Patents Assigned to Polymer Group, Inc.
  • Camouflage material
    Patent number: 6859983
    Abstract: In the present invention, a hydroentangled and three-dimensionally patterned fibrous material is printed or dyed with suitable coloring agents that are beneficial in enhancing the ability of the material to disrupt or obscure objects placed beneath such material. A three-dimensional pattern in the fibrous material results in a camouflage fabric with enhanced realism due to ability of the fabric to transmit varying amounts of direct and incidental light, thus producing shape-obscuring shadows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Curtis, Samuel K. Black
  • High modulus crosslinked polyethylene with reduced residual free radical concentration prepared below the melt
    Patent number: 6852772
    Abstract: The present invention provides an irradiated crosslinked polyethylene containing reduced free radicals, preferably containing substantially no residual free radical. Disclosed is a process of making irradiated crosslinked polyethylene by irradiating the polyethylene in contact with a sensitizing environment at an elevated temperature that is below the melting point, in order to reduce the concentration of residual free radicals to an undetectable level. A process of making irradiated crosslinked polyethylene composition having reduced free radical content, preferably containing substantially no residual free radicals, by mechanically deforming the polyethylene at a temperature that is below the melting point of the polyethylene, optionally in a sensitizing environment, is also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignees: Massachusetts Gerneral Hospital, Cambridge Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Orhun K. Muratoglu, Stephen H. Spiegelberg, Gareth H. McKinley
  • Differentially entangled nonwoven fabric
    Patent number: 6852654
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a hydroentangled nonwoven fabric, the outer surface of which exhibits highly entangled fibers whereas the inner layer exhibits lightly entangled fibers. In particular, the present invention contemplates that a fabric is formed from a fibrous batt that is subjected to fluidic energy, preferably hydraulic energy, applied to one or both faces of a fibrous batt. The hydraulic energy is moderated against the basis weight of the fibrous batt to achieve the degree of surface entanglement desired. Fabrics formed in accordance with the present invention exhibit a sufficient degree of softness and non-linting performance, while providing the necessary resistance to tearing and abrasion, to facilitate use in a wide variety of applications such as cast padding or orthopedic wraps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles R. Fuller, Sheridan D. Ledbetter
  • Dual sided nonwoven cleaning articles
    Publication number: 20040265498
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dual performance cleaning article, wherein said cleaning article is comprised of a first abrasive meltblown surface that facilitates the process of loosening particulates, such as dust and dirt, and an opposing second soft, air permeable surface, which is capable of absorbing and/or picking up particulates and liquids. The meltblown layer comprises coarse discontinuous filamentary elements, formed from adjusting the variable commonly utilized in the traditional meltblown method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Imad Qashou, Rick Augustine, Karl Kelly, Mark Landreth, Patrick Barge, Mike Disotelle, Nick Carter
  • Method of using medical wrap in continuous form
    Publication number: 20040261373
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of using a nonwoven medical wrap, and more specifically, to a method of supplying a medical wrap in a continuous form for a more convenient means of wrapping surgical instruments. In a first embodiment, the medical wrap may be in rolled form comprising one or more plies that may be detached from the roll in user determined lengths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Bowen, Sergio Diaz de Leon, Weiping Lin, Nick Carter
  • Three-dimensionally imaged personal wipe
    Publication number: 20040255440
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hydroentangled nonwoven personal wipe, and more specifically to a hydroentangled three-dimensionally imaged personal wipe comprised of at least one raised portion and a background portion, wherein said personal wipe comprises a minimal amount of transverse apertures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Applicant: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Nick Carter, Jennifer Mayhorn
  • Nonwoven cleaning articles having compound three-dimensional images
    Publication number: 20040258844
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of forming a nonwoven cleaning article, which exhibits a first three-dimensional image and a second three-dimensional image whereby the first and second three-dimensional images are dissimilar from one another. In particular, the present invention contemplates a fabric comprised of sequential three-dimensional images that are formed from a pre-entangled precursor web entangled on a first three-dimensional transfer device so as to impart a first image therein, then subjected to hydroentanglement on a second three-dimensional image transfer device wherein a second three-dimensional image is imparted to the web that is different from the first three-dimensional image, the resulting nonwoven cleaning article presenting aesthetic and tactile qualities representative of both imparted images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Applicant: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Miguel Rivera, Ralph A. Moody, Benjamin Nolan, Michael J. Putnam, Nick Carter
  • Nonwoven cleaning substrate and method of use
    Publication number: 20040255408
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for cleaning hard surfaces, wherein the process includes the use of a dual sided nonwoven substrate. One side of the dual sided nonwoven substrate acts to loosen particulate and the opposing side is comprised of one or more three-dimensional surface projections that improve the pick up and retainment of the loosened particulates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Applicant: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: John Norton, Rick Augustine, Nick Carter
  • Dual sided nonwoven articles for cleaning
    Publication number: 20040258843
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dual performance cleaning article, wherein said article is comprised of a first abrasive meltblown surface that facilitates the process of loosening particulates, such as dust and dirt, and an opposing second soft, air permeable surface, which is capable of absorbing and/or picking up particulates and liquids. The meltblown layer comprises coarse discontinuous filamentary elements, formed from adjusting the variable commonly utilized in the traditional meltblown method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Applicant: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Imad Qashou, Joseph F. Merker, Nick Carter
  • Nonwoven secondary carpet backing
    Patent number: 6832418
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of forming a nonwoven fabric, which exhibits a pronounced durable three-dimensional image, permitting use of the fabric in secondary carpet backing of carpet backing systems so as to reduce deformation under normal use (walking) and provide better coverage in carpet system applications. In particular, the present invention contemplates that a fabric is formed from a precursor web comprising a spunbond and/or cast scrim, which when subjected to hydroentanglement on an imaging surface, an enhanced product is achieved. By formation in this fashion, hydroentanglement of the precursor web results in a more pronounced three-dimensional image; an image that is durable to abrasion and distortion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Herbert Hartgrove, Cynthia Dawson McNaull, Russell Tindall
  • Structurally stable flame-retardant nonwoven fabric
    Publication number: 20040248494
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hydroentangled flame-retardant nonwoven fabric, and more specifically, to a structurally stable flame-retardant fabric comprising at least two layers, wherein the fibrous components of the fabric have a synergistic relationship so as to maintain the integrity of the flame-retardant fabric upon burning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Applicant: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Herbert Hartgrove, Gregory Rabon, Russell Tindall
  • Unitized fibrous concrete reinforcement
    Publication number: 20040244653
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fibrous construct which is used in providing cementitious mixtures supplemental and reinforcing strength upon setting, and more particularly, to a unitized fibrous construct which comprises a plurality of oriented reinforcing fibrous components, wherein the fibrous components can be cut to a predetermined and finite cut length upon formation and remain in a plural parallel form until such point the unitized fibrous substrate is incorporated and subjected to mechanical agitation during preparation of a cementitious blend or mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Applicant: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Schmidt, Gene Lamb, David Anderson
  • Method for controlling noisome decomposition byproducts from human efflux retained in personal hygiene products
    Patent number: 6825392
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to the control of noisome odors created by the decomposition of human waste in a personal hygiene product. Control of the decomposition process is by the pre-application of an odor control compound comprising a hydroxydiphenyl ether in a modified acidic environment to one or more components of the personal hygiene product. The odor control compound exhibits a multi-functional performance, affecting not only the odiferous decomposition byproducts, but the biochemical decomposition and degradation pathways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Lisa Baker
  • Anti-microbial nonwoven wipe
    Publication number: 20040228904
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a nonwoven anti-microbial hard surface wipe, and more specifically to an anti-microbial hard surface wipe that more readily releases a disinfectant or anti-microbial agent. In a first embodiment, the nonwoven substrate of the present invention is comprised of anionic binder or a combination of an anionic and non-ionic binder, as well as an anionic disinfectant. In a second embodiment, the nonwoven substrate of the present invention is comprised of an anionic binder and used along with a separate commercially available disinfecting or sanitizing solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2004
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Applicant: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Dianne Ellis, James West, Nick Carter, Jennifer Mayhorn
  • Abrasion resistant and drapeable nonwoven fabric
    Patent number: 6815378
    Abstract: A method of forming abrasion resistant nonwoven fabrics by hydroentanglement includes providing a precursor web. The precursor web is subjected to hydroentanglement on a three-dimensional image transfer device to create a patterned and imaged fabric. Treatment with an initial pre-dye finish enhances the integrity of the fabric, permitting the nonwoven to exhibit desired physical characteristics, including strength, durability, softness, and drapeability. The pre-dye finish treated nonwoven may then be dyed by means applicable to conventional wovens. A post-dye finish may then be applied to further enhance the performance of the nonwoven fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Herbert Parks Hartgrove
  • Apertured continuous filament fabric
    Patent number: D502325
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Hennel, Nick Carter
  • Apertured continuous filament fabric
    Patent number: D497260
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Hennel, Nick Carter
  • Nonwoven fabric
    Patent number: D497484
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Delaney
  • Nonwoven fabric
    Patent number: D497724
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Delaney
  • Embossed, non-woven fabric
    Patent number: D498931
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Delaney, Nick M. Carter, Jennifer Mayhorn