Abstract: A nonwoven acoustic insulating material which also provides repellency to water and low surface tension fluids. Also disclosed is a method for attenuating transmitted sound and repelling fluids which includes providing a nonwoven acoustic insulating material, the nonwoven acoustic insulating material including at least one nonwoven web having a low surface tension fluids repellency treatment, and interposing the treated nonwoven acoustic insulating material between a sound generation area and a sound receiving area.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric characterized in that the nonwoven fabric is a thermoplastic synthetic fiber nonwoven fabric having a fabric weight of 7 to 50 g/m2, an average yarn diameter of 7 to 40 ?m, a partial heat contact bonding ratio of 5 to 30% and a content of a delustering agent of 0.5% by weight or less, or a nonwoven fabric laminate the major component of which is the thermoplastic synthetic fiber nonwoven fabric, and that the nonwoven fabric has a maximum opening diameter of 200 to 2,000 ?m, and shows a transparency of 50% or more, a powder leakage ratio of 10% by weight or less and a hydrophilicity of less than 10 sec, and a tea bag in which the nonwoven fabric is used.

Abstract: This invention relates to a nonwoven fabric having a first component of from 5% to 99% by weight based on the total weight of the composition wherein the first component is selected from the group consisting of homopolymers of propylene and random copolymers of propylene, the first component having a heat of fusion as determined by DSC of less than 50 J/g and stereoregular propylene crystallinity; and a second component having from 95% to 1% by weight based on the total weight of the composition of a propylene polymer or blends of propylene polymers; wherein the nonwoven fabric has a permanent set of less than 60%.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing nonwoven and nonwoven obtainable by said method. Particularly, the invention relates to a nonwoven provided with improved tactile and absorbent characteristics, which make it suitable for use in the field of surface cleaning, personal hygiene, or formation of garments.

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 relates to a method for manufacturing nonwoven and nonwoven obtainable by said method. Particularly, the invention relates to a nonwoven provided with improved tactile and absorbent characteristics, which make it suitable for use in the field of surface cleaning, personal hygiene, or formation of garments.

Abstract: A nonwoven blanket embodying the principles of the present invention includes at least two layers, wherein a first layer comprises a spunlace fabric that exhibits one or more raised regions within the fabric. The blanket of the present invention also includes a second durable and protective layer comprising one or more layers of spunmelt fabrics, typically referred to as spunbond and meltblown fabrics. The two layers are mechanically bonded via one or more methods known in the art so as to form at least one or more insulative air pockets within the blanket.

Abstract: A full-surface bonded multiple component nonwoven fabric is provided that has an improved combination of tear strength and tensile strength at lower thicknesses than known in the art. The full-surface bonded multiple component webs have a void percent between about 3% and 56% and a Frazier permeability of at least 0.155 m3/min-m2. The full-surface bonded multiple component nonwoven fabrics can be prepared in a smooth-calendering process.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing a multi-layer web product. A long fiber stream is directed around a rotating carding cylinder. Two combing cylinders are disposed adjacent the carding cylinder to comb a first web of long fiber and a second web of long fiber, respectively, from the carding cylinder. A first conveyor receives the first web from the first combing cylinder and transports the first web toward a layering point. Similarly, a second conveyor receives the second web from the second combing cylinder and transports the second web toward the layering point. A short fiber deposition unit is disposed adjacent the second conveyor and deposits short fibers onto the second web. At the layering point, the first conveyor deposits the first web onto the second web, with the short fibers sandwiched therebetween, to form a layered web product.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nonwoven web or laminate having at least one surface with abrasion resistance and a low degree of free fibers on the surface. Also provided is a lofty nonwoven web laminate from multicomponent fibers having at least one surface with improved abrasion resistance and reduced fuzziness over other multicomponent fiber nonwoven webs. This nonwoven webs and laminate can be used where nonwoven webs and laminates are currently used, but are particularly suitable as a filter media. Also described is a method for producing a nonwoven web having at least one abrasion resistant surface. The process includes using a liner material between the forming surface and the forming nonwoven web, wherein the liner is removed after the nonwoven web is bonded. Removing the liner exposes the abrasion resistant surface of the nonwoven web or laminate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to propylene-based nonwoven layers made by the meltblown process, and laminates incorporating such layers. The meltblown layers of the present invention comprise propylene copolymers characterized by having less than 50 percent crystallinity. The meltblown layers of the present invention show an improved combination of extensibility and tensile strength. The laminate structures of the present invention are characterized by a combination of low bending modulus with high peel strength.

Abstract: A breathable viral barrier film, viral barrier laminate and surgical articles including the film or laminate are provided. The film has viral barrier properties in the presence of low surface tension liquids, as well as in the presence of aqueous liquids. The film includes a core layer surrounded by two skin layers. The core layer includes a polymer matrix, filler particles, and at least 0.5% by weight of a selected fluorochemical. The film is bonded to one or more nonwoven webs to provide laminates useful in surgical articles.

Abstract: A water dispersible nonwoven web is disclosed. The nonwoven web is produced in an airlaying process and contains pulp fibers mixed with water soluble fibers. The water soluble fibers may be, for instance, polyvinyl alcohol fibers. The nonwoven web may be pre-saturated with a cleaning solution. Once pre-saturated with a cleaning solution, the wiping product is particularly well suited to cleaning and/or disinfecting surfaces, such as toilet seats prior to use. Because the nonwoven web is water dispersible, the wiper may be disposed of by being flushed down a toilet.

Abstract: A breathable viral barrier film, viral barrier laminate and surgical articles including the film or laminate are provided. The film has viral barrier properties in the presence of low surface tension liquids, as well as in the presence of aqueous liquids. The film includes a core layer surrounded by two skin layers. The core layer includes a polymer matrix, filler particles, and at least 0.5% by weight of a selected fluorochemical. The film is bonded to one or more nonwoven webs to provide laminates useful in surgical articles.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a single step sterilization wrapping material suitable for use, as an example, in wrapping surgical instruments and supplies for sterilization, transportation and storage. The material includes separate inner and outer wraps which, unlike previous wraps, are joined to one another. Common wrapping techniques involve wrapping items to be sterilized with two separate sheets of wrap. The present invention provides separate wraps which can be specially engineered to deliver specific properties for each sheet and then joined to one another so as to permit wrapping and opening in a neat single step process which increases efficiency and saves time and money. In special situations the outer wrap can be engineered with increased strength, the inner wrap with increased barrier properties and the inner and outer wraps can be made visually distinct from one another so that improper wrapping or opening is not a problem.

Abstract: The nonwoven web 10 of the present invention is a layered structure that takes advantage of the beneficial properties of different types of fibers advantageously distributed in each layer. In particular, the present invention is a multi-layer nonwoven web suitable for use as a wet wipe, the web having a first fibrous outer layer comprising from about 10% to about 60% conjugate fiber, from about 10% to about 90% cellulosic fibers, a fibrous inner layer bonded at discrete bond sites to the first outer layer in a face to face relationship comprising from about 10% to about 60% conjugate fiber, and from about 10% to about 65% cellulosic fibers. A second fibrous outer layer, which can be the same composition as the first outer layer, is bonded at discrete bond sites to the inner layer in a face to face relationship. A method for forming the web of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric laminate possesses excellent elasticity, softness, water resistance, fuzz resistance and curl resistance, and has less stickiness. The nonwoven fabric laminate includes at least one meltblown nonwoven fabric layer and mixed-fiber spunbonded nonwoven fabric layers on both surfaces of the at least one meltblown nonwoven fabric layer, the mixed-fiber spunbonded nonwoven fabric layers each comprising mixed fibers including 10 to 90 wt % of continuous fibers of a thermoplastic elastomer (A) and 90 to 10 wt % of continuous fibers of a thermoplastic resin (B) other than the thermoplastic elastomer (A) ((A)+(B)=100 wt %).

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 multilayer, breathable film that contains a base layer and at least one skin layer is provided. The skin layer is incorporated with a filler that is capable of reducing odor. The base layer may be substantially free of the odor-reducing filler to maintain the integrity of the resulting film. As a result, it has been discovered that the multilayer film of the present invention can be used to reduce odor in a variety of applications, while still maintaining the desired breathability.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a multi-layer nonwoven fiber material, and related methods of manufacturing the material. In one exemplary embodiment, the fiber material includes a first layer of directionally aligned fibers together with a second layer of randomly dispersed fibers dispersed over the first layer. Consistent with one exemplary method for manufacturing a nonwoven fiber material, the method includes dispersing a first plurality of fibers horizontally in one or more predetermined directions, as well as dispersing a second plurality of fibers horizontally in random directions. In such an embodiment, the second plurality of fibers is dispersed over the first plurality of fibers. Moreover, an exemplary embodiment of a roofing shingle employing a nonwoven fiber material as described herein is as disclosed.

Abstract: Absorbent articles which provide superior protection against wet through under impact or sustained pressure, and high convective air flow therethrough for skin health and comfort benefits. An absorbent article comprising an absorbent core and an absorbent barrier structure, wherein the absorbent barrier structure has a hydrohead value of at least about 10 mBars; a convective air permeability of at least about 10 Darcy/mm; and a liquid impact transmission value of less than about 20 g/m2.

Abstract: A composite fabric for use as a roof lining material made of a multilayer base sheet of a meltblown web of bicomponent fibers sandwiched between two spunbond sheet layers of bicomponent sheath-core fibers and a spunbond top sheet of bicomponent sheath-core fibers wherein the base sheet and top sheet are joined in a manner such that the moisture vapor permeability of the composite fabric is not substantially reduced from the moisture vapor permeability of the base sheet alone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure-sensitive adhesive tape or sheet, which comprises a support and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer disposed on one side of the support, in which the support comprises a first substrate and a second substrate disposed on at least one side of the first substrate and is treated with a filling agent, the first substrate includes a melt blow nonwoven fabric, the second substrate includes a span bond nonwoven fabric having a bulk density of from 0.05 to 0.

Abstract: A multiple component spunbond web is provided in which the spunbond fibers are polymeric sheath-core fibers with a sheath made of a blend of polyethylene and an acid copolymer and a polyester or polyamide core. The spunbond webs can be thermally bonded have an improved combination of strength, softness, and heat sealability and can be used to prepare multi-layer composite sheets including spunbond-meltblown-spunbond fabrics suitable for use in medical garments and other end uses.

Abstract: A composite textile fabric for rapidly moving moisture away from the skin, and for retaining body heat, is provided. The composite fabric includes an inner fabric layer made of a yarn comprising a plurality of fibers primarily of polyester or other synthetic yarns which have been rendered hydrophilic, and an outer fabric layer made of a yarn comprising a plurality of fibers primarily of polyester or other synthetic yarns which have also been rendered hydrophilic. The inner fabric layer and the outer fabric layer are formed concurrently by knitting a plaited construction so that the layers are distinct and separate, yet integrated one with the other. The yarn fibers of the inner fabric layer are embedded with particles of a refractory carbide, or may be treated by metal vapor deposition to enhance the retention of body heat.

Abstract: Nonwoven fabric fabrics suitable for undergoing pleating to form filtration media are provided. The fabrics generally include at least three layers. The fibers forming the inner layer has a cross section providing greater stiffness, while the fibers forming the outer layers have a cross section providing greater durability. The resulting fabrics provide improved particulate holding and pressure drop characteristics at no sacrifice to durability.

Abstract: A disposable dish care and hard surface cleaning wipe is disclosed. In one embodiment, the wipe is comprised of a water insoluble substrate that includes a partially hydrophobic nonwoven first layer, and a low density nonwoven second layer that is adjacent to the said first layer and has melded onto the side facing away from the said first layer an abrasive coating of thermoplastic material nubs or hooks, and a cleaning paste containing a surfactant.

Abstract: Multiple component meltblown webs are disclosed in which the meltblown fibers include an ionomer on at least a portion of the peripheral surface thereof. The meltblown webs are especially useful in dust wipe applications.

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: Nonwoven barrier laminates are provided having a desirable balance of properties, including barrier properties, strength, static dissipation, fluid repellency, aesthetics and tactile properties. The nonwoven barrier laminates of the invention generally include outer spunbonded layers, at least one hydrophobic microporous layer between the outer spunbonded layers, and at least one discrete layer of electrically conductive strands. A multiplicity of discrete bond sites bond the various layers of the nonwoven barrier laminate into a coherent fabric.

Abstract: The composite nonwoven fabric for protective clothing of the present invention comprises (A) a water vapor-permeable, water-resistant nonwoven fabric made of polyolefin-based ultra-fine fibers having an average fiber diameter of 5 ?m or less, (B) a heat-bonding nonwoven fabric made of thermoplastic elastomer ultra-fine fibers, and (C) a porous fabric. The nonwoven fabric B is interposed between the nonwoven fabric A and the porous fabric C, and the fabrics A, B and C being integrally bonded to each other. The composite nonwoven fabric is suitable for a protective clothing because it is water vapor-permeable and water-resistant on its outer side to be exposed to outside air, and is of high strength, sweat-absorbable and antistatic on its inner side, and also well-balanced in these properties.

Abstract: A non-halogen series floor material includes an intermediate resin layer containing filler, resin having no chlorine atom in chemical structure as a primary resin ingredient and amorphous poly ?-olefin resin whose number average molecular weight is 20,000 or less. The content of the amorphous poly ?-olefin resin is 5 to 40% by weight with respect to entire resin ingredients. On the upper surface of the intermediate resin layer, a surface resin layer having a thickness of 30 to 1,000 ?m is integrally formed. The surface resin layer includes no chlorine atom in chemical constitution. On the lower surface of the intermediate layer, a heat shrinkage-characteristic cloth is integrally formed by heating it to form a backing layer. This provides a non-halogen floor material that hardly generates toxic gases at the time of burning, can be manufactured at a low cost and is excellent in wear resistance, stain resistance, dimensional stability and workability.

Abstract: Elastomeric adhesive compositions including a high softening point tackifier resin in combination with a base polymer can be used to create laminates having effective adhesion and elastic properties. The compositions may also include a low softening point additive, and/or an antioxidant. Facing layers, such as nonwoven webs and/or films, can be laminated to both surfaces of the elastomeric compositions to form laminates. A method of making such compositions and laminates involves forming the compositions into elastomeric adhesive films.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved method for preparing stretchable multiple-component bonded composite sheets which involves bonding a fibrous layer of spirally-crimpable multiple-component continuous filaments or staple fibers to one or more non-spirally-crimpable layers using an array of intermittent mechanical, chemical, or thermal bonds, and heating the bonded composite to activate the spiral crimp of the fibers in the spirally-crimpable layer. Multi-layer nonwoven fabrics prepared according to the method of the current invention have an improved combination of strength, aesthetics, stretch-recovery properties, and textile hand and drape compared to multiple-component nonwoven fabrics known in the art.

Abstract: An elastic strand laminate, and a method of making an elastic strand laminate. The elastic strand laminate includes a plurality of self-adhering elastic strands made up of an elastomeric adhesive composition. The self-adhering elastic strands can be laminated to one or more facing sheets using conventional hot melt equipment.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric laminate having a meltblown layer positioned between two spunbond nonwoven layers. The meltblown layer having a gradient fiber size structure across a thickness thereof with at least one layer of coarse meltblown fibers. In one embodiment, the gradient fiber size structure has at least two layers of meltblown fibers, for example at least one layer of fine meltblown fibers and at least one layer of coarse meltblown fibers, having a mean fiber diameter difference of at least 4.0 microns.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric comprises continuous polymer filaments of 0.5 to 3 denier that have been hydroentangled in a complex matrix for interconnecting filament loops, and that is otherwise substantially free of knotting, or of otherwise wrapping about one another. A process for making a nonwoven fabric comprises continuously extruding polymer filaments of 0.5 to 3 denier onto a moving support, pre-entangling the filaments with water jets, and entangling the filaments with a second set of water jets on a three-dimensional image transfer device. An apparatus for making a nonwoven fabric comprises means for continuously extruding substantially endless polymer filaments of 0.5 to 3 denier onto a moving support to form an unbonded web, a pre-entangling station for entangling the web with a plurality of water jets, and a plurality of water jets for final entanglement of the filament web on a three-dimensional image transfer device.

Abstract: A trim panel insulator is provided for a vehicle. The insulator includes a nonlaminate acoustical and thermal insulating layer of polymer fiber. The insulator may include a relatively high density, nonlaminate skin of polymer fiber and/or one or more facing layers constructed from various materials.

Abstract: A material to reduce the effects of trauma received from the impact of a projectile. One embodiment is a needle-punched, non-woven material including at least one type of ballistic fibers selected and oriented to provide a cushioning effect and maintain a high compressive restitution constant. A percentage of the fibers are oriented with at least their ends lying approximately perpendicular to the fabric plane and/or oriented to lie in a waveform generally along or parallel to the fabric plane. This enables the ends of the fibers lying perpendicular to the fabric plane to cushion the impact from the projectile by dissipating energy through compressional resistance, and the fibers along the fabric plane to reduce energy through dispersal along fiber lines, thereby reducing the trauma resulting from an impact.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet is disclosed. The topsheet has a first side and a second side, the first side being a body-facing side and the second side being in fluid communication with the absorbent core. The topsheet also has a first relatively hydrophobic component and a second relatively hydrophilic component, the relatively hydrophilic component extending through the relatively hydrophobic component and being disposed on both of the sides of the topsheet. The absorbent article exhibits a rewet value of less than about 94 mg, and a fluid acquisition rate of at least about 0.10 ml/sec when tested by the Gush Acquisition and Rewet Test Method.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article having a member that contains an encapsulated essential oil. The encapsulated essential oil can be in many forms, such as, a film, fiber, filament, particle, coating or mixtures thereof. Regardless of the composition, upon mechanical cracking or breaking of the encapsulation or upon exposure to liquid, fragrance and the related antimicrobial properties contained therein are released.

Abstract: An absorbent core for use in an absorbent article such as a diaper, training pant, feminine hygiene product, or an incontinence product includes a three dimensionally patterned stabilized first absorbent layer and a second absorbent layer adjacent the first layer. An upper surface of the first three dimensionally patterned stabilized absorbent layer has a three-dimensional topography relative to the longitudinal and lateral axes and defines a plurality of peaks and valleys of the upper surface relative to the z-direction. A lower surface of the first three dimensionally patterned stabilized absorbent layer has a three-dimensional topography relative to the longitudinal and lateral axes and defines a plurality of the peaks and valleys of the lower surface relative to the z-direction.

Abstract: A spunbond nonwoven fabric is provided which is formed from continuous multiple component filaments which include a polyester component and a polyethylene component. The polyethylene component is a blend of high density polyethylene and a first linear low density polyethylene. The spunbond filaments are preferably formed in a sheath-core configuration with the polyester component in the core and the polyethylene component in the sheath. Composite sheets are provided which include the multiple component spunbond layer and a meltblown layer, wherein the meltblown fibers include a second linear low density polyethylene. The linear low density polyethylenes are preferably formed by polymerization of ethylene with an alpha-olefin co-monomer, where the same co-monomer is used in each of the first and second linear low density polyethylenes.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric printing medium comprises a first nonwoven fabric layer formed of thermoplastic polymer continuous filaments and at least one additional nonwoven fabric layer bonded to the first nonwoven fabric layer to form an integral unitary composite sheet material. The first nonwoven fabric layer has an outer surface adapted to receive printing ink, and the nonwoven fabric printing medium has a porosity of no more than 75 CFM pursuant to ASTM D-737-80, and in a preferred embodiment no more than 25 CFM. The first nonwoven fabric layer includes a thermoplastic polymer binder bonding together the thermoplastic polymer continuous filaments and also bonding the first nonwoven fabric layer to the one or more additional nonwoven fabric layers.

Abstract: The invention provides a water blocking tape for use in a variety of cable designs, such as power cable, data communications cable and telecommunications cable. A water blocking tape according to the invention includes layers of lightweight nonwoven fabric with one or more swellable water blocking compounds, such as water absorbent polymers, disposed between the layers. The nonwoven fabric layers are bonded in a pattern using an ultrasonic bonding technique. The bonding pattern helps to contain and to restrain movement of the water blocking compounds between the layers. The bonding pattern compartmentalizes the water blocking compounds to prevent pooling of the compounds and to facilitate a substantially consistent distribution of the compounds between the layers such that when a tape contacts water, the tape achieves a substantially consistent swell height.

Abstract: A pattern bonded nonwoven fabric comprising a nonwoven fiber web having a geometrically repeating and visually discernable base pattern of bond points having at least one shape with at least one area defined by the shape and a second visually distinguishable bond pattern incorporated within said base pattern.

Abstract: Methods of making a barrier fabric include providing a web of nonwoven material that includes at least one meltblown nonwoven layer, applying a barrier finish to the web such that the web serves as a barrier to liquids, stretching the web in a widthwise or cross machine direction without hindering barrier properties of the web, and subjecting the web to conditions sufficient to cure the barrier material.

Abstract: The invention provides a water blocking tape for use in a variety of cable designs, such as power cable, data communications cable and telecommunications cable. A water blocking tape according to the invention includes layers of lightweight nonwoven fabric with one or more swellable water blocking compounds, such as water absorbent polymers, disposed between the layers. The nonwoven fabric layers are bonded in a pattern using an ultrasonic bonding technique. The bonding pattern helps to contain and to restrain movement of the water blocking compounds between the layers. The bonding pattern compartmentalizes the water blocking compounds to prevent pooling of the compounds and to facilitate a substantially consistent distribution of the compounds between the layers such that when a tape contacts water, the tape achieves a substantially consistent swell height.

Abstract: A breathable barrier material having a first nonwoven layer and a first microporous film bonded together to form a composite laminate. A second microporous film and a second nonwoven layer are bonded to the composite laminate and second film to form the barrier material such that the films are disposed between the nonwoven layers. The composite laminate is bonded to the second film and second nonwoven layer thereby creating bond points in the material and void spaces between the first and second films. The void spaces between films may enhance liquid and viral barrier properties in the barrier material by creating a boundary that minimizes passage of liquids and/or viral components through the barrier material.

Abstract: A lightweight nonwoven material 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 15.0 gsm or less and the weight of the second meltblown layer is about 5% or less of the total basis weight. The preferred polymer for the nonwoven material is polypropylene, in particular for the meltblown fibers is a resin having a molecular weight distribution Mw/Mn in a range of about 1.8-3.2. Hydrophilicity can be 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.