Patents Assigned to Polymer Group, Inc.
  • Internal wetting agent for use in manufacture of polymeric films and fabrics for disposable absorbent articles
    Patent number: 7326747
    Abstract: An improved internal wetting agent is provided for blending with polymeric material, with the formation of apertured films and/or polymeric fibrous webs contemplated. Films and/or nonwoven fabrics of this nature are suited for use in disposable absorbent articles, particularly for the so-called topsheet or facing layer, which contacts the wearer during use. Because polymeric materials from which these types of facing layers are made are typically hydrophobic, the provision of an internal wetting agent facilitates the passage of liquid through the facing layer into an associated absorbent structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: John Steffen, Brian Smith
  • Hay baling laminate of a nonwoven and a knitted net
    Patent number: 7323074
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a laminated net, and more specifically to a laminate comprising a nonwoven fabric and knitted net to be utilized as rounded bale wrap, wherein the wrap maintains the integrity of the bale during, pick-up, transport, and storage. The net of the present invention is laminate to nonwoven fabric. The nonwoven fabric provides additional coverage to the rounded bale so as to maintain the compact shape of the bale during pick-up, transport, and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Dort, James Flick, Mike DeWeese, Lyndie Henrie, Dennis Gregory McCabe, Paul Schmidt, Nick Carter
  • High modulus crosslinked polyethylene with reduced residual free radical concentration prepared below the melt
    Patent number: 7304097
    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: August 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignees: Massachusetts General Hospital, Cambridge Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Orhun K. Muratoglu, Stephen H. Spiegelberg, Gareth H. McKinley
  • Method of forming three-dimensional woven textile fabrics with contrasting aesthetic presentation
    Patent number: 7285240
    Abstract: A method of imaging a woven textile fabric comprises the steps of providing a woven textile fabric having a plurality of interwoven warp and weft yarns comprising aesthetically contrasting fibrous components. A three-dimensional image transfer device is provided with the woven textile fabric positioned thereon, and subjected to hydraulic imaging by application of pressurized liquid streams. The liquid streams are applied to a surface of the fabric facing away from the image transfer device, to thereby impart the pattern of the image-forming surface of the three-dimensional transfer device to the fabric. The resultant fabric can find application as an apparel article, a home fashion article, or an upholstery backing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Clark Scheer, Cynthia Dawson McNaull
  • Woven scrim material
    Patent number: 7259113
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a scrim comprised of a plurality of warp and weft tapes, and more specifically to a woven scrim comprised of warp tapes and weft tapes, wherein the warp tapes are positioned in first and second planes to increase the warp coverage by at least 150% such that the resulting scrim material is impervious to light and further deters bunching of the warp tapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Sylvain Dufresne-Nappert, Steve Valenti, Haresh Sachithanandan
  • NONWOVEN FABRIC HAVING IMPROVED PERFORMANCE
    Publication number: 20070181242
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to nonwoven materials, and specifically, to a nonwoven fabric comprised of at least three continuous filament precursor webs, each precursor web being of a thermoplastic polymer dissimilar from the other precursor webs, wherein the resulting durable nonwoven laminate fabric exhibits improved tactile and ductile qualities, as well as improved tensile strength, the nonwoven fabric being eminently suitable for application in improving the comfort and use of hygiene, medical and industrial products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Applicant: POLYMER GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Errette Bevins, Nick Carter, Sergio Diaz de Leon
  • Thermoplastic constructs with improved softness
    Patent number: 7238313
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to the combined use of first and second fatty acid amides to improve the softness of a thermoplastic polymer construct. A combination of fatty acid amides is provided in the blend ratio of about 10 to 90 percent by weight of a first fatty acid amide and 90 to 10 percent by weight of a second fatty acid amide. The first and second fatty acid amides are compounded into a thermoplastic polymer carrier resin and, preferentially, produced as concentrate pellets containing 0.5 to 75 percent by weight total fatty acid amide loading. The concentrate pellets are introduced into a thermoplastic polymer base, to form a thermoplastic resin, at a letdown level in the range of about 1 to 15 percent, with the range of 2 to 10 percent being preferred, and the range of 3 to 6 percent being most preferred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Ferencz, Robert Dale, Nick Carter, Lei Wang
  • Multi-Component Nonwoven Fabric For Use In Disposable Absorbent Articles
    Publication number: 20070149940
    Abstract: A multi-component nonwoven fabric can be formed with integrated liquid-acceptance and liquid-distribution layers by hydroentanglement on a three-dimensional image transfer device. Appropriate fiber selection promotes efficient fluid management, with the fabric optionally being provided with a liquid-retention layer. The invention further contemplates the formation of liquid-retention layers by hydroentanglement, with such layers exhibiting desirably high structural integrity, while providing the desired absorbent characteristics required for use in disposable absorbent products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Publication date: June 28, 2007
    Applicant: POLYMER GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Sergio Diaz De Leon, Cheryl Carlson, Nick Carter
  • Abrasion resistant and drapeable nonwoven fabric
    Patent number: 7232468
    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 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Herbert Parks Hartgrove
  • Unitized fibrous construct dispensing system
    Patent number: 7228990
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for transporting and dispensing fibers into an aggregate mix, and more specifically, to a method and system for transporting and dispensing unitized fibrous constructs into a mix without affecting the structural integrity of the unitized construct. The dispensing system will transport and dispense unitized fibrous constructs intact into a cementitious mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Schmidt
  • METHODS FOR MAKING OXIDATION RESISTANT POLYMERIC MATERIAL
    Publication number: 20070114702
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for making oxidation resistant medical devices that comprise polymeric materials, for example, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The invention also provides methods of making antioxidant-doped medical implants, for example, doping of medical devices containing cross-linked UHMWPE with vitamin E by diffusion and materials used therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Applicants: The General Hospital Corporation dba Massachusetts General Hospital, Cambridge Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Orhun MURATOGLU, Stephen Spiegelberg
  • Concrete reinforcement structure
    Patent number: 7219478
    Abstract: This invention relates to a reinforcement structure which is used in providing cementitious mixtures supplemental support and strength upon setting, and more particularly, to a reinforcement structure which comprises a plurality of oriented reinforcing fibrous and/or filamentary components having a finite cut length, and fastening the reinforcing fibrous and/or filamentary components by one or more circumferential retaining elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Schmidt, Gene Lamb, David Anderson
  • Nonwoven fabric having improved performance
    Patent number: 7195685
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to nonwoven materials, and specifically, to a nonwoven fabric comprised of at least three continuous filament precursor webs, each precursor web being of a thermoplastic polymer dissimilar from the other precursor webs, wherein the resulting durable nonwoven laminate fabric exhibits improved tactile and ductile qualities, as well as improved tensile strength, the nonwoven fabric being eminently suitable for application in improving the comfort and use of hygiene, medical and industrial products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Errette Bevins, III, Nick Carter, Sergio Diaz de Leon
  • Disposable nonwoven undergarments
    Patent number: 7191500
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a soft feeling, aesthetically pleasing, and form-fitting disposable nonwoven undergarment for men, women, and youths, and optionally comprises a protective panel for those individuals with mild incontinence conditions. It is the object of the present invention to provide a comfortable, durable disposable undergarment by forming the undergarment of a three-dimensionally imaged nonwoven fabric. The present invention discloses an assortment of durable, disposable undergarments capable of meeting the needs of the general public, and specifically, to subsets of the population such as travelers, athletes, medical personnel and patients, for which routine care of conventional undergarments is inconvenient or unavailable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Cliff Bridges
  • Differentially entangled nonwoven fabric
    Patent number: 7191501
    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: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles R. Fuller, Sheridan D. Ledbetter
  • APERTURED DUSTING WIPE
    Publication number: 20070060003
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a low oil and basis weight, apertured dusting wipe exhibiting improved particulate pick up performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Publication date: March 15, 2007
    Applicant: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Dianne Ellis, Wanda Best
  • Nonwoven fabric
    Patent number: D541052
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen Miller, Timothy Huskey
  • Nonwoven fabric
    Patent number: D555364
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford Bridges, Maura Jurgrau
  • Nonwoven fabric
    Patent number: D555909
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford Bridges, Maura Jurgrau
  • Nonwoven fabric
    Patent number: D556463
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford Bridges, Dianne Ellis