Abstract: An elastomeric film is bonded between two or more layers of nonwoven webs formed of nonelastomeric thermoplastic fibers. The laminate has, in a predefined transverse direction, an elastic elongation value greater than the predefined elastic elongation value of the nonwoven webs, and an ultimate force to break in the predefined transverse direction of at least 3000 g/in. The laminate advantageously provides a tear resistant, multiple ply, fabric that is soft to the touch as a result of the outwardly disposed nonwoven webs, and has a high elastic modulus. The laminate is particularly useful in applications where closure portions of a product must be stretched to keep the product in place when worn.

Abstract: The wiping device of the present invention comprises a thermoplastic sheet coupled with an optional absorbent core and an optional liquid impervious backsheet. The thermoplastic sheet defines a plurality of cavities including outwardly extending capillaries. Contained within the absorbent core for release upon demand is one or more fluids which facilitate and enhance the cleaning provided by the wiping device. As the cavities of the thermoplastic sheet are contacted with and wiped across a surface to be cleansed, the cavities collect and remove undesired material such as dirt, feces or blood. The selective release of the one or more fluids onto the surface to be cleansed further facilitates the cleaning and/or provides fragrance and/or medicaments, or the like, to the surface to be cleansed.

Abstract: A covering for a portion of a body or an object, as well as improved, thin plastic films for use in such coverings, are disclosed. The covering comprises a thin plastic film and a pressure sensitive adhesive contacting at least a portion of, and forming a joint with, the thin plastic film. The plastic film comprises from about 85 to about 95 weight percent plastic, and from about 5 to about 15 weight percent tackifier.Such joints may be found in diapers, adult incontinent briefs, bandages, and other body coverings, as well as packagings for a variety of objects. Such joints exhibit unexpectedly high shear adhesion as compared to conventional joints.

Abstract: An improved masking film provides an adequate level of protection to relatively smooth surfaces by providing an adjustable and controlled level of adhesion between the masking film and the surface to be protected without the use of corona treatment or an adhesive under a variety of production and application conditions. The use of varying blends of materials and percentages thereof allows for control of the adhesion level produced between the improved masking film and the substrate surface to be protected. Using the improved masking film of the present invention, the masking film can be customized for a set of production conditions and desire application and will remain removably adhered to the substrate following a heat-loading process such as thermoforming, drape-forming or heat-bending.

Abstract: An improved release sheet for use in connection with a sanitary catamenial pad is disclosed. The improved release sheet exhibits superior noise, drape, bulk and gloss characteristics due to its method of production. A polyethylenic release material containing silicone capable of being fixed within the surface of the release material is coextruded with at least a base film to provide a film which is also embossed to provide a combination pouch and release sheet with superior physical characteristics. Corona treatment of the release material layer preferably occurs following embossing, but can occur prior to embossing or both prior to and following embossing to fix the silicone within the surface of the release material. In-line recycling of materials provides additional cost advantages.

Abstract: A thermoplastic film formed of a monolithic polymer and which is embossed. The film has an embossed height of h, a material thickness of t1 at the apex of the embossed height h, and a material thickness of t2 at the base of the film. The film also has a concave cavity below the apex of the embossed height h. The monolithic polymer film is formed using a screen with a perforated pattern. A monolithic polymer is extruded onto the screen in semi-molten film. The screen is rotated such that the film passes over a vacuum slot behind the screen. A vacuum in the vacuum slot pulls the monolithic polymer into the perforated pattern of the screen without perforating the film. The perforated pattern of the screen is transferred to the monolithic polymer film as the film passes over the vacuum slot.