Abstract: A back opening gown of nonwoven material is provided having a pair of sleeves, a front panel joined at its upper lateral edges to the sleeves, the front panel flaring pronouncedly below the sleeves, and a pair of side panels attached to the sleeves and to the lateral edges of the front panel below the sleeves, each of the side panels having a lower opposed corner section which forms an obtuse angle with respect to the bottom edge of the front panel. The upper portion of the gown conforms substantially to the torso of a wearer. The gown extends from the neck to the ankles of the wearer and the flaring front panel provides girth to the lower portion of the gown to permit the wearer to spread his legs while in a seated position without being constrained by the gown material. The angled edges of the corner sections cause the edges of the sections to be located clear of a floor while the wearer is seated.

Abstract: Improvement to the die and method of forming meltblown fibers and webs using a relatively cool fluid for meltblowing. Thermoplastic polymers such as polyolefins, polyamides, polyesters and the like are spun in accordance with the meltblowing process and contacted by a fluid which forms fibers and attenuates them. In accordance with the invention, the fluid is substantially cooler than the molten polymer and permits formation of webs at shorter forming distances greatly improving web formation. In addition, the costs of manufacture are improved since heating of the attenuating fluid may be reduced or avoided. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the die is provided with insulation between the attenuating fluid and the polymer chamber to avoid or reduce the tendency of the molten polymer to cool and cause plugging of the die. Alternatively, the die may, itself, be formed from an insulating material.

Abstract: A method for the continuous manufacture of sleeved garments from webs and pre-manufactured sleeves, which garments are manufactured in an outside out condition. The method entails assembling continuous webs and pre-manufactured sleeves and joining such components by forming seams such that the sleeves are on the outside of the finished garment and the garment is provided with finished seams.

Abstract: Improved nonwoven fabric laminate including one or more tissue plies as an outside layer, a middle layer as a primary strength bearing member comprising a scrim carrying a heat reactable plastisol adhesive and, on the side of the scrim opposite from the tissue, a layer of meltblown microfibers. The resulting combination, when bonded by means of the adhesive on the scrim, provides windows of relatively unbonded fibers reinforced with bonded scrim threads. Preferably, the microfiber web is substantially unbonded prior to combining with the other components so that a bulky and soft material results in the window areas between the scrim threads. Also preferably the tissue is low porosity formed from essentially unrefined or only slightly refined pulp. Such laminates find ideal applications as substitutes for cloth, particularly in disposable garments and other fabrics for medical use.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for manufacturing garments from continuous webs in which flattened pairs of left and right sleeves arranged in series are made from longitudinally moving superposed webs of sleeve material and transferred to parallel shingled arrangement in which elastic is attached to the cuffs. Sleeves with cuff elastic are transferred to a first moving web of garment body material and attached to the web; the first web and attached sleeves are combined with and attached to a second moving web of garment body material which is severed along transverse shoulder seam lines to form garments.

Abstract: Production of high bulk nonwoven materials particularly useful as wipers and the like having a varying pattern of bonds and cloth-like feel. In one embodiment the method includes opposed, varying, high density bonding patterns on opposite sides of the materials formed by contact with surfaces having varyingly shaped or sided lands and grooves. Where both surfaces are contacted by such lands and grooves, increased spacing in the unbonded areas permits high loft, essentially unbonded fiber portions between the bond points. Construction of the individual land areas is preferable with tapered sides with vertical so as to permit engraving and high bond density and pattern depth while reducing wear. Resulting products have unique softness and absorbency characteristics for improved wipers because of the bond constructions. In addition, a wide variety of attractive patterns may be obtained.

Abstract: Smokable tobacco compositions having a reduced tendency to produce carbon monoxide and made by including in the composition an alkali-metal salt of a carboxylic acid in the range of from about 6.5 to about 20%. Such additives have been included in smoking compositions in the past, but normally in minor amounts and as burn enhancers. In accordance with the invention increased amounts result in greatly reduced production of undesirable carbon monoxide while not otherwise adversely affecting the tobacco smokable composition. At higher concentrations such additives may retard burn which may be further desirable where fast burning tobacco compositions are employed. Examples of alkali-metal salts include sodium or potassium salts of acids such as carbonic, formic, acetic, propionic, malic, lactic, glycolic, citric, tartaric, fumaric, malonic, and succinic.

Abstract: Improved method and apparatus for forming soft, bulky absorbent webs including thermoplastic fibers. The web is bonded under conditions that heat the thermoplastic fibers to produce web bonding while avoiding direct contact with the heat source. The apparatus includes a pair of foraminous belts or wires between which the web or webs to be bonded are enclosed. The construction of the foraminous wires and belts is selected to produce the desired degree of bonding and yet maintain separation between the subsequently applied heat source and the web or webs. The combination of the web and belts or wires is then directed under tension to a heat source which may be, for example, a series of heated cans, and the opposite sides of the combination are alternately contacted by the surfaces. After heating, the web is allowed to cool and retains its bonded configuration determined by the structure of the wires or belts and the content of the web.

Abstract: In a melt blowing die tip having a generally triangular nose portion with a knife-edge forming the extremity of the die tip, a channel extending lengthwise of the die tip, a row of small openings extending from the channel to the knife-edge extremity of the die tips, and a plurality of tie bars of generally elliptical cross section integral with the die tip and bridging the channel to strengthen the die tip to withstand the internal, outwardly directed pressure exerted by molten polymer forced into the channel from the die body and flowing to be extruded through the die openings.

Abstract: An automated sleeve transfer apparatus and method adapted to receive continuous webs of material including pairs of left and right sleeves alternating between cuff-to-cuff and shoulder-to-shoulder relation and having a die cutting mechanism for receiving the pairs of sleeves from the webs is disclosed having a circular wheel having rotatable vacuum plates on its circumference for carrying pairs of sleeves along a circular path to a transfer point, a conveyor for transferring successive severed pairs of cuff-to-cuff sleeves from the die cutting mechanism to the vacuum plates on the circumference of the circular wheel, a mechanism within the circular wheel for rotating the vacuum plates to turn each sleeve end for end to rearrange the sleeves from cuff-to-cuff to shoulder-to-shoulder relation while moving along the circular path before said transfer point, a second conveyor for receiving successive severed pairs of shoulder-to-shoulder sleeves from the die cutting mechanism and for conveying the sleeves in spac

Abstract: A surgical drape for use in procedures requiring exposure of both legs and containment of the perineum comprised of a flexible draping material, a second smaller sheet of foam/film laminate bonded to the first sheet with two elongated fenestrations formed through both layers of sheets. The elongated fenestrations open onto one end of the drape and extend toward the middle of the drape in alignment with the sides and with each other and spaced apart to receive the legs of a patient. The drape is folded to form a compact unit for storage and sterilization and in a manner that unfolding and application of the drape to the patient can be accomplished with a minimum chance of contamination.

Abstract: A surgical drape sheet has an instrument support table incorporated in the structure of the sheet. The table is provided by a flat sheet of plastic or cardboard located between the base sheet and fenestration area reinforcement fabric and stabilized against lateral movement.

Abstract: Disposable fitted sheets and method for making them. The sheets are formed without necessitating prior cutting by folding edges of the material and attaching the folded-over edges along diagonal lines associated with each corner. Elastic bands cooperate with each pocket to maintain the fit on the corners of the mattress. The bands are fastened in a stretched condition to the folded-over edges while the sheet is in a flat state. The process of the invention is particularly adapted to continuously forming such sheets which may be formed from a variety of inexpensive materials. Sheets of the invention are particularly useful in hospitals and nursing homes where frequent bedding changes may be needed.

Abstract: Sheet material especially useful in forming wrappers for smokable articles such as cigarettes that results in reduced sidestream smoke. The sheet is formed by applying to a cellulosic web an amount of an alkali metal salt greatly in excess of the amounts of such materials previously used as burn enhancers. The cellulosic material may be flax fiber or other natural cellulosic fibers conventionally used for such wrappers. Examples of salts include the sodium or potassium salts of acids such as carbonic, formic, acetic, propionic, malic, lactic, glycolic, citric, tartaric, fumaric, oxalic, malonic, succinic, nitric, and phosphoric. The composition can be applied by any conventional method such as coating, dipping, impregnating, printing, and the like. For example, at least about 6% by weight of potassium citrate is needed to obtain the benefits of the invention, and preferably an amount in the range of from about 12% to about 16% by weight.

Abstract: A specific class of thermoplastic polymers with improved processability resulting from initial partial degradation of high molecular weight polymers using a chemical prodegradant present in excess of the amount reacted during pelletization. This class of polymers includes polymers and copolymers of polypropylene and butylene. After pelletizing, the polymer including unreacted prodegradant can be safely handled and shipped without difficulty. When remelted by extruding or the like, the prodegradant in the pellets reacts, further reducing the molecular weight as well as narrowing the molecular weight distribution of the polymer to a point where high capacity production of quality fibers and extruded products can be obtained.The prodegradant is preferably of the type that predictably and controllably affects the polymer molecular properties without being significantly affected by minor fluctuations in the polymer producer's or processor's manufacturing steps.

Abstract: A soft nonwoven web of entangled fibers or filaments having a pattern of fused bond areas and a stretched, loopy filament configuration outside of the patterned bond areas. The result is a soft web with high bulk that retains to a high degree the original bonded strength properties. In one embodiment, product may be obtained by pattern bonding a meltblown microfiber web under conditions of heat and pressure and then stretching the web under controlled conditions up to preferably about 140% of its original dimension in at least one direction. When relaxed, the stretched filaments bulk and loop except in the fused bond areas where they retain bonding properties. Preferred stretching conditions include room temperature and the use of draw rolls at speed differentials producing the desired stretch. Examples of thermoplastics polymers useful in accordance with the invention include polypropylene, polyethylene, polyesters and polyamides, as well as copolymers and polymer blends.

Abstract: Improved one-piece bib construction having a neck opening in the form of a triangle with one side generally parallel to the shoulders of the wearer when in use. The opening is formed by severing along the sides of the triangle not parallel to the wearer's shoulders and preferably folding inward along the other side so that a double layer of absorbent material is located in the front neck and chest area of the wearer. The result is a bib that tends to conform closely to the wearer thus reducing gaps and unprotected areas. Embodiments include those wherein the angle opposite the side parallel the shoulders is about 30.degree. to 120.degree. and the longest side comprises 30% to 95% of the total bib width and is centrally located. Materials include absorbent fibrous webs such as cellulose tissue which may be combined with a film backing as well as sheets of impervious films.

Abstract: Nonwoven wiper having improved absorbency characteristics and streak free wiping properties having a laminate construction including a relatively high basis weight middle layer of meltblown thermoplastic microfibers and, on either side, a lightweight layer of generally continuous filament thermoplastic fibers having a larger average diameter. These wipers are strong, fabric-like, and are useful for a wide variety of applications including industrial uses, food services, as well as many others. The continuous filament layers provide strength and low lint properties while the combination exhibits improved wiping characteristics. The laminate is preferably bonded by application of heat and pressure and the individual components are preferably treated with a surfactant. The preferred combination of a layer of meltblown polypropylene microfibers having on either side a spunbonded polypropylene filament layer is particularly effective as an all purpose wiper.

Abstract: Wiper comprising a matrix of nonwoven fibers having a basis weight generally in the range of from about 25 to 300 gsm and including a meltblown web having incorporated therein a staple fiber mixture including synthetic and cotton fibers. The combination provides highly improved wiping properties as well as strength and absorbency for many industrial applications requiring wiping of oily and/or aqueous materials. The wipers may be formed by a conventional meltblowing process involving extrusion of a thermoplastic polymer as filaments into airstreams which draw and attenuate the filaments into fine fibers having an average diameter of up to about 10 microns. The staple fiber mixture of synthetic and cotton fibers may be added to the airstream, and the turbulence produced where the airstreams meet results in uniform integration of the staple fiber mixture into the meltblown web.

Abstract: Low cost wiper material for industrial and other applications having improved water and oil wiping properties. A base material of meltblown synthetic, thermoplastic microfibers is treated with a wetting agent and may be pattern bonded in a configuration to provide strength and abrasion resistance properties while promoting high absorbency for both water and oil. The wiper of the invention displays a remarkable and unexpected ability to wipe surfaces clean of both oil and water residues without streaking. It may be produced in a continuous process at a low cost consistent with the convenience of single use disposability.