Abstract: Applicant discloses a broom that comprises at least one particle capture sheet. In various embodiments, the particle capture sheet can comprise a nonwoven material, a woven material, a knitted material, or a synthetic polymeric membrane. The particle capture sheet can be air permeable or air impermeable, and can comprise an electret material and/or an adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention provides a brushing assembly and a method of cleaning a surface. In one embodiment, the brushing assembly comprises a lint roller comprising a handle and a roll of adhesive tape supported by a barrel, wherein the adhesive tape has an exposed tacky surface. The brushing assembly further comprises a caddy cover comprising an opening for placement over the barrel and roll of adhesive tape of the lint roller and at least one working surfaces. In one embodiment, the method of cleaning a surface comprises providing a lint roller, providing a caddy cover having at least one working surfaces, placing the caddy cover over the lint roller, brushing the surface to be cleaned with at least one of the working surfaces of the caddy cover to gather debris, removing the caddy cover from the lint roller, and rolling the lint roller over the surface to be cleaned to capture the debris.

Abstract: Systems and methods for manufacturing composite webs including a substrate with one or more discrete polymeric regions located thereon are disclosed. The discrete polymeric regions are deposited by transferring molten thermoplastic composition from depressions on a transfer roll to a substrate. Each of the discrete polymeric regions is further formed to include multiple structures formed thereon. Those structures may include, for example, stems (capped or otherwise), hooks (as part of a hook and loop fastening system), pyramids, etc.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at a hook mechanical fastener/fibrous composite comprising hook elements on hook containing backing elements or a netting embedded in a fibrous web. The hook elements preferably are on backing elements that are connected or integral and can be strands oriented at angles to each other in a net form. The backing elements generally have a first outer face and a second outer face. The backing elements on at least one of the first or second outer faces have a plurality of hook elements. The hook containing backing elements are embedded within a fibrous web, preferably by hydroentangling the fibers around the backing element, preferably without use of auxiliary attachment means such as adhesives or point bonding.

Abstract: Method for making a stem web material having a plurality of stems extending from discrete regions (patches or stripes) of the web, comprising: a) providing a web (e.g. nonwoven, woven or knit textile fabric; paper; microporous membrane, polymer film; etc.); b) providing discrete quantities of a polymer at a temperature above its softening point or in molten state; c) fusing the discrete quantities of polymer to the web; and d) forming a plurality of stems in each of the discrete quantities of polymer material. The stems can be formed by pressing the web on which the patches or stripes of polymer are deposited against a tool having a surface with a plurality of stem-forming holes. The stems can be given enlarged ends by bringing the surface of the stem web close to a heated surface.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing composite webs including a substrate with one or more reinforcing discrete polymeric regions located on or within the composite web are disclosed. Molten nonelastomeric thermoplastic material of the discrete polymeric region is forced against the substrate by a transfer roll. If the substrate is porous, fibrous, etc., a portion of the nonelastomeric thermoplastic composition may infiltrate the substrate and/or encapsulate fibers of the substrate. The composite webs also include elastomeric thermoplastic material in discrete polymeric regions on or within the composite web.

Abstract: A laminated composite suitable for use in medical products such as tapes and wraps. The composite includes, for example, a first nonwoven fiber layer, an elastic layer, a melt blown adhesive fiber layer, and a second nonwoven fiber layer. A scrim layer serves as a deadstop, or stretch limit, to prevent over stretching. The non-woven fiber layer(s) and/or the scrim layer form suitable loops for a hook and loop fastening system. The scrim layer in some embodiments is employed to make the composite finger tearable. The melt blown adhesive layer, nonwoven web layer and elastic layer form a breathable, porous elastic composite. Methods of manufacturing the composite are also disclosed.

Abstract: A laminated composite suitable for use in medical products such as tapes and wraps. The composite includes, for example, a first nonwoven fiber layer, an elastic layer, a melt blown adhesive fiber layer, and a second nonwoven fiber layer. A scrim layer serves as a deadstop, or stretch limit, to prevent over stretching. The non-woven fiber layer(s) and/or the scrim layer form suitable loops for a hook and loop fastening system. The scrim layer in some embodiments is employed to make the composite finger tearable. The melt blown adhesive layer, nonwoven web layer and elastic layer form a breathable, porous elastic composite. Methods of manufacturing the composite are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for manufacturing composite webs including a substrate with one or more discrete polymeric regions located thereon are disclosed. The discrete polymeric regions are deposited by transferring molten thermoplastic composition from depressions on a transfer roll to a substrate. Each of the discrete polymeric regions is further formed to include multiple structures formed thereon. Those structures may include, for example, stems (capped or otherwise), hooks (as part of a hook and loop fastening system), pyramids, etc.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing composite webs including a substrate with one or more reinforcing discrete polymeric regions located on or within the composite web are disclosed. Molten nonelastomeric thermoplastic material of the discrete polymeric region is forced against the substrate by a transfer roll. If the substrate is porous, fibrous, etc., a portion of the nonelastomeric thermoplastic composition may infiltrate the substrate and/or encapsulate fibers of the substrate. The composite webs also include elastomeric thermoplastic material in discrete polymeric regions on or within the composite web.

Abstract: Composite webs and methods and systems for manufacturing composite webs including a substrate with one or more discrete polymeric regions located thereon are disclosed. At least some of the discrete polymeric regions are formed of an elastomeric thermoplastic composition that is transferred to the substrate in depressions formed on a transfer roll. The discrete elastomeric polymeric regions can be used to provide elasticity to a substrate that is not elastic or they may be used to adjust the elasticity of a substrate that is itself elastic.

Abstract: A laminated composite suitable for use in medical products such as tapes and wraps. The composite includes, for example, a first nonwoven fiber layer, an elastic layer, a melt blown adhesive fiber layer, and a second nonwoven fiber layer. A scrim layer serves as a deadstop, or stretch limit, to prevent over stretching. The non-woven fiber layer(s) and/or the scrim layer form suitable loops for a hook and loop fastening system. The scrim layer in some embodiments is employed to make the composite finger tearable. The melt blown adhesive layer, nonwoven web layer and elastic layer form a breathable, porous elastic composite. Methods of manufacturing the composite are also disclosed.

Abstract: A web of material having a multiplicity of discrete regions or patches spaced apart from each other on at least a first side of the web, and methods of making the web. A plurality of stems extend from each patch. In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the web may be configured to engage the plurality of the stems, and the web may include a breathable (microporous) and/or elastic material. A method of making a web includes providing a web and discrete quantities of a polymeric material. The polymeric material is fused to the web; and a plurality of stems are formed in each of the discrete quantities of the polymeric material to form fastener patches or regions. The discontinuous fastener patches can function as the male component of a hook-and-loop refastenable mechanical fastener.

Abstract: A web of material having a multiplicity of discrete regions or patches spaced apart from each other on at least a first side of the web, and methods of making the web. A plurality of stems extend from each patch. In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the web may be configured to engage the plurality of the stems, and the web may include a breathable (microporous) and/or elastic material. A method of making a web includes providing a web and discrete quantities of a polymeric material. The polymeric material is fused to the web; and a plurality of stems are formed in each of the discrete quantities of the polymeric material to form fastener patches or regions. The discontinuous fastener patches can function as the male component of a hook-and-loop refastenable mechanical fastener.

Abstract: A respiratory mask 1 has a molded, cup-shaped, shape-retaining shell 10 on the concave side of which is a layer of filter material 11 and, on the concave side of the filter material, without any intermediate shape-retaining layer, a layer of nonwoven material 12. The layer of filter material 11 and the inside layer 12 are conformed into the cup-shaped configuration of the shape-retaining shell 10. The inside layer 12 is preferably a smooth BMF material offering improved comfort to the wearer.

Abstract: A face mask including a face-contacting layer, an outer cover layer, a polymeric microfiber mat disposed between the face-contacting layer and the outer cover layer, and a non-woven fibrous mat disposed between the face-contacting layer and the outer cover layer. The non-woven fibrous mat includes polymeric fibers and a surface energy reducing agent. The face-contacting layer, the cover layer, the polymeric microfiber mat, and the non-woven fibrous mat cooperate with each other to allow gas to pass through the mask while inhibiting the passage of liquid through the mask.