Abstract: The present invention relates to multiple threat penetration resistant articles. The articles include, in order, fabric layers, polymer impregnated fabric layers, and woven fabric layers. The articles can additionally include tightly woven fabric layers which define the strike face of the article.

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.

Abstract: A non-fiberglass containing sound absorbing moldable laminate of a fibrous batt and stiffening mats formed from chopped mono-filament polyester bonded by a thermoplastic binder is provided. The mono-filament mats stiffen the batt and allow use of all thermoplastic material in the composite.

Abstract: A shrink wrap material for protecting articles includes at least one non-woven fabric and a woven scrim defining apertures. A sufficient portion of the fibers from the non-woven fabric being forced into the apertures of the scrim such that the scrim reinforces and supports the non-woven fabric, thus increasing their strength. A shrinkable, stretchable film is intermittently bonded to at least one non-woven fabric. The material is used by placing the material around the article to be protected and then shrinking the film.

Abstract: Absorbent articles including an absorbent core having multiple absorbent layers. The absorbent layers interact in a manner which desirably locates absorbed liquid in an appointed, high saturation wicking layer. The localization of the liquid within this wicking layer increases the potential of this layer to move liquid through capillary action due to the higher saturation level and increased amount of liquid available. The intake capability of the absorbent system is maintained or improved over current systems by keeping a second layer of the absorbent system at low saturation levels through as many insults of the absorbent article as possible, while providing enhanced intake performance through appropriate control of the composite properties.

Abstract: An insulation member (1) based on non-woven material, wherein In order to provide the insulation member based on non-woven it material, which is distinguished by fulfilling one or more requirements such as a high level of sound absorption and sound damping, high heat insulation and low formation of liquid water at high temperature gradients and high humidity gradients, a layered construction is provided from different non-woven materials such as padding-type (fleece) non-woven material or melt-extruded non-woven spun material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a nonwoven laminate fabric comprising at least two layers of light-weight SBS or SBBS fabrics, where B represents a barrier layer, said layers being bonded together to form a laminate fabric. The bonding methods can include thermal calendering, thermal point bonding, ultrasonic bonding, flat calendaring, and adhesive bond. The barrier layer comprises a material selected from suitable media, such media include: meltblown, cellulosic pulp, microporous film or monolithic film, with microfiber media such as meltblown being preferred.

Abstract: An arrangement for forming a web of fibrous media wherein at least one formed layered portion is attenuated from a first die source selectively unto a first collector and successively combining such portion with at least another formed layered portion which is attenuated from a second die source selectively unto a second collector, at least one of the outer surfaces of the web of fibrous media being of comparatively smooth skin-like nature to minimize projecting fiber ends.

Abstract: A cleaning cloth having a nonwoven structure for wet, damp and/or dry cleaning, the cleaning cloth being made from micro staple fibers of at least two different polymers and from absorbent secondary staple fibers bound into the micro staple fibers and securely retained therein.

Abstract: This invention relates to fibrous absorbent articles containing particles useful in the manufacture of disposable diapers, adult incontinence pads, sanitary napkins and the like, scrubbing pads, scouring pads and cleaning pads that contain a detergent or soap and the like, and pads that contain coffee, tea, and the like More particularly, the invention is directed to an absorbent articles having sealed lateral edges to contain loose fibers and particles within the structure. Additionally, this invention is related to airlaid methods to manufacture unitary absorbent products.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for making a nonwoven sheet of substantially continuous melt spun fibers by extruding melt spinnable polymer containing at least 30% by weight low IV poly(ethylene terephthalate), drawing the extruded fiber filaments at a rate of at least 6000 m/min, laying the fiber filaments down on a collection surface, and bonding the fiber filaments together to form a nonwoven sheet. The invention further provides a nonwoven sheet comprised of at least 30% by weight poly(ethylene terephthalate) having an intrinsic viscosity of less than 0.62 dl/g, where the sheet has a basis weight of less than 125 g/m2, and a grab tensile strength of at least 0.7 N/(g/m2).

Abstract: A dash insulator for an automotive vehicle is formed of an interior material which includes a sound absorbing material layer, and a moldable layer. The sound absorbing material layer includes first and second polyester fibers (A), (C). The first polyester fiber (A) is in an amount ranging from 20 to 95 parts by weight. The first polyester fiber has a size smaller than 1 denier. The second polyester fiber (C) is in an amount ranging from 5 to 50 parts by weight. The second polyester fiber includes a component having a softening point lower than that of the first polyester fiber by at least a temperature of 20° C. The second polyester fiber has a size ranging from 1 to 100 denier. The moldable layer is laminated to the sound absorbing material layer and includes fourth polyester fiber (E) in an amount ranging from 5 to 100 parts by weight. The fourth polyester fiber has a size ranging from 1 to 100 denier.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to crimped and resilient polymeric fibers and to fabrics and laminates made from the fibers. In general, the fibers are produced by crimping a polymeric fiber and then cross-linking a polymer and/or monomer contained within the fiber. Cross-linking the polymer makes the crimp contained with the fiber more permanent and more resilient. When formed into a nonwoven web, the fibers produce high loft fabrics which are resilient to compressive forces. Nonwoven webs made in accordance with the present invention are particularly well suited for use in filter products and liquid absorbent products.

Abstract: A thermal insulating material is formed by stacking two or more card webs, and each card web includes a matrix fiber, a heat-melting fiber, and a thin film formed by the heat-melting fiber being fused on a surface of the card web. Each card web has the heat-melting fiber within the card web fused together, and the card webs are integrated by fusing of the heat-melting fibers between the card webs. The thermal insulating material is used such that the direction in which the card webs are stacked runs parallel to the direction in which thermal insulation is effected.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric with UV stability having a layer of meltblown fibers sandwiched between first and second layers of spunbonded fibers wherein each layer includes a base resin selected from the group consisting of polypropylene and polyethylene; combined with melt processable additives which are a mixture of (i) at least two hindered amine light stabilizers; (ii) a processing aid selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl amines and phosphites; and (iii) a carrier resin selected from the group consisting of polypropylene and polyethylene. Other melt processable additives include pigments which are added to provide the desired color in the resulting fabric layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite nonwoven fabric with a superior combination of extensibility, tensile properties and abrasion resistance. The composite nonwoven fabric (10) comprises at least one layer containing multipolymer fibers, with a plurality of bonds bonding the fibers together to form a coherent extensible nonwoven web (11). This coherent extensible nonwoven web (11) has a Taber surface abrasion value (rubber wheel) of greater than 10 cycles and an elongation at peak load in at least one of the machine direction or the cross-machine direction of at least 70%. A second extensible layer (12) is laminated to this coherent extensible nonwoven web (11).

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: Multilayer meltblown fibrous webs, as well as apparatus and methods of forming the webs. The webs are produced on a rotating collector that also moves parallel to its longitudinal axis. The webs are thus formed in a helical process, and the resulting tubular web is separated in a direction parallel to a helix angle. By separating the tubular web in a direction parallel to the helix angle, a flat multilayer meltblown fibrous web is provided that allows for incorporation of feathered edges formed during the article's manufacture.

Abstract: A combination of layered structures is disclosed for protection from both knife stab and ballistic threats wherein the outer face is the knife stab strike face and includes layers of loosely woven fabrics and the inner face includes ballistic layers.

Abstract: A multilayer thermally bonded nonwoven fabric which is particularly useful as a liner in an absorbent product is described. The fabric includes at least two prebonded nonwoven webs having a multiplicity of intralaminar bonds bonding the fibers of the prebonded nonwoven webs together. The prebonded webs are secured together to form the fabric of the invention by a plurality of interlaminar thermal bonds formed of discrete areas of compressed and fused fibers of the prebonded webs.

Abstract: A three-dimensional non-woven fabric formed by spinning semi-molten fibers onto a mold. The three-dimensional non-woven fabric includes a hanging fiber wall formed from the semi-molten fibers hanging down from the mold in a tangled state.

Abstract: Composite nonwoven material through which liquid can pass at a high speed and having an excellent resistance to rewetting and fluffing. The material comprises at least one first layer (2) of combed-type fibres and a second layer (3) of combed-type fibres, the fibres of the first layer having a denier greater than that of the fibres of the second layer, the layers being joined to one another by needling. Application to absorbent sanitary articles.

Abstract: This invention relates to water responsive thermoplastic compositions and articles constructed thereof. This invention particularly relates to thermoplastic copolyester compositions useful for the manufacture of disposable-articles such as disposable diapers and feminine napkins. More particularly, this invention relates to thermoplastic copolyester compositions that are useful as a raw material in the manufacture of nonwovens, barrier films or coatings and as well as for various improved hot melt adhesives compositions useful for incorporating hydrophilic features into disposable articles.

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 protective sheathing is provided for use as a protective wrap about longitudinal objects such as cables, wires and bundles of wires in a wiring harness. The sheathing has at least two layers of a non-woven felt fabric. The two layers are bonded together at certain points between them, but not all points, with a hot melt net-like adhesive layer between the felt fabric layers. A layer of adhesive film or velcro is provided on an outside surface of one of the layers of non-woven felt fabric to secure the sheathing around the bundle of wires to be protected.

Abstract: The present invention provides multicomponent fibers arranged in structured domains. At least one of the polymer components is formed of a multipolymer blend. The present invention also provides nonwoven fabrics formed of the multicomponent fibers, the fabrics having a superior combination of extensibility, tensile properties and abrasion resistance. A second layer can be laminated to this coherent extensible nonwoven web.

Abstract: The present invention provides multicomponent fibers arranged in structured domains. At least one of the polymer components is formed of a multipolymer blend. The present invention also provides nonwoven fabrics formed of the multicomponent fibers, the fabrics having a superior combination of extensibility, tensile properties and abrasion resistance. A second layer can be laminated to this coherent extensible nonwoven web.

Abstract: The present invention provides multicomponent fibers arranged in structured domains. At least one of the polymer components is formed of a multipolymer blend. The present invention also provides nonwoven fabrics formed of the multicomponent fibers, the fabrics having a superior combination of extensibility, tensile properties and abrasion resistance. A second layer can be laminated to this coherent extensible nonwoven web.

Abstract: The invention provides a finger-tearable laminate composite that is suitable for use in adhesive tapes. The composite includes a nonwoven fiber web layer, a scrim layer and a binder coated throughtout both layers. The laminate composite is readily torn by hand in both the machine direction and the cross direction.

Abstract: A moisture vapor permeable, substantially liquid impermeable composite sheet material includes a powder-bonded nonwoven web adhered to a moisture vapor permeable thermoplastic film. The nonwoven web includes a first layer comprised primarily of fibers that are compatible with an adhesive used to bond the web, and a second layer comprised of a blend of fibers, some of which are compatible with, and some of which are incompatible with the bonding adhesive and the thermoplastic film. A method for making the composite sheet material and an item of apparel made from the sheet material are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel process of making N-isopropyl acrylamide (NiPAm) polymers based upon the reaction of poly(acrylic acid) and N-isopropylamine. The disclosed method of the present invention uses polyacrylic acid as a starting material to synthesize NiPAm polymers. In one embodiment, the present invention discloses a condensation reaction of an intermediate salt to form homopolymers, copolymers and terpolymers of N-isopropyl acrylamide (NiPAm) with acrylic acid and/or alkyl acrylates in a molten state, which is adaptable to a continuous reactive extrusion process. Binder compositions, water-dispersible products and thermoformable articles containing the NiPAm polymers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a multi-layered web uses contoured honeycomb drums for the manufacture of non-woven webs used to make the multi-layered web. The method can use spunbonded, melt blown, or electro-static spun techniques for depositing solidifying filaments on outer collection surfaces of a multi-drum system. The multi-drum system may be employed to improve multi-layered web uniformity and the overall quality of the multi-layered web by presenting a single optimal collection surface for each independent web layer being produced.

Abstract: A disposable wipe-off article having improved durability. The disposable wipe-off article includes a heat-sealable sheet and a heat-sealable wipe-off layer including an expanded bundle of continuous filaments. The wipe-off layer is bonded to the base sheet by a plurality of heat-seal lines extending to cross the continuous filaments and intermittently arranged longitudinally of the continuous filaments.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a flexible penetration resistant stabilized composite, that includes an interlaced yarn structure of yarns having a tenacity of at least 8 g/d, a tensile modulus of at least 150 g/d and an energy to break of at least 10 j/g. The yarn structure includes yarn subgroups alternately stacked together. There is also provided a polymeric web coextensive with, in contact with, and bound to the surface of one of the subgroups that at least partially contacts and is bound to the yarns in all the subgroups in the stack to thereby contain the subgroups in the stack in an interlaced yarn structure.

Abstract: A non-fiberglass containing sound absorbing moldable laminate of a fibrous batt and stiffening mats formed from chopped mono-filament polyester bonded by a thermoplastic binder is provided. The mono-filament mats stiffen the batt and allow use of all thermoplastic material in the composite.

Abstract: A waterproof fabric sheet for a baby crib, a bassinet, a bed for a health care facility or the like. The fabric sheet is a five-layer laminated waterproof cloth, light in weight, absorbent, breathable, optionally antimicrobial, and washable. The first top layer comprises a material made from polyester fibers and/or cotton fibers. The second layer is a needle punch soaker or a high loft batting soaker made from rayon fibers, polyester fibers and/or cotton fibers being needle punched into a nonwoven polyester or polypropylene scrim material or high loft batting. The third layer comprises a sheet material of polyester and/or acrylic. The fourth layer can be either identical to the second layer or without soaker properties. The fifth layer comprises either polyester, nylon or acrylic material. The second and/or the fourth layers optionally include antimicrobial fibers. The layers are laminated by ultrasonic energy bonding.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced composite material comprising a resin matrix and primary reinforcement fibers and further comprising secondary, smaller diameter, reinforcement fibers at one or more ply interfaces, or portion thereof, provides improved interlaminar toughness, strength, and delamination resistance without substantial reduction of in-plane properties and without substantial increase in weight. In one embodiment, the small fibers are attached to one side of a conventional prepreg prior to lamination. The small fibers are flexible and are expected to conform to the shape and distribution of the primary reinforcing fibers at the interface.

Abstract: A laminate having a first nonwoven and a second nonwoven bonded to an elastic web. The laminate includes at least one elastic lane and at least one stiffened lane.

Abstract: A surfactant and skin wellness composition useful for imparting durability and wettability to a substrate as well as skin wellness, includes a first surfactant in combination with aloe vera. The first surfactant includes a compound selected from ethoxylated hydrogenated fatty oils, monosaccharides, monosaccharide derivatives, polysaccharides, polysaccharide derivatives, and combinations thereof. Other ingredients can also be added. The composition can be applied as an aqueous emulsion to a substrate such as a nonwoven web, to provide enhanced wettability combined with skin enhancement to the wearer.

Abstract: The process and apparatus of the present invention involves treating a well-integrated woven or non-woven web of hydrophobic fibers to make selected areas hydrophilic. It also can be used to make a web of hydrophilic fibers selectively hydrophobic. It uses a plurality of selectively adjustable covers on an applicator roll rotating in a bath of liquid to place the liquid material on selected areas of the web as the web moves over the roll. In a preferred embodiment the web is non-woven and the fibers are hydrophobic in nature, e.g., dry-laid or melt-blown polypropylene or polyethylene fibers or spun-bonded hydrophobic filaments. A woven web made of cotton or other hydrophilic fibers may also be used if the end result is to create partially hydrophobic areas on a hydrophilic web. The areas of liquid are positioned on the web only where desired so as to eliminate the excessive cost of unwanted and unnecessary coating material. If the web is hydrophobic, the liquid makes that area hydrophilic.

Abstract: A zone-treated spunbonded/meltblown/spunbonded (SMS) fabric laminate that combines the separate functions of the topsheet and cuff in one component of an absorbent article. The SMS fabric laminate is treated with surfactant to form a hydrophilic zone. The untreated areas of the SMS fabric laminate remain hydrophobic and perform the function of the cuff. Alternatively, a spunbonded/spunbonded fabric laminate is formed and then zone-treated with surfactant. The fabric laminate is treated with surfactant on both sides using a foam applicator. The application of foam produces sharp transitions between the hydrophilic and hydrophobic zones. After foam application, the fabric laminate is dried and slitted. The treated and slitted material is then wound and sold in roll form for converting into the finished disposable diaper.

Abstract: Provided is a heat generating bag for footwear having a comfortable temperature regardless of the state of use, namely, when staying still, walking etc., which is thin and avoids an uncomfortable feeling of the wearer. The heat generating bag for footwear is made by having a heat generating composition powder and hot-melt adhesive powder held in the pores of multiporous vegetable fiber non-woven fabrics, such fabrics being heat compressed on a mold compressor, and the obtained sheet shaped heat generating body being packed in an air-permeable bag. The heat composition is held in the pores of multiporous vegetable fiber non-woven fabric layers which are superposed by the adhesion of water. Such non-woven fabric are compressed on a mold compressor, and the obtained sheet shaped heat generating body is impregnated with water or an inorganic electrolyte and then packed in an air-permeable bag.

Abstract: A diaper outer cover of a layered nonwoven material having an outer meltblown fiber layer of a meltblown material having an average basis weight in the range of about 1 g/m.sup.2 to about 7 g/m.sup.2 disposed on an inner nonwoven material layer, preferably a spunbond web.

Abstract: There is provided a laminate having at least one layer of meltblown elastic fibers bonded on either side with a layer of soft non-elastic fibers of greater than 7 microns in average diameter. The laminate has a drape stiffness less than half of a similar fabric having a layer of meltblown non-elastic fibers in place of the layer of meltblown elastic fibers.

Abstract: An improved headliner material is formed of two layers formed from two types of polyester fibers. The polyester layers include both binder and non-binder fibers. The binder fibers are provided by an adhesive sheath that melts to secure the binder and non-binder fibers together. The layers are provided with different percentages of binder fibers. One layer is provided with 20% to 30% of binder fibers, with the remainder being non-binder fibers. This layer is less rigid, and provides loft and sound absorption to the headliner material. The other layer is provided with a greater percentage of binder fibers, and preferably, 40% to 60% binder fibers. This layer provides structure and rigidity to the headliner material.

Abstract: Caustic- and acid-resistant nonwoven articles useful for surface conditioning of sheeting, especially metal sheeting, and a method for the manufacture of such articles are described. The articles comprise a plurality of compacted, stacked nonwoven web elements, the web elements each comprising entangled fibers bonded together at points of mutual contact by an adhesive binder, the binder comprising a terpolymer of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. The nonwoven articles can be configured into any of a variety of convenient and useful shapes, such as roll shapes and slab or bar shapes.

Abstract: A stabilizing additive package for nonwoven fabrics is provided. The package has a bismuth vanadate based pigment and a hindered amine light stabilizer. The bismuth vanadate is added to a nonwoven fiber polymer prior to extrusion in an amount between about 0.1 and 3 weight percent based on the weight of the fabric and the hindered amine in an amount between about 0.25 and 2.5 weight percent based on the weight of the fabric. The nonwoven fabric also provided by this invention may be used as protective covers for, for example, boats and cars, and as an outdoor fabric for, for example, canopies and tents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a film comprising a biodegradable copolymer, wherein the copolymer comprises at least two randomly repeating monomer units (RRMU) wherein the first RRMU monomer unit has the structure ##STR1## and the second RRMU has the structure ##STR2## wherein at least 50% of the RRMUs have the structure of the first RRMU. The present invention further relates to an absorbent article comprising a liquid pervious topsheet, a biodegradable liquid impervious backsheet comprising the above film, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet.

Abstract: An apertured nonwoven laminate is produced by a thermal aperturing process by calendaring a carded web of fibers with a polymeric sheet having a lower melting temperature and a property of shrinking under application of heat and pressure so as to bond to the carded fibers and simultaneously pull back the carded fibers away from the calendering points to generate apertures through the nonwoven laminate. In a preferred apertured nonwoven product for baby wipes, a tri-laminate is formed with top and bottom layers containing polypropylene fibers or fiber blend with rayon fibers, and a middle (polymeric) layer of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) film material. The baby wipe product provides a significant cost advantage and an improved aesthetic appearance over conventional products.

Abstract: An insulating element for buildings and more particularly, for walls, ceilings and roofs, consists of a sheepswool fleece which is sandwiched between two layers of needled non-woven material consisting of sheepswool. The fleece and the needled non-woven material are connected together by fibers thereof to constitute a unit able to be handled as such.