Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for packing an article comprising providing a vapor permeable and substantially water impermeable composite laminated sheet comprising a nonwoven layer and a polymer film layer, said composite laminated sheet having a trapezoidal tear strength of at least about 2 N in the machine direction, and a smoothness measured on the polymer film layer of less than 9 micrometers and placing the composite laminated sheet on the surface of the article with the polymer film layer contacting at least a portion of said surface.

Abstract: An insulating fabric which substantially prevents propagation of fire uses a blend of modified aluminum oxide-silica fibers and organic fibers in a multi-layer blanket.

Abstract: A new foam coated nonwoven fibrous mat having properties particularly suited for a facer on gypsum wallboard, laminates made therefrom and the method of making the mat is disclosed. The mat preferably contains a major portion of glass fibers and a minor portion of a resinous binder. The foam coating is permeable and reduces fiber dust and abrasion experienced in the past with relatively coarse, relatively inexpensive glass fibers in the mat. Contrary to previous methods, the foam coated fibrous mat is made in-line on a wet mat forming production line by applying a wet foam binder onto a wet, fibrous web followed by drying and curing in-line.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of forming a multi-layer pad of a non-woven fiber batt and a foam layer having conforming convoluted surfaces and to a multi-layer pad incorporating a non-woven fiber batt and foam layer. The process of forming a non-woven batt layer and a foam layer having conforming convoluted surfaces comprises transporting each layer along its longitudinal dimension while compressing each layer along its lateral dimension. Concomitantly with compression, each layer is cut tranversely along its lateral dimension to separate each layer into an upper segment and a lower segment and to provide conforming convoluted surfaces on the segments of each layer, the convoluted surfaces comprised of upstanding projections and depressions.

Abstract: An automobile interior material having no irritation to skin and easy combustibility for disposal which is composed of a urethane foam layer and a fabric which is attached to at least one main surface of the urethane foam layer.

Abstract: The nonwoven composite fabric of the invention provides a barrier to blood and viral challenges, and also provides breathability for comfort. The fabric is particularly suited for use as a disposable surgical gown. The fabric comprises a first microporous ply comprising a microporous formable resin that has been extrusion coated onto a nonwoven fabric substrate and subsequently stretched to impart microporosity, and at least one additional ply positioned adjacent the first microporous ply. The nonwoven composite fabric has barrier properties passing the ASTM F1671 viral barrier test, and the MVTR of the composite fabric is at least 300 g/m2/24 hr.

Abstract: A composite component for vehicle bodies, for vehicle roofs in particular, is suggested, which has a firm outer skin and a plastic layer expanded in a foaming form against the interior of the outer skin. According to the invention a reinforcing layer is formed against the interior of the plastic layer which is already held at a defined distance in the foaming form by the outer skin. The result is the creation of a composite component for vehicle bodies which component can be easily mass-produced and whose stability and resistance characteristics can be adjusted in a defined manner during manufacture.

Abstract: An underlayment material is disclosed for use as an underlayment in a non-textile flooring system. The underlayment material comprises a thin, flexible layer of polyurethane foam and a thin, flexible substrate layer bonded to one side of the layer of polyurethane foam. In a preferred embodiment, the underlayment material is a mechanically frothed polyurethane foam. In another preferred embodiment, the substrate layer is a layer of non-woven spun bonded polyester fibers. In another preferred embodiment, the underlayment material has a thickness of between about 0.05 and 0.125 inches, and most preferably, about 0.085 inches. In still another preferred embodiment, the foam has a fine cell structure and a density of between 10 and 30 pounds per cubic foot, and most preferably about 20 pounds per cubic foot. In still another preferred embodiment, the foam has a compression set of between about 5% and 25%, and most preferably about 10%.

Abstract: A fabric reinforced closed cell foam composite having a textured or smooth surface which is substantially free of nodular surface irregularities. The fabric may be formed of woven fibers or of non-woven random fibers which are bonded together by resin or heat. The fabric is then coated to a suitable thickness with a foamed or unfoamed polymer formulation. The cushion has a high strength to weight ratio, is substantially impermeable to liquids, significantly dampens sound and absorbs energy. In addition, the cushion is non-slip, remaining substantially fixed in relation to the surface to which it is in contact by means of friction. Further, the surface of the cushion is relatively easily decorated with printed designs. Dyes could also be added to the foam formulation to produce a wide range of decorative colored cushions.

Abstract: A porous polymeric sheet is provided having an electrostatic charge and comprising a zero-three composite of a polymeric matrix and a ferroelectric material dispersed therein. The polymeric component comprises a non-polar thermoplastic polymer, such as a polyolefin, and a second thermoplastic polymer having polar functional units, such as a telomer. The composite material is formed into a porous sheet and is electrically or corona poled to create an electret material which is well suited four use in various filtration, air-masking and dust wipe applications.

Abstract: A conductive material suitable as a gasket material for shielding the electromagnetic wave and a method of fabrication thereof are disclosed. The conductive material is intended to protect electronics equipment and devices from an erroneous operation which otherwise might be triggered by the electromagnetic wave leaking from other electronic equipment or devices and also to prevent a radio wave interference with communication equipment. A composite material sheet composed of a synthetic fiber-structured sheet and a porous synthetic resin sheet integrally bonded to each other is plated with a metal. In order to improve the working efficiency for final applications, an adhesive layer covered with the releasing paper is formed on one of the sheet surfaces.

Abstract: A breathable, stretch-thinned barrier film having improved strength, processability and/or breathability is formed from a mixture of a thermoplastic polymer and cavated filler particles such as cyclodextrin. The cavated filler particles provide the film with enhanced breathability to water vapor due to their ring-like, conical, cylindrical or otherwise hollow molecular structure, yet the film remains substantially impermeable to aqueous liquids. The enhanced breathability occasioned by the cavated particles permits the use of relatively low filler levels and correspondingly high polymer levels, thereby enhancing the film strength. The filler may melt during extrusion of the molten polymer into a film, facilitating smooth processing, and re-crystallize into particles after the film is formed and cooled.

Abstract: Sound attenuating laminates for use within vehicles are provided that include a substrate and polyurethane attached to selected portions of the substrate. The polyurethane is non-porous and serves as a barrier to attenuate sound passing through the substrate. Additional non-porous polyurethane may be added to one or more selected portions of the polyurethane layer to enhance sound attenuation characteristics in the one or more selected portions. Sound attenuating laminates for use within vehicles are provided that include a substrate and breathable polyurethane attached to selected portions of the substrate. The polyurethane serves as an absorber of sound (e.g., sound generated within a vehicle compartment). Additional breathable polyurethane may be added to one or more selected portions of the polyurethane layer to enhance sound absorption characteristics in the one or more selected portions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surface material which can be replaced to the conventional surface material made of soft polyvinylchloride resin. These surface material is useful for the various uses such as the material for car interior, the surface material of furniture or the material for porches.

Abstract: A rug gripper for preventing the lateral movement of a rug on a floor comprising a continuous non-slip, non-adhesive foam layer having a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface of the foam layer includes an adhesive layer for adhering the foam layer to the rug and the bottom surface of the foam layer engages the floor.

Abstract: The invention relates to an insulation element (4, 4′), at least one nonwoven layer (5) and/or a foam layer (11) being enclosed by a film layer (1), and, to achieve a solution which is adequately permeable to water vapour but nevertheless flame-retardant, proposes that the film layer (1) consists of a flame-retardant material which is preferably closed to vapour diffusion, that the film layer (1) also has through-openings (2) and that the through-openings (2) are open to vapour diffusion.

Abstract: A sound absorption material excellent in moldability, wherein a filament nonwoven fabric (A) having a weight of 20 to 200 g/m2 and including fiber having a fiber diameter of not more than 15 &mgr;m and a staple fiber nonwoven fabric (B) having a weight of 50 to 2000 g/m2 and a fiber diameter of 7 to 40 &mgr;m are laminated and integrated, and 5 to 50% by mass of the staple fiber nonwoven fabric (B) is a thermally adhesive fiber having a melting point of 100 to 190° C.

Abstract: Provided is a porous film which is excellent in a tear strength and has a low heat shrinkage.

Abstract: A method of producing basic starting material for the manufacture of fastener tabs (31) intended for joining the side portions of the front and rear parts of an absorbent article that includes a front part, a rear part and an intermediate crotch part, so as to give the article a pants-like configuration According to the invention the method comprises the steps of

Abstract: A laminated support for pressure-relief comprising an upper layer of visco-elastic foam, a middle layer of visco-elastic foam having a greater hardness, and a bottom layer of highly resilient polyurethane foam. These layers are sandwiched between two layers of reticulated filter polyurethane foam.

Abstract: A method of extruding a foamed plastic into a carrier that relies on the use of dual, multiple blowing agents, a dispersed blowing agent and a micro-encapsulated blowing agent. The resulting product is a polymer coated textile that is resilient with good compression rebound.

Abstract: A waterproof, moisture permeable composite film from 7 to 300 &mgr;m in thickness and comprising a porous hydrophobic film having a coating layer of a hydrophilic resin produced on one face thereof; wherein said hydrophilic resin coating layer is a thin film having depth such that when an electron microscopic image of the surface of said hydrophilic resin coating layer taken at 10,000× magnification with an electron microscope is viewed with the naked eye, the contours of said porous hydrophobic film matrix are visible through said hydrophilic resin coating layer over at least a portion of said hydrophilic resin coating layer; and wherein pores present on the surface of said porous film on the side thereof having the coating layer are infiltrated by hydrophilic resin continuous with said coating layer, while the surface of said porous film on the side thereof devoid of coating layer is not infiltrated by said hydrophilic resin and retains a porous structure, such that the composite film has water vapor

Abstract: A new foam coated nonwoven fibrous mat having properties particularly suited for a facer on gypsum wallboard, laminates made therefrom and the method of making the mat is disclosed. The mat preferably contains a major portion of glass fibers and a minor portion of a resinous binder. The foam coating is permeable and reduces fiber dust and abrasion experienced in the past with relatively coarse, relatively inexpensive glass fibers in the mat. Contrary to previous methods, the foam coated fibrous mat is made in-line on a wet mat forming production line by applying a wet foam binder onto a wet, fibrous web followed by drying and curing in-line.

Abstract: A novel porous fibrous structure containing from 10 to 100% by weight of wet heat bonding fibers, having cellular cavities in the fibrous structure of the fibers, in which a plurality of indefinite cellular cavities are present independently or in a state of partially connected in the inside of the fibrous structure, at least a portion of the fibers constituting the fibrous structure is heat bonding by the wet heat bonding fibers, and a process for producing such porous fibrous structure.

Abstract: A resilient surface covering, including a melt-processed layer, having improved impact resistance properties is provided herein. The melt-processed layer is formed, in part, of either a non-polyvinyl chloride resin, or a blend of a polyvinyl chloride resin and a compatible polymer, such as nitrile rubber, which imparts improved toughness characteristics to the layer. The increased toughness of the melt-processed layer consequently imparts improved impact resistance to the surface covering of which it is a part as compared to a control surface covering having a control layer formed only of a conventional melt-processed polyvinyl chloride resin.

Abstract: A textile is coated with a backing coating, and a foam backing is applied to the backing coating surface of the textile. A backing material is mounted to the surface of the foam backing opposite to the textile.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a mechanically and chemically embossed surface covering having selectively textured surfaces. The method includes forming a web coated with a wear layer. The coated web is heated to a temperature at which the wear layer is cured, the foam layer expands, and the pattern is chemically embossed to form a surface covering having foamed regions and nonfoamed regions. The temperature gradient of the surface covering is adjusted such that there is a temperature gradient difference between the foamed and nonfoamed regions. A surface texture is then mechanically embossed into the wear layer and selectively set onto the wear layer substantially overlying the non-foamed regions.

Abstract: A composite intraluminal prosthesis which is preferably used as a vascular prothesis includes a layer of ePTFE and a layer of textile material which are secured together by an elastomeric bonding agent. The ePTFE layer includes a porous microstructure defined by nodes interconnected by fibrils. The adhesive bonding agent is preferably applied in solution so that the bonding agent enters the pores of the microstructure of the ePTFE. This helps secure the textile layer to the ePTFE layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gelatinous composite article. The article has a first and a second heat formable and heat reversible gelatinous elastomer material, a first permeable layer, and a control gap. Each of the gelatinous materials is a three-dimensional shape having an upper side, a base side and at least one connecting side. The first connecting side and the second connecting side are adjacent to each other so the first and second materials are essentially side-by-side within the same horizontal plane. The first permeable layer has a top side and a bottom side. The top side attaches to the first and second connecting side. The control gap is interspaced between the bottom side of the first permeable layer. This gap degrades the rigidity between each connecting side and provides an equivalent structural property throughout the article.

Abstract: A drip absorption mat is provided, which is capable of preventing the color deterioration of foods such as meats on the side in contact with said mat when foods such as meat are mounted thereon. A drip absorption mat which is laid under drip-oozing foods is composed of an absorption sheet to absorb drips and a porous surface sheet which is arranged over this absorption sheet and in contact with food, so that color deterioration of meats on the side in contact with the drip absorption mat is prevented by improving the breathability of the drip-absorption mat.

Abstract: Lightweight, thermoplastic, vehicle headliners each having at least one integrally-formed, energy-absorbing, head-impact mechanism and injection molding methods for making same are provided. Each headliner includes a stiff, self-supporting, thermoplastic sheet adapted to be mounted adjacent a roof of the vehicle so as to underlie the roof and shield the roof from view. The sheet has an upper surface and a lower surface. Each energy-absorbing, head-impact mechanism absorbs energy of an impact with its associated headliner by a passenger of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the at least one head-impact mechanism includes a plurality of spaced-apart, energy-absorbing, thermoplastic structures, such as ribs, which are connected to and extend upwardly from the upper surface of its thermoplastic sheet.

Abstract: A flat composite body with an asymmetric laminar structure generally consisting of a first layer of material, a foam core intermediate layer and a decorative second layer of non-metallic material, wherein a fleece with an epoxy binder is placed between the first and intermediate layers and a fiber matting with an epoxy binder is placed between the intermediate layer and the second layer.

Abstract: Wet-laid nonwoven webs having mechanical reinforcement properties are provided by employing unpulped vegetable fiber bundles as the predominant fiber component. The unpulped fiber bundles have a modulus of elasticity of about 2-5×10 6 psi and a chopped fiber length of about 25 mm. The fibers are cordage fibers including sisal, abaca, henequen, kenaf and jute. Composites of the unpulped fiber webs with cellulosic and spunbonded sheets find application as thermoformed vehicle interior trim products.

Abstract: A microlayer polymer film comprising a plurality of coextruded microlayers including a non-degradable layer comprising a non-water degradable, melt-extrudable polymer and degradable layer comprising a water degradable, melt-extrudable polymer. The microlayer polymer film degrades when soaked in water and is suitable as a covering material for disposal items such as flushable diapers. The microlayer polymer film is also breathable and is a barrier to small amounts of water. A suitable non-water degradable, melt-extrudable polymer is linear low density polyethylene filled with a particulate filler. A suitable water degradable, melt-extrudable polymer is polyethylene oxide.

Abstract: A filter material for separating solid, particulate and gaseous components from fluids, which is enclosed on both the upstream and downstream sides with a particle filtering medium.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for laminating textile sheet materials onto moldable particle foam or onto foamed moldings, using, as an adhesive, a polymer composition based on copolymers of one or more monomers selected from the group comprising vinyl esters, acrylates, methacrylates, vinylaromatics and vinyl chloride and from 0.01 to 25% by weight, based on the total weight of the copolymer, of one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers containing carboxyl groups.

Abstract: Composites comprising a polyurethane core and an outer facing layer are described in the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for packing an article comprising providing a vapor permeable and substantially water impermeable composite laminated sheet comprising a nonwoven layer and a polymer film layer, said composite laminated sheet having a trapezoidal tear strength of at least about 2 N in the machine direction, and a smoothness measured on the polymer film layer of less than 9 micrometers and placing the composite laminated sheet on the surface of the article with the polymer film layer contacting at least a portion of said surface.

Abstract: A uniformly applied monolithic roofing surface membrane at appropriate thickness and pitch is field applied upon a surface. The surface membrane may be field applied from a spray applicator foam dispenser moving between two parallel tracks. The uniform application of foam at each pass is assured, by accelerating the speed of the foam dispenser at the end of each pass, by providing continuous movement of the spray applicator upon the tracks. The monolithic roofing surface monolithic thus formed includes a spontaneously curable polymer, such as low rise polyurethane adhesive or polyurethane foam, having a mesh such as of fabric or fiberglass therein, with a silicone coating thereon.

Abstract: A tri-laminate body panel stiffener includes two polymer layers with or without a backing. One of the layers is a compliant foam layer mounted against a substrate while the other layer is a rigid foam layer mounted against the compliant foam layer. In another aspect of the invention the laminate comprises a backing member having an expandable foam mounted thereto with two or more opposing edges of the laminate being of non-straight construction such as being wavy or saw tooth. A pattern of holes may be formed through the foam and backing layers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of forming a multi-layer pad of a non-woven fiber batt and a foam layer having conforming convoluted surfaces and to a multi-layer pad incorporating a non-woven fiber batt and foam layer. The process of forming a non-woven batt layer and a foam layer having conforming convoluted surfaces comprises transporting each layer along its longitudinal dimension while compressing each layer along its lateral dimension. Concomitantly with compression, each layer is cut transversely along its lateral dimension to separate each layer into an upper segment and a lower segment and to provide conforming convoluted surfaces on the segments of each layer, the convoluted surfaces comprised of upstanding projections and depressions.

Abstract: A composition containing a function improver and an inorganic porous crystals-hydrophilic macromolecule composite wherein the hydrophilic macromolecule contains inorganic porous crystals in its inner matrix, and a product made therefrom The product, textile, nonwoven fabric, paper and laminate obtained from the composition of the present invention come to have high strength in addition to the gas adsorption capability, volatile organic solvent removing capability, noncombustibility, heat insulating property, and heavy metal and radioactive element removing capability that the inorganic porous crystals-hydrophilic macromolecule composite (A) possesses. It is also possible to improve a touch and the like, so that the composition is useful as a material having additional functions.

Abstract: A process for producing a component with an inner fabric includes layering at least two layers of fabric one on top of the other. A layer of plastic in powder form or sheet form is introduced between respective pairs of neighboring layers of fabric. The plastic has a melting point corresponding to at most the melting point and/or the decomposing temperature of the fabric layers. The fabric layers and plastic layer are heated and pressed at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure, during which the plastic layer is at least partially melted. After reaching the desired final form, the partially-melted plastic is cooled, thereby bonding the fabric layers to one another. The cooled plastic is arranged between the layers of fabric and, in particular, at least partially between the fibers of the fabric layers.

Abstract: A method of producing basic starting material for the manufacture of fastener tabs (31) intended for joining the side portions of the front and rear parts of an absorbent article that includes a front part, a rear part and an intermediate crotch part, so as to give the article a pants-like configuration According to the invention the method comprises the steps of

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a low gauge, multilayer film which may be laminated to other materials such as, for example, fibrous nonwoven webs. The multilayer film may include one or more skin layers which in certain configurations comprise no more than about 15 percent of the overall thickness and in other configurations no more than about 10 percent of the overall thickness of the multilayer film. Such films and laminates have a wide variety of uses including, but not limited to, personal care absorbent products, articles of clothing and health care related items such as surgical drapes and gowns.

Abstract: A member for an electroluminescent device is described, comprising a container a part of which is made of a porous material and a removing agent capable of removing a prescribed gaseous component, the removing agent being contained in said container. An electroluminescent device having the member is also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter element of at least two filter layers (10, 20) wherein the one filter layer (20) is formed from a non-woven fabric (21) and the other filter layer (10) is of an open-pore foam (11) which is attached to the one filter layer (20). Furthermore, a carrier is provided which supports the filter element (1). In order to properly mount the filter element in the filter housing, the non-woven fabric is a felt (21) stiffened by impregnation with a curing liquid. The felt (21) imparts rigidity as a carrier to the filter element (1).

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition for use in coated abrasives. The curable composition comprises a mixture of: i) from about 30 to about 60 weight percent of an oligomeric aminoplast resin having on average at least one pendant &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated carbonyl group per oligomeric unit; ii) from about 70 to about 40 weight percent of a thermoplastic polyamide miscible in said aminoplast resin, the weight percents being based on the total resin content; and iii) a sufficient amount of a catalyst for the curable oligomeric aminoplast resin having on average at least one pendant &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated carbonyl group per oligomeric unit, said catalyst being stable at a temperature of mixing of the components. The curable composition can either be in the form of a melt-processable solid or a molten mixture. The present invention also provides single and multilayered treated backing substrates used in coated abrasives.

Abstract: Breathable microporous films are provided having controlled regional breathability with thick high WVTR regions and thinner low WVTR regions. The zoned breathable microporous films can be made by selectively applying heat and/or pressure to specific regions the microporous film such as by feeding a microporous film through a pair of heated nip rollers with one of the rolls having a raised surface area or by applying a focused stream of hot air. Monolayer microporous films and multilayer films having at least one microporous layer can be treated to impart zoned breathability to the film.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a costume having semi-rigid costume components, and the costume itself. The semi-rigid costume components are capable of being sewn to fabric to form an integrated costume. An embodiment is shown in which the costume includes a semi-rigid muscular torso suitable for a superhero chestpiece. The sewn rigid component is formed from fusing a layer of fabric to a layer of foam and the resulting laminate is vacuum molded into a three-dimensional shape.