Abstract: A breathable laminate has a liquid-resistant backing film layer having varied vapor permeability that includes breathable thinned localized regions and thicker non-breathable regions, wherein the film layer is co-extensively directly joined with a liquid- and vapor-permeable nonwoven fabric. The breathable laminate can have unidirectional air permeability. The present invention also relates to disposable apparel and absorbent products which incorporate the breathable laminate, and methods of making the breathable laminate.

Abstract: A breathable laminate has a liquid-resistant backing film layer having varied vapor permeability that includes breathable thinned localized regions and thicker non-breathable regions, wherein the film layer is co-extensively directly joined with a liquid- and vapor-permeable nonwoven fabric. The breathable laminate can have unidirectional air permeability. The present invention also relates to disposable apparel and absorbent products which incorporate the breathable laminate, and methods of making the breathable laminate.

Abstract: A method for creating a nonwoven laminate fabric has steps of depositing a first nonwovne layer on a moving support, depositing a second nonwoven layer over the first layer, and conveying the layers under a manifold. The manifold has a plurality of jet clusters separated from one another by a distance. Water is directed form the jet clusters onto the underlying layers to thereby create a laminated fabric. Because the jet clusters are separated from one another, the laminate fabric is “pattern entangled”. Bundling occurs along substantially linear lines, with much lighter bundling in regions between the linear bundling regions. The result is a fabric with regions of relative strong entanglement and other regions of much lighter entanglement. When three layers are laminated, with top and bottom layers of thin veneer and a center layer of pulp the method of the invention has been discovered to result in a laminate fabric with particular utility as a flushable wipe product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nonwoven fabric structure, formed by hydroentanglement of a precursor fibrous web, which has demonstrated particular suitability for cleansing/wiping applications. Testing has shown the present product to provide a desirable tactile impression with users, which is believed to result from the disposition of relatively large denier fibers on the surface of the fabric structure. Such relatively large denier fibers have been found to provide good cleansing/wiping performance.

Abstract: A bi-functional nonwoven fabric wipe embodying the principles of the present invention comprises a hydroentangled, composite fibrous matrix having first and second, opposite expansive surfaces. The first expansive surface of the wipe is provided by a first outer layer of the composite fibrous matrix, with this surface exhibiting a relatively soft, smooth surface texture. In contrast, the second, expansive surface is provided by a second outer layer of the composite fibrous matrix, and exhibits a relatively abrasive surface texture. By the differing surface textures of the opposite expansive surfaces, the present wipe is provided with bi-functional characteristics, thus enhancing versatile use for cleaning applications.

Abstract: A method for creating a nonwoven laminate fabric has steps of depositing a first nonwovne layer on a moving support, depositing a second nonwoven layer over the first layer, and conveying the layers under a manifold. The manifold has a plurality of jet clusters separated from one another by a distance. Water is directed form the jet clusters onto the underlying layers to thereby create a laminated fabric. Because the jet clusters are separated from one another, the laminate fabric is “pattern entangled”. Bundling occurs along substantially linear lines, with much lighter bundling in regions between the linear bundling regions. The result is a fabric with regions of relative strong entanglement and other regions of much lighter entanglement. When three layers are laminated, with top and bottom layers of thin veneer and a center layer of pulp the method of the invention has been discovered to result in a laminate fabric with particular utility as a flushable wipe product.

Abstract: An instant impregnated wipe system includes a housing 3 in which a drawer 1, containing a stack of wipes 2, is slidably mounted. The uppermost wipe in the drawer 1 is sprayed with material as the drawer closes. The spray 4 terminates when the drawer 1 is closed. An impregnated wipe can then be removed after opening the drawer 1.