Abstract: High loft, low density nonwoven webs suitable for use in a variety of applications requiring strong fabric layers are produced by forming substantially continuous, spunbond, crimped, bicomponent fibers of crimpable, e.g., side by side or eccentric sheath/core (A/B) configuration which are unheated prior to collection. 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 of greater uniformity than attained with comparable material whose fibers are drawn by a heated process. The resultant nonwoven material can then be pattern bonded or laminated for additional strength without interfering with the desired loft of the low density nonwoven. The additionally strengthened nonwoven may then be further processed such as by lamination or the like to further increase its utility.

Abstract: A reusable dispenser and a plurality of disposable mitt wipes contained therein. The dispenser includes a tub body having a tub interior and a tub opening, a lid member joined to the tub body and being movable between a closed position and an open position, a sealing means between the lid member and the tub body, and a positive latching device for latching the lid member to the tub body. The lid member includes a replaceable access strip member that permits the mitt wipes to be dispensed one at a time, and is replaceable to close and seal the opening.

Abstract: An elastic nonwoven web is formed from elastic fibers composed of a blend of (1) a styrene-poly(ethylene-propylene)-styrene thermoplastic elastomeric block copolymer or a mixture of a styrene-poly(ethylene-propylene)-styrene elastomeric block copolymer and a styrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-styrene elastomeric block copolymer, and (2) a tackifying resin in which the elastic nonwoven web has a stress relaxation of less than about 30 percent. The blend used to form the elastic nonwoven web and/or elastic fibers may also include a polyolefin and an extending oil.

Abstract: An elastic nonwoven web is formed from elastic fibers composed of a blend of (1) a styrene-poly(ethylenepropylene)-styrene thermoplastic elastomeric block copolymer or a mixture of a styrene-poly(ethylenepropylene)-styrene elastomeric block copolymer and a styrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-styrene elastomeric block copolymer, and (2) a tackifying resin in which the elastic nonwoven web has a stress relaxation of less than about 30 percent. The blend used to form the elastic nonwoven web and/or elastic fibers may also include a polyolefin and an extending oil.

Abstract: A composite elastic material having a stress relaxation of less than about 30 percent is composed of at least one elastic sheet formed from a blend of (1) a styrene-poly(ethylene-propylene)-styrene thermoplastic elastomeric block copolymer or a mixture of styrene-poly(ethylene-propylene)-styrene and styrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-styrene elastomeric block copolymers, and (2) a tackifying resin. The blend may also include a polyolefin and/or an extending oil. The elastic sheet is joined to at least one gatherable layer at spaced-apart locations in which the gatherable layer is gathered between the spaced-apart locations so that the composite material is elastic.

Abstract: A laminate which is elastic in at least one direction, includes an elastic sheet having at least one nonelastic nonwoven web joined thereto at least at two areas. The nonelastic web is gathered between the two areas. The sheet is formed from an aromatic polyetherurethane and the nonelastic nonwoven web includes spunlaced hydraulically entangled polyester fibers. The nonelastic nonwoven web may also include rayon or wood pulp fibers.