Abstract: A composite nonwoven fabric having latent elasticity is provided having a latently elastic core comprising a first component that includes a thermoplastic elastomer and a second component that includes a single site catalyzed polyolefin, and at least one gatherable facing material laminated to the elastic core. The first and second components may be, for example, in the form of alternating filaments of styrenic block copolymer and single site catalyzed polyolefin or in the form of conjugate filaments having a first section of styrenic block copolymer and a second section of single site catalyzed polyolefin. Also disclosed are methods of making the latently elastic stretch bonded laminates and personal care articles containing the latently elastic stretch bonded laminates.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a liquid permeable top layer, a liquid impermeable leakproof layer, and a liquid retentive absorbent layer interposed between the layers, wherein the absorbent layer has an odor-controlling member containing (a) 20 to 80% by weight of specific hydrophilic fiber or hydrophilic foam and (b) an odor-controlling agent, the odor-controlling member 9 being composed of a layer made up of a mutually dispersing mixture of component (a) and component (b) or being composed of adjacent layers separately comprising component (a) and component (b).

Abstract: Nonwoven fabric laminates suitable for use as semipermeable membrane supports are produced by forming a spunbond nonwoven fabric first layer of continuous thermoplastic polymer filaments; forming a wet-laid nonwoven fabric second layer of discrete length thermoplastic polymer fibers; and bonding the first and second layers in opposing face-to-face relationship to form a composite support, where the first and second layers define first and second outer surfaces of the composite support. The resulting semipermeable membrane supports provide an advantageous balance of properties, including smoothness, porosity, interlaminar adhesion, and flux properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides high strength nonwoven wipe materials and the process of making the materials. The high strength nonwoven wipe materials contain cellulosic fibers, synthetic fibers, or mixtures thereof, with bicomponent fibers and optionally, a binder. The present invention provides a high strength, high elongation, reduced stiffness nonwoven wipe material with superior tensile strength.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to nonwoven materials containing a chemical composition capable of generating carbon dioxide when activated. The present invention provides a latent carbon dioxide gas generating material having a first layer containing fiber and a binder, having a basis weight of from about 25 gsm to about 100 gsm and having inner and outer surfaces, a second layer containing a carbon dioxide gas generating composition, having a basis weight of from about 5 gsm to about 300 gsm and having upper and lower surfaces, and a third layer containing fiber and a binder, having a basis weight of from about 25 gsm to about 100 gsm and having inner and outer surfaces. The inner surface of the first layer is in contact with the upper surface of the second layer, and the inner surface of the third layer is in contact with the lower surface of the second layer.

Abstract: Stretchable film laminates including a layer of elastomeric openwork, such as a plurality of elastic strands or an elastomeric mesh structure. The stretchable film laminates may include a film layer bonded to the layer of elastomeric openwork, with the film layer having cross-directional stretch and the laminate having a multi-phase stretchability profile. The stretchable film laminates may be made by extruding a film from a die, stretching the film, forming and stretching a layer of elastomeric openwork, conveying the stretched elastomeric openwork onto the film while the film is stretched, and passing the film and the elastomeric openwork through a nip. The invention also includes a machine capable of producing machine-direction, cross-direction, and biaxial stretch materials. The machine includes at least one extruder, at least one filament die and at least one film die both attached to the extruder(s), and at least one nip downstream of the extruder(s).

Abstract: A kit duster pad and a cleaning composition said duster pad comprising at least one layer comprising hydrophilic non-woven fibers capable of contacting a surface to be cleaned; and at least one non-woven layer capable of being attached to a handle, wherein the at least one layer comprises at least one free end; and wherein said cleaning composition comprises a solids content at least about 0.5% by weight of the cleaning composition.

Abstract: The apparel is constructed from various combinations of layers of materials with moisture transfer properties. A first liner of moisture transfer fabrics abuts a second layer of structural material such as a foam. The second layer can abut a breathable membrane and/or an insulating material. Finally, carefully selected outer fabrics complete the combination to provide apparel with improved performance characteristics. The outer fabrics are treated in various ways to enhance performance.

Abstract: A waterproof and breathable lining structure includes a sheet-like waterproof and breathable foaming cushion layer made of a composition of a predetermined amount of low density polyethylene (LDPE) and a predetermined amount of foaming agent such as azodicarbonamide (ADCA), and a fabric lining layer integrally adhered to one side of the cushion layer to form the lining structure. The cushion layer is made by a process including the steps of: (a) palletizing raw materials including the low density polyethylene and the foaming agent such as Azodicarbonamide (ADCA); (b) extruding the palletized raw material to make a solid sheet; (c) cross-linking the solid sheet by an E-beam to form an irradiated matrix; (d) foaming the irradiated matrix into the sheet-like foaming cushion layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of a shaped article comprising the compression of one or more fiber layers containing polyolefin fibers. The invention also relates to shaped articles obtainable with the process according to the invention and their use in anti-ballistic applications. In the process according to the invention the fiber layers contain 0.02 to 25 wt. % of a solvent for the polyolefin. The shaped articles obtained have an improved anti-ballistic quality.

Abstract: A laminate material for lighter-than-air vehicles includes at least one monofilament yarn layer, a high modulus film layer adjacent to said at least one monofilament layer and optionally including reinforcing fiber or inorganic filler, and a metallized coating adjacent to said high modulus film layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flexible sheet having a composite structure for stabilizing coatings, comprising a first layer of fiber material and a second layer of fiber material impregnated by a first and a second impregnating material, respectively, and a body layer set between said first layer and said second layer according to a general sandwich structure, where the body layer consists of a third material. The first and the second impregnating materials and the third material constituting the body layer are polymeric materials presenting a substantial affinity, so that the flexible sheet has a physically heterogeneous and chemically homogeneous structure.

Abstract: A seat cushion or other resilient structure includes a foam inner core combined with layers of varying density fiber batts to impart desirable comfort characteristics, support features and durability thereto. In one embodiment, the foam core is positioned between intermediate layers of low loft fiber batts of relatively high densities. In turn, the intermediate batts are sandwiched between outer high loft fiber batts having relatively low densities. Alternately, the foam core comprises one or more intermediate layers of relatively high density fiber batts that are positioned within the foam core to create one or more fiber batt subcores. The outer high loft fiber batts sandwich the foam core comprising the fiber batt subcores to create the resilient structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to composite materials and to methods of manufacturing the composite materials. In particular, the composite material of the present invention utilizes combinations of continuous fibers in the form of loops, chopped fibers, woven fibers and foams.

Abstract: The apparel is constructed from various combinations of layers of materials with moisture transfer properties. A first liner of moisture transfer fabrics abuts a second layer of structural material such as a foam. The second layer can abut a breathable membrane and/or an insulating material. Finally, carefully selected outer fabrics complete the combination to provide apparel with improved performance characteristics. The outer fabrics are treated in various ways to enhance performance.

Abstract: The apparel is constructed from various combinations of layers of materials with moisture transfer properties. A first liner of moisture transfer fabrics abuts a second layer of structural material such as a foam. The second layer can abut a breathable membrane and/or an insulating material. Finally, carefully selected outer fabrics complete the combination to provide apparel with improved performance characteristics. The outer fabrics are treated in various ways to enhance performance.

Abstract: A suturable adhesion-preventing membrane has high suture strength, good biocompatibility, decomposition and absorption in a living body, sufficient adhesion-preventing effect, and desirable guided tissue regeneration. The membrane is composed of at least one non-woven fabric layer made of collagen fibers, or a laminated membranous substance consisting of at least one non-woven fabric layer made of collagen fibers and at least one sponge layer made of collagen, and a coating layer of gelatin or hyaluronic acid on the surface or surfaces of the above membrane. Preferably, the membrane comprises one to six compressed cross-linked collagen non-woven fabric layers wherein a layer has a fibers having a fiber diameter of 0.05 mm to 1.0 mm, a bulk density of 5.0×10?4 to 5 g/cm3 and a thickness of 0.1 mm to 50 mm, and a coating layer containing gelatin or hyaluronic acid and having a thickness of 0.05 mm to 20 mm, wherein the coating layer covers one or both sides or a part or whole of the surface of the membrane.

Abstract: A composite absorbent member containing layers that have a controlled pore size distribution is provided. For example, in some embodiments, the composite absorbent member has an inner layer and two outer layers, in which the inner layer has a higher weight percentage of pulp fibers than the outer layers and also contains smaller pores than the outer layers. In this embodiment, the resulting composite member can have a fast intake rate, less leakage, reduced rewetting, and reduced bunching and twisting.

Abstract: The waterproof/breathable moisture transfer liner for a snowboard boot includes an inner liner selected from technically advanced fabrics which are carefully selected. A series of layers are provided outside the inner liner including foam material layers, breathable membranes, a supportive mesh or a moldable foam, and an outer shell fabric. The applicability of the liner to alpine, cross country and hiking boots, along with appropriate variations for each application.

Abstract: A tri-laminate material is disclosed which provides a breathable, non-irritating, four-way stretchable substitute for neoprene-based materials. The material of the present invention comprises a layer of resiliently stretchable open-celled foam which has been compressed 4 to 1; an outer layer of resiliently stretchable loop fabric, and an inner layer of resiliently stretchable wicking fabric. The fabric layers are fixed to opposite surfaces of the foam layer by flame lamination, either in two passes or in one pass.

Abstract: In order to facilitate the recycling of plastic composite materials and moldings produced thereof, the invention relates to a single-sort, mono-material composite material, comprising a core of thermoplastic foam and at least one reinforcing layer made of a composite consisting of fibers or strips of the same thermoplastic material as the foam. The invention further relates to a method for producing said single-sort composite material, during which the foam made of thermoplastic material is applied onto a pre-formed reinforcing layer and is welded there to each other and to the reinforcing layer by adding heat, a composite consisting of at least two layers of fabrics, knitted fabrics or non-wovens of fibers or strips made of the same thermoplastic material as the foam being used as reinforcing layer.

Abstract: A highly absorbent composite sheet wherein a non-woven substrate having a bulky structure and solid SAP with a part contained inside said bulky structure and the rest exposed on the surface of said non-woven substrate are provided, a thermally fusible component being a hot-melt adhesive, the hot-melt adhesive forming a fibrous network and covering said solid SAP and fine cellulose fibers in contact with the solid SAP whereby a single or double fibrous network is provided with the solid SAP held in position. A method for manufacturing same, and an absorbent article using such highly absorbent composite sheet are also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to a low fiber, plyable facer suitable for use in the construction industry, particularly for insulation board manufacture, comprising a dry preformed fiber mat containing a binder for the fibers, preferably a preformed glass mat, coated with a prefoamed composition which contains a polymer latex, a foam sustaining amount of a surfactant and a flame retarding and/or strengthening amount of a mineral filler and also to the use and process for the preparation of the above as well as to a siding underlayment or insulation board having a foamed, thermosetting resin core which is surfaced with said facer as a product for commercial use.

Abstract: In garments with a foamed net used as a clothing material (inter-lining), a clothing material is provided that is light-weight and easy-moving, and has improved warmth retaining property, cushioning property and buoyancy without spoiling the feeling of the garment to the wearer and does not cause cost increases or disadvantages in production. A foamed net in a meshed shape being constituted with a plurality of foamed strands intersected and simultaneously welded together at intersection points is inserted between an outer cloth and a lining cloth. The foamed strands may have a cross section form of elliptical shape with different ratios of height to width and the foamed strands are welded together so that the height direction of the cross section form may be orthogonal or almost orthogonal to the face of the net.

Abstract: A multilayer fabric for protection from aerosol and gas phase agents comprising a bilayer structure comprising an unfilled Fine fiber layer substantially free of materials within the pores of the Fine fiber layer secured to an outer shell, the Fine fiber layer acting as an aerosol filter, and an optional interior fabric layer having a reactive layer for the removal of gas phase agents.

Abstract: A heat-insulating an soundproofing lining for an engine compartment is disclosed, and a method of manufacturing the same, are disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the lining includes a first covering layer facing the engine. A duroplastic foam layer contacts the covering layer. A soundproofing layer contacts the duroplastic foam layer. A second covering layer contacts the soundproofing layer. According to another embodiment, a method of manufacturing a heat-insulating and soundproofing lining for an engine compartment is disclosed. The method includes the steps of (1) providing a first covering layer; (2) providing a duroplastic foam layer on the first covering layer; (3) providing a soundproofing layer on the first covering layer; (4) providing a second covering layer; and (5) pressing the layers together at an increased temperature and an increased pressure.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric comprises a first layer formed of staple fibers having a smooth outer surface, a second layer formed of staple fibers having an outer surface with a roughened texture and a third, spunbond layer sandwiched between the first and second layers. A binder material is applied to the second layer which substantially covers its textured surface and is effective to resist deformation under the application of pressure even in the presence of liquid.

Abstract: A single-layer waterproof insulating system that is totally waterproof, windproof and an insulating high performance fabric for textile products or garments such as coats, jackets, vests, pants, blankets, hats, caps, gloves, etc., composed of three separate panels: a waterproof outer panel; a middle micro-cell membrane thermal wall film panel of polyurethane; an inner panel; wherein the three panels are sealed by the process of a permanent bond by laminating the three panels together with a permanent adhesive producing a single-layer fabric that blocks water from penetrating the insulating system, thereby providing a wearer both warmth and protection from moisture and wind.

Abstract: There is disclosed an absorbent article including an absorbent layer and a liquid-permeable surface sheet placed on a liquid-receiving side of the absorbent layer for introducing excreted liquid from the human body to the absorbent layer. The surface sheet is of a corrugated configuration to have valleys and peaks extending in a longitudinal direction of the article and alternately arranged in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Each valley has a connecting part raised to connect between two adjacent peaks.

Abstract: A lightweight nonwoven material having hydrophilic characteristics is described. The nonwoven material includes at least three layers wherein a first layer is spunlaid, a second layer is meltblown, and a third layer is spunlaid, the first and third layers being external layers. The basis weight of the nonwoven material is 13.5 gsm or less and the basis weight of the second meltblown layer is 3.5 gsm or less, preferably less than 3.0 gsm, and more preferably less than 2.5 gsm. Hydrophilicity is imparted to the nonwoven material by inclusion of a surfactant additive in an extrusion melt during formation of fibers, or by topical treatment following formation of the layers of the nonwoven material. The method of making the nonwoven material involves formation of the layers thereof as continuous fibers and forming the layers in a continuous sequential manner, i.e., a subsequent layer being formed on top of a preceding layer or layers.

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: This invention relates to a low fiber, plyable facer suitable for use in the construction industry, particularly for insulation board manufacture, comprising a dry preformed fiber mat containing a binder for the fibers, preferably a preformed glass mat, coated with a prefoamed composition which contains a polymer latex, a foam sustaining amount of a surfactant and a flame retarding and/or strengthening amount of a mineral filler and also to the use and process for the preparation of the above as well as to a siding underlayment or insulation board having a foamed, thermosetting resin core which is surfaced with said facer as a product for commercial use.

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: 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 garment and method for reducing electromagnetic radiation produced by a transmitting device typically located inside a body. The garment may include material to prevent or lower electromagnetic radiation. A method for using such a garment to lower electromagnetic emissions is described.

Abstract: A fabric laminate is provided, including first and second facing layers and a foam layer interposed between the facing layers, at least one of the first and second facing layers including a veloured nonwoven material. Blankets are also provided.

Abstract: A laminate web and several uses of the laminate web are disclosed. The laminate web comprises a first web, a second web joined to the first web at a plurality of discrete bond sites; and a third material disposed between at least a portion of the first and second webs. The laminate webs of the present invention are suitable for a variety of uses. Such uses include flexible carrying implement, medical applications, kitchen or bathroom implements, decorative coverings, home accent items, pet industry articles, fabric, fabric backings, edible materials, bedding applications, absorbent food pads, clean room wipes, tack cloths, and many other uses.

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: A low stress relaxation elastomeric material comprises a block copolymer having an elasotmeric soft block portion and thermoplastic hard block portions, at least one vinylarene resin and mineral oil. The elasotmeric material may be used in a film comprising an elastomeric layer and at least one substantially less elastomeric skin layer. The skin layer comprises a thermoplastic polymer such as polyolefins. The film exhibits desired elastic and stress relaxation properties at body temperature. The film is useful in forming a macroscopically-expanded, three-dimensional elastomeric web.

Abstract: There is provided a personal care product having a composite of a film layer and a coextruded foam layer. The composite is made by extruding the film and foam together. The composite may also have a liner on the side toward the wearer and may have a cover on the backing sheet to make the product more aesthetically pleasing.

Abstract: A substance encapsulation system capable of being apertured under a tensioning force comprises a first web and a second web. A powdered, granular, particulate, or gel substance can be disposed between the first and second webs. Upon application of a sufficient force having a vector component parallel to the transverse axis, the bond site fractures to form a corresponding aperture to facilitate exposure of the substance. Alternatively, a central layer may be disposed between at least a portion of the first and second webs. The central layer may carry a substance to be exposed or the central layer may be a dissimilar material from the first and second webs. In a preferred embodiment, the system has a plurality of bond sites.

Abstract: This invention relates to a low fiber, plyable facer suitable for use in the construction industry, particularly for insulation board manufacture, comprising a dry preformed fiber mat containing a binder for the fibers, preferably a preformed glass mat, coated with a prefoamed composition which contains a thixotropic polymer latex, a foam sustaining amount of a surfactant and a flame retarding and/or strengthening amount of a mineral filler and also to the use and process for the preparation of the above as well as to a siding underlayment or insulation board having a foamed, thermosetting resin core which is surfaced with said facer as a product for commercial use.

Abstract: A user-activatible substance delivery system of the present invention comprises a first web and a second web, the first and second webs having a periphery and being enclosed about their respective peripheries and defining a void space therein. A substance for delivery upon user activation is disposed in the void space. At least one of the first or second webs has at least one bond site. The bond site(s) define(s) a melt weakened region such that upon application of a force having a vector component parallel to the transverse axis, the bond site(s) fracture(s) to form a corresponding aperture in the respective web. The apertures provide a fluid communication path to facilitate delivery of the substance from the void space.

Abstract: An elastic laminate web is disclosed. The elastic laminate web can be nonapertured or apertured, and comprises a first web, and a second web joined to the first web in a face to face relationship at a plurality of discrete bond sites having an aspect ratio of at least 2. The first and second webs form an interior region therebetween. An elastic material is disposed between the first and second webs. The elastic material is apertured in regions coincident the bond sites, such that the first and second webs are joined through the apertures. The laminate so produced can be stretched in a predetermined direction, such as by incremental stretching, to produce an apertured elastic laminate. Also disclosed are mattress covers and other applications in which the elastic laminate web may be used.

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: 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: A sandwich structure including a core having opposing top and bottom surfaces, a plurality of discrete pins disposed through the core and extending beyond the top and bottom surfaces of the core, a face sheet on the top core surface, and a face sheet on the bottom core surface. The ends of each pin are bent over and lie between the respective core surfaces and the face sheets to secure the face sheets to the core, improve the strength of the core, and to provide a physical connection between the two face sheets. Also disclosed is a reinforced core for a sandwich structure which does not yet have the face sheets assembled to it. Also disclosed is a method of making such a reinforced core and completed sandwich structures including such a core.

Abstract: An automotive upholstery fabric resistant to degradation of strength and elastomeric properties upon exposure to ultraviolet irradiation is provided. The fabric includes an elastomeric fiber component which makes up not less than 40 percent by weight of the fabric. This elastomeric fiber component retains at least about 70 and preferably at least about 90 percent of its tensile strength following accelerated exposure to ultraviolet irradiation according to SAE Standard J1885.

Abstract: The moisture transfer system includes a waterproof/breathable moisture transfer liner having an inner fabric layer selected from technically advanced fabrics which are carefully selected. A series of layers are provided outside the inner liner including foam material layers, breathable membranes, encapsulation technology, waterproof films and an outer fabric layer. The moisture transfer system in incorporated into in-line skate as either a removable liner for a shell boot or a liner for a softboot.

Abstract: Heat, pressure, and glue are used to form a composite material in which a layer of U.S. Coast Guard approved flotation foam is located between a pair of fabric layers which are glued to the foam layer. The process of bonding the fabric layers to the foam layer is accomplished using both heat and pressure whereby a fabric covered, foam composite structure is provided. In a preferred embodiment, a flotation foam of the type which can be included in the calculation of flotation for a U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD is used, so the composite material can be used both as a fabric and as flotation in a U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD.