Abstract: An apparatus for forming countertops and the like from a laminated blank bends a side section of the blank to form a substantially vertical back splash and inserts a cove stick into a cove at the bend junction of the blank. The apparatus includes a work-supporting bed for supporting the laminated blank, a bend bar movably mounted with respect to the bed and fluid-actuated pressure means for forcing the bend bar against a side section of the laminated blank for bending the side section into a vertical back splash. A cove stick inserting assembly is connected to the bend bar and includes support means for supporting a cove stick adjacent a cove formed at the bend junction of the laminated blank after the bending operation, and fluid-actuated pressure means for inserting the cove stick into the cove to thereby complete the formation of the countertop.

Abstract: Multilayer, one-piece, disposable diapers according to this invention include a liquid-impervious backing layer adapted to encircle the thigh and waist regions of a wearer and an absorbent pad adapted to contact the wearer in the perineal region. The absorbent pad is bonded to the backing layer over a limited region disposed inwardly of at least two corners of the pad to permit marginal sections of the pad constituting at least about 50% of the total pad area to be moved independently of the backing layer.

Abstract: A method for forming discrete fibrous pads including the steps of entraining fibers in air to form an air-suspension of fibers and directing the suspension selectively to different predetermined regions of a pad-formation assembly to form discrete fibrous pads on the assembly.

Abstract: The flocked filamentary element of this invention is a three-component system including: (1) a strength-imparting component in the form of a core-strand having a denier no greater than 40, and including at least one polymeric filament; (2) an adhesive component adhering the filaments of the core-strand together (when the core-strand includes more than one filament), and providing a layer around the periphery of the core-strand; and (3) an outer flock of substantially individualized cellulosic fibers, such as wood pulp fibers, adhered to the adhesive layer. The individualized cellulosic fibers have an average fiber length in the papermaking range, i.e., less than one-quarter inch (6.35 millimeters) and greater than about one millimeter, and constitute over 50% of the weight of the filamentary element. Fibrous structures, such as non-woven webs, woven webs, knit fabrics and yarns, formed from a plurality of the filamentary elements also constitute a part of the invention.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for forming a nonwoven fibrous web from multiple laps of staple fibers. The apparatus includes lap forming means for forming the laps of staple fibers and for generating air currents. A lap-confining channel is defined in part by an upper horizontal run of a substantially air-impervious conveyor belt, and the horizontal run directs the laps through an open downstream end of the channel. A shield encloses the downstream end of each lap forming means for defining an enclosed flow path from each lap forming means to the lap-confining channel. This enclosed flow path aids in establishing laminar flow of the air currents to form air barriers between adjacent laps, and between the upper horizontal run of the conveyor belt and its adjacent lap.

Abstract: A substantially rectangular disposable diaper having a longitudinal dimension defined between end margins and a shorter transverse dimension defined between side margins is prefolded and packaged in a unique configuration including a double-pleat fold on each side of the diaper. Each double-pleat fold includes an inner panel overlying a central section of the diaper and an outer panel overlying the inner panel. Each outer panel includes two wing sections; one on each side of a transversely extending medial line of the diaper. Therefore, the four wing sections of both outer panels are disposed in pairs of two; one pair being on each side of the transversely extending medial line. The two wing sections which are on the same side of the medial line diverge from each other in a direction from the medial line to an end margin of the diaper. The double-pleat folded diaper is folded along the transversely extending medial line to complete the prefolded configuration in which the diaper is packaged.

Abstract: Method for the dry forming of fibrous pads employ a pad forming member closing the lower end of a pad forming area. The pad forming member preferably is in the form of a condenser roll having three-dimensional pockets, or cavities about the periphery thereof. Each cavity includes an opening into it, and the cavities are brought into communication with the pad forming area as the condenser roll is continuously driven during operation of the apparatus. Each cavity is defined by foraminous bottom and side surfaces, the surface area of which is greater than the surface area of the opening into it. An air suspension of fibers is formed in the pad forming area, and a vacuum is applied through the foraminous surfaces of each cavity when it is disposed in the pad forming area to pull the air of the suspension through the foraminous surfaces, and deposit the fibers carried in the air suspension onto the foraminous surfaces in the form of a fibrous layer.