Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of increasing the brightness of non-wood fibers and nonwoven fabric fabrics produced by the method. In one aspect, the method includes forming a mixture of non-wood fibers and exposing the mixture to a brightening agent to produce brightened fibers. The brightening agent is oxygen gas, peracetic acid, a peroxide compound, or a combination thereof. The brightened fibers have a brightness greater than the fibers of the mixture before exposure as measured by MacBeth UV-C standard.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates to a multilayer nonwoven material. More particularly, the presently disclosed subject matter relates to multilayered structures including, but not limited to, two, three, or four layers to form the nonwoven material. The multilayered structure can include a first layer comprising continuous filaments and a second layer comprising bonded fibers. The continuous filaments can be synthetic filaments. The fibers can be cellulosic fibers, noncellulosic fibers, or combinations thereof. Certain layers can also contain a binder material.

Abstract: Nonwoven textile fabrics in accordance with the present invention are formed primarily of individualized bast fibers substantially free of pectin having a mean length less than 6 millimeters. The nonwoven fabric can include staple fibers and/or pulp fibers. Individualized bast fibers include fibers derived from the flax and hemp plants. The nonwoven textile fabric is formed into a web while in a dry state and subsequently bonded to produce a nonwoven fabric.

Abstract: Nonwoven textile fabrics in accordance with the present invention are formed primarily of individualized bast fibers substantially free of pectin. The nonwoven fabric can include staple fibers to a lesser extent than the individualized bast fibers. Individualized bast fibers include fibers derived from the flax and hemp plants. The nonwoven textile fabric is formed into a web while in a dry state and subsequently bonded to produce a nonwoven fabric.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates to a multilayer nonwoven material. More particularly, the presently disclosed subject matter relates to multilayered structures including, but not limited to, two, three, or four layers to form the nonwoven material. The multilayered structure can include a first layer comprising continuous filaments and a second layer comprising bonded fibers. The continuous filaments can be synthetic filaments. The fibers can be cellulosic fibers, noncellulosic fibers, or combinations thereof. Certain layers can also contain a binder material.

Abstract: Nonwoven textile fabrics in accordance with the present invention are formed primarily of individualized bast fibers substantially free of pectin having a mean length less than 6 millimeters. The nonwoven fabric can include staple fibers and/or pulp fibers. Individualized bast fibers include fibers derived from the flax and hemp plants. The nonwoven textile fabric is formed into a web while in a dry state and subsequently bonded to produce a nonwoven fabric.

Abstract: Nonwoven textile fabrics in accordance with the present invention are formed primarily of individualized bast fibers substantially free of pectin. The nonwoven fabric can include staple fibers to a lesser extent than the individualized bast fibers. Individualized bast fibers include fibers derived from the flax and hemp plants. The nonwoven textile fabric is formed into a web while in a dry state and subsequently bonded to produce a nonwoven fabric.

Abstract: Microencapsulated delivery vehicles comprising an active agent are disclosed. In one embodiment, the microencapsulated delivery vehicles are heat delivery vehicles capable of generating heat upon activation. The microencapsulated heat delivery vehicles may be introduced into wet wipes such that, upon activation, the wet wipe solution is warmed resulting in a warm sensation on a user's skin. Any number of other active ingredients, such as cooling agents and biocides, can also be incorporated into a microencapsulated delivery vehicle.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide method for producing an internally-tufted laminate adapted to provide improved softness and cloth-like feel. In one embodiment, a process for producing a polymeric layer comprises forcing polymeric fibers through a forming surface to produce the polymeric layer, the polymeric layer having a plurality of projections, each projection surrounded by a valley.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are disposable fibrous nonwoven wipers which include one or more creped fibrous nonwoven webs which have been electret treated. The fibrous nonwoven wipers provide desirable properties including improved capacity and efficiency for picking up debris such as dirt, dust and particulate matter and enhanced particle attraction and containment properties. Also disclosed herein is a method for making the fibrous nonwoven wipers.

Abstract: The present invention provides an internally-tufted laminate adapted to provide improved softness and cloth-like feel.

Abstract: There is provided an elastic thermal insulating wrap having a insulating skin facing layer and an airflow impeding layer, with elastic strands interposed therebetween. The elastic strands are arranged in a substantially parallel manner and the strands and layers are bonded to produce the wrap laminate.

Abstract: Pulp fibers can be treated with water insoluble chemical additives resulting in a minimal amount of unretained water insoluble chemical additives present after exposing the treated pulp fibers to process water, liquids, or solutions used in products. One embodiment of the present invention is a method for preparing chemically treated pulp fiber. A fiber slurry is created comprising process water and pulp fibers. The fiber slurry is transported to a web-forming apparatus of a pulp sheet machine thereby forming a wet fibrous web. The wet fibrous web is dried to a predetermined consistency thereby forming a dried fibrous web. The dried fibrous web is treated with a water insoluble chemical additive thereby forming a chemically treated dried fibrous web containing chemically treated pulp fibers.

Abstract: The present invention provides an internally-tufted laminate adapted to provide improved softness and cloth-like feel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a disposable padded protective garment including a sheet material and at least one pad coupled to the sheet material. The disposable padded protective garment may further include a pocket coupled to the sheet material which, in turn, couples the pad to the sheet material.

Abstract: A breathable composite barrier fabric for protective garments including a low-strength nonwoven web; a high-strength nonwoven web containing multicomponent fibers that have a first polyolefin component and a second polyamide component, the high-strength web having a grab tensile strength of at least 1.5 times the low strength web; and a water impermeable barrier layer positioned between the low-strength web and high-strength web, the webs and barrier layer being joined by thermal bonding. Protective garments may be constructed from the breathable composite barrier fabrics. The low-strength nonwoven web is on the bodyside of the garment and the high-strength nonwoven web is on the exterior of the garment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward protective garments which include an expandable backpack portion located on the back area of the garment. The backpack portion includes at least one pair of left and right generally vertical pleats. As a result of the incorporation of the pair of left and right generally vertical pleats, the backpack portion has the ability to expand to receive life support or other equipment worn on the back of a wearer of the protective garment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward protective garments having a conformable backpack portion located on a back area of the garment, the conformable backpack portion being adapted to conform to equipment worn on a back of a wearer of the protective garment.

Abstract: A protective garment without front facing seams. The protective garment contains a body piece composed of a single seamless sheet of material. The body piece has a right body side and a left body side. Each body side includes a first and second leg edge, a torso edge and a top body side edge extending approximately half-way across each body side from the respective torso edge. The body piece also includes a right sleeve portion and a left sleeve portion. Each sleeve portion has a first and second sleeve edge, and a top sleeve portion edge. Generally speaking, the garment's construction includes approximately five seams and a closure. The closure joins the torso edge of right body side to the torso edge of the left body side to form a resealable opening at a rear face of the garment. Sleeve seams join the first sleeve edges to the second sleeve edges on each sleeve portion and inseams join the first leg edges to the second leg edges on each body side.

Abstract: Nonwoven fabrics having a desirable level of bulk, elasticity and low permanent set are produced by creasing a precursor web and heat setting the creases. Such webs may have varying basis weights and compositions depending on the intended end use. Applications disclosed include components for personal care products such as disposable diapers and feminine hygiene products, for example, as well as garment applications such as training pants, surgical gowns and the like. Also, absorbent products such as wipers are disclosed. Methods for forming the creased nonwoven fabric are disclosed using interdigitated rolls for creasing in the machine direction or in the cross-machine direction.