattern in the screen material. The predetermined pattern in the screen defines a plurality of first perforations in the screen material. The substrate material is removed from the screen material, such that second perforations are formed in the screen, whereby each first perforation is in communication with an adjacent second perforation.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a thermoplastic film having a first surface and a second surface. The second surface is spaced apart from the first surface. A plurality of perforations extend through the film from the first surface to the second surface. The perforations form capillaries that extend from the second surface. The capillaries are disposed at an angle from about 5.degree. to about 60.degree. with respect to a plane that is perpendicular to the first surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method for laminating a first three-dimensional apertured or non-apertured film material to a second flat or three-dimensional apertured or non-apertured film material utilizing the heat generated by the extrusion of the first and/or second materials and the films produced thereby.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a vapor permeable, liquid impermeable composite material comprising a three-dimensional apertured substrate having a vapor permeable, liquid impermeable coating material thereon, the substantially liquid impervious composite material, and an apparatus for making the composite material are disclosed. Successive portions of a continuous sheet of an apertured substrate are passed into contact with a continuous moving perforated member. The coating material is supplied onto the substrate. The coated substrate is subjected to a vacuum which causes the coating material to flow onto the substrate material and in certain embodiments, at least partially into the apertures in the substrate. The vacuum is maintained for a period of time sufficient for the coating material to adhere to the substrate. The coated portions of the substrate are continuously removed from the moving member.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of apertured, three-dimensional substrates having an extrusion coating material thereon, the coated substrate and an apparatus for making the coated substrate are disclosed. Successive portions of a continuous sheet of the apertured substrate which has a top surface and a bottom surface are passed into contact with a continuous moving perforated member. The coating material is supplied onto the top surface of the continuous moving substrate. The bottom surface of the substrate is subjected to a vacuum. The vacuum causes the coating material to flow onto the top surface of the substrate material and in certain embodiments, at least partially into the apertures in the substrate. The vacuum is maintained for a period of time sufficient for the coating material to bond to the substrate. The coated portions of the substrate are continuously removed from the moving member.

Abstract: An elastomeric breathable three-dimensional composite material and the process for producing the same are disclosed. A carrier material is supplied onto a top surface of continuous portions of an elastomeric film to form the composite material. A pressure differential is applied to a bottom surface of film for a period of time sufficient for three-dimensional apertured structures to be formed in the film.

Abstract: A cylindrical screen for perforating a thermoplastic film or sheets has an outer surface and an inner surface. A plurality of outer apertures extend from the outer surface and terminate at a corresponding inner aperture on the inner surface of the screen. The apertures in the outer surface can have the same or a different geometrical shape as the apertures in the inner surface. The apertures form a passageway through the screen. The passageways are disposed at least one angle from about 5.degree. to about 60.degree. with respect to a plane that is disposed substantially perpendicular to the outer surface of the screen to prevent a direct line of sight through the screen.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method for laminating a first three-dimensional apertured or non-apertured film material to a second flat or three-dimensional apertured or non-apertured film material utilizing the heat generated by the extrusion of the first and/or second materials and the films produced thereby.

Abstract: An embossed thermoplastic film having a first side having a substantially smooth surface and a second side having a partially embossed surface on its surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to degradable thermoplastic compositions comprising at least one polycaprolactone property modifier blended with at least one water soluble polymer and/or at least one alkaline soluble polymer. Articles produced with this composition have a long and useful life under dry or aqueous conditions. When such articles are exposed to a hot aqueous alkaline solution, the composition dissolves and is readily disposed.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of apertured, three-dimensional substrates having an extrusion coating material thereon, the coated substrate and an apparatus for making the coated substrate are disclosed. Successive portions of a continuous sheet of the apertured substrate which has a top surface and a bottom surface are passed into contact with a continuous moving perforated member. The coating material is supplied onto the top surface of the continuous moving substrate. The bottom surface of the substrate is subjected to a vacuum. The vacuum causes the coating material to flow onto the top surface of the substrate material and in certain embodiments, at least partially into the apertures in the substrate. The vacuum is maintained for a period of time sufficient for the coating material to bond to the substrate. The coated portions of the substrate are continuously removed from the moving member.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method for laminating a first three-dimensional apertured or non-apertured film material to a second flat or three-dimensional apertured or non-apertured film material utilizing the heat generated by the extrusion of the first and/or second materials and the films produced thereby.